Best Honeymoon Destinations from Manila: Mid-Range and Budget Guide
Congratulations on your wedding! If you are flying out of NAIA, you are already winning. Manila is perfectly positioned to access some of the world’s most luxurious-feeling destinations without the "luxury" price tag.
Whether you have a budget of ₱150,000 or ₱300,000 for the whole trip, you can live like royalty if you pick the right spot.
Here are the top 4 destinations for a mid-range to budget honeymoon that feels 5-star.
1. The Value King: Central Vietnam (Hoi An and Da Nang)
Why here? Vietnam is arguably the best value-for-money destination for Filipinos right now. It is visa-free, the food is incredible, and you can stay in boutique 4-star hotels for the price of a budget inn in El Nido.
Where to Stay (The "Mid-Range" Sweet Spot)
You want "Hoi An Ancient Town" charm or "Da Nang Beachfront" views.
Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa: often has rates around $70–$80 (₱4,000+) per night. It includes a daily spa treatment in many packages—pure luxury.
Lasenta Boutique Hotel: Incredible rice paddy views and a stunning infinity pool for as low as $40–$50 (₱2,500+) per night.
Cozy An Boutique Hotel: A highly-rated budget gem often under $35 (₱2,000).
Romantic To-Dos
The " lantern" Photo Op: In Hoi An, skip the crowded big boats. Hire a small private sampan boat at sunset (~₱300) to release a paper lantern on the river.
Get Tailored Together: Nothing says power couple like matching custom outfits. Visit Bebe Tailor or Yaly Couture. You can get a custom suit and dress made in 24 hours for a fraction of Manila prices.
Golden Bridge (Ba Na Hills): Go early (7:00 AM) to beat the tour buses for that iconic "hands holding the bridge" photo.
Perfect 5-Day Mini-Moon Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Manila to Da Nang (direct via Cebu Pacific/PAL). Check into Da Nang beachfront hotel.
Day 2: Day trip to Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge).
Day 3: Transfer to Hoi An (30 mins away). Afternoon tailoring appointment. Night market food tour.
Day 4: Morning basket boat ride in the coconut forest. Pick up tailored clothes. Sunset cocktails.
Day 5: Morning coffee, souvenir shopping, fly home.
Estimated Budget (Couple): ₱50k – ₱70k (excluding flights).
2. The Villa Dream: Bali, Indonesia
Why here? Because of the Private Pool Villas. In other countries, a private pool costs $500+. In Bali, you can find them for $100.
Where to Stay (The "Luxury for Less" Hack)
Look in Ubud (jungle vibes) or Canggu/Seminyak (hip vibes).
Villa Bondi (Canggu): A stylish, boho-chic villa that often lists around $80–$100 a night.
Nakula Stay (Legian/Seminyak): Offers private pool villas that can dip as low as $70 (₱4,000) a night if booked early.
Sri Aksata Ubud Resort: Authentic Balinese jungle feel for a very mid-range price.
Romantic To-Dos
Floating Breakfast: It’s a cliché for a reason. Ask your villa host to arrange a floating breakfast tray in your pool (~₱800–₱1,500).
Flower Bath: Book a treatment at Kaveri Spa or Udaya Resort. They fill a stone tub with thousands of rose petals. It is the ultimate honeymoon experience.
Private Driver for a Day: Rent a car with a driver for roughly ₱2,500/day. Go to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces and waterfalls at your own pace, with AC and privacy.
Perfect 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Denpasar. Transfer to Ubud Villa.
Day 2: Floating breakfast. Monkey Forest. Jungle swing photo op.
Day 3: Flower bath spa day. Romantic dinner at Swept Away restaurant (riverside).
Day 4: Transfer to Seminyak/Canggu. Sunset drinks at a beach club (La Brisa is great).
Day 5: Uluwatu Temple for sunset Kecak dance. Seafood dinner on Jimbaran beach.
Day 6: Souvenir shopping at Krisna (fixed price!), fly home.
Estimated Budget (Couple): ₱60k – ₱80k (excluding flights).
3. The Island Life: Thailand (Krabi and Koh Lanta)
Why here? Skip the chaos of Phuket. Head to Krabi and Koh Lanta for calmer, clearer waters and "Castaway" vibes that are still very affordable.
Where to Stay
SriLanta Resort & Spa (Koh Lanta): Rustic-chic cottages right near the beach. You can often find deals for $70–$90 (₱4,500) per night.
Centara Life Phu Pano (Krabi): A solid 4-star resort with stunning limestone cliff views, often around $50 (₱3,000).
Phi Phi Indigo Hotel: If you want to stay overnight on Phi Phi Island without the noise, this is a great mid-range option (~$80).
Romantic To-Dos
Rent a Private Longtail Boat: Instead of the group tour, rent a private boat for 4-6 hours (approx. ₱3,500–₱5,000). You control the schedule and can visit the lagoons when they are empty.
Railay Beach Sunset: Take a boat to Railay Beach (accessible only by water) and watch the sunset from the sand.
Night Markets: Eat incredible Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice for ₱100.
Perfect 6-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Manila to Bangkok, connect to Krabi.
Day 2: Railay Beach day trip (rock climbing or just chilling).
Day 3: Private "4 Islands" boat tour.
Day 4: Ferry to Koh Lanta (2 hours). Check into a quiet resort.
Day 5: Rent a scooter to explore Koh Lanta Old Town.
Day 6: Ferry back to Krabi airport, fly home.
Estimated Budget (Couple): ₱60k – ₱90k (excluding flights).
4. The "Big Trip": Portugal
Why here? If you have a slightly higher budget and want Europe, go to Portugal. It is significantly cheaper than France, Italy, or Switzerland, but just as romantic.
Note: You need a Schengen Visa.
Where to Stay (European Charm on a Budget)
Numa Lisbon Anjos: Stylish, modern apartments in Lisbon. Great value (approx €90–€120 or ₱6k–₱8k/night).
My Story Hotel Tejo: A boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Lisbon, often with great deals.
Private Rooms in Hostels: Places like The Central House Lisbon offer hotel-quality private double rooms for much less than standard hotels.
The "Insider" Luxury Hacks
Michelin-Style Tasting for Less: Book a table at A Taberna do Mar. They have a seafood tasting menu that has historically cost around €25–€30 (₱1,800) per person. This is unheard of in Europe!
Fado Night: Skip the expensive "Fado & Dinner" tourist traps. Go to Tasca do Chico in Bairro Alto. You just pay for your drinks/snacks, and the professional singers perform in a raw, intimate tavern setting.
Sintra Palaces: The Pena Palace is a real-life fairy tale castle. It is a must-visit.
Perfect 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Lisbon. Recover from jet lag with Pasteis de Nata (egg tarts).
Day 2: Explore Alfama district. Sunset at a Miradouro (viewpoint). Dinner at A Taberna do Mar.
Day 3: Day trip to Sintra (Pena Palace + Quinta da Regaleira).
Day 4: Train to Porto (3 hours).
Day 5: Port wine tasting tour in Porto. Walk the Dom LuÃs I Bridge.
Day 6: Train back to Lisbon. Last minute shopping.
Day 7: Fly home.
Estimated Budget (Couple): ₱120k – ₱180k (excluding flights).
Flight Note: Flights from Manila to Lisbon usually range from ₱50k to ₱80k per person.
Final Tips for Filipino Honeymooners
Visa Check: Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia (Bali) are Visa-Free. Portugal requires a Schengen Visa (apply 3 months in advance).
Exchange Rate:
Vietnam (Dong): You will feel like a millionaire. 1 PHP ≈ 430 VND.
Indonesia (Rupiah): 1 PHP ≈ 270 IDR.
Booking Timing: For "Private Pool Villas" in Bali or Boutique hotels in Hoi An, book 3–4 months in advance. The good, cheap ones sell out first.
Which vibe fits you best?
Foodie and Culture Vulture: Vietnam
Relaxation and Luxury Villa: Bali
Beach Bum and Island Hopper: Thailand
European Romance and Wine: Portugal
Enjoy the planning!