eight reasons to visit the colourful, creative side of the Philippines

The Philippines has more than 7000 islands – which is kind of mind boggling. One minute you’re weaving through the chaos of Manila in a brightly painted ‘jeepney’, the next you’re swimming in electric-blue water or eating shaved ice piled with ube (purple yam). While the country is often framed as a tropical beach destination (which, to be fair, it totally is), there’s also a creative and colourful side to the Philippines that makes it a very exciting spot to explore. Here are eight reasons to book the trip.

the streets look like a Wes Anderson set The northern city of Vigan feels almost dreamlike: cobblestone lanes, crumbling colonial buildings, horse-drawn carriages and faded shopfronts in buttery yellows and dusty pinks. There’s beauty in the details here – hand-painted signs, capiz shell windows and tiny family-run stores that look unchanged for decades. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and actually look around.

island life has a creative streak If you love to surf, you’ve probably heard of Siargao – the surf capital of the Philippines. But it’s also become a magnet for the more creative and designer-types. Between swims and scooter rides, you’ll find airy cafes, ceramics studios, concept stores and bamboo villas that look like a heavenly, relaxing fever dream. Somehow, the whole island manages to feel both stylish and like a deep breath out through your mouth.

dessert is gloriously chaotic Halo-halo translates to ‘mix-mix’, which is exactly what happens in this beloved Filipino dessert. Shaved ice is layered with ingredients like jelly, coconut, sweet beans, leche flan, fruit and ube ice cream, creating a sugar-fuelled masterpiece in every possible colour. No two versions are ever quite the same, which means trying halo-halo quickly becomes a very serious personal research project (multiple bowls needed for journalistic integrity). 

ancient hanging coffins High in the mountains of Northern Luzon, coffins hang suspended from limestone cliffs as part of an ancient Indigenous burial tradition. Visiting Sagada feels worlds away from the country’s tropical coastlines – the air is cool, the roads are misty and the pace is peaceful and quiet.

Manila rewards curious wanderers Manila can feel big and chaotic at first, but spend some time in Poblacion and its creative side starts to reveal itself. There are hidden cocktail bars tucked behind convenience stores, tiny cafes filled with local art, rooftop restaurants, vintage shops and neighbourhood bakeries turning out unexpectedly excellent pastries. It’s lively, layered and full of personality – exactly the kind of place best explored while wandering aimlessly.

the water barely looks real The lagoons around Coron are the kind of blue usually reserved for desktop backgrounds and edited Instagrams with the filters cranked to max. Kayaking between towering limestone cliffs or diving into warm, impossibly clear water feels like you’re in a magical dream land. Even the boat rides are beautiful, with dramatic rock formations rising straight from the sea like giant sculptures.

dinner comes without plates A kamayan feast involves food spread across long banana leaves: grilled seafood, rice, tropical fruit and all manner of delicious things arranged down the centre of the table. The catch? You eat with your hands. Messy? Yes. Fun? Extremely! More than anything, it captures the warmth and generosity that Filipino hospitality is known for.

handmade traditions are everywhere In and around Banaue, weaving, embroidery and craft traditions remain deeply woven into everyday life. Across the mountainous north, artisans create intricate textiles on backstrap looms using techniques passed down through generations. Visiting these communities offers something far richer than a souvenir-shopping experience – it’s a chance to see creativity as living history, shaped slowly and carefully by hand.

Getting there is easy peasy thanks to Philippine Airlines. While flight delays seem to have become an unfortunate travel experience elsewhere, the airline was recently named the most punctual carrier in the Asia-Pacific region by Cirium – very good news for anyone keen to get this creative and colourful holiday started pronto.

This article was made with the help of Philippine Airlines. Return flights from Australia to the Philippines start from AUD $794* (yahoo!) so take a peek at the Philippine Airlines website to book. 

*Fares are subject to change depending on the dates, routes, and terms & conditions.