Information about Mactan

Mactan

Mactan Island is a tourism destination in Cebu that you need not to miss. Mactan has plenty to do for visitors, from nature sights, gastronomic trips and artisan gems to historical sites.

In 1866, the Mactan shrine in Barangay Punta Engaño was built to commemorate the first act of resistance to remote rule of the Filipinos and was assumed to be the battle site. Lapu-Lapu is now more known as the first hero of the Philippines. The Mactan Shrine is also a prominent tourist destination today.

The main island of Cebu is situated in Mactan a few kilometers away. The Mactan Channel is located in Cebu, and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge are linked to the province of mainland.

 

Best time to visit

When visiting Mactan, it is best to visit between the months of December and May. This is also the dry season so that you can enjoy Mactan's outdoor sports and water experiences.

Cheapest time to visit Mactan

The cheapest time to visit Mactan is during its off-peak season, from September to March. Less crowds mean more time for visitors to explore various attractions.

Weather in Mactan

May is the hottest month in Mactan, with an average temperature of 29 °C. The wettest month is September, which is comparable to other Cebu cities. The coldest month in Mactan is January, with an average temperature of 27 °C. 

Peak Season in Mactan

The peak season in Mactan is during the festival season, specifically in January during the Sinulog Festival season.

Main festival/events in Mactan

Cebu has a lot of colorful festivals. You can comfortably travel from Mactan to Cebu City to see the vibrant Sinulog Festival, which is normally held on the third Sunday of January. It is to commemorate and worship Cebu's patron saint, Santo Niño.

 

How to get to Mactan

Depending on where you're coming from, there are many ways to get to Mactan. You have the choice of traveling by air or sea if you are coming from somewhere in the Philippines.

International travelers can fly to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, which serves a variety of international airlines. Before booking your tickets, make sure to finalize your itinerary. It is to help you make the most of your visit to the gorgeous island of Mactan.

 

Safety in Mactan

Yes, it is safe to visit Mactan, but like any other islands, make sure to practice precaution.

 

Getting around Mactan

Mactan's Lapu-Lapu City is densely populated. So, though getting around is simple thanks to highways and public transit, it can also be difficult due to inevitable traffic congestion during rush hour.

You can get around Mactan in three ways: by jeepney, tricycle, or taxi. There are no public utility buses on Mactan; only private buses used by hotels and resorts to transport their visitors across the island.

 

Food and Drinks

A lot of one-of-a-kind local cuisine awaits you in Mactan. SuTuKil is a must-try dining experience in Mactan and the whole province of Cebu. SuTuKil is a mixture of three Bisaya words: Sugba (grill) + Tuwa (broth) + Kilaw (taw, similar to ceviche).

You get to choose your seafood and have it baked, fried in broth, or served like ceviche. You may also pick from a wide range of fresh seafood, including tuna, shellfish, crabs, and more. These are served with local puso, which is rice covered in palm leaves.

 

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Mactan

The island is split into the town of Lapu-Lapu and the town of Córdova. Lapu-Lapu City covers much of the Mactan Island district, while Cordova has comparatively small areas in the southern part of the island.