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Banca Travel & Tours Inc.
Mactan Island
Mactan Island is famous for the fact that Fernando Magellan's voyage of circumnavigation was ended here. Not far from the coast of Mactan, he was killed by local leader Lapu-Lapu and his soldiers. It happened at dawn on April 27, 1521.
On Mactan there is a square with a monument to Lapu-Lapu, who defeated the Portuguese navigator and explorer. Modern Philippine society regards him as the first Filipino hero because he was the first native to resist Imperial Spanish colonization.
Magellan Shrine
Not far from the place where Magellan died, in 1886 in honor of him a large memorial tower was erected by spanish colonial authorities.
Today, the squre with Magellan Shrine is the most controversial place. There are two monuments here in honor of two heroes: in honor of the brave navigator Magellan and his winner Lapu-Lapu. One opened the way through the Pacific Ocean, the other defended his people from the colonialists.
Mactan Newtown
The Mactan Newtown is a modern community that boasts not only a place where you can live closer to the beach but also a place that gives tribute to the history of the Philippines.
Here you can find a never before seen living experience in a community masterpiece, condo-style living highlighted by the jaw-dropping views of the famous Hilutungan Channel, Mactan Monument, and Magellan Shrine.
With the majority of the Visayas region being heavily influenced by Spain and Portugal, you will feel as if you’re traveling in Europe once you witness its architecture and culture.
Mactan Island Diving
Since Mactan is a coral island, a variety of water sports are popular: diving, snorkeling, jetski, windsurfing.
Mactan and the neighboring island of Olango share the channel Hilutangan to a depth of 300 meters, which is perhaps the main "diving" attraction of the island.
Other well-known Mactan dive sites include the coral reef at the Shangri La Mactan Island Resort, the Vista Mar wall 40 meters deep, the Tambuli sandy slope, at the bottom of which lies the remains of the plane, Whale Rock, Kon-Tiki wall and the underwater cave Marigondon.
Historical Resort
Traditionally, Mactan Island is considered a resort destination. There are a lot of different hotels for every taste: from cheap, affordable for everyone, to luxurious, designed for the most comfortable stay.
The most popular hotels are Shangri-La Mactan Island Ressort, Plantation Bay Resort & Spa, Mövenpick Hotel, Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Crimson Resort & Spa, and many others.
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