Mactan: A perfect marriage of nature and modernization

Mactan Island in Cebu offers exceptional marine tourism and easy transportation routes. —CONTRIBUTED

With its rich marine life, picturesque beaches, and strategic location, Mactan Island has been captivating visitors for centuries.

The Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan chose to dock on this island, claiming the “discovery” of the Philippines in 1521. Today, it is home to an international airport, industrial giants, and world-class resorts.

What makes Mactan such an alluring destination? Let us explore this coral island of the Visayas and discover its fascinating features.

Perfect marine paradise

Mactan is about 15 km away from the capital of the province, Cebu City. It is easily accessible from Manila as it hosts the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and the Angasil Sea Port.

Considered the most densely populated island in the country, Mactan is home not only to numerous residents but also to a wide variety of marine life.

Many scuba divers and free divers love the area as the island offers gorgeous coral reefs and protected marine sanctuaries. The various dive spots offer some of the most breathtaking underwater topographies of our country. You can see up close whale sharks, seahorses, and sea snakes in Mactan’s waters.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is one of the most stunning transportation hubs of our country. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Booming business hub

Beyond tourist destinations, Mactan Island also hosts some of the most successful businesses in the Visayas.

It has the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ), which is operated by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. A second zone, MEZ II, has also been opened and accommodates about 14,000 employees. MEZ and MEZ II have contributed some P51.5 billion worth of investments to the country’s economy.

Perhaps due to these investments, Mactan has witnessed several upgrades in terms of infrastructure in recent years. The Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEx) provides easy connection between Metro Cebu and Cordova over the Mactan Channel. It is the longest sea bridge in the country and is also considered a scenic spot by locals and tourists alike.

Besides the CCLEX, Mactan can also be reached via the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge. A fourth sea-crossing link, the 4th Cebu-Mactan Bridge and Mandaue Coastal Road, is scheduled to be constructed in the near future.

The Magellan Monument in Punta Engaño commemorates the arrival of the Portuguese explorer in the country.

Worthy investment

With its beautiful environment and thriving economy, it’s no wonder why Mactan has gradually become a favorite of real estate developers in the past years.

The area of Punta Engaño, in particular, is a prized gem as it offers a natural rocky landscape and heritage sites. It is home to the Liberty Shrine, which features the Magellan Monument and the Lapu Lapu Monument. Uniquely rugged compared to Cebu’s white sand beaches, this coastal area provides a quaint and relaxing atmosphere against the progressive backdrop of Mactan’s high-rise buildings.

Offering a perfect marriage of nature and modernization, Mactan is the ideal place to raise a family or chase dreams of a work-life balance.

Its varied transportation terminals make traveling easy in case you need to constantly leave for other islands or even other countries. Besides luxury resorts and world-class condominiums, you’ll also find quality schools here such as the International Academy of Film and Television, Indiana Aerospace University, Philippine State College of Aeronautics, and GLIS Mactan.

The Mactan Harbour showcases the industrial and natural offerings of the island.

Make the most of Mactan

Mactan captured the interest of conquistadors in the past, but today, it captures the hearts of those dreaming for a better life in the province.

If you’re ready to pack up and start a new life in the Visayas, visit Mactan Island in Cebu today and discover its natural and modern wonders. From its colorful corals to its tasty cuisine, you’ll surely love all the elements that this beautiful island offers.

Sources: Angelyn Sanjorjo via pexels.com; Ipepot, Peter Binter, and Patrickroque01 via Wikimedia commons

Ar. Vittoria Mawis-Aliston

A Filipino architect who has a Master's Degree in Interior Design of Commercial Spaces from IED Barcelona, Spain and with twelve years' worth of experience under the tutelage of Filipino architectural firms.