Location
Mactan Island is situated across the Mactan Channel, just a short distance passing through bridges in the southeast of the main island of Cebu, Philippines. Coordinates: 10°17′N 123°59
Topography
It is a coral island that is generally flat with 0 – 3% slope with few rivers and creeks.
Land Area
Total land area is 62 km² (24 mi²): Lapu-Lapu City occupies most of the island with land area of 58.10 km2 (22.4 sq mi) and the rest is occupied by the municipality of Cordova.
Climate & Weather
Tropical climate: hot and humid with temperature from 65 °F to 95 °F and occasional rains. Best time to visit is between December and May to avoid rainy and typhoon season.
Time
+8:00 GMT or +13:00 U.S. EDT
Local Government
Mactan island is part of the Cebu Province under Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. It is divided by Lapu-Lapu City, a first class city in terms of income, headed by Mayor Paz Radaz; and the Municipality of Cordova, a third class town and headed by Mayor Adelino Sitoy. Lapu-Lapu City, a lone congressional district, is represented by Cong. Arturo Radaza and Cordova by Cong. Luigi Quisumbing under the sixth district of the House of Representatives in the Philippine Congress.
Both city and municipality is comprised of barangays (equivalent to a village) and governed by a village chief known as the barangay kapitan. Lapu-Lapu City has 30 barangays and Cordova has 13 barangays. Click to get list of barangays and contacts in the island.
Population
Population in the island as of 2007 Census: Lapulapu City has 292,530 residents while the town of Cordova has 45,066. Around half of the population are not native settlers of the island; mostly are either workers from the export zones or buyers of housing developments that opted to settle in the island. Small number of international community like Americans, Europeans and other nationalities are also present.
Language
The Visayan dialect, Cebuano or Bisaya, is widely spoken in the island. Most people can understand and speak moderate English. School instruction, contracts and business transactions is done in English.
Currency
The unit of currency is Philippine Peso. The bill notes are P1,000, P500, P200, P100, P50 and P20. The coins are P10, P5, P2, P1, 50cents, 25cents, 10cents, 5cents and 1cent. Money changers (foreign currency dealers) are available in the airport, resorts, shopping centers and in the main streets.
Banks
Banks are usually open at 9am to 3pm from Mondays to Fridays except Banco De Oro in MEPZ 2 which operates up to 5pm from Mondays to Saturdays. Click to get directory of banks and financial institutions in the island.
Transportation
Taxis, car rentals and other conventional mode of transportation like multicabs (small jeeps) and pedicabs are abound in the island. You can also take a ferry to the city center of the main island of Cebu. Click to read more…
Roads and Traffic
Most of the roads in the island are narrow and bumpy. Some roads easily get flooded when it rains and the water got stagnant. Extra caution should be exercised when walking around and crossing the street; drivers will not stop for pedestrians.
Telecommunication
Landlines, internet and mobile phone coverage are available in the island. Most hotels and resorts provide internet connection; if not, you can go to any internet cafes along the streets and some within the community.
Electricity
Mactan Electric Company (MECO) provides electric power in the island. Expect to experience brownouts from time to time. The electric current is 220 volts on a frequency of 60 Hz or cycles. Use a voltage transformer if you are using 110 volts appliances. Buy a flat-bladed plug adapter if you have round plugs.
Education
In addition to the basic education, the island is also home to international education facilities such as flight schools, film school and English Language schools. Click to get directory of schools and learning centers in the island.
Religion & Festivals
The residents are predominantly Roman Catholic but a rising population of other religion and sects are also present. Pilgrims flock to the National Shrine of Nuestra Señora Virgen de la Regla (Our Lady of the Rule) to ask for blessings. Click to read more…
Trade and Commerce
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 three export zones – MEPZ I in Pusok, MEPZ II and Cebu Light Industrial Park, both in Basak. Also important to the island is its high-class tourism industry and the production of furniture, as well as guitars and fashion accessories. Click to learn how to do business in the island.
Tax
Value added tax or VAT (equivalent of sales tax) is 12%. The VAT is already added in the prices of goods and services. Click to learn more.
Customs
All items brought in from abroad are subject to customs clearance upon entry at the airport:
(a) The following items are not subject to customs clearance:
- Reasonable quantity of clothing
- Tobacco (400 Cigarettes Or 50 Cigars Or 250g Of Tobacco)
- Liquor (2 Bottles Alcoholic Beverages Of 1 Liter Each)
(b) Currency of more than $10,000 shall be declared to the Bureau of Customs Desk in the airport; also stating the source of funds.
(c) Bringing in and out of Philippines of Philippine legal tender in excess of P10,000 is strictly prohibited; and any need to carry any currency in excess of the said amount must be given authorization by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Cash Division.
(d) Prohibited items are firearms, explosives, pornographic material, seditious or subversive material, narcotics and other internationally prohibited drugs (unless accompanied by a medical prescription). Click to learn more about importation in the Philippines.
Visas and Foreign Consular Services
Generally, foreign visitors can stay in the Philippines up to 21 days without a visa and can apply for an extension up to 59 days or more. Click to learn more about getting an appropriate visa to the Philippines.
Some foreign consular offices are also located in the main island of Cebu. Click to get directory of foreign consular offices in the Philippines.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Mactan island boasts of a diverse collection of tourist spots and attractions: water sports like diving, snorkeling, jet ski and sailing… or go island hopping on the nearby islands. It is also home to the some of the best resort and spa facilities in the Philippines and Asia. Click to read more…
Accommodation
There are varied accommodation types that can cater to the different budget. Luxurious resort and boutique hotels are available to the high-end and selective market. There are a few bed and breakfast hostels and pension houses for those who are on a budget. The main island of Cebu, which is around 30-45 minutes away from the island, offers cheaper and more available rooms. Click to learn more where to stay…
Food
There is a diverse option for eating out in the island: fastfoods (McDonalds, Jollibee, etc.), international cuisine (Korean, Japanese, Continental, etc.) located in the resort hotels, malls and in the major roads of Lapu-Lapu City. Native seafood restaurants (locally called sutukil) are located in the Mactan Shrine but real Cebuano dishes can be best experienced in a carenderia (can be easily spotted with the pots in the store window); these are aplenty along the streets or within the community. Click to learn more where to dine...
Tipping
Tipping is not usually done, except when the customer wants to show appreciation for services rendered. Mid-range to high-end restaurants and hotels occasionally add service charge between 10-20% in the bill. In taxis, it is common to add P20 to P50 on top of the fare.
Shopping
There are malls and supermarkets in Lapu-Lapu area but the more luxurious shopping is located in the main island of Cebu. It will be an experience to go to the wet market for cheaper fresh vegetables, fish and meat. If you Click to learn more where to do your shopping…
Hospitals and Clinics
There is a limited hospital care in the island; a private hospital, Mactan Doctor’s Hospital, and a public hospital, the Lapu-Lapu District Hospital. Medical and dental clinics are sprawling around catering to minor injuries and illnesses. Bigger and more sophisticated hospital services are located in the main island. Click to get directory of hospitals and clinics.
Reclamation Projects
An ongoing reclamation project by Lapulapu City near Ibo, Buaya, Mactan and Punta Engano area to host I.T. and emerging industries in the island; and the proposed reclamation in Cordova including a bridge that will connect the town directly to the main island.
Safety and Emergencies
The island is generally safe to roam around but like any other places, occasional crimes also happen. It is better to be extra vigilant with your luggages and valuable items. Refrain from walking in dark and solitary places. Avoid “extra” friendly individuals for they are just out to get your money and valuables. Here are important numbers to keep in case of emergencies:
REACT (Regional Emergency Assistance
Communications Team): (032) 515-4455
Police Station: Lapu-Lapu City (032) 341-1311 / 0918-8277650
Cordova 0918-8277652
Fire Department: (032) 340-0252; Hotline 160
Ambulance: Emergency Rescue Unit - ERUF (032) 340-2994;
Hotline 166
Hotline 166
Hospitals: Mactan Doctor’s Hospital (032) 341-0000
Lapu-Lapu District Hospital (032) 340-0248
