If you give an artist the space and freedom to create without boundaries, it can result in something like Ili-Likha!
Ili-Likha is a place in Baguio City that I visited a few days ago during a short trip to the Philippines. Though the trip was brief, it was meaningful because I discovered the amazing things the city has to offer.
Ili-Likha is unlike any other place I have visited in my life—it was an eye-opening experience that showcased what an artist’s hands can create. It’s incredible to think that one person’s vision can bring something so otherworldly to life.
The visit to Ili-Likha was completely unplanned. I just happened to see a vlogger visit the place for its vegetarian food, and although I’m not into vegetarian cuisine, it was clear that the place was worth checking out. So, we squeezed it into our itinerary—and I’m so glad we did. I was literally at a loss for words as I walked through the labyrinth-like structure of the place.
From the outside, it looks like a simple treehouse built using scrap materials. Unlike a typical building, it has no defined corners, and there is no specific orientation to its design. Its artistic appearance gives the impression that it was crafted entirely by hand, without the use of any engineering tools—which makes it even more fascinating!
As we entered the building, it opened up to a world unlike anything I had ever seen before. It’s something I can’t compare to any other place I’ve visited so far. I’ve been to antique stores and art museums, but I have never seen or felt anything quite like what I experienced at Ili-Likha. It’s amazing how a single artist could envision and build something so unique, unlike anything else.
Ili-Likha is a place that continues to evolve. In fact, the construction of the building is still ongoing. Some areas are currently under construction, showing that it is still expanding right up to the edges of the property.
There are also accessories and souvenir shops inside the Ili-Likha, and here are the items that I found to be interesting 😁.
At the far back of the property stands a traditional house called Fal-E. This unique structure, found in the Mountain Province, was designed to shelter a family.
Its steeply pitched roof prevents pine needles from accumulating, while the house is elevated on stilts to keep wild animals from entering. The open space beneath the house serves as both a resting area and a place for cooking. Additionally, discs are placed on the upper part of the pillars to prevent rats from climbing up. It’s an ingenious design—and a beautiful one as well.
Ili-Likha is more than just a place—it’s a testament to the boundless creativity of an artist’s vision. Walking through its spaces felt like stepping into a dream, where art and nature seamlessly blend. If you ever find yourself in Baguio, don’t miss the chance to experience this one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
