With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines offers couples a honeymoon of endless possibilities. Spend lazy days on secluded stretches of sand, dive among coral reefs and historic shipwrecks, or set out on adventures that range from hiking volcanoes to paddling through hidden lagoons. Beyond its natural beauty, the country enchants with vibrant festivals, centuries-old architecture, and warm hospitality that makes you feel instantly at home.
Famed destinations such as Boracay and the El Nido Marine Reserve in Palawan make the Philippines a standout choice, yet it still retains the feel of a hidden gem. Whether you’re unwinding on some of the Philippines best beaches, exploring natural wonders like the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, or soaking up the buzz of Manila, every couple can find their version of romance here.
This comprehensive Philippines honeymoon guide is written specifically for couples and shares the best islands, romantic resorts, and unforgettable experiences to help you plan a trip filled with moments you’ll treasure.
The city of Manila
You’ll likely start your holiday or honeymoon in the capital city of Manila as this is where the international airport is located, and it is worth having a few nights here.
Located on the nation’s largest island – Luzon – you’ll enjoy the sophisticated city life, luxurious gourmet restaurants and vibrant art and culture of Manila.
Be sure to stroll through Manila’s old historic district, Intramuros. This is home to the World Heritage Site, San Agustin Church and its associated museum. Here you and your loved one can be blown away by the stunning architecture and fascinating ruins. Discover old religious artefacts, gaze at intricate paintings and soak in the sheer magnitude of the history surrounding you.
For a particularly dreamy honeymoon experience, take a ride on one of the kalesas (horse-drawn carriages) around the old streets – so snuggle up.
Then head down to Manila Bay, a natural harbour, and witness the magnificent sunset. Walk along the palm tree-lined Roxas Boulevard that runs alongside the water, hand-in-hand in the balmy breeze.
If you’re looking for some luxury accommodation on your lover’s getaway, you can even stay at the very hotel the Beatles and Marlon Brando himself once stayed at in this area, The Manila Hotel.
Boracay Island
Boracay is one of the Philippines’ most popular for loved-up honeymooners. Its beautiful white-sand beaches and crystalline waters are the ideal backdrop for lying on the beach with a good book or splashing in the gentle waves. The aptly named White Beach is regularly named as one of the best beaches in the world for this very reason!
Boracay Island may be small, but it boasts 17 beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm. Puka Shell Beach, located in the north, is a peaceful and serene escape from the crowds, with kayaking, paddle-boarding, and beach volleyball available.
White Beach, stretching 4 km along the west coast, is divided into three subareas, each with its own atmosphere. Station 1 is upscale and tranquil, Station 2 is buzzing with restaurants and shops, and Station 3 is a natural haven for budget travellers.
Boracay is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. You can try your hand at windsurfing, kiteboarding, or paddle-boarding for an adrenaline rush. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, snorkelling and diving are great options to explore the island’s underwater beauty.
A beautiful indulgence for honeymooners would be to book a couples massage at one of the luxury resorts on Boracay or have a candlelit dinner on the shore. Whatever your preference, Boracay has something for everyone.
Boracay’s sunset scene is spectacular and finishing each day with a romantic stroll along the beach is one of life’s simple pleasures when you honeymoon on Boracay. As the sun dips below the horizon, the atmosphere becomes magical with music and cocktails. To make it even more special, consider booking a private sailboat and enjoy the sunset from the ocean. Paraw Sailing guides are on the beach, ready to take you on a memorable journey.
To get to Boracay, you’ll need to fly into either Caticlan or Kalibo airport as there is no airport on the island itself. Caticlan is the more convenient option, but flights can be expensive during peak season and holidays. Once you arrive at Caticlan Ferry Terminal, you’ll need to purchase three tickets for the ferry, environmental fee, and terminal fee. These tickets can be bought at numbered windows. The total cost for the ferry ride to Boracay is around 200 Php.
With its idyllic setting and endless possibilities for romance, Boracay is the ultimate honeymoon destination.
Cebu & Mactan Island
You’ll be dazzled by Cebu should you include it on your Philippines honeymoon itinerary. Located in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, it is a stunning province known for its abundance of islands and islets.
Cebu is one of the most developed provinces in the Philippines, ensuring it is a popular destination for tourists due to its diverse range of activities and attractions. With its stunning beaches, mountains, and canyons, Cebu attracts nearly two million visitors each year.
With its rich history as the first part of the Philippines to be colonised by Spain, Cebu City showcases a significant European influence that adds to its enchanting charm. Whether you’re exploring its historical sites or immersing yourself in its vibrant culture, Cebu is a must-visit destination for a memorable honeymoon experience.
A stroll around Fort San Pedro is also a captivating experience. This is an old outpost, which now lies in a beautiful kind of disrepair, surrounded by lush and green plant life.
For an incredibly romantic view of Cebu by night, head up to the Tops lookout and gaze over the twinkling city together. It’s certainly a beautiful, glowing image you’ll never forget. Grab a beverage and some snacks while you’re at it and make a night of it.
The main island of Cebu is surrounded by 167 islands and islets, each with its own unique beauty and appeal. Mactan Island, which lies a few kilometres southeast of Cebu, is one such island. When flying into Cebu City, you’ll actually land in Mactan, which is connected to the city by two bridges.
Mactan, also known as Lapu-Lapu, is a popular destination for honeymooners and those seeking adventure, relaxation and romance in Cebu, thanks in no small part to the extraordinary diversity of its coral gardens, with waters that offer some of the finest diving and snorkelling sites in Asia.
Mactan’s urban side means there’s a brilliant mix of nightlife, shopping and dining, but it’s also the place to go if you want to pamper and spoil yourself, thanks to lovely beaches and some of the finest five-star luxury resorts in the Philippines.
One of the best things about including Mactan on your Philippines honeymoon odyssey is its easy accessibility. Unlike other remote islands, no long boat rides are required to experience the unique island vibe. It’s also a great starting point for island-hopping trips in the Bohol Strait between Cebu and Bohol.
Read more about what to do and see in Cebu with our travel guide.
Siargao
Siargao Island has long been loved by local travellers but is only just starting to catch international attention. Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines thanks to the legendary Cloud 9 reef break, the island has a laid-back, bohemian vibe that appeals to couples seeking both adventure and tranquillity.
Away from the waves, Siargao shows a gentler side. Couples can kayak or paddleboard across the glassy waters of Sugba Lagoon, swim in tidal pools carved into the rock, or join an island-hopping trip to discover quiet sandbars and coconut-fringed shores.
Evenings in Siargao are slow and atmospheric, often spent watching the sky turn pink and gold before settling into a romantic beachside dinner.
Reaching Siargao is simple, with flights arriving at Sayak Airport and ferries running from Surigao City. Once on the island, getting around is part of the experience — hire a motorbike for freedom, take a tricycle for short hops, or rent a car if you prefer comfort. However you explore, the island has a relaxed rhythm that makes it easy to blend adventure with time to just be together.
Palawan, Coron & El Nido
Palawan, the largest province in the Philippines, is often called the country’s “last ecological frontier” — and for honeymooners, it feels like a tropical dreamscape. With over 1,700 islands, this biodiverse archipelago offers an extraordinary mix of experiences: explore underground rivers, swim in secluded lagoons, or dive among World War II shipwrecks teeming with marine life.
Among Palawan’s treasures, Coron is unforgettable, with its crystal-clear lagoons, thriving coral gardens, and sugar-white beaches. A boat tour with a knowledgeable guide is the best way to experience its beauty. For couples who love to dive, Coron’s waters are rich with giant clams, reef sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and more than a dozen historic wreck sites.
El Nido, also in Palawan, is one of the most sought-after honeymoon spots in the Philippines – and for good reason!. Its turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs have earned it a reputation as one of the world’s most striking island escapes.
From El Nido you can explore the Bacuit Archipelago, a cluster of 45 islands and islets with hidden coves, vibrant coral reefs, and soaring rock formations. Couples can spend their days kayaking through calm waters, snorkelling side by side, or simply relaxing on a quiet stretch of sand.
Another noteworthy destination in Palawan is Puerto Princesa, the province’s capital, although it is governed independently from the rest of the province. Here, visitors can marvel at a UNESCO-protected underground river.
Bohol
Known as the “Jewel of the Philippines,” Bohol is a haven for couples who love nature and adventure. The island combines powdery beaches with unique landscapes and rich marine life, making it a memorable stop on any honeymoon itinerary.
The famous Chocolate Hills are a highlight — more than 1,200 perfectly rounded mounds that shift from green to brown with the seasons. On nearby Panglao Island, connected to Bohol by a bridge, Alona Beach offers an easygoing seaside vibe with soft sand and clear waters. It’s also one of the most affordable honeymoon bases in the country, with a mix of boutique resorts and diving spots.
Couples can rent a bike to explore the countryside, or take a boat trip to Balicasag and Virgin Island for snorkelling, dolphin watching, and lazy afternoons on the water. With frequent flights from Manila, Bohol is easy to reach and offers the right balance of relaxation and discovery for honeymooners.
With easy access from Manila and numerous flights available to this beautiful destination, it’s one for your honeymoon list and the perfect place to relax and unwind with your love.
Read more about Bohol with our first-hand travel article here.
Romantic Resorts in the Philippines Perfect for Your Honeymoon
Discovery Boracay
Set right on Boracay’s iconic White Beach, Discovery Boracay offers couples an indulgent base with beachfront pools, a sunken bar, and seamless service on one of the best honeymoon islands in the world! Suites are stylish yet inviting, some with private plunge pools for added romance. Dining is a highlight, from fresh seafood at Indigo to elegant themed dinners at Sands with ocean views. Perfect for honeymooners, it combines island glamour with warm Filipino hospitality.
Discovery Coron
This secluded hideaway sits on its own private island, surrounded by azure waters and a 700-metre stretch of pristine beach. Wooden villas blend barefoot luxury with a sense of place, while diving at the Dugong Dive Centre or island-hopping tours reveal Palawan’s natural beauty. Evenings bring cocktails at Dugong Bar and cultural performances under the stars. With its all-inclusive transfers and intimate setting, it’s ideal for couples craving seclusion.
Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Only 15 minutes from Cebu’s international airport, Shangri-La Mactan combines convenience with five-star luxury for a stress-free start or finish to your honeymoon. Couples can unwind at CHI, The Spa — one of Asia’s largest — or spend lazy afternoons between the private beach, ocean-view pools, and nine dining venues. Rooms are spacious with balconies looking out to the sea or lush gardens, offering plenty of privacy. From seafood at Cowrie Cove to cocktails at sunset, romance comes easily here.
Amorita Resort, Bohol
Perched on a clifftop above Alona Beach, Amorita is the perfect escape for couples and feels like a secret sanctuary with sweeping sea views and lush gardens. Couples can dip into infinity pools, paddle out on kayaks, or discover coral reefs just offshore. The resort blends modern comfort with Filipino charm, while Saffron Restaurant serves creative local and international cuisine. It’s a peaceful retreat with just enough adventure at your doorstep.
Nay Palad Hideaway, Siargao
On Siargao’s unspoilt shores, Nay Palad Hideaway redefines barefoot luxury with just nine villas designed for ultimate seclusion. Everything is included — from sea-to-table dining and spa treatments to island-hopping adventures and sunset cocktails on the sand. The intimate scale and all-encompassing service create a private-island feel where couples can completely switch off. It’s the place to write your own tropical love story.
Sample Philippines Honeymoon Itinerary
With so many islands to choose from, planning a Philippines honeymoon can feel overwhelming. Here’s a suggested route that blends romance, relaxation and just enough adventure, with Coron as a highlight. If you have more time, Bohol or Siargao make perfect extensions.
Day 1: Manila
Arrive in the capital and spend your first night unwinding after the international flight. If you’re up for exploring, stroll through Intramuros or watch the sunset along Manila Bay before a romantic dinner.
Days 2–4: Boracay
Take a short one-hour flight from Manila to Caticlan and cross by boat to Boracay. Base yourself on White Beach, where powder-soft sand and fiery sunsets set the scene. Spend your days island-hopping, snorkelling, or simply doing nothing more than enjoying cocktails on the sand.
Days 5–7: El Nido, Palawan
Fly via Manila or Puerto Princesa to reach El Nido, home to limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and turquoise waters. Join a private island-hopping tour through the Bacuit Archipelago, or check into a luxury resort where days slip easily between diving, kayaking and long seafood dinners by the shore.
Days 8–10: Coron, Palawan
Take the fast ferry from El Nido to Coron (three to four hours). This quieter corner of Palawan is unforgettable: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoons and Siete Pecados are just a few of the natural wonders waiting. Couples can snorkel World War II shipwrecks, soak in hot springs, and sail to deserted beaches.
Day 11: Return to Manila
Fly back from Coron (Busuanga Airport) to Manila for your onward journey.
Optional Add-Ons
- Bohol (2–3 nights): After Coron, connect via Manila to Tagbilaran–Panglao. Visit the Chocolate Hills, meet the tiny tarsiers, and relax on Alona Beach, with boat trips out to Balicasag Island for snorkelling.
- Siargao (3–4 nights): Fly via Manila or Cebu to Siargao for a barefoot, bohemian vibe. Beyond world-class surf at Cloud 9, couples can kayak at Sugba Lagoon, swim in rock pools, and hop between Naked, Daku and Guyam islands.
Cultural tips and customs for honeymooners to be aware of
Filipinos are known for their warmth and hospitality, and visitors are welcomed with genuine friendliness. Returning that kindness with respect goes a long way.
Modest dress is expected when visiting churches or religious sites. Avoid using profanity or blasphemy, as it can cause offence. When dining, wait for your host to begin before you start eating. If you’re invited to someone’s home, avoid calling the lady of the house a “hostess,” as the term has a different connotation locally.
Greetings are usually simple — a smile or nod is appreciated, while a handshake is also common. Elders and those in positions of respect are given particular courtesy.
By keeping these customs in mind, you’ll not only avoid awkward moments but also enjoy deeper connections with the people you meet.
By being aware of these customs, you can show respect for the local culture and have a more enjoyable trip.
Best time to honeymoon and weather conditions
The best time to honeymoon or holiday in the Philippines is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The weather is generally sunny and dry during this time, making it perfect for outdoor activities and beach trips. However, it’s important to note that the Philippines is a tropical country and can experience typhoons and heavy rains during the rainy season, from May to October. It’s best to check the weather forecast before planning your trip and to be prepared for any unexpected weather conditions.
Visas for the Philippines
If you’re an Australian planning to visit the Philippines for your honeymoon or romantic getaway, you’ll be happy to know that you can enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days. However, it’s important to note that entry and exit requirements can change quickly, so it’s best to stay updated by contacting the nearest embassy or consulate of the Philippines for the latest information. As long as you meet all the necessary requirements and conditions, you should have no problem enjoying your stay in this beautiful country. Check Smart Traveller for updates.
Is your appetite for a Philippines holiday or honeymoon well and truly whet? Check out the Ten Best Islands and Beaches in the Philippines here!
Tanya co-founded Holidays for Couples with her mother Rhonda in 1996. For more than 25 years, the magazine defined romance travel in Australia before Tanya reimagined it as a digital platform with a strong SEO and social media presence. Tanya has lived in Canada, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Macao and now Saudi Arabia. When not in the office working on Holidays for Couples magazine, she is either planning her next trip or already boarding the plane.
