A stone iron plate barbecue isn’t enough for a honeymoon — a candlelit dinner in a cave is what true romance is all about.

▲A romantic seaside candlelit dinner is a major draw for many who choose an island honeymoon. (Photo courtesy of El Nido Resorts)

By Chen Rui Zhong / Reporting from the Philippines

Many couples selecting a honeymoon spot choose islands full of romantic charm. But apart from white sands, sunsets, and blue waters and skies, what else makes an island vacation truly romantic?

Located in the Philippines, Apulit Island not only has all the classic romantic elements of an island, but also lets you arrange a private candlelit dinner on the beach. Or enjoy a sweet open-air picnic by the peaceful shore. And if you’re looking for something more unique, Apulit Island offers one major highlight: a cave candlelit dinner.

▲Even at noon, you can arrange an exclusive lunch for two right on the beach. (Photo by Reporter Chen Rui Zhong)

The northeastern part of Apulit Island features five naturally formed limestone caves, arranged from south to north as Bat Cave, Secret Cave, St. Joseph Cave, Lobster Cave, and North Cave.

▲Apulit Island is home to many naturally formed limestone caves that are not easily discovered by outsiders. (Photo by Reporter Chen Rui Zhong)

Among them, Bat Cave is situated at a higher elevation. Visitors can enter through a small cave below. The cave is home to many bats, and although locals often come here to harvest bird’s nests, it is less frequented by general tourists.

Another notable cave is St. Joseph Cave, famous for a large natural rock inside that resembles Saint Joseph, reminiscent of Taiwan’s Guanyin Cave on Green Island.

▲The rock in the middle that looks like Joseph is the namesake of St. Joseph Cave. (Photo by Reporter Chen Rui Zhong)

As for a romantic dinner setting, the best options are Lobster Cave and North Cave. Lobster Cave has a spacious interior, and on calm nights, you can arrange a candlelit dinner here through the resort.

A cave candlelit dinner is far from just sitting on rocks with a simple boxed meal and a candle for show. At Apulit Island, your candlelit dinner comes complete with chefs and service staff who set up a full dining table, chairs, and cutlery in advance, and prepare gourmet dishes on-site—offering couples an undisturbed dining atmosphere. Aside from an intimate dinner for two, Lobster Cave can also accommodate up to 6–8 people, allowing friends and family to share in the couple’s joy.

▲A full set of tableware and service that’s hard to believe is located inside a cave on an island. (Photo courtesy of El Nido Resorts)

Located at the northernmost end, North Cave can host up to 10 diners and features a natural skylight inside. Look up to see twinkling stars, and listen to the sound of crashing waves—it’s the epitome of romance.