The Philippines is one of the most romantic places in Asia for a honeymoon: lagoons you can have to yourselves at dawn, private island villas, long sunsets and a warmth of welcome you will remember for years. Here are the places we send couples most often, and how to time the trip.
Northern Palawan: El Nido and Coron
For most couples, this is the heart of the honeymoon. Limestone islands, turquoise lagoons and some of the most beautiful island resorts in the country.
- What to do: a private boat to the lagoons at 7am, before anyone else; kayaking into the Secret Lagoon; a picnic on a deserted beach; sunset from the boat.
- Where to stay: an island resort in Bacuit Bay, or a quiet beach outside El Nido town.
- How long: four or five nights.
A private island
The Philippines has some of the most exclusive private island resorts in Asia, in Palawan and in the Cuyo islands. Villas on the beach, your own stretch of sand, and service to match. It is the most expensive part of any trip, and for many couples the most memorable. Two or three nights is enough to fall in love with it.
Siquijor
For couples who want something slower and more mysterious: an island of folk healers, waterfalls, quiet beaches and the best sunsets in the Visayas. Rent a scooter, drive the coastal road, swim at Cambugahay Falls early in the morning and watch the sun go down over the sea.
Siargao
For active couples: surf lessons together, palm forests, rock pools at low tide and island-hopping to Naked, Daku and Guyam. Siargao is relaxed and barefoot, with excellent food and a small-town feel. It is best from March to October.
Bohol
Gentle and easy, with beautiful beaches in Panglao and Anda, the Chocolate Hills, the tarsiers, a river cruise and some lovely boutique hotels. It is a good place to finish a trip slowly.
When to go
- December to May is the dry season, and the best time for most of the country.
- February and March are our favourite months: good weather almost everywhere and fewer crowds than at New Year.
- April and May are the hottest months, with the calmest seas, perfect for private islands and remote beaches.
- June to November is the wet season, with the risk of typhoons. A honeymoon is still possible, but we choose more sheltered islands and keep the plan flexible.
A two-week honeymoon route
Two nights in Manila or near the airport, three nights on a private island, four nights in El Nido with a private boat, then four nights in Siquijor or Siargao, and a final night in Manila before flying home.
The touches that make a difference
- A private boat rather than shared tours.
- A dinner on the beach, just the two of you.
- A traditional hilot massage for two.
- Villas with a view over the sea, not over the garden.
- A local guide who shows you a side of the island most visitors never see.
Our advice
Do fewer places, and stay longer in each. Three islands in two weeks is the maximum. Tell us what kind of couple you are, adventurous or lazy, food-lovers or beach-lovers, and we will design the honeymoon around you. See our honeymoon journey for a complete example.
