Planning a family outing where kids, teens, parents, and grandparents all have fun is never simple. Someone always wants to swim longer, someone else gets tired too soon, and there’s always a battle at the end when it’s time to go home.
That’s exactly what happened when our family of nine tried Port Royale Waterpark Resort in Tacloban, not once, but twice (June 2024 and May 2025). Both trips gave us plenty of laughs, lessons, and memories, and I’ll be sharing it all here: from the slide mishaps to the cabin-vs-cabana debate.
This post turned out a little long and detailed, so if you’d rather jump straight to specific parts, you can use the Table of Contents below to skip around. Otherwise, come along for the full story of how our stay at Port Royale unfolded. Enjoy!
Why We Chose Port Royale
When Port Royale opened in Tacloban, it instantly became a hot topic among locals. Waterparks aren’t exactly common in Leyte, and this one promised pools, slides, cabanas, cabins, and even overnight stays. For families like ours, who don’t always want to travel far for a quick getaway, it seemed too good not to try.
The truth is, convenience played a huge role in our decision. The resort is just a 10-minute drive from our house. No need for long car rides, no packing for overnight stays, no stress about forgotten items. We could literally decide in the morning and be there by lunchtime. That alone made it appealing.
So, with packed bags of food, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and more enthusiasm than planning, we headed out for our first family adventure at Port Royale Tacloban.
By the way, here's a quick map so you have a general idea where this resort is in Barangay San Jose, Tacloban:
Our First Tacloban Visit – June 2024
We picked a Friday in June 2024 for our first trip to Port Royale Tacloban. It was towards the end of summer vacation, the kids were restless, and the grandparents were game enough for a change of scenery. We figured a weekday would be quieter (and cheaper, with the weekday rates), and we were right.
When we pulled into the parking lot just after 10 AM, the place was still quiet. A few cars here and there, but not the weekend crowd we were bracing for. The kids immediately pressed their faces against the windows, yelling, “We’re here, we’re here!” My father chuckled but reminded them we hadn’t even paid the entrance fees yet.
The Numbers That Day
For our group of nine (my parents, my sister and her three kids, my son, me, and my son’s yaya), we paid:
- ₱2,700 for the entrance fees
- ₱750 for a cabana (good for 10 pax)
- ₱400 for two rented life vests (for the younger kids)
- ₱520 for drinks
We brought our own food to keep expenses down (lunch + snacks).
First Impressions
Walking into the waterpark, the kids broke into a run. The bright blue pools and giant bucket in the kiddie section were like magnets. We called after them to “wait for sunscreen first!” but of course, they pretended not to hear. We corralled them long enough to slather lotion on their shoulders and cheeks before finally letting them loose.
The cabana we rented seemed fine at first. It had a roof, benches, and enough space for our bags and food. We laid everything out and settled in. From there, we could see the kiddie pool, which was perfect for keeping an eye on the young ones.
But by noon, the sun had shifted, and the cabana was heating up. The shade wasn’t enough. We were soon wiping sweat from our faces and fanning ourselves with paper plates. LOL. We laughed it off, but I tucked that lesson away for the next time.
The Kids’ Playground
The kiddie pool became the main stage of the day. My then 8-year-old son and his 5-year-old cousin planted themselves under the giant water bucket, waiting for the clang that signaled it was about to tip.
“Here it comes, here it comes!” they’d scream, jumping up and down until the whole bucket crashed down with a roar of water. They’d squeal, laugh, and then immediately line up again. This cycle repeated for hours.
The slides were another big hit. The smaller ones were just right for them. Safe, easy, and endlessly repeatable. My son must have gone down a hundred times.
The giant slide, though, was another story. My eldest niece, then 16, had a bit of a fright when she whooshed down with alarming speed. Instead of stopping smoothly, she skidded across the slide and nearly crashed at the end. We were half-shocked, half-dying of laughter. But mainly, we were glad she was okay.
Poolside Dynamics
While the kids swam, the adults rotated between supervising and sneaking moments to relax. My sister and I took turns standing at the pool’s edge, waving when the kids shouted, “Look at me! Watch this!” My mom tried to join in at first, wading into the water to watch her grandkids, but eventually retreated to the cabana, fanning herself nonstop. Dad gamely dipped into the pool for a while, joking that it was easier on his knees than walking.
Around lunchtime, we gathered for a quick meal. The kids were too impatient to eat properly. They wolfed down a spoonful of rice and a drumstick each before begging to go back in.
By mid-afternoon, the park had filled up. More families arrived, the pools were louder, and the bucket splashes were accompanied by dozens of kids shrieking together. When 6PM rolled around, the hardest part was getting the kids out. “Just five more minutes!” became ten, then fifteen. My son clung to the pool, bargaining like his life depended on it. Finally, we managed to herd everyone back to the cabana and then the changing room to change into dry clothes. And we bid farewell to Port Royale for the first time.
Our Second Tacloban Visit – May 2025
Almost a year after our first Port Royale experience, we went back older, wiser, and more determined to do it right. The cabana had been fine for our trial run, but we’d all agreed on one thing: never again.
This time, we booked a Cabin Room for ₱4,500, good for ten people. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely! From the moment we opened the door, the whole family knew this was a game-changer.
First Reactions
The cabin looked almost like a little condo tucked inside the waterpark. It had everything:
- Air-conditioning that blasted a wave of cool air the moment we stepped in. My dad sighed dramatically and said, “Ahhh, this is life.”
- A 50-inch Smart TV with Netflix, already logged in and ready to go. My sister immediately asked, “Pwede na tayo mag-watch ng horror dito!”
- A mini fridge where we stuffed our water and fruit.
- A hot-and-cold shower and a toilet with bidet, which my parents loved.
- A leather daybed, perfect for lying down even when still dripping wet.
- A balcony with a fan and dining table, shaded and breezy, where we could eat and rest in between swims.
The grandparents were instantly sold. My dad sat on a chair with the TV remote in hand. My mom went to work sorting and arranging our stuff on the day bed, dining table, and kitchen. The kids, of course, didn’t care. They were already halfway to the pools before we even finished unpacking our bags. Haha!
Swimming Upgrades
By this time, my son and his cousin are almost finished with their summer swimming lessons, so the pool wasn’t just for fun, it was practice ground (they also practiced in Layao Beach Resort in Marabut, Samar the previous week). Unlike last year, when they clung to floaties and rented life vests, this time they confidently swam across the adult pool, bobbing up for air and showing off their strokes.
“Watch me, Mommy!” my son yelled, splashing his way from one end to the other. His cousin followed closely, both of them racing like it was the Olympics.
The younger ones still loved the kiddie pool bucket, squealing every time the water crashed down. The teens alternated between swimming and hanging out on the balcony, pretending to “guard the food” while scrolling on their phones.
Lunchtime
Lunchtime was one of my favorite memories that day. We spread out all the food on the big dining table in the cabin room. Rice, adobo, lumpia, grilled fish, fruits, and chips. The cabin’s fridge made it easy to keep drinks cold, and the sink was handy for quick clean-ups.
The kids just wanted to go into the water. “Finish your food first!” my mom scolded, pointing at their half-empty plates. They gave her sheepish smiles and dashed off anyway.
My mom threw her hands up. “Ganito rin kayo dati!” (You were like this too back then!) she said to us, shaking her head. Full circle moment. Haha!
The beauty of having the cabin was that everyone had their own rhythm.
- Kids: Swimming non-stop, dragging each other from slide to slide.
- Teens: Half in the pool, half lounging inside. They even dozed off at one point, curled up on the daybed with Netflix in the background.
- Parents: Taking turns supervising outside, then escaping to the cool cabin.
- Grandparents: Watching TV, chatting, and occasionally dipping in the pool for a short swim.
Heading Home (Eventually)
Unlike our first trip in 2024, where we started packing up by 6PM, this time we decided to max out the day until closing time at 8 PM. And honestly, those last two hours might have been the best part.
As the sun began to set, the whole waterpark changed its vibe. The harsh midday heat was gone, replaced by a soft glow in the sky and cooler air. The pools looked different under the twilight. It was calmer, with fewer people around since some families had already left.
By 7:00 PM, we started the slow process of convincing the kids to come out. Of course, “5 more minutes” turned into 10, then 20. The pool lights flickered on, giving everything a slightly magical feel. Even I found myself lingering, not ready to call it a day.
Packing up was less frantic than last time. Maybe because we’d all had our fill, or maybe because the cabin made everything easier. The bathroom was clean, there was plenty of space to change, and a table where we could gather our things without chaos.
As we walked back to the parking lot under the night sky, tired but happy, everyone agreed that this time was much better than last year’s visit.
Facilities, Food, Safety & Practical Tips
One of the things I really appreciate about Port Royale Tacloban is that it’s not just about the pools. Yes, the kids would’ve been happy with nothing but slides and a giant bucket all day, but for the rest of us, it’s the facilities that really made the difference between “just okay” and “we want to come back.”
Pools & Slides
- Kiddie Pool: Clean, shallow, and packed with fun features. The highlight was definitely the giant bucket that tips every few minutes (though it runs on a schedule). It doesn’t run constantly, which actually makes it more exciting because the kids stand there waiting, squealing louder with every creak of the mechanism. Even some adults (including myself) couldn’t resist lining up under it for the big splash.
- Adult Pool: At around 4 feet, it’s not intimidating at all. Perfect for swimmers who aren’t super confident yet, like my son and niece, who had just finished their summer lessons. It’s deep enough for adults to cool off but shallow enough that you don’t feel nervous about the kids.
- Slides: Fun, but definitely something to be mindful of. The smaller ones were perfect for endless kid-friendly runs. The giant slides, though, were a mix of excitement and nerves. My eldest niece’s crash landing in 2024 became a running family joke, but it also taught us to remind the kids that not every attraction is meant for everyone.
Cabanas vs. Cabin Rooms
If there’s one thing our 2 visits taught us, it’s this: the cabana is fine, but the cabin room is life-changing.
- Cabana (₱750): Cheaper, shaded, and a decent spot for bags, food, and resting. But by midday, it was scorching. My dad’s joke about being “niluluto” (cooked alive) wasn’t far from the truth. If you’re only staying for a few hours and don’t mind the tropical sun, it works.
- Cabin Room (₱4,500): Expensive at first glance, but when you split the cost among ten people, it’s worth it. You get aircon, a private bathroom, a daybed, a mini fridge, Netflix, a balcony, and actual space to rest. For families with seniors or little kids who need breaks from the heat, it makes the whole day more comfortable.
If I had to choose again? Cabin all the way!
Bathrooms & Changing Rooms
On our first visit, we used the public changing rooms. They were functional and clean enough, but a bit crowded by early evening. On the second trip, having our own private bathroom in the cabin felt like such a luxury.
Food & Drinks
One of the best things about Port Royale is that you can bring your own food (well, except lechon and catered food). That alone makes it so much more affordable for big families. Both times we packed our usual family staples like rice, fried chicken, pancit, adobo. Of course, snacks and junk food as well.
Drinks, we usually bought inside to avoid corkage hassles, though we did bring in a huge jug of water both times and just paid the corkage (much cheaper this way). For emergencies, there’s a 7-Eleven just outside the resort, which is handy if you forget something or run out of ice.
During our cabin stay, the fridge and sink made all the difference. Cold drinks stayed cold, leftovers stayed fresh, and cleanup was quick. It felt like having a mini-kitchen inside the waterpark.
Safety & Staff
Safety was one of my big concerns, especially with young kids and grandparents in the group. Luckily, Port Royale made us feel secure on both visits.
- Lifeguards: Always present, always watching. I noticed them blowing whistles when kids got too rowdy or when someone tried to dive where they shouldn’t. That alone helped me relax a little.
- Staff: Polite, helpful, friendly, and quick to assist.
- Huge & Free Parking Area: This one still makes us laugh. My father absent-mindedly left his car keys stuck in the door keyhole outside the car. Hours passed before my brother-in-law, while checking on the cars, spotted the keys dangling there. Nothing had been touched. It was one of those moments that gave us an odd kind of reassurance. If the keys could sit out in the open like that and still be safe, we felt our car was in good hands, too.
Practical Tips for Families
- Go on weekdays. The difference in price and crowd size is huge. Both our visits were weekdays, and while it still got busier in the afternoon, mornings were wonderfully quiet.
- Bring towels, floaties, life vests. Rentals are available, but it adds up. On our first visit, we rented vests for the younger kids; by the second, they weren’t needed as the kids felt confident they could swim on their own. The vests only slowed them down as they couldn’t swim underwater. Lol.
- Goggles, in particular, are worth bringing as the pools are chlorinated, so they can sting the eyes when kids practice diving or spend long stretches underwater.
- Pack food. It’s cheaper and more fun to share a family meal than to rely on whatever’s available onsite. Think potluck-style picnic, but with a fridge and dining table in the cabin.
- Sunscreen is a must. Reapply often. Trust me, you don’t want to go home with lobster-red shoulders.
- Plan shifts for supervision. With kids, it helps if one adult is always poolside while others rest. We rotated, and it kept everyone sane. Lifeguards are present, yes, but they’re watching over so many people. Can’t take that kind of risk with young kids.
Who Would Enjoy It Most?
- Families with kids — the kiddie pool and bucket alone will keep them entertained for hours.
- Grandparents or older relatives — as long as you book the cabin, they’ll be comfortable and can join in at their own pace.
- Parents — if you’re looking for a stress-free outing where you’re not worrying every second, this is one of those rare places where that can actually happen.
Final Verdict: Is Port Royale Tacloban Worth It for Families?
After two visits a year apart, our answer is a solid yes.
What stood out most to me was how every family member managed to enjoy themselves in their own way. The kids never ran out of energy, the teens had their mix of fun and downtime, the parents (aka me and my sister and bro-in-law) actually felt relaxed instead of stressed. And the grandparents, who usually end up the most tired, left smiling and saying they’d come back again. That in itself says a lot.
For our family, the biggest lesson was that the Cabin Room makes all the difference. The cabana was fine for a trial run, but if you’re planning to stay the whole day with a mix of ages, the comfort of aircon, a private bathroom, a fridge, and even Netflix is hard to beat. It turned what could have been just another hot, sweaty day into a proper family bonding experience.
Of course, Port Royale isn’t perfect. The giant slides can be a little intimidating (I myself only went once in 2024, I wasn’t interested in going for a second round). Being in the Philippines, the midday sun is unforgiving, especially in the open areas. And like any pool, the chlorine can sting your eyes if you’re diving around without goggles. But these are small trade-offs compared to the laughter, splashes, and shared moments we got to enjoy.
Over to You!
Have you been to Port Royale Waterpark Resort Tacloban (or maybe the Dumaguete branch)? I’d love to hear about your own experience! Whether it’s funny slide stories, tips for future visitors, or what your kids loved most. Drop a comment below and share your thoughts!