The Philippines is known for all the beautiful islands that it encompasses. Mactan Island, part of the Cebu province, is one of them. With a population of 430,000 people, this 25 square miles (64 square kilometers) island is pretty big. It is where the airport is located so that tourists can enjoy easy accessibility to the best beach resorts and Airbnbs in Lapu-Lapu City and nearby Cordova town. Mactan Island was colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century. Now, it has some of the most successful industrial projects in the country. It’s also known for its tourism industry. Many visitors come and go every year, boosting its economy to the max. There are many activities that you can partake in, like island hopping, diving, jet skiing, and more. If you’re itching for a tropical vacation, read on to find the best things to do on Mactan Island, Philippines!
1. Unwind in peace at The Reef Spa (from USD 16.09)
Located within one of the most popular beach resorts on Mactan Island, The Reef Spa takes tourists on a relaxing experience like no other. This premium spa offers a wide range of five-star-quality massage offerings, each of which not only alleviates the soul but also the remaining physical discomfort you didn’t know you had.
Be pampered by trained massage therapists as they work their strong hands across key points found in the back and other body parts. With a bespoke selection of aromatherapy oils, you’ll be further relaxed, and by the end of each session, you’ll get reinvigorated in no time.
The Reef Spa Experience in Mactan
2. Taste specialty roasts and dishes at Rico's Lechon
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Rico’s Lechon is a top pick among locals and tourists for homegrown dishes that will certainly leave taste buds begging for more. A global brand with branches throughout Metro Cebu and beyond, this location is only a 10-minute drive away from Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
As soon as you step foot on the island, the first thing you must do in Mactan is to try its fine selection of lechon or roasted whole pigs. Aside from the star of the table, there are other mouthwatering Filipino dishes, desserts, and fruit shakes worth savoring.
Rico's Lechon
Address: Unit 3 & 4 Mactan Promenade, Airport Road, Ibo, 6015 Lapu-Lapu City
Website: Rico’s Lechon
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
3. Go island hopping (from 195 USD)
Island hopping is where you travel from one island to another, doesn’t that sound like fun? This is something that you can do in a day or less depending on how much time you would like to spend on each island. Island hopping is a common practice among visitors in Mactan because there are also many other nice islands that surround it.
For example, you can visit Cebu Island, Malapascua Island, Bantayan Island, Sumilion Island and so many others. One of the best things to do in the Philippines, an island hopping adventure from Mactan makes for unforgettable picture-perfect experiences!
Mactan Island Hopping
Price: from 195 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: North of Mactan Island
Website:
4. Visit the guitar factory - Alegre Guitar
The guitar factory is where you can buy any guitar you want, at a much lower price than they would sell for in retail. For those of us who like music, this place is like heaven. There are different guitars in different shapes, sizes, colors and designs. Here you can get electrics, acoustics, basses, and even ukuleles. You don’t have to buy one if you don’t want to (even though the prices may tempt you a little bit) you can just go to have a look. It is a fun, fascinating place where you could buy someone a great present.
Alegre Guitar
Address: Pajac-Maribago Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines
Price: from 300 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm
Duration: around 1 hour required.
Access: 17 minutes east of Mactan via Basak-Marigondon Rd, Basak-Cagodoy-Bankal-Buaya Rd and Pajac-Maribago Rd
Contact: +63 323404492
Near by Food: Maribago Grill
5. Spend time at the Cebu Happy World Museum
Ok, if you’ve been to a museum before you know the basics. Don’t touch the artifacts, don’t get too close, don’t take pictures, blah blah blah. The Happy World Museum is unlike any that you’ve visited. I say this because it is in this museum that you can, in fact, touch the displays and take as many pictures as you want. It is filled with numerous illusions, which will get you thinking twice and would excite anyone regardless of age. This museum is designed in the shape of a castle and has great things to look at inside in 3D. The museum is divided into the following sections; the Philippine Pride Section, Jurassic Animal Section, Religious Beliefs Section, World Famous Art Section, Ocean Section, and Ending Section, all which have unique displays, so be sure to pass by.
Cebu Happy World Museum
Address: Lot 2-A-3, Brgy. Gabi, Cordova, 6007 Cebu, Philippines
Price: from 7 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 26 minute drive south of Mactan via Basak-Marigondon Rd and M.L. Quezon National Highway
Contact: +63 9234682938
Near by Food: Swiss Italian Restaurant Cebu
6. Visit the Lapu-Lapu Shrine
The Lapu-Lapu Shrine is a historical spot in the Philippine nation. This monument is a 65.5-foot (20-meter) high bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu. This man was the one who commanded the Filipinos that fought the Spanish invaders.
It is believed that this statue is located where the battle took place many years ago. The Lapu-Lapu statue has him holding a shield and a sword, which were the weapons he used during the battle. This is one of Mactan’s significant tourist spots, that you must visit if you want to learn more about the history of the Philippines.
Lapu-Lapu Shrine
Address: Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015 Cebu, Philippines
Price: Free
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 24 minutes east of Mactan via General Aviation Rd and Mactan Airport Rd
Near by Food: Manna Sutukil Food House
7. Try parasailing
Posted by Mactan Island Watersports on Tuesday, 6 October 2015
For those of you who love adventure and being outdoors, then I strongly recommend parasailing. Since Mactan is such a beautiful island I assure you there are plenty of places you can parasail. If you do not know how to do it, you can always learn from the instructors as they will take you step by step through the whole thing. Once you have gotten the grip of the whole idea, believe me, parasailing is going to be one of the most fascinating things that you can do. It is a great leisure activity and also a nice way to get some exercise done.
Parasailing
Address: Mactan, Cebu.
Price: from 40 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: Southern beaches of Mactan Island
Website: Ilink Parasailing
8. Have a day at Boyla Diving Resort
Beginners Session! Every day, thousands of people safely enjoy scuba diving. Since it is regarded as a low-risk...
Posted by Boyla Diving Resort on Wednesday, June 21, 2023
I am a fan of being out on the waters. Being on Mactan Island will have you doing so many water activities, and you won’t get enough of them. The Boyla Diving Resort is where you and your family can go and have fun diving and/or learning how to dive. Water sports in Mactan are very common and this is one of the activities you should take part in. Every day, there are many people who come to the Boyla Diving Resort to enjoy themselves, this is also a great way to spend a day with the kids!
Boyla Diving Resort
Address: Buyong Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, 6015, Cebu, Philippines
Price: from 74 USD
Opening Hours: Always open
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: 30 minute drive south of Mactan via Basak-Cagodoy-Bankal-Buaya Rd and Pajac-Maribago Rd
Contact: +63 324921823
Near by Food: The Cove
Website: Boyla Diving Resort
9. Learn more Filipino history at Magellan's Shrine
Magellan’s Shrine, built in 1866, has since become a respected historical monument in the same regard as the neighboring Lapu-Lapu Shrine. It is named after the late Ferdinand Magellan, who was a Portuguese navigator and the first European to set foot into the Philippines.
While he did make positive contributions in the age of exploration, he also helped in leading the Philippines into a Spanish colony for 300 years until its eventual independence in 1898. Magellan’s Cross, about 17 kilometers (10.56 miles) away, is another well-known marker that’s reminiscent of his major role in Philippine history.
Magellan Shrine
Address: Punta Engaño Rd, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu
Duration: around 2 hours required.
Access: 26 minute drive northeast of Mactan via General Aviation Rd and Mactan Airport Rd
Near by Food: Manna Sutukil Food House
10. Enjoy international fusion food with stunning views at Scape Sky Deck
Running out of plans on what to do here in Mactan? Wine and dine with killer views of Metro Cebu at Scape Sky Deck, on the roof deck of Azon Residences in Lapu-Lapu City. Take your loved ones and friends to this vibrant buffet restaurant with promising array of international fusion food.
Scape Sky Deck was opened back in 2015 and has since become one of Lapu-Lapu City’s premier destinations for fine dining and luxurious skyviews. From their Linguine Vongole to their Mackerel Confit, there’s a flavorful bite in this fusion cuisine, a little bit of everything to please everyone. This unique restaurant is a great location for a smashing dinner date with the best views.
Scape Sky Deck
Address: Roof Deck, Azon Residences, M.L. Quezon National Highway, Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City
Website: Scape Sky Deck
Opening hours: Sundays to Mondays; Lunch: 11 am to 2 pm, Dinner: 5pm to 12am, Happy Hour: 5pm to 7pm
11. Go for an island adventure at the Nalusuan Island and Marine Sanctuary
Mactan Island is otherwise known as the heart of the Philippines when it comes to underwater adventures for locals and travelers alike. Hundreds of tourists visit Mactan Island for a great beach getaway during long weekends, holidays, and other celebrations. When out and about with your family and friends during summer vacation, make it a point to visit Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary.
Water babies who enjoy multiple recreational water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking, to name a few, are all available here. This sanctuary is known for its superb location, environmental awareness, and sustainable living practices, which resulted in a more positive marine life impact that showcases moray eels, Malabar groupers, and stingrays more often for tourists to enjoy. Besides, swimming with stingrays is a must to check off your bucket list.
Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary
Address: Olango Reef, Cordova Mactan, Cebu, 6017, Philippines
Website: Nalusan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary
Contact: (032) 254 1995
12. Go on a romantic Yacht Sunset Dinner Cruise with your loved one (from USD 76.0)
Travelers who came with their special someone or significant other will definitely find a ton of things to do in Mactan Island. From beach hopping to windsurfing, there’s a whole variety of to choose from, but if you’re traveling to the island for a honeymoon or anniversary, best to try something a little more special. Hop on a yacht and go on a sunset dinner cruise while enjoying a delectable meal on board, complete with hotel pick up service, dinner, drinks, and of course an amazing moment to share together. This Viator tour is a great deal at just 75 USD per head and gives guests the chance to see at least eight stunning sights around the Cebu province. Experience a romantic cruise in one of the most promising islands in the Philippines.
Cebu Yacht Sunset Dinner Cruise
Duration: 3 hours
So when are you coming?
As you can see from the places mentioned above, Mactan is a place full of fun! There are so many beautiful things to see and marvel at. It is a pretty small island, so not very many people fully know about it or have visited. This is your opportunity to go visit and come back to tell everyone about how great it was. Mactan gives you the opportunity not only to experience things, but to learn about the history, as well as enjoy great water activities. So what are you waiting for?
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do on Mactan Island, Philippines
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