For generations, Australians have flocked to the tropical havens of Bali and Thailand in search of sun, surf, and a break from the daily grind. These destinations have long stood as staples in the Aussie holiday calendar, offering both value and a familiar sense of luxury just a short flight away. But as 2025 unfolds, a new chapter in regional travel is being written. The Philippines, with its postcard-perfect beaches and surging popularity, is now the rising star for Australian travellers, while Bali’s wellness retreats and luxury villas continue to redefine what it means to relax and recharge.
According to booking platform Klook, the Philippines has seen a remarkable 57% increase in demand from Australians over the past year. That’s no small feat. The reasons are as clear as the turquoise waters of Palawan: more flights, sharper fares, and a strong Australian dollar against the peso are making the archipelago more accessible and affordable than ever before. Henry Hooper, Klook’s Managing Director for Oceania, UK, and The Americas, summed it up, saying, “We’re seeing more Australians discover the Philippines through Klook, drawn by its stunning islands, vibrant food scene, and a wide range of activities for families or solo travellers. With the cost of living rising, the Philippines is an attractive option for those looking to make the most of their well-earned holiday without compromising on experiences.”
The numbers—and the excitement—don’t lie. Low-cost carriers have ramped up flights to Manila and beyond, and a new direct Brisbane-to-Cebu route is set to launch in November 2025, making it even easier for Aussies to hop over for a tropical escape. For families stretching their holiday budget or couples yearning for something new, the Philippines is ticking all the right boxes.
Travel agents are taking notice, too. With affordability now paired with luxury options, the Philippines is emerging as a serious contender in the region’s holiday rotation. Agents are promoting the new Brisbane–Cebu route as a growth opportunity and positioning alternative islands like Palawan and Siargao as destinations with serious bragging rights. Palawan, in particular, has become the stuff of travel legend. El Nido’s limestone cliffs rise dramatically from aquamarine lagoons, while secret beaches and underwater adventures in Coron draw both thrill-seekers and Instagram devotees. Puerto Princesa, the island’s capital, serves as the perfect base for exploring the famous underground river or embarking on island-hopping adventures around Honda Bay.
Boracay, meanwhile, keeps its party hat firmly on. Its White Beach is a daytime paradise that morphs into one of Asia’s most vibrant nightlife strips after dark. Activities like kitesurfing, paraw sailing, and lively beach clubs ensure there’s never a dull moment. And then there’s Cebu, about to get its big break with direct flights from Brisbane. This destination offers a mix of history, waterfalls, and world-class diving, all wrapped up in a bustling metropolis. Mactan Island, just off Cebu’s coast, adds a dose of resort luxury, making it an easy sell for those seeking both adventure and comfort.
But perhaps the coolest kid on the block is Siargao. Dubbed “Bali 20 years ago,” this island has become a magnet for surfers, yoga enthusiasts, and digital nomads alike. Its famous Cloud 9 surf break attracts wave chasers from around the globe, but there’s plenty for those seeking a slower pace—think smoothie cafés, mangrove kayaking, and WiFi-with-a-view workspaces. For Aussie families, Siargao offers a quieter, more affordable, and less crowded alternative to the usual hotspots.
Yet, as the Philippines enjoys its moment in the sun, Bali is far from stepping aside. In fact, the island is evolving to meet the changing needs of travellers, especially those seeking deeper relaxation and holistic wellness. All-inclusive wellness retreats are having a major moment, offering a stress-free path to true rejuvenation. According to a roundup published on September 29, 2025, Bali’s top retreats are drawing travellers from around the world—solo explorers, couples, and groups alike—promising transformative experiences without the hassle of planning every detail.
Take Goddess Retreats in Seminyak and Ubud, for example. Founded in 2003, this beloved women-only sanctuary blends luxury living with transformative wellness. Guests can immerse themselves in unlimited spa treatments, daily yoga, surf lessons, creative workshops, and Balinese cultural experiences—all in a supportive, all-female environment. “Goddess Retreats promises more than a holiday. It’s a journey of self-discovery wrapped in indulgence, where every detail is designed to help you relax, recharge, and return home renewed,” as the retreat’s founders describe it.
For those seeking a science-backed approach, REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort in Nusa Dua stands out. This exclusive retreat combines ancient therapies with modern longevity practices, from biohacking and beauty technologies to emotional therapies and nutrition plans. Every stay is personalised, beginning with a wellness evaluation that helps curate a path toward improved sleep, stress management, or enhanced emotional balance. The six Signature Immersive Retreats integrate science-based treatments, tailored nutrition, and guided movement into a seamless, restorative experience.
COMO Shambhala Estate in Ubud, set in a sacred 22-acre forest aligned with four ancient Balinese temples, offers a deeply spiritual yet luxurious retreat. Guests are treated to daily yoga, Pilates, spa therapies, and nutritious cuisine, all designed to nourish both body and soul. The estate’s thoughtful design and connection to Balinese tradition make it a benchmark for destination wellness.
Meanwhile, Escape Haven in Canggu is consistently ranked number one on TripAdvisor, thanks to its luxury inclusions, flexible scheduling, and warm, personalised approach. Women can choose from yoga, Pilates, fitness, Ayurvedic healing, detox, and even biohacking programs for longevity. With a world-class team of wellness experts and facilities that include a saltwater lagoon pool, recovery rooms, and a serene yoga shala, Escape Haven balances science-backed therapies with Bali’s natural spiritual energy.
Not to be outdone, Bali’s luxury accommodation scene is also making waves. Lyvin Melasti, a cliff-top collection of 16 ocean-facing villas and 20 ocean-view suites, opened above Melasti Beach on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula in June 2025. Designed by co-founder Victoria Sokovykh, each villa boasts Sulawesi marble floors, teak furniture, and floor-to-ceiling windows that capture 180-degree Indian Ocean views. Select villas even include private offices for those looking to extend their stay or embrace the work-from-paradise lifestyle. A signature restaurant by Tiga Bule is set to open in December 2025, with a wellness spa planned for 2026.
Lyvin Properties, founded by Alexander and Victoria Sokovykh, also operates Lyvin Bingin—a teak-forest hideaway with 10 three-bedroom villas near Bingin Beach—and Lyvin Berawa, a retreat in Canggu featuring townhouse accommodations set amidst tropical greenery. The expansion of such luxury properties reflects Bali’s ongoing evolution as a destination that caters to both traditional holidaymakers and a new generation of digital nomads, wellness seekers, and long-term guests.
As the landscape of regional travel shifts, Australians are spoiled for choice. Whether it’s the untamed beauty and affordability of the Philippines or the refined wellness and luxury of Bali, the options for a memorable escape have never been more enticing—or more diverse. For those planning their next getaway, the hardest part might just be deciding which paradise to pick.
