Last fall, I visited the Philippines for a slightly bizarre reason: to judge the Miss Scuba International beauty pageant.
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.
Disclaimer: La Carmina and her travel filmmakers were guests of Pacific Cebu Resort and sáv Hospitality.
The moment I stepped onto Caohagan Island, in the resort city of Lapu-Lapu, I knew I'd found a favorite new beach destination.
White sand, warm waters, and no tourists or shops in sight.
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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