The island of Guam most often evokes images of pristine white beaches and turquoise waters. Located east of the Philippines in the Western Pacific Ocean, Guam is the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Island Arc. This exotic and stunning destination is rich in natural resources, and boasts of diverse colonial history and local culture.
Interested in visiting this U.S. Territory? Here are five awesome reasons to put Guam on your bucket list.
Guam is lush and tropical, with breathtaking ocean views, making it seem like an untouched paradise despite its popularity among tourists. 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. Among the most popular destinations in Guam are the SMS Cormoran and the Tokai Maru, shipwrecks from the two world wars.
2) The island is blessed with natural wonders
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.
3) It’s a duty-free shopping 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.
4) Guam has unique culinary delights that won’t leave Filipino tourists feeling homesick
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. Called hineksa’ 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.
5) Flights are affordable with Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific now offers low-fare flights between Manila and Guam, starting March 15, 2016. Guam is the airline’s first U.S. destination and Cebu Pacific will be the only low-cost carrier flying direct the two countries. 
The airline’s Manila-Guam route will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and will utilize the airline’s new Airbus A320 fleet. The Manila-Guam service will depart at 3:45 am and arrive in Guam at 10:15 am. Return flights depart Guam at 12:30 pm and will arrive in Manila at 2:55 pm.
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. For promos visit www.cebupacificair.com