Mactan or Maktan is a densely populated island located a few kilometres (~1 mile) from Cebu Island in the Philippines. The island is part of Cebu Province and it is divided into Lapu-Lapu City and the municipality of Cordova. The island is separated from Cebu by the Mactan Channel which is crossed by two bridges: the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge. The island covers some 65 square kilometres (25 sq mi) and is home to some 470,000 people, making it the nation’s most densely populated island. Along with Olango Island Group, the isles are administered as 1 city and a municipality covering 75.25 square kilometres (29.05 sq mi).
-History-
The island was already a thriving settlement before it was colonized by Spain in the 16th century. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived on the island in 1521 and became involved in warfare among the kingdoms, only to be killed in battle by the warriors of Datu Lapu-Lapu, the sovereign in the island.
However, oral tradition also dictates that the island where the Battle of Mactan might have taken place in is Poro Island in the northeast instead. The oral tradition is backed by recent[when?] archaeological evidence of such a battle taking place in Poro island during the 16th century.By 1730, the Catholic Augustinian friars established the town of Opon. It was later renamed as the city of Lapu-Lapu by means of the Republic Act 3134, signed by Pres. Carlos P. Garcia on June 17, 1961. Congressman Manuel A. Zosa, the representative of the Sixth District of Cebu, sponsored the Bill converting the former municipality of Opon into the present day City of Lapu-Lapu.Apart from the airport, today the island is known for its industrial factories, which are some of the most successful industrial ventures in the Philippines. Many of them are located at the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ), an industrial tax-free zone opened in 1979 that includes over 35 business ventures, about 50 percent of which are Japanese-owned.Also important to the island is its high-class tourism industry and the production of furniture, as well as guitars, ukuleles and other musical instruments.
Tourist attractions
Being one of the major tourist islands of Cebu, Mactan Island boasts of a diverse collection of tourist spots and attractions. Being a coral island, Mactan offers some of the best diving, snorkeling, island hopping, jet ski, sailing and cultural activities of any island in the Philippines.
Gallery
•A view from a resort in Mactan where the sun is directly overhead at noon.
•A crab in a sea anemone in Mactan
•Mactan beach
•Shangri-La Mactan Island Resort
•An Arothron stellatus in Mactan
•A Cephea jellyfish at Mactan
*”Everything You Need to Know About Mactan Island Hotels Flights And Things To Do”*
Mactan Island lies across the Mactan Channel, opposite Cebu City in the southeast of the Philippines. It is modern and yet has retained its greenness and features lovely sandy beaches and good diving spots off the neighboring islets. Mactan has a long history with many stories, the most frequently told being about the Battle of Mactan. In 1521, when Portuguese-born explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived onshore he was killed by Mactan Chief Lapu Lapu and his men. Visitors can visit both the Magellan and Lapu Lapu shrines while visiting the island. Mactan is also important as home of Mactan – Cebu International Airport, the country’s second busiest airport as well as the country’s largest export processing zone. Mactan is also well known for producing guitars and other musical instruments.
Read more at: http://www.philippines-hotels.ws/mactan-island/?cid=ch:OTH:001
Wondering about what to do in Mactan Island?
This island just south of Metro Cebu is a perfect place for those who long for a holiday on a tropical island with beautiful beaches, great diving spots and plenty of snorkeling and diving sites. Mactan is part of Cebu Province where the Spanish first arrived and colonized the Philippines.Besides being a paradise island with a modern living style, this island is home to two of the most important historical sites in the country; Magellan’s Marker and Lapu Lapu’s Shrine (also referred to as the Liberty Shrine). Check all the attractions available on Mactan Island…Bluewater Gallery
There are a number of art galleries in Mactan but not many promote themselves to the tourist market. The most convenient one to view creative works by Philippine artists is at the Bluewater Gallery located inside the Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort. They usually have a good number of local artists displaying their works. Call to check the schedule.
Location: At Maribago Bluewater Beach ResortLapu Lapu Shrine (aka Liberty Shrine)
The shrine was built to honour the Chief of Mactan Island Lapu Lapu, the country’s very first hero for killing Portuguese-born explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 and driving away his men. An official marker was installed in 1951 on this shrine which reads “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.”This popular monument is situated not far from Magellan’s Shrine. The area is known as one of Mactan’s tourist top landmark. No entrance fee.
Location: Close to the Shangri-La Resort in Punta Engano, Mactan IslandMagellan’s Marker
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. There are some shops and vendors selling souvenirs in the same area. Every year in April, there is a big anniversary with lots of entertainment at this park. No entrance fee.
Location: Close to the Shangri-La Resort in Punta Engano, Mactan Island
Philippines Cultural Shows
Many people say Filipinos are born with special gift. It seems all of them can sing and dance naturally. A chance to view the Philippines’s cultural shows is truly a splendid experience for visitors, especially when the Filipinas wear their colourful costumes.Some of their folk dances are Spanish influenced while many are based on their everyday life in farming. 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 such as Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort host cultural shows quite regularly. Call to check their schedules.Location: Shangri-La’s Mactan Island Resort & Spa.
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