About Mactan Island
Mactan Island – Philippene Top Vacation Destination
Tourists both local and foreign can visit the Lapu-Lapu and Magellan shrine while in the island. Mactan is also important in Cebu since it is where the Mactan-Cebu International Airport is situated. It is Philippine’s second busiest airport and also the biggest export zone. This place is also famous for producing guitars and other musical instrument.
Mactan is a convenient place since it is not a long ride to Cebu city if you want to experience more leisure. Accommodations in Mactan are plenty from least expensive to expensive ones. You have a wide range of choices which includes Waterfront Airport Hotel, Crimson Resort and Spa, Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, Plantation Bay Resort & Spa and more.
Where to Eat
When it comes to food, you do not have to go far to find fine dining since you can find it plenty in Mactan Island. All the high-ends resorts and hotels are famous for its excellent food just like the Shangri La Mactan which offers several restaurants offering Chinese, Italian, seafood and more.
If you are on a budget and want to find tasty but cheap food then you can always go to Punta Engano in Lapu-Lapu Monument where you find several food stalls just opposite the SaveMore Supermarket inside the Mactan Marina Mall. They serve various kinds of seafood and delicious roast pig with sour sauce. If not you can always try out one of the following restaurants – Maribago Grill, Abaca, Hola Espana, Floating Restaurants, The Jungle Restaurant, Kaishu, Nonki, Gustavian, Krua Thai and more.
Nightlife in Mactan Island
Indeed nightlife in Mactan is definitely exciting. It might be a small island but it certainly has everything for every kind of tourists. It has discos and nightclubs to entertain you; spa treatments and luxurious massage and of course not to forget the twenty-four hour casino. If you do not know where to go then you better start exploring the road between Lapu-Lapu City and Mactan Bridge. This is the most popular night spot in Mactan Island. If not you can always try the following – Coco Loco Night Club at Shangri La, Jungle Restaurant, and Sawadee Massage & Spa.
Shopping at Mactan Island
Shopping is always part of our vacation. Shopping for souvenirs to bring home can be an enjoyable thing to do. If you want something unique, then try exploring the handmade guitar factories or other wooden instruments. There are smaller instruments which can be easily packed to take home. They come in different colors and very attractive. Perfect gifts for those who like Asian crafts. On the other hand, if you want bargains or other international products then go shop in Marina Mall or to Gaisano Capital Mactan.
What to do in Mactan Island
Mactan is famous as tourist destination in the Philippines. From Mactan – Cebu International Airport, you do not have to go very far to experience great vacation. You can find plenty of white sandy beaches in Mactan and you find lots of high end resorts around Mactan which are just a few minutes away. If you do not know where to start then it is recommended that you hire a tricycle to leisurely tour Mactan. You can also do various water activities like swimming, scuba diving or snorkeling. If you love golf then you sure will enjoy gulfing at Mactan Island Golf Club.
The Beaches of Mactan Island
Mactan Island is a very convenient place to spend your vacation since you can spend your time in the tranquil and peaceful beaches one of Philippines tourist attractions. Anytime you want to go shopping or want to enjoy the night away then the Cebu downtown is not very far to go to. There are plenty of beautiful beaches in Mactan and below are the best beaches you can find in Mactan Island:
Shangri La Beach
Shangri La beach is situated at the Shangri La Mactan Resort. This beach is considered to have the whitest sand beach in all of Mactan Island. Besides it is by far the most well maintained and clean beach. It is one of the longest beaches in Mactan and of course the accommodations here are just incomparable. You can ding a bar in the beach and you can find lots of chairs and tables if you want to sun bathe.
The thing with this beach is that it can get crowded so that seats may not be available anymore. And of course be prepared because this resort can be very expensive. It is Mactan’s first class resort thus it comes with a price.
White Sands Beach
White Sands Beach situate at White Sands Beach Resort. The beach is smaller compared to other beaches found in Mactan but it has a huge sand area which is a good venue for gatherings or any events. The sand is not that fine in fact it is a bit coarse with shells and pebbles in it but it is well maintained and quite clean. The good thing is, it is less crowded and the price is affordable.
Maribago Blue Water Beach
The beach is situated at Maribago Blue Water Beach Resort. It really has nice white sand and it has few shells or pebbles. It has large beach area, a long beach but not that wide. The designs of their cottages as well as bars are all native in style. They have good accommodations. This resort is one of the expensive resorts in Mactan.
Tambuli Beach
Situated at Tambuli Beach Resort, the beach is one of the longest in Mactan. Its sand is not that fine, a bit coarse. Its color is grayer compared to others. It also has a bar in the beach but it does not have any lounge chairs or any umbrellas but it is available upon request. Ocean floor with sea grass and it has some small and large rocks. Not ideal to swim barefoot. This beach is one of the most affordable one in Mactan Island.
These are just a few of the beaches that you can visit in Mactan Island. You can do your own research for more details and you can take your pick which resort to stay. Choose one that really is worth of your money. Also it is recommended to reserve in advance of your scheduled date of travel for you to get a good deal of your money. If you choose the expensive resorts then you better reserve months in advance to get the accommodation that you want.
The Beach Resorts of Mactan Island
Mactan might be near the city but it does not lack of its natural beauty. You can still find nature at its best in Mactan Island. You can find a great number of tourist attractions in the island and they are popular too for its beautiful beaches. In fact visitors from all over the world come and visit the place. If you decide to come here are some of the best beach resorts found in Mactan.
Cebu White Sands Resort
Cebu White Sands is situated in the east section of Mactan. This place is very convenient since it is quite near Mactan Cebu International Airport. In fact it is just 15 minutes ride from the International airport and a 35 minute drive the mainland Cebu city. It is a two hectare property with fifty guest rooms. Its blue crystal clear waters and white sand is just perfect to enjoy whether in a sunny day or moonlit nights.
Cordova Reef Village Resort
The resort is situated in the magnificent coast of Cordova. The perfect place to spend your vacation when you expect some sophistication in a serene environment. The resort is a four hectare property and you will find various accommodations like cabanas or cottages in front of the beach or the pool terrace. Its bar and restaurants offers a beautiful view of the majestic skies and open seas.
Maribago Bluewater Resort
The resort is just a few minutes ride from Mactan Cebu International Airport. In fact it is just 15 minutes ride from the airport, very convenient for those who do not want to travel far. And you can find all the eater activities that you would want to do like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or just lazing around the beach.
Plantation Bay Mactan
This resort was opened year 1996 and has become popular among tourist around the world. This resort offers one of the largest waterways in the world. The resort is 11.4 hectares big, it is unique with a design that has colonial architecture. Its serene environment makes one feels really away from all the stress back home.
Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa
Another resort that is just fifteen minutes away from Mactan-Cebu International Airport is Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort and Spa. It provides spacious and elegant accommodations just perfect for family vacations. It also offers many recreational activities good for the entire family like their Adventure Zone which is an indoor playground, and of course their E-Zone which consists of high tech karaoke rooms and entertainment area with arcades. For adults they can, enjoy the luxury of the Spa in Shangri-La which the one of the largest and most luxurious in the Philippines.
Indeed this is Philippines most exclusive resort and the largest resort which provides visitors an ultimate experience in having a tropical paradise vacation. This is a perfect venue for your next getaway.
So if you are planning to spend your next vacation in the island of Mactan in the Philippines then check out the beach resorts mentioned above. They are indeed the best deal of your money.
About Mactan IslandAbout Mactan Island
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