A little over a month ago, my friends and I packed our bags and headed off on a quick escape to the mountains of Baguio City. When we decided to visit baguio, we were looking for places that is new to us, at the same time, relaxing and soulful. that’s why we added ili-Likha on our “must visit places in baguio list”.
This magical spot is founded by the Filipino filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik, and it’s hidden away like a secret in the heart of the city. The moment we walked in, we felt like we entered a whole new world.
Think of a place made almost entirely of wood, scraps, and recycled materials. with staircases and wooden platforms that twist around trees. That’s Ili-Likha. It’s hard to describe how it felt—you have to see it for yourself.
We wandered through its stoned walkways like curiously, discovering a new detail at every turn: a sculpture made of old gears, a mural painted on driftwood, a bench made of broken tiles. It felt like a living artwork, something that keeps growing and changing with each visitor and each artist who adds their touch.
One thing about my friends and me—we love taking pictures. It’s our thing. We find joy in capturing memories together, and Ili-Likha is basically a photographer’s dream. Every angle is a photo op. Whether it’s under a canopy of leaves, against a bright wall of recycled glass, or inside a cozy wooden nook, the whole village is ridiculously photogenic.
We spent hours laughing, posing, and soaking up the artsy vibes. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down and just enjoy being with your people in a beautiful setting.
If you’re like me and you love local crafts, you’ll adore this place. I always have loved handmade items, and Ili-Likha is filled with them. There are different stalls that offer a variety of products, from textile, crochet items, handmade accessories and wooden trinkets handcrafted by skilled artist. It’s a space that celebrate authenticity and culture. I am a crocheter myself, so seeing this wonderful crocheted stuffs makes my heart happy, unfortunately I was not able to meet the artist or the crocheter here. It would have been lovely if I did.
They even have an honesty flower shop, well the concept is, you chose the flower that you want to purchase, how ever there’s nobody manning the store, so you pay your flowers by just dropping your money inside the box. If you need change, you can just get it yourself too!
To complete the vibe, there are plenty of food stalls and laid-back cafés serving up all kinds of treats—from iced coffee and hot tea to vegan options and comforting local favorites. The food might not be fancy, but it’s made with care. Most of the ingredients come from nearby, and a lot of the dishes are cooked the old-school way, just like how grandma used to make them.
Sustainability Meets Art
Another reason I am impressed with ili-likha is because of it’s sustainability. Their decor are mostly made with recycled materials such as scrap metal, recycled bottles and mirrors. This what makes the place beautiful and unique. It’s about purposeful beauty. Art with meaning.
Spaces that inspire and make us think about how we live, what we consume, and how we can be more mindful.
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself in Baguio, don’t miss Ili-Likha. Whether you’re into art, sustainability, photography, or just need a peaceful space to recharge, this village offers something unique.
More than just a place to visit, Ili-Likha feels like a place to reconnect—with culture, with creativity, and with the people you’re sharing the journey with. It reminded me that some of the best experiences are the ones you find when you're not really looking—when you allow yourself to get lost and discover something unexpectedly magical.
So if you're planning a Baguio trip soon, I hope you add this little wonder to your list. You’ll leave with a full heart, a full camera roll, and maybe a gem bracelet of your own or any little thing you can take home with you from our wonderful local artists.
Thank you very much for dropping by my blog. See you again guys again until next time, keep safe!
Dani
