February is the month when some solo travelers become bitter, as tourists on some destinations are mostly couples celebrating the month of love, while they try to get away from friends and relatives to celebrate singlehood, literally alone. Because movie dates and fancy dinners are too typical, some couples who love outdoors celebrate the Vday by having a quick getaway on romantic destinations, and they become hot targets of that cynical, alone (plus any adjective you want to add) travelers.
Either you’re a solo backpacker, or a person who travels with your partner, the following list of romantic destinations in the Philippines will be of great help. For the first, you can keep away from your acrimony by avoiding these destinations.
SAGADA
The scenic view of Halsema Highway is just a teaser of how romantic Sagada is. February is considered as the coldest month in this part of Luzon and cuddling and hugging someone is a must to survive the frosty weather. Outdoor activities than can be done includes cave explorations, trekking to a waterfall, or climbing a mountain.
WHERE TO STAY: Alibama Inn. Php 250 per head per night.
DINNER DATE: Some steak in Salt and Pepper and sample homemade yoghurt in Yoghurt House.
ROMANTIC ACTIVITIES TO DO: Orange picking in Rock Farm, sunrise viewing in Kiltepan Viewpoint, and spending sunset in Lake Danum
READ: DIY ITINERARY: Below 48 hours in Sagada
BORACAY
Probably the first on the list for many couples is to spend even just a weekend of the love month in the most famous island in the Philippines, Boracay. The presence of white sand beach and clear water add up to the romantic ambiance of the entire island. Water activities like helmet diving, parasailing and flyfish are great bonding moments.
WHERE TO STAY: Microtel Wyndham Boracay
DINNER DATE: Any restaurant along Station 2 will do
ROMANTIC ACTIVITIES TO DO: Sunset paraw sailing and walking by the beach during sundown
READ: Boracay’s Five Less Crowded Beaches
CEBU
In terms of accessibility, this province is definitely the quickest destination to go. Located in the heart of the Visayas, you can bring your dearest in some cozy, chic and lavish beach resorts in Mactan Island. A historical date is also a unique one by trailing the history of the country in downtown Cebu. If you have ample time, going to north to Bantayan and Malapascua Island, or to south to Moalboal or Oslob, can be your options.
WHERE TO STAY: Crimson Resort and Spa
DINNER DATE: Lantaw Native Restaurant in Busay for an overlooking view of the city
ROMANTIC ACTIVITIES TO DO: Discover the rich history of the Queen City of the South, offer a candle to Sto. Nino, or sunset viewing in TOPS, highest point of the city.
READ: Historical Walking Tour on the Streets of Cebu
CAMIGUIN
The second smallest province in the country, located in Mindanao is also a nice choice for the month of February. The white sand beaches, waterfalls, and springs of Camiguin are best to explore when you are with your only one with the vibrant nature flourishing around.
WHERE TO STAY: Bahay Bakasyunan sa Camiguin
DINNER DATE: Italian Dinner at Luna Ristorante
ROMANTIC ACTIVITIES TO DO: Sunset in Sunken Garden, or a picnic in White Island
READ: DIY Itinerary: Below 48 Hours in Camiguin
BATANES
Getting to the smallest province is indeed a pain-in-the-ass due to its location (if you’re lucky, PAL offers roundtrip airfare to Batanes for just Php1800). But travel to Batanes will surely be a memorable one for the both of you by seeing the natural beauty of the surroundings and experiencing the culture being preserved by the Ivatans will be worth every centavo you’re going to spend.
WHERE TO STAY: Fundacion Pacita
DINNER DATE: Sunset Dinner in Bunkers Café or having the Ivatan cuisines in Pension Ivatan.
ROMANTIC ACTIVITIES TO DO: Sunset viewing in Naidi Hills or Vayang Rolling Hills, have a photo op wearing vakuls and kanayi, and stroll along the stone houses in Sabtang.
READ: BREATHTAKING BATANES: DIY Itineraries and Expenses for Budget Travelers
This list only presents five out of the tons of destinations available in the country. Going on a vacation with your one true love is not that easy considering the budget that will be shelled out for the duration of the trip plus the hassle of booking reservations. But spending quality time with your partner on some spots, called paradise, will make every month of February a significant one.
