Playing Family Travels
Tricked-out Jeepneys provide island transportation
Ella Flanders (age 11) shows off her woven accessories
Philippine Dream
A remote paradise awaits the Flanders family in Apulit by Tricia Flanders
A bird’s-eye view of island paradise
The Flanders Family
36
beijingkids
2013 August
Apulit Island can only be accessed by boat from Palawan Island
photos: courtesy of Tricia flanders
Travelers: Chris and Tricia Flanders and their kids Ella (age 11) and William (age 9), who both attend the British School of Beijing. Destination: Apulit, Philippines Dates: September 27-October 5, 2012 Cost: About RMB 38,700. Four roundtrip flights to Manila on Philippines Airlines cost about RMB 12,300, and flights to Palawan cost about RMB 5,000. The family stayed at El Nido’s Apulit Island Resort for seven nights, which cost USD 440 (RMB 2,700) per night and included roundtrip transportation from Palawan to Apulit, and all meals, activities, and excursions. Each of the two nights at the Manila Shangri-la cost USD 210 (RMB 1,288). Tour company: The Flanders family booked their flights to Manila themselves on Expedia, but they booked their flight from Manila to Palawan through El Nido (www.elnidoresorts.com), which they decided on based on reviews from Trip Advisor.