The less beaten road to Cordova

CEBU, Philippines - When tourists think of Mactan, they often think only of Lapulapu City, where most of the world-class resorts are located. And so the ‘other side’ of the island is not as frequently visited and, thus, not as worn out. There is the town of Cordova.

Cordova is one of only two local government units at Mactan Island, the other being Lapu-lapu City. Not many tourists, foreign or local, visit Cordova because it is separated from the cluster of beach resorts on the other side of the Mactan coast. But this fact might just be Cordova’s edge for tourists. With the same coastline and great scenery as on the Lapulapu City side, there is less number of tourists in Cordova and, thus, less visual and aural ‘noise’. It can really be more relaxing there.

Cordova is a small portion of Mactan Island separated from the larger Lapulapu City portion by two adjoining rivers. It can seem like Corbova is actually a separate island. In fact, many people refer to it as Cordova Island. The town covers only a quarter of Mactan Island’s total land area, the rest belongs to Lapulapu City.

While the town may feel like a bit off-the-way from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, there are public utility vehicles that ply the well-paved highway to and from Cordova. From Cebu City, the ideal route to take is via the first Mandaue-Mactan Bridge, since Cordova is on that side of Mactan Island. The few extra minutes it takes to reach the town is well worth it.

Cebu HappyWorld Museum. A unique attraction in Cordova is the Cebu HappyWorld Museum, in barangay Gabi. In the museum is painting of a large, old galleon sailing into the sunset. But the visual treat is not enough.  The ship – often to the big surprise of visitors – actually moves, sailing outside the frame! It can really elicit an adrenaline rush and is quite a thrill to watch. The museum features more than 70 lifelike, three-dimensional paintings, interactive art, and optical-illusion exhibits by Korean artists who have found Cordova to be the right place for their artworks.

The Dinagat Festival. Cordova holds a popular annual celebration in the second week of August, showcasing the livelihood and fishing culture of the town. The festival is a celebration of abundance of the town’s natural resources, especially its marine resources. The name of the festival is rooted in the word “dagat,” which means “sea,” the town’s seas having been the reliable source of livelihood of the local people.

Aside from the merrymaking, the Dinagat festival is also intended to raise awareness among the people of the importance of the sea for their day-to-day living and, therefore, they have to protect and nurture it. 

Beach Resorts. This small unassuming town isn’t short of accommodation facilities for visitors. There are various beach resorts where to stay and enjoy one’s time.  

Alta Cebu Village Resort and Convention Center. It is a two-time recipient of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence. The boutique beach resort prides of its tranquil ambiance and wide array of amenities including a spa, swimming pool, function hall, restaurant, bar, and landscaped gardens. The resort also offers tour packages such as the Romantic Getaway Package designed for honeymooners, Experience Historic Cebu Package, and the Explore Nearby Islands Package.

Best Western Cebu Sand Bar Resort. The property is part of the Best Western chain of resorts. It is a large resort with 58 semi-furnished rooms, kid’s and adult’s swimming pools, a ballroom lounges, kiosks, playground, and office or business service machines, among other things. It also has a restaurant that serves free breakfast for guests. It likewise has. The resort is family-friendly and PWD-friendly.

Cordova Reef Village Resort. The resort offers an atmosphere of seclusion and luxury. This Filipino-owned resort is surrounded by tall coconut trees and with easy access to the beach. It has an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, conference room, bar, restaurant and coffee shop. It also provides added services to guests, such as babysitting, laundry, and airport transfer.

Island and Sun Beach Resort. It is the sister resort of Cordova Reef. All its rooms are fully air- conditioned with cable TV, telephone facilities, mini bar, refrigerator, safe, and toilet/bath with hot and cold shower.

Nalusuan Island Resort & Marine Sanctuary. Located at a tiny islet, the resort is surrounded by the pristine waters of Olango Reef. It is packed with amenities and activities, with 14 rooms, a smoking area, swimming pool, poolside bar, private beach, landscaped garden, motorized and non-motorized water sports, and airport transfer, among others. It is a pet-friendly resort.

Villa Asela Garden Resort. The resort offers three swimming pools for kids, teenagers, and adults. The youth pool has water slide. There’s also a canteen and a playground, as well as function hall, conference hall, overnight accommodation and day-use cottages.

For those who haven’t been there yet, Cordova deserves a visit. Those that have already visited the town are sure to want to come back. Saison Dampios, Jr.