I've traveled all over the world, and this small Philippine island is my favorite new beach destination

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Photo by Melissa Rundle

Last fall, I visited the Philippines for a slightly bizarre reason: to judge the Miss Scuba International beauty pageant.

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I confess that Cebu, an island province in the Philippines, was never on my travel bucket list, mainly because I didn’t know much about these islands. However, by the end of my first day, I realized I had found a favorite new beach destination.

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Sailing through Lapu-Lapu, one of the main cities in Cebu, I couldn’t believe my eyes: There were white sand beaches under giant palms and almost no tourists anywhere. I tried new types of seafood (including a lobster-like mantis shrimp) and discovered local flavors like calamansi (a tart citrus that is delicious when mixed with gin).

Most travelers don't know about Cebu yet — but they're missing out. It's one of the most affordable, uncrowded, and beautiful beach destinations in Southeast Asia.

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Disclaimer: La Carmina and her travel filmmakers were guests of Pacific Cebu Resort and sáv Hospitality.

 

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The moment I stepped onto Caohagan Island, in the resort city of Lapu-Lapu, I knew I'd found a favorite new beach destination.

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Photo by Eric Bergemann

White sand, warm waters, and no tourists or shops in sight.

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Melissa Rundle
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The waters are so shallow in Lapu-Lapu that you can walk between some of the islands during low tide. On the sea floor, I spotted red and blue starfish.

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Photo by K. Lau

I didn’t expect Cebu to have such a laid-back, tropical beauty.

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Melissa Rundle
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I stayed at the Pacific Cebu Resort, which was recently renovated. The hotel's design and materials are harmonious with the landscape.

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Photo by Melissa Rundle

Learn more about the Pacific Cebu Resort »

The hotel's pier extends far out into the ocean. I spotted all types of fish and coral in the waters below me.

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Photo by Melissa Rundle
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I found my happy place by one of the three pools. I dined on organic adobo chicken, and drank a green mango smoothie spiked with local Tanduay rum.

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Photo by La Carmina

Sipping a fresh coconut under the palms, before a snorkel session. This feels like paradise.

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Photo by Eric Bergemann
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The resort has a top-rated diving school, and guests can get certified in all levels of scuba. Beginners train with experts in various languages, and dive right from the long pier.

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Photo by Melissa Rundle

I was a judge at the Miss Scuba International beauty pageant, which was held at the hotel. The pageant’s goal is to raise awareness about marine preservation through these young and poised spokeswomen.

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Photo by Melissa Rundle
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In addition to learning to dive, the Miss Scuba contestants must answer questions about ocean conservation, and compete in the usual swimwear, evening gown and talent shows.

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Photo by La Carmina

Talk about “hot” yoga. I did sun salutations with the Miss Scuba beauty contestants, under the shade of palm leaves.

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Photo by Melissa Rundle
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At Caohagan Island, you can pick your seafood fresh from the local vendors. They’ll grill and steam it up for you, using local seasonings.

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Photo by Melissa Rundle

I had never seen this creepy-crawly crustacean before. It’s a Southeast Asian mantis shrimp, similar to a lobster.

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Photo by Melissa Rundle
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Locals ride colorful “jeepneys” as public transportation. These were originally converted from American military jeeps after the end of World War II. If a jeepney is filled to capacity, riders will stand on the back platform and hang on for dear life.

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Photo by La Carmina

Only a few hundred people live on Caohagan Island, mostly working as fishermen and craftspeople. The children ran to us, smiling and waving, and insisted on posing for photos.

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Photo by La Carmina
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Now enjoy a short travel video that highlights the best of Cebu.

 

Read the original article on La Carmina Blog. Copyright 2015.
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