You have ample choices if you dream of a honeymoon with clear waters and fabulous beaches. And a Philippines honeymoon should top your list for a romantic getaway. The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,000 breathtaking islands providing unlimited beaches, clear water, and underwater adventures. Many of the beaches have mysterious caves and marine life waiting to be explored. One of the top pleasures of the Philippines is island hopping and experiencing an abundance of new sites during one trip. No day needs to be the same. Away from the beaches, there are stunning mountains and amazing romantic architecture.
For couples, the adventure in the Philippines never stops, especially for those who love watersports. There is unlimited diving, rafting, kite surfing, and water skiing here. Take scuba diving lessons in the fabulous Visayas region. Or enjoy a kayaking trip in the Calamianes Islands, considered by many to be the Philippines’ dream destination. Its major city is Coron, and here divers can explore close to a dozen sunken ships at various depths.
Begin your adventure in sophisticated Manilla, with its top luxury hotels providing indulgent butler service and much more. Explore this lovely city on a horse-drawn carriage ride, spend a day wandering through the National Museum of Natural History, and share a sweet with your sweetheart at the Dessert Museum. And that is just the beginning.
The island of Boracay, with its azure waters and clear beaches, is one of the top honeymoon destinations. It also has a thriving nightlife.
The island archipelago of the Philippines is the perfect way to begin a lifetime of memories.
Five Best Hotels and Resorts for a Philippines Honeymoon
Henann Crystal Sands
Henann Crystal Sands on Boracay Island by the incomparable White Beach has 188 luxurious, beautifully decorated rooms, two swimming pools, and international dining at the Sapphire Restaurant.
The swim-up pool bar serves a wide choice of beverages. Of course, room service is always available.
All rooms have either direct pool access or a view of the beach. It is perfect as a romantic honeymoon beach escape for those on a moderate to high budget. The gym and fitness center will help couples stay in shape even on their honeymoon. Massage service is available daily.
New World Makati Hotel
New World Makati Hotel in Manila is devoted to making your honeymoon stay a special occasion. Spacious rooms provide a breathtaking view of Manila; an upgrade to the Residence Club offers even more – an exclusive 24th-floor lounge with complimentary breakfast, refreshments, afternoon tea, and cocktails in the evening.
Couples have a choice of fine dining. The Café 1228 has an all-day buffet. Jasmine has Chinese delicacies such as Peking duck and seafood; private areas are available for intimate dining. The Bar Rouge offers malt and cocktails and is the place to enjoy a good cigar.
The Couple’s Package celebrates your honeymoon with breakfast for two, an in-room couples’ massage, a cheese platter with wine, and special access to the Residence Club Lounge.
Sofitel Manila
The Sofitel Manila has 609 guest rooms, including an Imperial Residence with a limousine transfer to and from the airport, a view of Manila Bay, an outdoor area, complimentary snacks and beverages, a personal gym, and private spa treatments for two, as well as 24-hour butler service.
Six restaurants and bars specializing in French-Filipino cuisine. Couples can indulge in Le Spa, which offers modern wellness rituals as well as ancient Filipino healing treatments. Relax in the opulent lounge, the dry and wet sauna, or simply enjoy a soothing foot massage.
Crimson Hotel
The Crimson Hotel in Manila is an architectural masterpiece, and its 345 rooms have views of Manila’s skyline. Enjoy a romantic in-room dinner with haute cuisine such as Osso Bucco and a bottle of champagne.
Guests can upgrade their stay to the Executive level and enjoy the privileges of the Executive Club Lounge, made for relaxation, afternoon tea, or a nighttime cocktail. The lounge has a dress code – blazers for the men and stylish clothes for the ladies. The Crimson is in the center of Manila’s art scene, shopping, and local restaurants.
Crimson’s main restaurant, Café Eight, serves a Mediterranean buffet with a Middle Eastern flair.
Discovery Shores
Discovery Shores on Boracay Island is located by White Beach, which was named one of the Top Ten Beaches of the World by CNN. Known as the top luxury resort in Boracay, Discovery Shores has 99 all-suites accommodations, all of which are perfect for a honeymoon getaway.
The top suites, the Signature Suites, are an indulgence with separate living areas, a private balcony, and a private pool. The resort’s Indigo Restaurant was listed in the Philippine Tatler’s Best Restaurant section on three separate occasions.
The award-winning Terra Wellness Spa provides both physical and mental harmony and healing with soothing music, candlelight, and aromatic oil massages. Here, couples can enjoy the best spa experience on Boracay.
Culture of the Philippines
The Philippines is a unique blend of East and West. Many residents have an Asian background with Western traditions. Most Filipinos speak English, frequently with some Filipino words and expressions thrown in. Only a small minority of Filipinos speak only Spanish.
The islands were first settled by Spain in 1521 following Magellan’s landing and named for the Spanish king, Philip II. The Philippines became an independent nation following World War II. Nature here is spectacular, with many plants and hundreds of species of orchids adding to a picture-perfect landscape. There are also 200 species of animals, including monkeys, mongooses, and wonderful birds such as peacocks, parrots, and even the Philippine Eagle.
Visitors will discover that Filipinos love a good feast, and festivals abound. Any excuse to celebrate – Christmas songs can be heard in the local mall shortly after Labor Day. And the celebrations last well into January. There are 15 major festivals a year, providing residents with the opportunity to put on a show and explore exciting dining opportunities.
The Philippines’ capital, Manila, has the world’s oldest Chinatown, some of the largest shopping malls in the world, fabulous museums and galleries, and great dining, as documented by celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.
The Filipino love of food should never be underestimated. It is especially known for its tangy adobo marinating sauce for meat. Filipino adobo is widely considered a Spanish sauce and the result of Spanish occupation. Interestingly, it was the occupying Spaniards who watched the native Filipinos prepare their sauce and brought it back to Spain.
Top Things to Do During a Philippines Honeymoon
Manila
Manila is called the Rome of the East and has myriads of romantic attractions. The old part of the city, Intramuros, where Spanish history comes alive with Fort Santiago and St. Augustine – the country’s oldest church, is a great place for a couple to stroll. Just outside of Manila, the Taal Volcano has hiking trails to explore Manila’s wildlife. The view from the top is amazing and will make a wonderful honeymoon story.
During the evening, Manila Bay is where to catch the best sunsets, especially during a romantic dinner cruise.
Boracay Island
The main beach on the island is White Beach – believed by some to be the best beach in the world. With over 500 hotels and resorts, beautiful White Beach has something for everyone. When compared to some other islands, it is quiet and private, and it is invariably the top choice for a Philippines honeymoon destination. Honeymooners can indulge in luxury resorts, one-of-a-kind sunsets, and breathtaking sceneries. Spent your honeymoon island hopping, parasailing, and touring the island in an ATV. Mt. Luho is the island’s highest point with the best 360-degree view.
Cebu Island
This is one of the Philippines’ largest islands and was chosen as the best honeymoon destination in 2010 at the World Travel Fair. Couples can take a romantic cruise and enjoy the island’s marine life and many watersports. They can also visit Kawasan Falls, referred to by Travel and Leisure as one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls.
Palawan Island
This is known as Asia’s Garden of Eden. Thanks to its natural beauty, travel magazines invariably give it one of the top three spots out of the top 100 best islands.
Best Time to Visit the Philippines
November through May is the Philippines’ dry season – and a marvelous time to escape the cold weather elsewhere. Although the Philippines is still great between May and October, its official wet season, visitors should expect sudden rainfalls. The typhoon season is from late August to October, and the weather can get too harsh, so traveling is best avoided during those months due to landslides, cancellation of transportation, and unmanageable roads.
The best time to visit Boracay is from November to April, as there will be little rain, making it the ideal time for swimming, surfing, and other watersports. June through September can see a lot of rain.
If visiting Cebu, January is a great time to visit, and it is the time for the annual Sinulog Festival, which includes nine days of parading and dancing in the streets. The weather becomes hot and humid during the summer months of March through May. The rain starts in June and lasts through August.
Weather in the Philippines
The Philippines enjoys a tropical climate and is generally hot and humid. There are only three seasons, the hot summer from March through May, the wet months of December and November, and the dry season from December to February.
The average temperature ranges from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can vary between the various regions. On average, the coldest month is January, and May is the hottest.
