MACTAN ISLAND -- Land of the Pristine Beaches
Written: Jul 01 '01
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: White Sand Beaches, Great Food, Friendly People = Heaven on Earth
Cons: Quite far from the Western World
The Bottom Line: FRIENDLY ENGLISH SPEAKING NATIVES, a shared history with the Americans, and superb White sand beaches make this the destination of choice for BEACH LOVERS!
|
|
|
| dexterlab1's Full Review: Philippines |
Mactan Island is located in the Visayas Region of the Philippines. As it also holds the International Airport of Cebu, you can just book any flight into Cebu and land right in Mactan.
This Island is a historic place in that it is where Lapu-Lapu (a local hero) killed Magellan (the famous Spanish navigator) signalling the first repulse of the foreign invaders in the 16th century. A Shrine and annual commemorative battles can still be witnessed in this Island.
The main city here is also called Lapu-Lapu City.
There are more than 20 beautiful beaches lining the shores of Mactan. The beach resorts ranged from cheap 2 star hotels to top-of-the-line 5-star international chains.
Before you think that this island is too commercialized, it is helpful to note that while this ain't paradise undiscovered, it is still the site of pristine white sand beaches, live coral reefs teeming with abundant variety of marine life and those ever enticing coconut palm trees that gently sway with the wind.
Mactan is indeed an island of Life! Wide asphalt paved roads, numerous gourmet restaurants and friendly English-speaking natives (at least for 90% of them) make this place a vacation destination de luxe.
The Philippine PESO is the currency here (currently $1=$52) and banks and money changers abound to make life easy for you. Because of the relative weakness of the currency here, Americans and other Westerners could have a field day spending next to nothing here. I will devote the remaining part of my review to 2 parts : a.)BEACH RESORTS & HOTELS b.)RESTAURANTS
a.)BEACH RESORTS and HOTELS - There are too many to mention but I will highlight some exceptional ones...
1.Shangri-La Mactan - 5 star hotel accomodations, 5 food and beverage outlets, mini putting course, lighted tennis courts, jogging trails, and superb beach front make this the choice of well-heeled tourists. approx. $120-$250 tel.(63-32-231-0288)
2.Maribago Bluewaters Resort - 4 star hotel, indoor and outdoor f&b outlets, lagoon type swimming pool, beautiful beaches adorn what used to be a member-only resort (with membership fees of up to $5,000.00). This Japanese inspired resort holds numerous palm fronds under which to lie down and relax. The detached cottages are all air-conditioned with individual baths among other amenities. Scuba diving courses are offered. Jetskis, kayaks and other implements are available for rent. $100-$200 tel.(63-32-232-5411)
3.Tambuli Beach Resort - my personal favorite, a 3-star resort that spans a wide area with shooting, tennis, and numerous watersports activities. It recently expanded its resort to accomodate more clients. Regular lunch buffets are a feature here offering the best of Asian cuisine. The rooms are clean and well-appointed. A lot of Americans frequent this beach. The affordable price is an additional plus. approx $60-$120. tel. (63-32-340-5930)
4.Bahia Resort Hotel - a 2-star hotel that offers VALUE for price-conscious tourists. They offer air-conditioned rooms, beach huts, seawater swimming pool and a private lagoon. The food is good but not excellent. The only knock is the limited rooms available so reserve earlier if you're planning to make this your place to stay. approx $35-$70
tel. (63-32-495-2352)
5.Waterfront Mactan - although this hotel is not beside the beach, it is just accross the airport and could serve as your launch pad as you hop from one beach to another day by day. Most beaches offer a day pass ranging from $0.50 to $5 per person. This hotel is part of an international chain so the service and accomodations are world-standard. Japanese, Chinese, Continental f&b outlets satisfy your palette. The rooms are elegantly appointed. An in-house SPA provides relaxation and pleasure. The govt. sanctioned CASINO FILIPINO is also housed here where you can play to your hearts delight. 4-star hotel. $65-$130 tel.(63-32-340-4888)
There are still numerous beach resorts and hotels including CORAL REEF HOTEL (5-star), DELTA PHILIPPINE DREAM (floating boat-hotel), CEBU BEACH CLUB (for SCUBA DIVERS), etc. Consult your travel agents for other choices. Most are good!
b.)RESTAURANTS-the waiters are all English speaking. Tipping is not necessary if there is already a service charge. If not, then a 5% tip is customary.
1.)GRAND MAJESTIC SEAFOOD RESTAURANT- located in the center of the island, they offer fresh seafood and other meat dishes cooked the Chinese way. This restaurant serves sumptous meal at the right price.
2.)RASA MARINA - this Singaporean restaurant serves all the favorite Malay/Singaporean dishes like Chicken Rice, Satay, Chili Crabs, mmmmmm!!!
3.)BLUE RIPPLES - located in a more remote area in the island (just ask the cab drivers), each eating party is led to a small boat with tables and chairs in it, after ordering, you set sail around 30 meters from the shore where you enjoy super fresh seafoods cooked the FILIPINO way. ENJOY!
4.)SUTUKIL- a row of indepently managed shanty restaurants offering the fresh catch from the sea cooked in three methods. SU-TU-KIL : SUGBA (charbroiled) - TINUWA (with soup) - KILAW (eaten raw with some condiments). These restaurants are located beside the Lapu-Lapu shrine.
There are still so many more restaurants that dot the island. Even the restaurants in the beach resorts tastes fabulous! Just drop by any of these places and savor Asian Foods at it's best.
Make MACTAN a part of your Philippine itinerary. You surely would thank your lucky stars that you did!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
dexterlab1
|
|
Member: James Young
Location: Philippines
Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.