5 reasons the Philippines should be your 2026 island holiday

Often overlooked, this enclave of over 7000 tropical islands offers affordable adventure, breathtaking experiences and only-in-the-Philippines sights you won’t find anywhere else on earth.

There’s no need to convince Australians of the beauty of a tropical island holiday: sunshine, pristine beaches and a slower pace call us back time and again. But we tend to default to familiar places like Bali or Thailand. What we’re overlooking, time and again, is a massive archipelago of over 7000 islands, bursting with unique experiences. And it’s all sitting right on our doorstep with direct flights via Philippine Airlines: the Philippines.

In 2026, there are plenty of reasons to change this.

1. It’s easy to get there

Book direct flights with genuine Filipino warmth onboard. (Image: Haydn)

Direct flights from Sydney to Manila are just over seven hours long, and the reward is otherworldly.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is Asia’s first and longest-serving commercial airline. With multiple weekly direct services to Manila from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, it has the widest network between Australia and the Philippines. It also offers plenty of in-country domestic flights to make island-hopping a breeze.

The best of Filipino hospitality is on show on every flight. With an onboard philosophy of being “the heart of the Filipino” and “care that comes from the heart”, it’s clear to see PAL prides itself on showcasing genuine Filipino warmth while providing gracious service and impeccable hospitality.

2. The festival energy is unrivalled

Watch the smiling dancers at the MassKara Festival. (Image: Sherwin Ballesteros)

Filipino culture is loud, fun and communal. One of the best ways to experience it is to time your trip with one of many days-long fiestas that shut down city streets in celebration.

Fiestas like the Sinulog Festival, every January in Cebu. A Christian celebration, watch vibrant street parades with powerful drum beats and striking red-and-gold costumes, street dancing competitions, and more take place over nine days.

Or Bacolod’s MassKara Festival, held every October. This cultural celebration is famous for its elaborate, smiling masks worn by street dancers during electric street parties. The idea is to celebrate the city’s resilience, joy and unity, and it’s truly an experience not to be forgotten.

3. The islands are some of the most beautiful in the world

Find beauty and adventure on Boracay Island. (Image: Getty/ Nikada)

With over 7000 islands to choose from, it’s impossible not to find a favourite island in the Philippines.

The dog-bone-shaped Boracay is home to the Philippines’ best-known beach, the four-kilometre White Beach. It’s also peppered with over 350 luxurious resorts and accommodation offerings. Spend the day taking advantage of the island’s wealth of adventure-focused tourism experiences – from paddleboarding to helmet diving – then watch the shoreline come alive at night with music, fire dancers and margaritas.

The group of islands forming Coron are Boracay’s quieter cousins, packing a larger punch for travellers who seek a nature-based stay. Go island-hopping to find secret lagoons and secluded beaches to swim in. Dive among the historical shipwrecks from the Second World War at Coron Bay. Follow popular hiking trails for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, like Kayangan Lake, whose steep ascent is worth the final vistas.

Elsewhere, Siargao has long attracted avid surfers with its world-class surf breaks (particularly the powerful reef wave known as Cloud 9), but it’s evolved from being just a surfer’s paradise to the Philippines’ secret capital of barefoot luxury. The island is a natural playground. Hire a motorbike and enjoy the island’s roads, lined with palm tree forests. If surfing isn’t for you, cool off in calm rockpools, lagoons and rivers.

4. Discover authentic wellness experiences

Enjoy a therapeutic soak in a Kawa hot bath. (Image: Ryan Carlo Enriquez)

The wellness travel trend isn’t going anywhere, with more and more travellers seeking a restorative escape. The Philippines has made itself stand out in this arena by pushing wellness that embraces local tradition.

For example, the Kawa Hot Bath takes a large cast-iron cauldron, traditionally used to boil sugar cane, and turns it into one of the most relaxing bathing experiences one could have. Known to help with stress relief, muscle relaxation and skin rejuvenation, the cauldron is filled with mineral-rich water then topped off with goodies like herbs and flowers, or sometimes milk or coffee. It’s all gently heated by a fire underneath the tub, for a relaxing and therapeutic soak.

5. It offers great value for money

From meals to stays, get more bang for your buck in the Philippines. (Image: Avel Chuklanov)

With so much to offer, the incredible value-for-money experienced in the Philippines is just a sweet little cherry on top.

Here, Australians will find lower costs for food, accommodation and holiday activities than they would back home. In fact, a daily budget of around A$70 to $140 can cover entry-level accommodations, food and activities.

What’s not to love?

Start planning your idyllic 2026 island getaway to the Philippines at philippineairlines.com/en-au.