I’ve always wanted to travel to Micronesia.

I think it is one of the regions that are so, so gorgeous, but they get very few attention from the global travel community.

For Filipinos, this region is actually very well-known, but not for travel purposes. For many, going to countries such as Palau, Northern Mariana and Guam is a stepping stone to landing a better job in the mainland US. But I think, that these countries also deserve attention for their landscapes and natural attractions.

They are part of Micronesia so countries belonging to this sub-region of course have very unique topography.

My desire to travel to the region was even heightened as the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) in the Philippines released photos of its spectacular dive sites. As part of Guam’s tourism promotion efforts, it is inviting Filipinos to come experience the country’s major dive sites.

I may not be a good swimmer but I am fan of water activities.

Sure, the Philippines also has amazing dive sites like those in Anilao and Palawan but belonging to a unique sub-region as Micronesia, means that the marine biodiversity in Guam is something you have to witness.

One favorite dive site is the Blue Hole, a natural coral shaft with teaming marine life and visibility up to 100 feet (30 meters).  Among the marine life you will encounter are the red-tooth triggerfish, titan triggerfish, crocodile needlefish and various butterfly fish. The site is also teeming with larger fishes such as Napoleons, and barracudas.

Barracuda Rock is equally captivating.  It features great visibility, as do all of the open ocean sites along Guam’s west coast, and a boulder-strewn ocean floor, sometimes harboring colorful lobsters.  Its caves are filled with red squirrelfish, hatchetfish, and big porcupine fish.

Another interesting dive site is the Gab Gab 2 reef, which the Atlantis tourist submarine circles.  It is one place where you will most likely see big fish such as giant trevallies, batfish, a nurse shark and a moray eel.  If you look closely, especially in the round concrete structures on the reef, you can even find big stonefish.

For diving fanatics, Guam is also a perfect destination for visiting ship wreck. One famous shipwreck is that of  German ship from World War I, the SMS Cormoran, which came into contact with a Japanese ship, Tokai Maru, during World War II. The Japanese ship was actually sunk during battle, and damage from the bombing can be seen on the ship.   This is the only place in the world where wrecks from both world wars touch beneath the surface.

Equally interesting is the American Tanker, a concrete barge sunk after WWII.  There are a few open rooms along the ship deck, as well as the superstructure itself, which can be safely entered by divers without special shipwreck training.  You can find an emperor angelfish hanging around the rudder, and there are red snappers, titan triggerfish and assorted fusillears, butterflyfish and parrotfish around the wreck.

To ensure the safety of divers, Guam has two fully staffed recompression chambers run by the U.S. Navy and two hospitals – one military and one private to come to the rescue in case of any untoward incident.

As part of its efforts to bring in tourists to its shores, Guam is maintaining its various dive sites to preserve its natural beauty even as it opens these sites to avid diving enthusiasts.

Diving packages for all ages are also available to cater to a wider market.

It may not be soon, but I will take diving lessons so I can prepare for the time when I can explore Guam’s underwater treasures.

Imagine a holiday with pristine white beaches, turquoise waters and tax-free shopping. Now that Cebu Pacific, the leading airline in the Philippines, has begun offering low-fare flights between Manila and Guam, it might be high time to put this US territory on the bucket list.

The largest and southernmost of the Mariana Island Arc, the island of Guam is located east of the Philippines. This exotic and stunning destination is rich in natural resources, and boasts of diverse colonial history and local culture, which probably account for its one million visitors a year. 

Off-the-beaten-path paradise

Guam is lush and tropical, with breathtaking ocean views, making it seem like an untouched paradise despite its popularity among tourists. Impressively, the island manages to protect its resources well. Its beaches for one, like Tumon and Tanguisson, boast of an abundant marine life.

Guam is also surrounded by a thriving coral reef that makes it a year-round snorkeling and diving destination. Diving can also be a lesson in history, as among the most popular destinations in Guam are the SMS Cormoran and the Tokai Maru, shipwrecks from the two world wars.

The island is also blessed with a slew of natural wonders such as towering cliffs, beautiful limestone forest terrains, and other wonders such as the Pagat Caves, Sigua Falls, Ague Cove, and Marbo Cave. One must-see wonder though is Talofofo Falls, a scenic 30-foot waterfall in the Ugum River that can be accessed by a cable car.

All in all, the whole of the island is a sight to behold.

Shopping and dining haven

Guam may be a remote island but it certainly doesn’t lag when it comes to shopping and high-end retail options. And to top it all off, shopping in Guam is duty-free.

Shopaholics will find a haven in Tumon, dubbed as Guam’s center of shopping and fashion. Check out the DFS Guam Galleria and Tumon Sands Plaza, where all the popular designer brands are. All-time favorite American brands are also available at marked down prices.

While the shopping industry of Guam boasts of carrying international brands, it’s their local cuisine that takes the spotlight when it comes to dining. Similar to most Asian countries, rice is a fixture in Guam; red rice, to be precise.  Calledhineksa’ aga’ga in Chamorro language, red rice is prepared by cooking short-grain rice with achote(annatto) water.

Another must-try signature local dish is kelaguen, which is similar to ceviche and enjoyed with flour or corn tortillas. This dish is prepared with chicken, octopus, or squid, in a pickling marinade of lemon juice, fresh coconut, green onions and hot red chilies.

Chamorros, as the locals are called, are fond of making dishes that are closely similar to Filipino dishes, such as meat stews, coconut-infused dishes, and candied fruits, which should be easy for Filipino tourists to enjoy once there. It could be attributed to the fact that Filipinos comprise approximately 25% of Guam’s population.

Grab the chance to warmly greet Guam “hafa adai” by booking a flight now! Cebu Pacific’s lowest year-round fares start from P7,197 all-in, but seat sales go as low as P2,500. Visitww.cebupacificair.com now!