The Philippines is one of the most naturally beautiful destinations in South East Asia, made up of more than 7,000 islands with warm weather, welcoming communities and a strong family culture. It combines busy cities, laid-back beach towns and remote island scenery in a way that gives families real choice over pace and environment.
This page is your step-by-step Philippines planning guide. Instead of simply listing blog posts, it walks you through how to plan a trip to the Philippines with an autistic child — from entry requirements and practical preparation to choosing the right island, finding suitable activities and reducing day-to-day uncertainty.
If you follow this in order, you can plan your entire Philippines trip with confidence.
Step 1: Before You Book – Entry, Health and Practical Planning
Before booking flights, there are a few practical things to check.
Entry requirements and passport
Always check current entry rules for UK passport holders (or whichever passport you hold) before travelling. The Philippines has its own immigration system and requirements can change.
Digital arrival card
The Philippines uses an electronic arrival system known as the eTravel form.
Read: Philippines Digital Arrival Card
Vaccinations
There are no unusual vaccination requirements for most UK travellers, but always check current NHS guidance for South East Asia before travelling. Typically, anywhere you travel outside of the UK will require you to have the standard vaccines recommended for life in the UK. The most reliable source for up-to-date travel vaccination guidance is the FitForTravel by the NHS (which has now retired and is integrated into the standard NHS Inform website and the Travel Pro website).
Read: NHS Inform travel vaccine information and TravelPro travel vaccine information
Currency
The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Larger hotels, shopping malls and tour providers accept cards, but many smaller businesses, island tours and transport providers prefer cash. On smaller islands especially, cash is essential.
I always recommend travelling with at least two payment methods. If you are moving between islands or turning off your SIM card, missed bank security texts can result in frozen cards. A travel card with a reliable app and digital backup card adds reassurance. I have had issues with my cards getting blocked when we travel around by cruise ship or turn off our sim cards and miss texts from the card companies – but one card that has been completely reliable is my Wise card. Not only do you get a digital card which is handy for emergencies, there is a reliable app where you can have a mix of currencies and track your spending.
If you want a travel card that reduces the risk of frozen transactions while travelling between countries, you can explore Wise using my referral link: Wise referral
* Wise was previously known as Transferwise
Language
There are two official languages spoken in the Philippines: Filipino and English. The Filipino language is based on Tagalog. Prepare key phrases in advance if your child finds language barriers stressful.
Read: Why it is important to learn key phrases related to your disability when you travel (with links to a free eBook with disability translations in many languages)
SIM cards and eSIM
Mobile coverage is generally strong in cities like Manila and Cebu, but can be patchy on smaller islands. You can buy a SIM at the airport or install an eSIM before departure.
For autistic children who rely on devices for regulation, downloaded shows, visual schedules and navigation apps, reliable data reduces stress. I tend to use local eSIMs for country-specific trips and regional eSIMs when travelling across multiple countries.
I use a mix of Trip.com eSims and Airalo. I like to use Trip.com for cheap and reliable local eSIMS, and Airalo for a regional eSIM when I know I will be travelling around a lot within a wider area (like South East Asia). If you fancy trying out Airalo you can use my referral code (NATASH7173) to get £2.50 off your first eSIM.
Travel insurance
Ensure your policy covers pre-existing conditions and any additional support needs. Island hopping and boat tours are common in the Philippines, so check activity cover carefully.
Medication rules
If travelling with prescription medication, check official guidance before departure. I cannot stress this part enough – research your medication and where you plan to travel and get the appropriate paperwork for bringing it there. Bring prescriptions and original packaging.
This is the stage where you reduce uncertainty before committing.
Step 2: Booking Flights and Managing the Airport
Most international visitors arrive via Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, though Mactan-Cebu International Airport is also a major gateway.
Flights from the UK usually involve a connection in the Middle East or Asia. Journey times are long, so planning for sensory regulation, sleep disruption and transition time is essential.
Consider:
- Booking airport special assistance
- Understanding airline disability codes
- Using the Sunflower Lanyard for hidden disabilities
- Preparing for a long-haul flight with sensory needs
Helpful guides:
- How to get help at the airport as a disabled person
- Airport and airline disability codes
- The Sunflower Lanyard
Manila airport can feel busy and less structured than some East Asian hubs. Build in buffer time and lower your expectations for speed. Cebu airport tends to feel calmer and more modern.
Step 3: Choosing Where to Base Yourself
The Philippines is not a single-destination country. Choosing the right island matters.
Manila
Manila is busy, chaotic in parts and intense. It works best for short stays, structured tours or as a transit base.
Start here: Manila with autistic children
Choose Manila if you need city facilities, large hospitals, international hotel chains and organised tours.
Boracay
Boracay offers soft white sand, swimmable water and a compact layout that makes navigation easier.
Explore: Boracay with autistic children
Choose Boracay if you want predictable beach days, walkable distances and a contained island atmosphere.
Cebu
Cebu combines city access with beaches and island tours.
Read: Cebu with autistic children – coming soon
Choose Cebu if you want flexibility between urban comforts and outdoor excursions.
Puerto Princesa and Palawan
Puerto Princesa is the gateway to Palawan’s dramatic limestone landscapes and island hopping tours.
Read: Puerto Princesa with autistic children – coming soon
Choose this area if your child thrives in nature and open space rather than dense urban environments.
Step 4: Getting Around the Philippines
Transport between islands usually involves domestic flights or ferries. Within cities, expect:
- Ride-hailing apps
- Private transfers
- Jeepneys and tricycles
- Organised tours
Public transport is less structured than places like Taiwan or Singapore. If predictability is important, private transfers and pre-booked tours reduce stress.
Explore: Accessible transport in the Philippines – coming soon
Step 5: Choosing Activities That Suit Your Child
The Philippines is outdoor-focused. Many activities involve boats, beaches and nature.
Manila ideas:
Boracay ideas:
- Island and beach hopping boat tour
- Fire dancing show at Red Coconut Beach Hotel
- Boracay helicopter tour
Cebu ideas:
Puerto Princesa ideas:
When choosing activities, consider:
- Heat and humidity
- Boat safety and life jackets
- Queue times
- Escape routes
- Noise levels
The Philippines is naturally beautiful but less controlled than destinations like Japan or Taiwan. That means more spontaneity. If your child struggles with unpredictability, build in rest days.
Step 6: Visual Planning and Familiarisation
Before travelling, watch our real-time journeys through the Philippines via Instagram story highlights or blog posts where available. Seeing hotel rooms, beaches, airport layouts and transport systems in advance can significantly reduce anxiety.
Visual familiarity changes everything for many autistic children.
Explore:
- Boracay with autistic children
- Manila with autistic children
- Mactan Island with autistic children – coming soon
Step 7: Visual Supports and PECS
If your child uses visual communication, prepare in advance.
I continue to create destination-specific PECS as we travel so other families can benefit.
Step 8: Practical Guides for the Philippines
- Accessible transport in the Philippines – coming soon
- Philippines Digital Arrival Card
- How to set up Google Maps accessibility feature
- How to get help at the airport as a disabled person
- Airport and airline disability codes
- The Sunflower Lanyard
These guides cover the practical details that reduce last-minute stress.
Affiliate and booking information
Disclaimer: this page includes affiliate links. If you use one of them to make a purchase we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
If you book something via GetYourGuide, don’t forget to add my code AUTISMFAMILYTRAVELGUIDE5. You can learn more about GetYourGuide and find links to download the app on my GetYourGuide page.
Planning to explore further?
You might also find these helpful:
- Asia travel hub
- China travel hub
- Hong Kong travel hub
- Ho Chi Minh City with Autistic Children
- Bangkok with Autistic Children
This Philippines hub is designed to help you move from uncertainty to clarity. Follow the steps, explore the linked guides and build a trip that works for your family’s specific needs.
For a full list, check out our Philippines archives.