Beach resort area on Mactan Island with luxury hotels, white sand beaches, and diving centers.

About Mactan Island Resorts (Lapu-Lapu)

Mactan Island\'s eastern coastline is lined with world-class beach resorts including Shangri-La, Plantation Bay, Crimson, and Mövenpick. The area offers some of the Philippines\' best scuba diving and snorkeling, with vibrant coral reefs and marine sanctuaries like the Hilutungan Island marine reserve just offshore. Lapu-Lapu City, named after the legendary chieftain who defeated Magellan in 1521, is the island\'s main urban area.

Beyond beach resorts, Mactan is known for its guitar factories—the island produces most of the Philippines\' handmade guitars. The Mactan Shrine marks the historical Battle of Mactan site. Island-hopping tours depart from Mactan\'s piers to Olango Island, Nalusuan Island, and Hilutungan Channel for incredible snorkeling with sea turtles and tropical fish.

Nearby Landmarks

Mactan Shrine Lapu-Lapu Monument Guitar factories Hilutungan Marine Sanctuary

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost 150-250 PHP (~$3-5)
Time 15-25 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost 100-200 PHP (~$2-4)
Time 15-25 minutes

Terminal arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Grab or taxi from airport. Some resorts offer free airport transfers if pre-arranged.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi 150-250 PHP (~$3-5) 15-25 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare 100-200 PHP (~$2-4) 15-25 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Airport taxis and Grab are available 24/7 for the short ride to Mactan resorts. Most resorts also offer airport shuttle services—check with your hotel before arrival. After midnight, Grab availability drops but airport taxi drivers are always present. The fare is typically ₱150–300.

Luggage Tips

The short distance to Mactan resorts makes luggage manageable in any vehicle. Resort shuttle vans easily accommodate multiple large bags. If bringing dive equipment, inform your resort in advance for a larger transfer vehicle. Taxi trunks can handle 2 standard suitcases.

Accessibility

Major Mactan resorts (Shangri-La, Plantation Bay, Crimson) have wheelchair-accessible rooms, pool lifts, and paved paths. Beach access varies—some resorts have boardwalks to the sand. The airport to resort transfer is straightforward; request an accessible vehicle through your resort if needed.