Mactan island
Is known mainly for its fine diving, though the underwater ecosystem has been hit hard by "dynamite fishing," a technique where fishermen detonate dynamite in the water to collect the fish as they float up to the surface. Other than its house reef, the island has no natural attractions. Travelers who can afford to spend $100+ per night might enjoy being pampered in one of the luxurious resorts, that anyone on a smaller budget is advised to skip the island, as similar diving with better beaches and lower prices can be found elsewhere in the Visayas.
TRANSPORTATION AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION. Just off the east coast of Cebu Island, Mactan Island is linked to Cebu City by ferry and land. A bridge connects Mactan to mainland Cebu in Mandaue, a small area of the metro sprawl 8km north of Cebu City. Mactan's capital city, Lapu-Lapu City, is on the northwestern coast, facing Cebu. Beaches dot the east coast. The airport spreads through much of the island and provides service to Cebu. Jeepneys leave from the S.M.City Mall in Cebu City and drop passengers at the jeepney terminal north of Lapu-Lapu City. (30-45 min., every 20 min. 4am-llpm, P5.) From Cebu City, A/C minibuses head to Lapu-Lapu City from the lot opposite the S.M. City Mall (25 min.). Metro Ferries leave Cebu City's Pier 3 for Lapu-Lapu City (45min., 6am-?:30pm). Trips to beaches on tricycle require skillful negotiation (around P80). Alternatively, take a taxi from downtown Cebu directly to the beach (30min.). Airport services include a tourist office open M-F 8am-5pm); and a post office (open M-F 8am). Postal code: 6015.
Accomodations and Foods.
Maribago Beach offers unpretentious abodes by Mactan standards. It has access to the sea but no beach,. The White Sands resort has rooms, but its share of Maribago Beach is unextrordinary. Rooms at Club Kon Tiki, but rates are negotiable for stays over one week and for students. Again, there is no beach, but guests can jump into the ocean from a sundeck. All these hotels have restaurants of their own. Alternatively, cheap and tasty seafood can be found at the eateries around the Lapu-Lapu Monument in Punta Engano.
SIGHTS AND DIVING. On the northeastern tip of the island in Punta Engano, the Magellan Marker, built in 1866, honors the explorer's death on April 27,1521. The nearby Lapu-Lapu Monument commemorates the local hero. Mactan's waters offer several dive sites. Marigondon Cave is the Philippines' largest underwater cave, recommended for advanced divers only; Kon Tiki Reef is suitable for all levels. The waters off Mactan are home to jet-skiing Japanese businessmen as well as snapper, tuna, and occasionally, shark. Kon Tiki Divers, next to the Kon Tiki Club, is a top-flight outfit., nitrox dives. Open-water courses, advanced courses. The public beach at Marigondon offers everyone a taste of Mactan, on the rocks. A tricycle ride to Marigondon from Lapu-Lapu City and from Maribago.
