Pretty soon it’s going to be Valentine’s Day. For those who are attached, it could mean a stressful time trying to find unique date ideas you could do on this day.
After all, it’s so boring to just go to a restaurant, right? Not to mention every food establishment will be full with dating couples out to celebrate hearts day.
Full disclosure, though: I’m not a fan of Valentine’s Day. I think everyday should be celebrated with your loved one. However, I’m aware of why this special day is recognized.
So for all the people who want to celebrate it, here are romantic date ideas for Valentine’s, suggested by my fellow travel bloggers.
For some people, the simplest way is the best way. You can eat out–there are so many wonderful restaurants out there that could provide the perfect ambiance for you. Kara Santos recommends Maginhawa St. in Quezon City. It has a LOT of romantic dining places, including Van Gogh is Bipolar, BlackSoup Cafe + Artspace, Gayuma ni Maria, Leona Art Restaurant, When Uan Met Sally, and The Sweet Spot.
The sunset in Manila Bay can be very romantic.
If you want your dinner to be more romantic, you can go on a Manila Bay Sunset Cruise. It’s an hour-long cruise that will take you from Manila Bay up to Mall of Asia and back. There’s dinner provided with the boat ticket, and a live band will serenade the passengers too. Buy your ticket in advance, since Valentine’s Day is sure to be sold out soon!
Those who are in the Visayas region would love the Palina River Cruise in Roxas City, Capiz. Claire Madarang says it’s quiet and idyllic, with a picturesque view of the river, mangroves, islets, and riverside communities.
She adds, “As this place is not your usual tourist destination, don’t be surprised to find it all to yourselves, save for some locals. Before you step on the raft, you can dine on oysters fresh from the river, as well as the seafood that Capiz is so famously known for.”
Idyllic Palina River in Capiz.
If dinner and cruising seems to be too cliché for you, you can also opt to go on a nature trip first. Mhe-Anne Ojeda My Comings and Goings recommends Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. She and her husband had gone there on their first date. There’s fish feeding, as well as “a water taxi ride for a scenic view of the whole facility. For heart-pumping activities, you can go jogging, biking, wakeboarding or playing sports at the 10-hectare open field.” You can also go bird watching or just have a picnic there.
Still in Laguna, Paula Anntoneth recommends a quaint bed-and-breakfast located in the heart of San Pablo City. It’s a converted old house that also has a museum, a restaurant, and–best of all–easy access to tourist attractions in the area like the seven lakes, the San Pablo Church, and the old houses in the city.
For those who are in Bukidnon in Mindanao, Regin Reyno recommends walking around in Mountain View College. It is 800 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the forest. It has wide green lawns, tall pine trees, and a park with a beautiful view–a truly romantic place!
The artsy Collective in Makati City.
Bukidnon and Laguna too far from you? Take Marky Ramone Go’s recommendation then, and just take a stroll in Luneta Park in Manila. According to him, it’s “a popular dating place since what the elders refers to as ‘panahon ni Homma‘ (referring to Japanese WWII General Masaharu Homma).” He asks, “What better way to carry the tradition of walking side by side and holding hands with your special someone than to do it in a modern time where the world is screaming not of a great war against an imperial army, but against the tyrannical ruling of the corrupt politicians?”
You can also just stay in Makati City and listen to music at The Collective, “a small artsy compound that houses an eclectic combination of galleries, restaurants and shops,” according to Marj Garra. “You can also check out another famous Indie hangout, SaGuijo Bar+Cafe. It has a very intimate setting—you will only be a few feet, if not inches, away from your favorite band!” she adds.
Lovely Diniwid Beach in Boracay.
For those with the time and money to splurge on a weekend getaway, what better way to show your love than to plan for a day or two at the beach or at some lovely island? The Philippines has so many of these beautiful destinations (read: Most Romantic Places in the Philippines) that you can celebrate every month in a new place for years without repeating a single destination!
Boracay is, of course, on top of the list of most travelers. It has been named as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and Brenna Bustamante highly recommends it. She loves Diniwid Beach for snorkeling, sunbathing and swimming, and–most of all–for the beautiful sunset that makes it a perfect place for romance.
There are many other beautiful places in the Philippines, though. Cebu City, for example, has a lot of beautiful beaches that are a must-visit. One of these is Bantayan Island which is popular with both local and foreign tourists. Oman Serapio recommends it for lovers, as it “has the atmosphere of a laid-back island full of beaches and old-world wonders.”
Enjoy the romantic Sumilon Island in Cebu!
Reiza Dejito, on the other hand, likes Sumilon Island. According to her, Sumilon is a “white-sand-rimmed paradise just an hour and a half south of Cebu City. It has a small cove tucked between a cliff and shifting sandbar for much-needed privacy. It can provide the perfect backdrop and a memorable experience for a first or even a twentieth date!”
Still another island in Cebu that travelers love is the Camotes Island. It is “idyllic, enchanting, and just simply amazing,” according to Zigfred Diaz. He adds, “Its beaches, caves, underground springs and fascinating rock formation are just what awaits couples out there who would want to celebrate their relationship with nature’s wonders.”
Swim with the stingless jellyfish in Bucas Grande Island.
Down in Mindanao, Edelito Sangco highly recommends Bucas Grande Island. Everyone should check out the world-renowned Sohoton Cove, an inlet with a 40-meter cave entrance passable only during low tide. He says, “Marvel at the scenic rock formations, snorkel and dive on the placid azure waters, and swim with the friendly and stingless jellyfish.”
Couples who share the same love for extreme adventure sports will find that nothing beats going on a date in the mountains or on the rocks. You can go rock climbing in Cantabaco, Toledo, Cebu.
According to bloggers Gian and Shiela, “Trust is the most important aspect of a healthy relationship, and nothing can demonstrate that mutual trust more eloquently than belaying your partner as he or she climbs a sheer cliff; his or her life is literally in your hands.”
Rock climb with your loved one in Cebu.
If it’s trekking you want, and not exactly rock climbing, go to Osmeña Peak, still in the province of Cebu! Cleofas P. Yuson III finds that trekking with his loved one is his choice of a romantic date.
And for the most adventurous of all–climb a mountain! The Philippines’ third highest peak is Mount Pulag in Benguet, and during the cold months (February still may be considered cold season), you may be able to see the so-called Sea of Clouds. I’ve hiked there with the UP Mountaineers in 2003, and at night it reached a low of 3 degrees Celsius!
Sweet love in Mt. Pulag.
According to Mike Laagan, climbing Mt. Pulag is something that every (active) couple must try. This will test your patience and will, and the sunrise is a sight to behold. The experience will never be matched by anything else when you are up there, on top of the clouds.
There you go–there’re lots and lots of romantic ideas here that you can use for Valentine’s Day–or any other day, for that matter. Make every moment count with the one you love!
Do you observe Valentine’s Day? What will you do to celebrate it this year?
18 Comments. Leave new
include venice piazza in mckinley hill! 🙂
Slowly going through all your older blog post… I should be working right now. lol.
Best regards,
Daniel
Thanks for reading, Daniel! I love your Manila hotels post! So useful!
These are really such a wonder ful ! I appreciate these great tips for Romantic Dates but I’m not philippines citizen. I’m from India But I can also follow these tips for Romantic idea’s am I right ?
I have not been to the Philippines but would like to and by looking at these amazing photos they seem amazing. Romance in Philippines seems like a great idea particularly when Valentine’s Day is round the corner.
Ganda ng compilation, Aleah! You can also add siguro Harbor Square by Manila Bay. My bf and I would always go there pag trip namin magDate with a view. 😛
@ Marj: I was raised in Surigao del Sur, just south of Bucas Grande. I can’t believe I haven’t been there either haha
@ Dana: If you come visit the Philippines, you should definitely check out our islands!
@ Mike: As it should be. 🙂 Love your photo!
@ Claire: Thanks for joining the collab post. 🙂 Wish I can take that river cruise you were talking about!
I wish for a lone hike somewhere this year, much opposite to swimming at Hannah’s Beach in Ilocos last year. But I know this wish will not be granted because I will be in class that day. =)
It’s my first time herein your blog and I love your posts. Will try to come back for more readings.
Thank you Aleah for accepting my contribution.
Sumilon Island in Cebu looks amazing. An island getaway would be right up my alley. I agree about celebrating V-day in a non-traditional way. Great post!
Great compilation, Aleah! And Bucas Grande! Definitely on my list–romantic date or not. Hopefully, I get to visit it this year 😀
Love the compilation, Aleah! I love how you classified them from the simple (chill lang) to the adventurous. 🙂
Lovers in Pulag is the theme for February.
@ Mike: Climbing Mt. Pulag is really good. Been there and I loved the sea of clouds!
@ Photo Cache: I think it’s overrated too, but some people really love it. 🙂
Neither am I a fan of this holiday too. My husband and I have been together (including our dating years) for nearly 20 years and we only once went out on Valentine’s Day. It was a headache. We went out to eat and everywhere is so crowded.
Oh wow, Mt Pulag, Boracay the Manilla Bay cruise…which to pick?? They all sound so amazing. You and I are on the exact same page, Aleah, I want to celebrate Valentine’s every day of the year as far as being romantic. And I think it’s critically important for both men and women to think outside the box and do non-traditional activities or dates. Good post 🙂