
Philippines Honeymoon Guide - Best Islands, Resorts, Costs & 7–14 Day Itineraries

Start your first days as newlyweds with warm turquoise water, slow sunsets, and that delicious feeling of being far from your inbox. This guide stitches together the Philippines’ most romantic islands, realistic honeymoon costs, and easy-to-follow 7–14 day routes—plus smart ways to travel greener with low-impact choices and city stopovers that double as dates (think rooftop cocktails and spa time on a short Manila/Cebu layover).
Why honeymoon in the Philippines?
- Ridiculously pretty seascapes. Think powder-white beaches, karst lagoons, and sandbars that appear at low tide like nature’s aisle runner—prime for private picnics done right.
- Choose your vibe. Boracay for silky beaches and dining, Palawan for castaway coves, Siargao for laid-back island life, Bohol for varied nature days, Cebu for easy access and waterfalls. If you prefer hushed hideaways, shortlist some adults-only corners or go fully no-party and secluded.
- Great value for couples. Boutique villas, boat days, and private dinners work across budgets—down to stylish stays under ₱10k when you plan well.
- English is widely spoken and hospitality is heartfelt—expect big smiles and “kilig” moments.
When to go (month-by-month)
Weather varies by island group, but here’s a honeymooner’s rule of thumb. For island-specific nuance, keep this month-by-month by island guide handy, and during storm season shape plans with typhoon-smart tactics.
Month | Typical Weather | Crowds & Rates | Island Picks & Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Jan | Dry, breezy | Popular | Palawan, Boracay; cool evenings—pack a light layer |
Feb | Dry, sunny | High | Valentine’s season—book early for beachfront stays |
Mar | Dry, hot afternoons | High | Ideal for island-hopping; great visibility for snorkeling |
Apr | Sunniest stretch | Peaks | Consider quieter coves or smaller isles near main hubs |
May | Hot, some afternoon showers | Eases late month | Siargao shoulder season charm; plan midday siestas |
Jun | Start of wetter pattern in some areas | Lower | Mix of sun/showers; flexible plans win |
Jul | Intermittent rain, possible typhoons | Lower | Focus on protected coves; spa days as backup |
Aug | Similar to July | Lower | Romantic indoor dining, coffee nooks, cooking classes |
Sep | Transitional, fewer crowds | Low | Good for value hunters; check flight schedules |
Oct | Improving conditions | Rising | Early-bird deals before peak |
Nov | Generally drier again | Higher | Great balance of weather and rates |
Dec | Peak holiday sunshine | Highest | Book early for Christmas–New Year stays |
How much does a Philippines honeymoon cost?
Budget Tier | Typical Total (Couple) | Stays per Night | Flights (Domestic) | Private Boat/Tours | Meals & Treats | Good To Know |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saver | ₱60,000–₱100,000 | ₱2,500–₴4,500 | ₱6,000–₱12,000 | Joiner tours with 1–2 private add-ons | ₱1,200–₱2,000/day | Travel light; pick 1–2 bases to reduce transfers |
Sweet-Spot | ₱100,000–₱180,000 | ₱5,000–₱9,000 | ₱8,000–₱16,000 | Mix of private charters + signature experiences | ₱2,000–₱3,500/day | Boutique villas, sunset sails, couple’s spa |
Luxe | ₱180,000+ | ₱10,000–₱25,000+ | ₱10,000–₱20,000 | Mostly private boats, custom routes | ₱3,500–₱6,000/day | Think overwater/cliff villas and butler touches |
Dial your numbers with this explainer on what shifts between budget and luxury, then decide if bundled stays align—here’s a candid look at all-inclusive pros and cons.
Best islands for couples (quick picks)
Palawan (El Nido & Coron)
Lagoons, hidden beaches, and cinematic limestone cliffs. Charter a boat, picnic on a sandbar, and swim in jade-blue lakes. If you’re torn between hubs, this Palawan breakdown—El Nido vs Coron with sample days—clarifies the tradeoffs: which vibe fits you.
Boracay
Iconic White Beach, world-class sunsets, dining steps from the sea, and easy island hopping. For quieter corners, this map-led walk-through of stations and sunset habits helps you pick your stretch of sand: couples’ Boracay playbook. Dinner planning? Save a few ideas from this curation of romantic tables by the water.
Siargao
Slow mornings, palm-framed roads, and tidal pools. Ideal for boutique stays, lagoon picnics, and a light dose of surfing. Not into waves? Steal an itinerary from Siargao for relaxed explorers.
Bohol (Panglao + countryside)
Soft-sand beaches paired with Chocolate Hills day trips, firefly river cruises, and heritage sites—varied and photogenic. Stitch beach time with countryside loops using this Bohol & Panglao couples route.
Cebu (Mactan + South Cebu)
Good international access, waterfalls, reefs, and hopping-off point for nearby islands. Adventure-happy pairs can lace the week with canyoneering, dives, and hikes.
When the itinerary leans heavily into sunsets and candlelight, keep this hit-list of romantic experiences across Palawan, Boracay, and Siargao within reach.
7–14 day honeymoon itineraries
7 Days — Palawan spotlight (El Nido + Coron)
- Day 1: Arrive Manila/Cebu → fly El Nido. Check in, toes-in-the-sand dinner—use this one-week blend of Palawan and Boracay if you want a beach finale.
- Day 2: Private island-hopping (lagoons and hidden coves).
- Day 3: Kayaks, secret beach picnic, stargazing.
- Day 4: Transfer to Coron (ferry or flight). Slow evening, couple’s massage.
- Day 5: Charter to Twin Lagoon + Kayangan Lake early.
- Day 6: Resort day, golden hour photos.
- Day 7: Fly back → home.
10 Days — Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor
- Days 1–3 (Cebu): Waterfall day, reef time, sunset dinner by the water. For a nature-packed path, this reef-to-falls arc swaps crowds for blue holes and jungle canyons.
- Days 4–6 (Bohol): Beach mornings, Chocolate Hills + countryside loop, firefly cruise.
- Days 7–9 (Siquijor): Scooter loop, springs, quiet coves.
- Day 10: Boat/flight back to Cebu → depart.
14 Days — Palawan, Bohol, Siargao (fly more, ferry less)
- Days 1–4 (El Nido): Lagoon day, sandbar picnic, chill.
- Days 5–8 (Bohol): Relaxed beach days + countryside.
- Days 9–13 (Siargao): Island-hopping, tidal pools, coffee crawls, one surf lesson just for fun—or point your compass toward this hidden-gems trio if you crave quieter shores.
- Day 14: Fly out via Cebu or Manila.
Romantic moments you’ll talk about forever
- Private island picnics and sunset sails. Pair a simple menu with fairy-lit decor right on the sand; blooms and arches come to life with creative floral stylists and decor artists.
- Golden-hour portraits. A relaxed stroll on the beach or a cliffside overlook is even better with a local honeymoon photographer; this primer on permits and timing covers the details for picture-perfect sessions.
- Dining under the stars. Resorts can plate something special, or you can work with seasoned private catering crews for a beachside menu—permits and setups explained in this guide to shoreline dinners done properly.
- Spa rituals for two. After a day on the water, melt into long massages and bath rituals; shortlist island favorites using this roundup of wellness retreats for couples.
- Water-world extras. Curious about reef snaps or aerial film? Browse best practices for underwater and drone add-ons.
Logistics made easy
Getting in and around
- Main gateways: Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB). From there, fly to El Nido, Coron, Bohol, or Siargao; or ferry between nearby islands (e.g., Bohol ↔ Siquijor). It’s simpler with this overview of flights, ferries, and private transfers.
- To save time, open-jaw your flights (arrive CEB, depart MNL, or vice versa), especially for 10–14 day routes.
Packing tips
- Sun shirt, reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry towel, dry bag, light linen, sandals you can rinse, and a travel medical kit.
Connectivity & cash
- Local prepaid SIM/eSIM is handy; signal can dip on remote coves—set up payments and messaging as outlined in this SIM, cash, and tipping cheat sheet.
- ATMs exist in hubs; carry cash for boat fees, small eateries, and island tricycles.
Health & peace of mind
- Know where to go if you need help; bookmark the island directory of clinics and care points.
FAQs
What’s the best month for a beach-heavy honeymoon?
January–May are safest for sunshine in many hubs, with February–April being peak blue-sky days. When traveling off-peak, blend flexible holds and weather buffers using storm-season planning basics.
Is El Nido or Coron better for couples?
El Nido wins for variety of lagoons and island lunches; Coron’s lakes and WWII-era wrecks are surreal. Many couples split 3–4 nights each.
How early should we book?
For peak months and boutique villas, 3–6 months ahead is smart; longer for Christmas–New Year or Holy Week.
Are private boat days worth it?
Yes—leave early and you’ll have lagoons to yourselves for a while. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water; plan routes around this menu of can’t-miss romantic stops.
Any rainy-day backups?
Couple’s spa, cooking classes, coffee crawls, heritage walks, and sunset dinners under covered decks—plus hotel time in quiet wings if you’ve picked from adults-only options.
Plan and book your honeymoon
Sketch your route, pencil in 2–3 unhurried beach days, and secure the stay that feels most “you.” If a pampering afternoon is non-negotiable, a slow ritual with island-based wellness specialists is an easy win. For transfers, boats, permits, and special requests, a detail-oriented planning team that knows the islands keeps the puzzle pieces snug without rushing your rhythm. And if you’re torn between DIY and bundles, this primer on comparing honeymoon packages helps you land on what fits.
When you land, breathe. Put the phones away for sunset and let the night roll into stargazing.