6 Things To Do In Mandaue, The Philippines

things to do in mandaue philippines
Kaye
Kaye 
Updated
| 4 min read

Mandaue is one of the Philippines’ flourishing cities. It is located in Central Visayas and the easiest way to get there from Manila is by plane. Mandaue City is highly urbanized and about 40 percent of Cebu-based export companies are based, here. Aside from this, there are so many things to see like museums, infrastructure, and natural wonders. Also known as the furniture capital of the country, due to its Spanish roots, Mandaue City is a beautiful combination of old and new.

1. Take an early morning walk by Cansaga Bay

It is ideal to greet the early morning at Cansaga Bay when visiting Mandaue City. Along its banks, you can see the day’s fresh catch, sold in makeshift fish markets. The seafood here always gets the official seal of freshness and are a beautiful sight to see on the bamboo tables. Once displayed, the locals begin buying their breakfast and can choose either shrimp, crab, fish, squid or shellfish.

While enjoying a plateful of the best the sea has to offer, one cannot help but feel reflective upon seeing the Cansaga Bay Bridge, which is 1.25 kilometers (0.8 miles) long. Thanks to the bridge, the locals get to put their produce on the map as it links the airports and sea to Danao City, Liloan Town and other northern towns of Cebu.

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2. Discover the awesome St. James Amusement Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Reliving giddy childhood days in dreamland is as easy as pie, at St. James Amusement Park. The one-hectare (2.5 acre) amusement park prides itself in a handful of major rides, food stalls, game booths, a marquee show and a bazaar. An Inflatable City has also been added recently and is now known as the world’s longest and tallest inflatable water slide with its 50 feet (50.2 meter) length and 30 feet (9.1 meter) width. But wait, there’s more! A skateboard park and a trampoline are available for X Game enthusiasts and novices. The park is open from 4 PM until midnight.

St. James Amusement Park

Address: Ouano Ave, Mandaue City, Cebu

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3. Experience thrills at the Sky Water Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

We still have available slots for our Christmas lunch buffet on DECEMBER 25! :D Inclusions: - Wholeday use of the...

Posted by Skywaterpark Cebu on Saturday, December 7, 2019

A brilliant thing about the Sky Water Park, in Cebu, is that it’s the only waterpark built above ground. More specifically, the waterpark is found on the 6th-floor open-air area of the mall. Instagram-worthy pictures are sure to be found at the water playground, the infinity pool with hot tub, the classy dining area, gift shop, spa and so much more. It basically is a waterpark in the sky. To de-stress or just to plainly get out of the old rut, visiting Sky Water Park is a promising plan. From Mactan Airport, reaching the waterpark takes an average of 30 to 40 minutes.

Skywaterpark Cebu

Address: 6th Floor (Roof deck), J Centre Mall, A. S. Mandaue City 6014, 165 A. S. Fortuna St, Mandaue City, Cebu

Website: Skywaterpark Cebu

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4. Feel like a village protector at the King’s Watchtower

things to do in mandaue philippines | feel like a village protector at the king’s watchtower
Source: instagram

Overlooking the Mactan Channel is what the locals call, “Bantayan sa Hari” or the King’s Watchtower. The king they are referring to was the king of Spain and this majestic tower used to guard the crossing between Mactan Island and Cebu. When the Spaniards came, the strategic stone watchtowers protected the townspeople from Moro slave traders. Aside from that, Bantayan sa Hari used to guide galleons away from pirates. A bell in the tower signaled the town of lurking danger.

Bantayan sa Hari

Address: Looc, Mandaue City

Website: Bantayan sa Hari

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5. Find out how the Philippines’ most iconic beverage is made at the San Miguel Brewery

5594Photos taken 2020 coronavirus pandemic Baliuag, Bulacan 38
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Judgefloro used under CC0

If anyone would like to be sure they have landed on Philippine shores, just be on the lookout for a San Miguel Pale Pilsner Beer. Once spotted, you will have no doubt whatsoever. SMB is the country’s largest brewery and also operates in China and southeast Asia. Since it was founded in 1890, as the then-called San Miguel Corporation, the brand has never failed to be the most valid proof of identity of the country.

They not only produce beer but have expanded their product line to include fruit drinks, health teas, and water. Going on a tour of its facilities is surely interesting, especially since San Miguel has been around for almost all of the legendary historical moments in the Philippines.

San Miguel Brewery Tour

Address: National Highway, Brgy. Tipolo, Mandaue City

Website: San Miguel Brewery

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6. Go shopping for Mandaue city’s arts and crafts

things to do in mandaue philippines | go shopping for mandaue city’s arts and crafts
Source: instagram

More than just the furniture capital of the Philippines, Mandaue is home to artisans and craftsmen. From guitars, handcrafted jewelry, and other colorful trinkets, get ready for a fun and therapeutic shopping spree, in Cebu. The most famous spots for shopping includes Maple and Pine Classics. This store features top notch wood furniture that can be exported anywhere around the world. It is possible to have pieces custom-made, too.

Another spot is Amarcas Fashion Accessories, known for their costume jewelry, gift items and home novelties, made out of Mandaue’s raw materials. Another shop that is a bit more upscale than Amarcas, is Avatar. They sell high-end fashion accessories that are recognized for their excellence.

Aside from accessories, one must buy a guitar made in the region. Cebu has a long history of guitar making and even today, they stick to tradition. Family-owned enterprises are among the most famous guitar makers. Ukeleles, banjos, and mandolins are also available for purchase that are made out of the soft and hard woods of the jackfruit, narra, blackwood, ebony and other imported material. What makes these the best choice for a souvenir is how intricately they are decorated with inlaid shells.

Custom Guitars

Address: 15B A. S. Fortuna Street, Bakilid, Mandaue City, Cebu

Website: Edz Guitar Workshop

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Mandaue City can be quite an adventure

Mandaue-Mactan Bridge I
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rabosajr used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The intricacies of Mandaue City offer so much to its visitors. It is simply a matter of preference and whatever you feel like, on the day. You are always assured to have an adventure in Mandaue and it provides every traveler with an experience both subtle and memorable.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Kaye Leah, a writer and traveler, spends her days teaching Writing and Literature. In the interim moments, she engages in conversations with fascinating individuals over coffee or diligently...Read more

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