7 Best Things to Do in Mactan Island

There are a number of art galleries in Mactan, but the most convenient place to see creative works by Philippine artists is probably the Bluewater Gallery. It’s located inside the Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, but you don’t have to be a guest to get in. They usually have a good number of local artists displaying their works.

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine was built to honour the chief of Mactan Island, after whom the city and the monument are named. Lapu-Lapu was the country’s very first hero – for killing Portuguese-born explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 and driving away his men. Understandably, this popular monument is close to the Magellan Shrine.

The 20-metre-tall bronze statue of the man himself was erected in 1951. A plaque recounts the heroic tale, saying: “Here on April 27, 1521, Lapu-Lapu and his men repulsed the Spanish invaders, killing their leader, Ferdinand Magellan. Thus Lapu-Lapu became the first Filipino to repel European aggression.”

Magellan’s Marker was built in 1866 and is located on the battleground where Mactan chief Lapu-Lapu killed the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. It's sometimes also known as Magellan's Shrine. Closer to the coast is a monument to the chief – the Lapu-Lapu Shrine.

If you’re on Mactan Island in April, be sure to visit the park. There’s a big anniversary event with lots of entertainment. Even on normal days, throughout the year, there are some shops and vendors selling souvenirs in the area.

You should never miss a chance to see a cultural show in the Philippines. With the nation’s remarkable gift for song and dance, it’s almost always a splendid experience, especially when the Filipinas wear their colourful costumes.

Some of their folk dances are Spanish influenced while many are based on the everyday life of the local people. The dances also differ depending on which region they are from. Props using in the cultural dances include hats, fans, flowers, coconuts and baskets. Many Mactan hotels host cultural shows quite regularly – particularly the luxurious 5-star places.

Mactan Island is well known for its lovely beaches. The water temperature in the sea hovers around a cosy 27-30°C throughout the year, making diving and snorkelling possible and comfortable at any time. If you’d rather stay dry, you can also rent a glass-bottomed boat.

Hilungtungan Island Marine Park is a great stop, as is the world-famous Moalboal and Pescador in the southern part of Cebu. All of these places are renowned for their beautiful coral reefs and exotic tropical fish. If you have more time, you can head out to the Bohol Islands, where white sands and isolated beaches will make you want to extend your holiday indefinitely.

Club Lotus is a fancy place, so it’s best to dress in your fanciest clothes and definitely leave the shorts and flip-flops behind. Blending a diverse crowd of locals and tourists, Club Lotus features small dance floors surrounded by VIP tables. 

The entrance fee and drinks are reasonably priced and the fact it’s one of very few venues of its type on Mactan Island ensures that it’s busy most nights.