Mactan Island is considered to be one of the top island destinations in the Philippines. While it is true that there are a lot of tourist spots in the Philippines, there is nothing like this area.
It is just a few minutes away from the city proper of Cebu. Amazingly, even though there have been a lot of renovations to make the place more accessible to tourists, it has been able to maintain its magic. Aside from the fact that it has a lot of beautiful sights and sceneries, it also has a lot of history. Apparently, it is in Mactan Island where Lapu Lapu, a local Filipino hero has killed Magellan. It is ironic that Magellan’s cross is not far away from here.
Both local and foreign tourists can reach the island by going to the airport of Cebu. The airport of Cebu is the second busiest in the Philippines. If you have simply went to Cebu to tour the place, you might be glad to know that you can reach Mactan Island and Magellan’s cross easily. Along the way, you might also be interested in looking at musical instruments. Cebu is famous for making string instruments like guitars and violins.
You also do not have to worry about accommodations because there is a variety of hotels and inns in Mactan Island. The prices of the hotels range from high to low. It can fit any person’s budget.
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Where to Eat
If you are wondering where you can eat in the area, you do not have to worry because there are a lot of restaurants and food houses in the island. Perhaps you like to try gourmet food, then you can try one of the high end hotels situated there like Shangri – La Mactan Resort. If you are in a budget however, there is also something that you can try. The good thing about this is that it’s very accessible. It’s just across Save More. The name of the place is Punta Engano located in Lapu Lapu monument.
Mactan Island Nightlife
If you have already been to Boracay then you will like the crowd here as well. Some people are usually skeptical about the nightlife of the island because it is small. People who go there however know how to have fun.
There are a lot of bars and dance spots that will certainly entertain you. If you would like to relax instead, you might want to try the spas and massage parlors located in the island instead. If those things do not excite you as much then maybe you would like to try your luck by playing at the Casino. Certainly there are a lot of things that you can do in such a small island.
Shopping at Mactan Island
People usually go to different shopping centers when they reach a new place because they would like to buy souvenirs. Souvenirs can bring back a lot of memories especially when we are feeling stressed with our everyday lives.
Of course you can find a lot of stores in the island that are selling a variety of things. If you are interested in musical instruments, you might find the small handmade guitars and other small string instruments being sold there.
If you are in a budget however, you might want to try the Marina Mall or the Metro Gaisano Mall.
What to do
There are a lot of water activities you can do. Snorkeling, scuba Diving, kayaking, you name it and they can offer it. Of course there are certain fees that would have to be paid for each activity that you would like to try. There are times when you might book your vacation with free activities, if this is the case then you might just have saved a lot of money that you can spend on buying gifts for the special people back at your hometown.
Aside from the water activities, people can just relax by the sea side and do nothing. Golf enthusiasts can play there at Golf Island Club.
The Mactan Island Beaches
Even though there are a lot of beautiful beaches in the Philippines, the ones available in Mactan Island are also very beautiful. Some of the best beaches are the following:
Shangri – La Beach
It is already obvious that Shangri – La beach is a part of Shangri – La Mactan hotel and resort. The island is by far the cleanest and longest beach ever. It has white sand and there are a lot of lounge chairs wherein you can lie around to get a tan.
Of course the accommodations here are the best. If you would like to experience a luxurious vacation then this is the spot that you should try.
However, there may be times when the beach becomes too crowded especially during peak season so do not be surprised if there are times when seats are not available anymore.
White Sands Beach Resort
Although this is not the beach of choice if you just want to relax, this should be your choice if you are going to hold an event for a special occasion. It’s big patch of sand makes it possible to hold events such as weddings and parties.
Even though this is not the best beach available and it is relatively smaller than other beaches, the price is more affordable.
Cebu White Sands Resort
This is considered to be one of the most accessible beaches in the island. The reason for this is because it is the nearest resort from the airport. It is a great beach wherein you can just enjoy.
Cordova Reef Island Resort
Some people have said that this resort is truly magnificent. One reason for this is because it is located in the beautiful island of Cordova. This is the place to go when you would like to have sophisticated vacation in a land far from the busy city.
Maribago Beach Resort
Similar to Cebu White Sands Resort, Maribago beach resort is also near the airport. In just 15 minutes you would be able to experience the white sand beach of this resort. The great thing about this resort is that all the underwater activities are available here.
Plantation Bay
If you would like to experience one of the most popular tourist spots in the island, you might want to try Plantation Bay. It has opened in 1996 and people still go there just to see how great it really is. The reason for this is because it has one of the largest waterways in the world.
Shangri – La Mactan Island Resort and Spa
This is considered to be the best resort for families. A lot of families have already enjoyed the great accommodations that this place has to offer. Is is luxurious and it has a lot of activity areas that can cater to the different wants of their guests.
Another great thing about this is that it is near the airport as well. This is perfect for people who do not like travelling to far places.
There are so many resorts that you can visit if you would like to tour the humble yet breathtaking island of Mactan in the Philippines. Make your choice and enjoy.
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