Philippines: Romantic Getaways

Romantic Getaways

1. El Nido, Palawan: Limestone Paradise

Expect to pay: £200–£500 per night for boutique resorts; £600–£1,200 for luxury private island resorts

Towering limestone karsts rise from waters so clear they seem artificial. El Nido offers couples a dreamscape of hidden lagoons, secret beaches accessible only by kayak, and sunsets that paint the cliffs in impossible colours. Charter a private bangka boat and island-hop through the Bacuit Archipelago, swimming into cathedral-like sea caves and lunching on deserted crescents of white sand. Stay at an eco-resort where your overwater cottage opens directly onto the bay, or splurge on one of the private island hideaways where staff outnumber guests. As bioluminescent plankton sparkle beneath your evening paddle, you’ll understand why Palawan consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful islands.

2. Siargao: Barefoot Luxury on the Surf Island

Expect to pay: £150–£350 per night for boutique resorts; £80–£150 for stylish guesthouses

This teardrop-shaped island has evolved from surf secret to bohemian paradise, yet retains an intimacy that larger destinations have lost. Rent a motorbike and explore together—coconut palm forests, hidden rock pools, the mesmerising Sugba Lagoon. Even non-surfers appreciate the laid-back energy, the golden-hour sessions watching riders carve Cloud 9’s famous waves. Stay in a design-forward boutique resort where concrete meets tropical gardens, dine on fresh ceviche at beachfront restaurants, and discover why Siargao attracts creative couples seeking beauty without pretension. The island’s magic lies in its perfect imperfection—unpaved roads, genuine smiles, and absolutely no rush.

3. Bohol: Chocolate Hills and Tarsier Whispers

Expect to pay: £120–£280 per night for quality resorts; £300–£500 for luxury cliff-top properties

The surreal Chocolate Hills—over a thousand grass-covered limestone mounds—provide Bohol’s iconic backdrop, but the island offers much more for romantic explorers. Cruise the Loboc River through jungle on a floating restaurant, visit the world’s smallest primates at a tarsier sanctuary, and discover Spanish colonial churches in sleepy villages. Alona Beach provides white sand and excellent diving, while cliff-top resorts near Panglao offer infinity pools overlooking the Bohol Sea. Quieter than its neighbours, Bohol suits couples seeking wonder without crowds—particularly at dawn when mist rises through the Chocolate Hills and you have this strange, beautiful landscape entirely to yourselves.

4. Coron, Palawan: Wrecks and Lagoons

Expect to pay: £180–£400 per night for quality resorts; £100–£180 for boutique hotels

Japanese warships sunk in World War II now create some of Asia’s finest wreck diving, but Coron enchants even those who never submerge. Kayangan Lake, reached by climbing limestone steps through jungle, reveals waters shifting from jade to sapphire above ancient rock formations. Twin Lagoon’s secret passage between limestone walls leads to a hidden pool where freshwater and saltwater layers create shimmering mirages. Stay on Coron Island itself or at resorts on neighbouring Busuanga, where each day brings new lagoons to explore and each evening delivers sunsets over Calamian Archipelago’s scattered islands. Adventure and romance intertwine here inseparably.

5. Siquijor: The Mystical Island

Expect to pay: £80–£200 per night for boutique beach resorts; £50–£100 for charming guesthouses

Known locally as the island of healers and fireflies, Siquijor casts a spell quite unlike anywhere else in the Philippines. Tiny and easily circumnavigated by motorbike, it rewards couples seeking the road less travelled—century-old balete trees draped with hanging roots, phosphorescent bays glowing with evening plankton, hidden waterfalls in the forested interior. Locals practice folk healing traditions stretching back generations, and the island’s relative obscurity means uncrowded beaches and authentic village encounters. Stay at a clifftop resort or beachfront cottage, watch fireflies illuminate the trees at dusk, and embrace Siquijor’s gentle, mysterious enchantment.

Useful Links:

1. El Nido, Palawan — Limestone Paradise

Hotel:
🔗 Amanpulo (Pamalican Island) — Ultra-luxury private island resort in Palawan, perfect for ultimate beach and sea escapes.
https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanpulo

Activity:
🔗 El Nido Island Hopping Tours — Book directly for Bacuit Bay tours exploring lagoons, beaches and snorkeling (choose from operators available on official sites).
https://www.elnidoparadise.com/ (external operator with booking info)

Restaurant:
🔗 La Plage El Nido — Beachfront dining with sunset views and seafood classics.
https://laplageelnido.com

2. Siargao — Barefoot Luxury on the Surf Island

Hotel:
🔗 Nay Palad Hideaway — All-inclusive eco-luxury resort blending beach life and bespoke experiences.
https://www.naypaladhideaway.com

Activity:
🔗 Siargao Surf Lessons & Tours — Book surf lessons or island tours to Naked, Guyam & Daku islands (example official provider).
https://shoresurfsiargao.com

Restaurant:
🔗 Kermit Siargao — Well-known Italian-inspired restaurant with pizza & fresh pasta.
https://www.kermitsiargao.com

3. Bohol — Chocolate Hills & Tarsier Whispers

Hotel:
🔗 The Bellevue Resort Bohol — Luxury beachfront resort perfect for exploring Chocolate Hills and Panglao.
https://www.thebellevuebohol.com

Activity:
🔗 Bohol Tarsier Sanctuary Visit — Official conservation area to see tarsiers (booking via local official entry site).
https://www.boholtarsiersanctuary.org

Restaurant:
🔗 Bohol Bee Farm Restaurant — Farm-to-table dining with organic local cuisine.
https://www.boholbeefarm.com

4. Coron, Palawan — Wrecks and Lagoons

Hotel:
🔗 Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa — Luxury beachfront resort with diving, snorkeling & jungle treks.
https://twoseasonsresorts.com/coron

Activity:
🔗 Coron Wreck & Lagoon Tour — Book boat tours to WWII wreck dives and Kayangan Lake/ Twin Lagoons.
https://corontoursph.com

Restaurant:
🔗 Kawayanan Grill Station — Local seafood & Filipino dishes with sunset views.
https://www.facebook.com/Kawayanan-Grill-Station-Coron

5. Siquijor — The Mystical Island

Hotel:
🔗 Coco Grove Beach Resort — Relaxed luxury beachfront resort with wellness, snorkeling and nature walks.
https://www.cocogroveresorts.com/siquijor

Activity:
🔗 Siquijor Island Tour & Falls — Book guided island trips to Cambugahay Falls and inland spots (via local operator with booking).
https://siquijoradventures.com

Restaurant:
🔗 Baha Bar & Restaurant (Siquijor) — Beachfront dining with local seafood & grilled specials.
https://www.facebook.com/BahaBarSiquijor