Mactan Island Hopping
The beach is a perfect place to unwind and feel the rhythm of your soul. Every time I see the ocean I can feel the world around me stop for a while, and I can see and think clearly. The open sea clears up my mind to process what's really going on inside this brain of mine.
In children's books, Pirates were depicted as free-spirited people who sailed all day long looking for treasures. They would stop by from one island to another searching for new things and the environment. I've always wondered how it feels to be a pirate. In my own little way, I feel this kind of thrill during my Island hopping escapades around Cebu.
I was craving for the sea, the heat of the sun against my skin and the smell of summer. Good thing, my friends and I planned an Island Hopping at Mactan Island. We met up early in the morning on a very sunny day with crystal blue skies. Let's go!
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Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
- For tried-and-true travel and hiking gear, check out our Amazon Storefront.
From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport
- You can take a cab to go to your resort or hotel. The estimated fare is 150-250 PHP, depending on traffic.
- Alternatively, if you're familiar with Uber and/or Lyft, then you can download and use the mobile app, Grab, to book your transportation.
Once you get to your resort, ask the receptionist after you check in about the island hopping packages they're offering. They can also arrange a tricycle ride or a hired van to take you to the boat area. Make sure to book ahead of time so you already have a boat waiting for you at the port, or go commando by going directly to the port area and haggle your way to stardom.
From Cebu City
- Go to SM Cebu Mall
- Take a "V-hire (Van for hire) at the mall's terminal
- V-hire fare: 25 PHP - 35 PHP
Two V-hire Route options
- SM Mall to Mepz 1, Lapu-Lapu City, for Punta Engaño Port
- SM Mall to Lapu-Lapu Mercado for Maribago Port.
From Lapu-Lapu City
Both places have boat rentals for island hopping:
- Take a cab or jeepney from Mepz 1, Lapu-Lapu City, to the Hilton Hotel, Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City. The port is right beside the hotel
- Take a cab or jeepney from Lapu-Lapu Mercado to Baybayon Datag, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.
Boat Rental
- Boat rental: 1,800 PHP - 5,000 PHP, depending on the size of the boat
- 15 pax boat capacity: 2,500 PHP - 3,000 PHP
- 20 pax boat capacity: 3,000 PHP - 4,000 PHP
- 30 pax boat capacity: 4,000 PHP - 5,000 PHP
- Some operators provide food: 500 PHP - 1,000 PHP per pax
- Most package tours include: environmental fees, life jacket, and snorkeling gears
Tips
- Power outlets are commonly type A, with standard voltage 220 V and frequency 60 Hz. Be sure to bring a universal plug adapter!
- Money matters: We recommend getting your currency exchanged via Western Union (WU) since you'll get a better rate than at the airport. You can send your travel budget to yourself and pick up the exchanged amount at the local WU.
- Convenient phone apps: Grab for transportation.
- CR is the term for the toilet
- Salamat means "thank you"
What to do in Mactan Island
- Islands you can visit around Mactan: Caohagan, Hilutungan, Nalusuan, Sulpa, Olango, and Pandanon Island.
- Entrance fee: 150 PHP - 200 PHP
Boat Rental
One of my friends knew someone on the island, so we got a discounted boat rental for more than 10 people at a lower price, and that gave us some allowance for the island fees. Good thing, our tour guide and boatman were very smart people, they said that if we could dock our boat closer to the island, then we won't have to pay anything. The only thing we have to do is to get ourselves wet, just 2-3 inches above the knee - not a problem with me. It was a great idea, and we did as they said.
Fresh Seafood
In one of the islands, we found a group of people gathering in a certain area. It was a small wet market selling fresh seafood for locals and tourists. We found different kinds of interesting sea creatures; they didn't look that delicious to me in that state, but I bet they taste really good.
The sun was intensely cooking our skin as we sailed along with the crystal clear, blue waters of the island of Mactan. We had some drinks while we were in the boat, some shots of tequila and snacks. I don't really recommend doing this, but as long as you know your alcohol limit and you drink responsibly, then it's all good. The cool water was a great escape from the heat of the sun and the slight effect of the shots we had.
Another time I went island hopping again...
Summer Must-Do in Cebu
One island hopping trip in a lifetime is not enough; every summer, I make sure I have this kind of activity booked in my checklist. My relatives came to visit in the summer, and my family decided to go on island hopping, plus my mom was celebrating her birthday too. Although she's really not interested in beaches, she said yes, and that's why mums are the best!
Island Entrance Fee
I didn't have the chance to contact my friend's friend during our island hopping trip, so we had a different tour guide. They were not that cooperative when I asked them to dock just closer to the islands, so as not to pay any entrance fee, but they refused. I guess we were just lucky that one time. They tried to recommend a certain island where there's no fee at all; however, it was already low tide, and the boat would not be able to dock nearby, so we had to walk a few meters to the island. I was willing to walk that far, but then I saw lots of seaweed, wait, the minute! I'm a bit afraid, or let's say terrified, of these plants against my feet. It was a relief that I followed my instinct because a sea urchin was silently watching us from above.
The sea looked very calm and refreshing, and my cute little nieces absolutely had their attention locked on the waters.
We came prepared with our loaf of bread in hand, and the fish went crazy for this stuff. They rushed towards us, encircling us with their little bodies and spectacular colors - blue, green, yellow. It gets scarier, especially when you have one bread in both hands, and they rush in, bump here and there, and you never know who's coming from a distance. This is a summer activity everyone will surely enjoy and should never miss.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Travel Packing Checklist Notebook: Say goodbye to "Oops, I forgot!" moments and last-minute shopping sprees!
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