Into the woods, by the sea: A Halloween away from home

Halloween arrives just before Undas, the annual observance on 1 and 2 November when Filipinos return to their hometowns to honor deceased relatives. With 31 October falling on a Saturday this year, the long weekend presents an opportunity to leave the city and spend a few days elsewhere.

For some, that means a coastal retreat. For others, a cabin among pine trees, a mountain hideaway or a property with distinctive architecture offers a welcome change of pace. The appeal often lies in the spaces themselves: outdoor showers, secluded gardens, pools overlooking valleys and living rooms built for late-night conversation.

According to Airbnb search data, interest in holiday weekend stays has grown year-over-year in Balabag, Boracay; Barangay 76 in Pasay; and Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, reflecting steady demand for both beach retreats and urban stays. Whether travelers are organizing a group trip with friends, a quiet solo getaway or a family reunion, several destinations across the country provide an atmospheric backdrop for the long weekend.

Into the woods

Mountain and forest settings offer a cooler, slower pace with secluded spaces designed for evening gatherings.

In Cebu City, the Acacia Suite at Adlawon Vacation Farm sits on a working farm in the hills outside the city center, offering open rural views and quiet surroundings suited for a slow-paced weekend. Nearby in Adlaon, the Bali-Style Cabin Villa features mountain vistas, a private pool and sufficient space for families and larger groups seeking seclusion near the urban core.

Further north in Baguio, Benguet, Orange House B borders walking trails and pine stands, combining standard residential amenities with direct access to the cool highland air. Also in Baguio, the Trees & View Retreat accommodates large gatherings with panoramic mountain views, a billiards table and table tennis facilities. In Tagaytay, Cavite, the Hillwoods Cabin sits enclosed by dense woodland, pairing an outdoor swimming pool with an open-air fire pit designed for evening gatherings and ghost stories.

Coastal escapes

Beachfront and coastal properties offer an alternative to mountain retreats, trading pine forests for ocean views and waterfront access.

In Cebu City, the Molinillo Vacation Cabin sits between the coast and the hills, providing direct beach access alongside proximity to nearby hiking paths and waterfalls. Further north in Liloan, Cebu, the Silot Bay Getaway overlooks the water with a three-bedroom layout, an elevated sunset viewing deck and a private staircase leading to the shoreline.

In Boracay, Aklan, the Robinson Beach House Villa sits directly along White Beach in Station 1, accommodating up to 10 guests with an exclusive swimming pool steps from the sand. On a nearby ridge in Malay, Aklan, the Hagdan Beach Villa features an ocean-facing pool and rooftop garden terrace within walking distance of the beach. Tucked into the hills of Din-iwid, the Diwa Island Gem incorporates koi ponds, lush greenery and outdoor showers into an open-plan layout.

Architectural retreats

Distinctive structural elements — from cedar-log construction to woven bamboo framing — can also shape the travel experience.

In Dalaguete, Cebu, the Campgrounds Glamping Suite positions an outdoor tent setup against the southern Cebu highlands, supported by standard indoor amenities. In Baguio, the Alphaland Baguio Log Home uses solid cedar logs, a stone fireplace, sweeping mountain views and a dedicated games lounge to create a classic alpine lodge aesthetic.

Just outside Tagaytay in Silang, Cavite, Narra Cabin 3 includes a private heated jacuzzi and an open-air bathroom set amid dense garden foliage. In Pilar, Bataan, Casa Kawayan at Nico’s Hideaway is built primarily from bamboo, featuring an infinity-edge pool overlooking Mount Samat. In Tuba, Benguet, The Cottage sits in a private garden away from urban centers, focusing on low-impact stays, reading and outdoor dining.

Whether staying along the coast or in the mountains, these getaways reflect a growing preference for distinctive spaces over crowded celebrations during the Undas holidays.