Mactan summer beach getaway

CEBU, Philippines —  The summer readily summons thoughts of some good time at the beach. In Cebu, that would likely be at Mactan Island. Not only is it widely famous, Mactan’s beaches are truly nice.

With Mactan’s international image, however, local picnickers are often concerned about the possible high cost. Of course, one cannot just go into the beach of the big-name resorts without leaving some good cash at the front desk. The idea is quite prohibitive for the budget-conscious.

But, in fact, there are beaches at Mactan that are not as publicized and, therefore, do not command a hefty price from picnickers. It’s even possible to find a clean, equally nice public beach here and there on the island, for free. It takes a little research, though, yet these beaches are certainly there.

The website www.iluvcebu.com lists four nice Mactan beaches that charge affordable entrance fees. The list is in no way complete, but at least it provides options. 

Mactan Newtown Beach

The pet-friendly beach has white sand. The per person entrance fee is at P150 on weekdays and P200 on weekends. Rental water sports equipment are also available: jetski, jetboat, paddle board, wakeboarding, banana boat, and parasailing. The beach property is actually to be eventually connected to Mactan Newtown, a district that is being developed as a major lifestyle and business hub at Mactan.

Karancho Beach Resort 

It is a strip of white-sand beach that fronts the turquoise water. The entrance fee is P80 per person on weekdays, and P120 on weekends for adults. Children 3 to 4 feet tall are charged P80 each on any day of the week, while kids shorter than 3 feet enter for free.

Picnickers can enjoy a whole day – 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. – of dipping in the clear sea or basking in the sun. Sports and recreational activities are also available in the resort. There are huts and clubhouse for rent, too.

Hadsan Beach Resort

The entrance fee here is very affordable.  It’s only P50 per person, on both weekdays and weekend. No wonder it gets really packed, especially on weekends. Like the other, more expensive beach resorts at Mactan, Hadsan’s white sand and clear waters beckon picnickers.

The beach front is lined with coconut trees that provide shade from the summer sun.

The beach is open every day, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cottages are available for rent atP2,000.

Tambuli Beach Resort

The entrance fee here is P150 per person on weekdays and P200 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Children 5 years old and below are admitted free of charge.

Tambuli Beach Resort prides of two white sand beach fronts and a pool. It is currently being transformed into a lifestyle community. There’s an ongoing construction of condominium buildings, and improvements in certain areas of the beach resort.