How to Spend 3 Days in Cebu
With a full three days, you’ll have plenty of time to tour Cebu City, explore the island’s spectacular natural attractions, and head farther afield to other stunning spots in the archipelago. Here's how.
Mactan Island (Lapu Lapu)
Punta Engano
The Basics
Mactan Island is also known as Lapu Lapu for the early freedom fighter and Philippine hero Lapulapu, who killed the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan here in 1521. The island’s main city bears his name; his 66-foot (20-meter) statue is a Mactan landmark; and the Victory in Mactan festival each April celebrates his triumph. Many travelers opt to spend a couple of days here enjoying all-inclusive resorts or beach clubs, exploring the coral reef by scuba, snorkel, or free diving, trying out water sports from parasailing through to helmet-supplied “seawalking”, or simply island hopping.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mactan Island is a great choice for beach lovers and divers alike.
- Mactan Island is a popular destination for upscale Asian travelers and is home to Cebu’s best hotels. Budget travelers seeking beach bungalows would do better on Moalboal or Malapascua.
- Upscale resorts are generally accessible to travelers who use wheelchairs, but the rest of the island can be challenging.
How to Get There
Most travelers arrive on Mactan Island by air. Mactan-Cebu International Airport has connections across the Philippines and to regional travel hubs including Hong Kong and Singapore. Bridges link the island to mainland Cebu City, where ferries arrive from Bohol and beyond.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Mactan Island’s peak season runs between March and May, with Easter a particularly popular period. Many travelers aim to visit for Cebu City’s colorful Sinulog festival (held the third weekend in January) or the Victory in Mactan festival each April: Book well ahead.
The Best Islands Around Cebu
For convenience and upscale living, Mactan Island is a great choice when on Cebu. Other travelers love Malapascua, known for golden beaches and the chance to dive with long-tailed thresher sharks. Sumilon Island, off Cebu’s southern tip, houses a private island resort, while a wealth of smaller islands between Bohol and Cebu are perfect for island-hopping.