A Philippines honeymoon is the ultimate romantic getaway in Southeast Asia. The archipelago offers a diverse range of islands and honeymoon destinations, from enchanting Boracay to exotic Siargao. The best time to visit the country is from December to May, which is the dry season.
With over 7,600 islands, the Philippines has many natural resources and scenic views, including majestic mountains, mystic lagoons, refreshing waterfalls, and stunning white sand beaches. To its east is the Pacific Ocean; west, the West Philippine Sea; north, the Bashi Channel; and south, the Sulu and Celebes Seas.
The Filipino people occupy a significant portion of the country’s nearly 116,000 square-mile area and are some of the warmest locals you’ll ever meet.
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Are the Philippines a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Asia is a famous continent among honeymoon-goers. After all, it has Bali (Indonesia), the Maldives, Thailand, and the Philippines.
The Philippines is called the “Pearl of the Orient” and lives up to its name. It’s not only its unparalleled beauty that will make your honeymoon unforgettable, the country takes pride in its rich cultural heritage, which has Spanish, American, and many other Asian influences.
Whether you and your spouse want to laze away in a tropical paradise or immerse yourselves in an adventure steeped in culture, this nation is a must-visit — honeymoon or otherwise.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in the Philippines?
While most tourists think of water sports when they think of the Philippines, there are a lot of other activities to enjoy, including the following:
- Visit the 2,000-year-old Banaue rice terraces
- Explore Mayon Volcano Nature Park
- Paddle through the Underground River in Puerto Princesa
- Revel in the architecture of historical forts and churches
- Scuba dive at Tubbataha Reef
- Climb Mount Apo (2,954 meters above sea level)
5 Best Destinations for a Philippines Honeymoon
1. Boracay
Globally recognized as one of the most beautiful white sand beaches, Boracay island is a gem. Apart from soaking your toes in the powdery sand and turquoise water, you can try many water sports like kayaking, kite surfing, and parasailing. After dusk, the island offers a vibrant nightlife.
Where to stay: Station 1- home to many luxury resorts and a pleasant stroll away from souvenir shops and other tourist-attracting establishments
Suggested duration: 4 to 5 days
2. Palawan
Palawan is an archipelagic province, with Puerto Princesa as the capital. It is famous for the Underground River, one of the 7 New Wonders of Nature.
Two of its most popular islands are El Nido and Coron. You can do many aquatic activities here, from swimming with abundant marine life and coral reefs to exploring shipwrecks. You can also go island hopping.
Where to stay: El Nido- where you’ll find resorts that offer gorgeous over-the-water bungalows
Suggested duration: 7 days
3. Cebu
Cebu is one of the most urban provinces in the southern part of the Philippines — it’s composed of one main island and is surrounded by small but stunning islands. This is an excellent spot to swim with whale sharks and scuba dive.
Bohol, another popular destination, is also a quick ferry ride from Cebu. It’s known for tarsiers and the Chocolate Hills (the hills sport their iconic brown color from January to May). The province also has its fair share of beaches: Alona Beach in Panglao island is famous for its white sands and dramatic rock formations.
Where to stay: Mactan Island- where you can find luxury resorts like Shangri-La
Suggested duration: 4 to 5 days
4. Siargao
Though less touristy, this tear-shaped island in the south of the Philippines is filled with many wonders. It’s great for surfing, snorkeling, or escaping the crowded metropolis’s hustle and bustle.
Apart from the clear waters (easily accessible if you’re staying at a beach resort), don’t forget to ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) along the famous Palm Tree Road.
Where to stay: General Luna- a recognized surfing spot
Suggested duration: 4 to 5 days
5. Metro Manila
This main metropolis and economic hub on Luzon island, Metro Manila, has 13 bustling cities and one municipality. This is your honeymoon destination if you want to spend time shopping, dining out, and exploring various city attractions.
From here, you can visit many other Luzon island destinations — including Baguio, La Union, Banaue (famous for its rice terraces), Tagaytay (where you can find Taal Volcano, the smallest volcano in the world), and Laguna (known for its waterfalls and hot springs).
Where to stay: Pasay City
Suggested duration: 3 to 4 days
What Is the Best Month to Visit the Philippines?
The dry season kicks off in December and ends in May. The first half of this period tends to be cooler, while the latter half is hotter and drier. However, expect popular destinations like Boracay and El Nido to be packed with tourists during this time.
Throughout the year, the temperature averages 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Choose Which Island to Stay On
Even with our curation of favorite Philippine honeymoon destinations above, you may still find it hard to decide which island to choose. To help you choose, here are some tips:
- Consider the timing of your vacation. Even though the general dry season is from December to May, the weather will vary depending on your chosen island. For instance, March to September is the best time to visit Siargao. Although the wet season brings light to heavy rains, certain places, like Cebu, are great to visit anytime.
- Know what kind of vacation you want. Manila and Cebu are great choices if you want to stay close to the metropolis. If you want to go to someplace rural where you can surf and be surrounded by swaying palm trees, choose a destination like Siargao. Boracay and Palawan are for those who love beaches and lagoons.
- Mind your budget. Though it’s relatively affordable to honeymoon in the Philippines, there are higher-end options if you wish to splurge. For example, a resort villa on the private island of Amanpulo in Palawan costs $3,200 to $7,900, while a casita is about $1,200 to $1,900 per night.
What Types of Honeymoon Accommodations Are Available in the Philippines?
There are plenty of honeymoon-worthy accommodations in the Philippines, including luxury resorts and villas, complete with swimming pools.
If you’re going to beach destinations, it’s best to book a room at any of their beachfront accommodations. There are all-inclusive honeymoon resorts in specific destinations like Boracay and Palawan. You can also stay at a boutique resort or rent an Airbnb-listed property if you’re on a tight budget.
Is a Philippines Honeymoon Expensive?
The Philippines is one of the best honeymoon destinations because it is relatively affordable. For a 2-week stay, you can enjoy a great vacation for $1,400 to $2,500 per person.
You can also shop for honeymoon packages from travel agencies, which usually average $2,200 to $2,600 per person. These cover multiple destinations, accommodations, and activities such as island hopping and city tours.
How to Plan a Philippines Honeymoon on a Budget
Even with a limited budget, you can still have a blast in this country.
- Plan in advance. Flights and accommodations tend to be more expensive if you book them closer to your travel date.
- Choose budget-friendly accommodations and travel options. Perhaps your hotel will be a five-minute walk to the beach instead of a one-minute walk.
- Consider a tour package. You may have less downtime, but you’ll see more and spend less.
- Travel in the off-season. Flights and accommodations are cheaper during this time. However, you run the risk of adverse weather.
Knowing how much you can comfortably spend is the key to a reasonable honeymoon budget. If you can afford to visit multiple islands, I highly recommend it.
What Is the Best Way to Travel to the Philippines?
The Asian country has four major international airports — three of which are within/near the destinations we recommended above: the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and Puerto Princesa International Airport.
Traveling from the US to the Philippines will take about 18 to 21 hours, depending on whether it’s a non-stop flight.
Traveling Within the Philippines
Once you’re at the destination of your choice, your transport options include taxis, buses, jeepneys, and tricycles. You can also hire a private car via ride-hailing apps (i.e., Grab) or rent a vehicle.
You can take a boat/ferry ride or a domestic plane if you need to travel from one island to another.
Is the Philippines Safe to Visit?
While the Philippine islands are recognized for having some of the best beaches with blue waters, the country is also known for crime and terrorism. Hence, you must exercise precaution.
- Buy a sim card so you can easily reach out to someone or connect to the internet in an emergency.
- Research your itinerary and find out where to avoid (or where crime rates are higher).
- Never leave your belongings unattended.
- Stay more alert when in public spaces, and beware of pickpockets.
- If commuting, use a rideshare app (Grab), which is generally safer and more convenient.
What to Pack for a Honeymoon in The Philippines
The Philippines is generally laidback and casual. Here are the essentials you shouldn’t forget:
- Lightweight clothing, shoes, and sandals
- Hat, umbrella, sunglasses, sunblock, and bug repellent
- Water bottle
- Power adapter (the country uses 220 volts) and portable charger
- Waterproof phone case (or even underwater camera)
- Neck pouch (to avoid theft)
5 National Dishes You Should Try in the Philippines
Complete your romantic getaway by trying any of these dishes:
- Adobo. Best eaten with rice, adobo is a meat dish cooked with soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. The meat is usually pork or chicken.
- Cebu Lechon. The late Anthony Bourdain referred to the Philippines’ version of roasted pork as “the best pig, ever.”
- Sisig. This dish, made from pork jowls, ears, belly, and chicken liver, is considered the gateway for foreigners to Filipino cuisine. Enjoy the textural experience of sisig with a bottle of San Miguel Pale Pilsen (the most popular local beer brand).
- Lumpia. A staple in many Filipino celebrations, lumpia is a deep-fried spring roll stuffed with minced meat and chopped vegetables. You can also try lumpiang sariwa (fresh spring rolls) if you want a healthier version.
- Halo-halo. This dessert is a Filipino-style shaved ice with layers upon layers of sweet ingredients such as sweetened beans and root crops — topped with milk, leche flan (crème caramel), ube (purple yam), and ice cream.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit the Philippines?
No visa is required for tourist travel that doesn’t exceed 30 days. However, ensure your passport is valid for six months upon entry.
Bonus Tips For Your Holiday In The Philippines
Below are some more helpful details and reminders if you’re having a Philippines honeymoon:
- English is one of the country’s two official languages (the other is Filipino).
- They use the Philippine Peso as their currency (at the time of writing, $1 is about Php55). Money-changing shops run aplenty — from the airport to major department stores and banks (banks operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Most establishments accept credit cards like American Express, Visas, and MasterCard.
- The usual business hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Malls are open from about 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.