Aussies ditch Bali for cheap ‘hidden gem’

Data shows we’re holidaying differently amid rising cost-of-living pressures, as visitors to an idyllic island paradise that doesn’t cost a fortune double.

Australians are turning their backs on Bali amid rising cost-of-living pressures in favour of an idyllic island paradise that doesn’t cost a fortune.

The much-loved holiday destination has long been favoured for its stunning natural beauty and attractive affordability.

But as the Indonesian island continues to soar in popularity, attracting visitors from around the world, it has seen prices of holiday staples such as food, transport and accommodation “skyrocket”.

As a result, Aussies desperate for a holiday at Bali’s pre-pandemic prices are now seeking out cheaper alternatives, with one clear favourite emerging: the Philippines.

New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows the number of Aussie-based visitors returning from trips to the “island paradise” last year more than doubled that of 2022.

Despite the 8h 45m flight time from both Sydney and Melbourne to Manila, Aussies can pick up a return ticket to the up-and-coming Asian hotspot with a budget airline for just a few hundred bucks.

Cebu Pacific, a low-cost airline which has been operating between Australia and Manila since 2014, said the Philippines “represents great value” for travellers.

“The Philippines boasts a rich variety of sights and activities suited to every type of traveller and is becoming more popular than ever with Australians,” a Cebu Pacific spokesperson told news.com.au.

“In 2023, Cebu Pacific flew more than 100,000 in-bound passengers from Melbourne and Sydney to Manila.

“We see great potential for further growth and development in serving the Australian market and hope more Aussies can experience the life-changing happiness of travel in the Philippines.”

Aussies are flocking to island that has been described as ‘better than Bali’. Picture: TikTok/theworldwithrose

Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the number of Aussie-based visitors to the Philippines has doubled in the past 12 months. Picture: news.com.au

But it’s not just cheap flights that are causing Aussies to ditch our beloved Bali in favour of the “hidden gem”.

Experts have stated that for those on a budget, you can survive on “as little as $30 a day” because the Aussie dollar goes a long way in the Philippines.

With an ice-cold beer costing on average around $2 and a locally cooked meal setting travellers back as little as $10, it’s easy to see the attraction.

Accommodation can be pretty cheap too. Forget the ritzy resorts and expensive beach clubs that see tourists rack up a tidy bill in Bali thesedays – if you’re willing to sacrifice glitz and glamour for simple comforts, Aussies can save themselves a small fortune in hotel costs.

Cebu Pacific, one of the airlines shuttling between Australia and the island nation, said it is ‘becoming more popular than ever’. Picture: news.com.au

Aside from its affordability, the biggest draw card of the Philippines is undoubtedly its crystal blue waters, almost year-long sunshine, and endless “to die for beaches”.

The country is made up of 7200 islands, many of which are largely uninhabited, though in popular areas such as Boracay, El Nido and Coron – where I travelled to as a guest of Cebu Pacific recently – you can expect crowds during peak season.

During a very short, but incredibly sweet jaunt I took the “Coron Ultimate Island Day Tour”, which costs about $53 and includes lunch and snacks throughout the day, and explored the Palawan region by water.

Our group saw so much in just eight hours, including lush forests and some of the bluest waters I’d ever witnessed, as well as endless sprawling beaches.

It is incredibly affordable compared to Bali where prices are rising due to increased tourism. Picture: TikTok/theworldwithrose

It’s easy to understand why it has become popular amid current cost-of-living pressures. Picture: TikTok/haz_and_loz

Cebu, El Nido, Coron and Balabac are some of the most popular islands. Picture: news.com.au

The ‘must-try’ dish at a fast-food chain dubbed the ‘Filipino Macca’s’. Picture: Reddit

One of the highlights was trying Jolibee, a fast-food chain dubbed the “Filipino Macca’s”, which serves up a number of cult menu items locals recommend fondly.

The “must-try” dish at the popular chain is the spaghetti, which contains hot dogs that have been sliced up, and is served with cheese.

However, it’s unlike any spaghetti you will have ever tried, as it contains banana ketchup, making it sweet to taste and cementing it as a “special” menu item.

Social media has been steadily flooding with “breathtaking” reviews of the island nation, with many noting Cebu, El Nido and Balabac were among some of the most “spectacular” spots to visit alongside Coron.

“El Nido is the most beautiful places I have seen in my life,” one declared on TikTok.

“Hands down the Philippines is better than Bali,” another added.

As one declared: “I want to go back so badly I could cry.”

The journalist travelled to the Philippines as a guest of Cebu Pacific