Traveler Christian LeBlanc only planned to stay in the Philippines for five days during his holiday tour around Asia. Like most Western travelers, he had his sights set on Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.
The Philippines was that lovely gem by the wayside he stumbled upon.
“I came across a photo of the mesmerizing lagoons in Palawan on Instagram and (that was when) I decided it was time to go off the main tourist track,” recalls LeBlanc.
It was only when he saw the breadth of experience in that part of the world that he decided to stay adrift for months, scouting for beautiful, unspoiled destinations.
Since then, LeBlanc, the man behind the social media account Lost LeBlanc, has visited the Philippines multiple times and discovered off-beaten adventures nestled within the islands. He says, “I remember as I began to swim in a Romblon beach known as ‘Bonbon’, the water started glowing around me. As it turns out, the area was occupied by bioluminescent planktons!”
Just recently, LeBlanc’s off-beaten explorations went viral. “Top 10 Philippines: Dream Destination List” locked in more than four million viewers as swirling sandbars, panoramic beaches, and natural wonders played on screen.
The beach in Palawan is just one of the places in LeBlanc’s top 10. The traveler also raved about seeing places like Manjuyod Sandbar which he dubbed the “Maldives of the Philippines,” as well as emerging destinations like Romblon’s Cresta de Gallo Island and Tablas Island, Palawan’s Port Barton, Cebu’s Badian and Bantayan Islands, and Siargao’s Guyam and Naked Islands.
Popular destinations like El Nido, Coron, and Bohol also made it to LeBlanc’s favorites. “My recent trip was all about finding those hidden gems so it was definitely a relief to have Cebu Pacific there [as I was able to] choose from plenty of flight options offered, even for my remote island adventures.”
The backpacker says visiting the Philippines is a delight, because travel in the country can be very affordable and easy, with direct flights available from major hubs like Manila and Cebu to nearby hangars, and both domestic and international flights available at reasonable prices.
LeBlanc charted his way from Luzon to Visayas, flying in and out of destinations, commissioning boats and private land transfers, and trudging through sand, gravel, and concrete.
“I have visited the Philippines on three separate occasions and it’s one of the safest countries I’ve traveled. (That makes the Philippines) 100 percent worth the visit.”
Visit the traveler’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lostleblanc/videos/1546617648767248/ for travel inspiration. Or get lost yourself by booking the next flight through www.cebupacificair.com.