Monday, March 7, 2011

LAPU LAPU: NOT JUST A HERO, A FISH, BUT ALSO A BEAUTIFUL ISLAND CITY






If you ever wonder why there are two bridges that connect the city of Cebu and the Mactan Island, it is because the 1st bridges ought to accommodate the growing number of workers in the factories in Lapu Lapu City (and vice versa), while the 2nd one is to accommodate not just more workers and those who want to reach the Mactan Airport,, but also the many tourist who wants to visit the pristine beaches of the island.

There are many beautiful beaches in the Mactan Island. Infact, almost all the shores of the island has already become resorts. Who could blame the developers? Crystal clear waters, soft, smooth sandy shores, beautiful coral reefs – a perfect attractor for tourists (specially those beach bums). These resorts not only offer a good swim in the beaches, but they also offer exciting underwater activities, like scuba diving. Hadsan, Blue Reef, Karancho, Portofino and of course, the Plantation Bay are only a few of the beach resorts in Lapu Lapu City.

Well, since the growing number of tourists who visit Lapu Lapu City is very alarming (you can see foreigners everywhere, especially Koreans, very creepy); hotels are also sprouting up like mushrooms in Lapu Lapu City. The EGI Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Shangrila Hotel and the newest, (and probably the most luxurious) the Imperial Palace is to name a few of the Hotels in Lapu Lapu City that is surely doing a good job to relax tourists after a funfilled day under the Lapu Lapu sun.

 
The Lapu Lapu City has also a historical landmark. The Punta Engano, also known as the Mactan Shrine, is not just a park where you can see mangrove trees and buy cheap but very cute and fashionable accessories made from indigenous materials, but it is the very place where the great Lapu Lapu and his men defeated Magellan and his troops. In fact, there is an annual activity of a reenactment of the Kadaugan Sa Mactan, featuring famous stars to portray the significant characters of the event.



Mactan Island serves also a secret gateway to other wonderful islets of Bantayan and many others. It is a perfect getaway for island hoppers who want to indulge and party in their own in one whole island. Just 1 boat away from Mactan , you will be able to reach these little paradise islets.











Ok, I know I have said too much about Lapu Lapu City. Well, could you blame me? FYI, those are just a few that what makes this island beautiful. And there are many other that, I did not forgot, but I will not mention anymore; for it is your turn to discover it.