[PHILIPPINES] 10 Weekend Getaways You Can Spend With Your Valentine, Friends or Family This Love Month

Mahatao Viewdeck overlooking Tayid Lighthouse, Batanes


Updated February 13, 2023
A great way to spend some time with your loved ones this Valentine’s, especially on weekends, is to TRAVEL. Yes, traveling can be costly but it’s a great way to discover more of what you’re loved one really likes. As the Philippines offers a lot of beautiful places to explore, be it natural or historical wonders, there are plenty of places to go, and destinations to discover, and maybe it might be your dream venue for your wedding for those with a significant other. 

Also, remember some destinations may require you to comply with their Covid-19 travel restriction.  

Pick out your next trip with our 10 recommended weekend getaway this Valentine's:

 1. Batanes Islands
Morong Beach, Batanes

What a memorable trip would be if you spend the weekends at Batanes Islands. Why? It’s known to be the ‘New Zealand’ of the Philippines! Batanes has its own charm like any other destination in the country, but you can never go wrong by describing the place as breathtaking and stunning. 

Lush green landscapes, beautiful sunsets or sunrise by the cliff, Batanes will make your weekend unforgettable. When in Batanes, don’t forget to visit the lighthouses located on Yonatan Island, Sabtang, and Basco. Relax on the gorgeous beaches and check out the traditional villages where you can see Stone houses with cogon-thatched roofs. And get the chance to experience wearing the vakul (headgear made of abaca fibers).

Booking a flight is necessary and is the best way to reach the Batanes. Fly via Philippine Airlines from Manila, travel time usually takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Sights to see: Marlboro Country, Vayang Rolling Hills, Sabtang Island Stone Houses, Lighthouses of Batanes, Chawa Viewdeck, Valugan Boulder Beach

2. Boracay
A beach in Boracay Island

On April 4, 2018, the Philippine government announced a six-month closure at the well-known Boracay Island. It did a lot better to one of the top tourist destinations! Though the local government also imposed a limit for visitors to the site you still can’t deny the beauty this place brings.

Boracay is the place to be if you’re into all sorts of water activities, parties, and dinner dates by the beach. Walk along the powder-fine, white sand of the beaches, and witness the beautiful sunset view on this tiny island. Hotels and resorts offer a world-class and luxurious ambiance. One more thing to do in Boracay is to make your own sandcastle with your name on it!

You can reach Boracay Island via Caticlan or Kalibo with Philippine Airlines, Air Asia, and Cebu Pacific.

3. Vigan, Ilocos Sur
Calle Crisologo in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Vigan is one of the few places in the Philippines that you might mistake for Spain in some way. Discover the story and past of the historic city of this UNESCO World Heritage site, you can never go wrong with its wonderful sights and delicious food. Walk along the streets of Calle Crisologo, take a ride on the calesa (a horse-drawn calash), and visit the famous Bantay Church Bell Tower. 

If time-traveling is your thing, then Ilocos is where you should be. This place is known for its old-world charm from well-preserved old Spanish houses, hundred-year-old churches, and cobblestone streets.

Sights to see: Calle Crisologo, Bantay Church Bell Tower, Paoay Church, Juan Luna Shrine

4. Baguio City
Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad
 photo by Nica Guballa

While Baguio may be crowded during the Panagbenga or Flower Festival every February, the cool weather is ideal for a simple staycation.

Take a stroll along Burnham Park (don’t forget to ride a boat), visit the BenCab Museum, or just walk around Session Road and find some souvenirs to buy. Don’t forget to pick strawberries at the farm, try something spooky with you, and dare to explore the Old Diplomat Hotel! 

Head up to the ‘City of Pines’ Baguio City for the lovely sceneries, cool breeze, and strawberries via Bus from Manila or a private vehicle. Travel time is approximately 6-7 hours (or longer) by Bus or on an average of 4-6 hours' drive by car.

Sights to see: Burnham Park, BenCab Museum, Session Road, Strawberry Farm in La Trinidad, Old Diplomat Hotel

5. Bohol
Drone shot of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol

The home of the smallest monkey in the Philippines and dubbed as “God’s Little Paradise” and home to the iconic Chocolate Hills, Bohol has been one of the premium destinations in the Philippines alongside Boracay, Cebu, and Puerto Princesa. Bohol may look small, but it has a variety of adventure and sightseeing places to be found!

Bohol is especially proud of its eco-tourism, historical, and cultural wonders, as most of its activities highlight each municipality’s nature best. May it be walking along the beaches, discovering old churches, saying hello to the Tarsiers, stopping by the Man-made Forest, or eating lunch at a floating restaurant while cruising at Loboc River.

The easiest way to visit Bohol is via air.  Travel time to Tagbilaran City from Manila (MNL) takes 1 hour and 30 minutes fly time. 

Sights to see: Alona Beach, Chocolate Hills, Man-made Forest, Loboc River Cruise, Hinagdanan Cave

6. Iloilo City

Miagao Church in Iloilo, Philippines

If you’re looking for something a bit different, you may want to consider Iloilo City. Iloilo is best known as the “city of love”, and visiting is a must. Head down to the Iloilo River Esplanade for some riverfront dining. Make sure you set a day aside to walk around the city to take in the unique architecture. Drop by Camina Balay Nga Bato, a house museum with some amazing antiques and food.

The city is filled with ancestral houses and old mansions, colonial churches, and the must-try La Paz Batchoy. Plus, the locals of Iloilo City are so friendly and inviting that they’ll make sure tourists will be satisfied and happy. 

 The best way to come to the ‘city of love’ is via air, best airlines to go for are Philippine Airlines, Air Asia, and Cebu Pacific. Flight time usually takes an hour and 20 minutes.

Sights to see Camiña Balay Nga Bato, Nelly’s Garden (Vincent Lopez Heritage House), Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy.

Now if you’re pressed for time but you’re living within metro manila, here are some one-day getaways in or nearby manila:

7. Intramuros
A rentable kalesa in front of Fort Santiago

If Ilocos Sur has Vigan City, Manila has Intramuros. The walled city was built 300 years ago by the Spaniards, making it the oldest district of Manila. Just one visit to this historical site will surely make you learn more about the Philippines. Wherever you lay your eyes on this place, you’ll never run out of sights to appreciate.

Take a stroll inside Fort Santiago or visit churches like the Manila Cathedral or San Agustin Church, if you want to break a sweat and still enjoy a tour what about renting a Bambike? End the day with a nice dinner at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant where you can not only enjoy the food but you'll also get entertained by various cultural dance performances from all around the country.

8. Venice Grand Canal Mall
Gondola Ride at Venice Grand Canal Mall

Italy is one of the few countries in Europe every traveler wants to visit, especially Venice - The City of Bridges. For those who dream to see the Grand Canal in Venice, you only need to go to McKinley Hill, Taguig City where it houses the Venice Grand Canal Mall by Megaworld.

You don’t have to ride a plane to Italy, but why not enjoy a romantic dinner with your loved one at one of the many restaurants you will find at Venice Grand Canal Mall? Or how about trying the Gondola Rides they offer there. Maybe watch a movie or two? But if you’re on a very tight budget, you can always just stroll and feel as if you’re in Venice, Italy, and take a lot of photos for the Gram!

9. Bataan
Eat by the lake in La Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan

Often underrated but Bataan is one of the best places in the Philippines to learn more about World War II. It was the American's last stronghold and location of the infamous Death March and it's just a 2-hour drive from Manila. 

One of Bataan's iconic sites is the Mount Samat National Shrine or Dambana ng Kagitingan. It's a cross-shaped edifice erected to commemorate our fallen heroes. or maybe spend your Valentine's weekend differently and go on an educational getaway at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar - an open-air museum of antique mansions, brick streets, balsa transport, and other structures that are well-preserved from the Spanish Colonial period.

Sights to See: Bataan World War II Museum, Zero Kilometer Death March Marker, Mount Samat National Shrine, Las Casas Filipinas de Azucar


A building in La Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan


10. Hidden Valley Spring

At the foot of Mount Makiling is literally a Hidden Valley, in both context and ambiance. The entire section is connected with Mt. Makiling, considered a national park, where free-flowing waterfalls flow from the top to the natural pools; Three Hot Spring Pools, The Love Pool, and The Soda Pool.

Escape the city center’s hustle and bustle just 2 hours away from Manila. Swim and chill in the largest forest pool natural paradise. With the verdant trees surrounding the perimeter, the ambiance will make you feel extra relaxed.

There are no rules when it comes to spending some time with your loved ones, what’s important is the thought you put into your plans and the memories you’ll create by the end of the trip.

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