Mactan Shrine - The Lapu Lapu Shrine and The Magellan Shrine

The Mactan Shrine which is situated in Mactan Island is dedicated to Lapu-Lapu, Ferdinand Magellan, and the Battle of Mactan which was fought in 1521. The Chieftain of Mactan Island was Lapu-Lapu and he with his people resisted the efforts of Ferdinand Magellan to bring the natives under the control of Spain and to be converted to Christianity. Indeed, this island is full of historical events that were part of the ever-changing development of the place and the Philippines as well.

Lapu-Lapu face arts installed around the Mactan Island

Though this was the site of the war between the Filipino natives and the Spaniard conquerors, the beauty of the Mactan Island remains and goes with the flow of time with progressive development both economically and culturally. As you travel going to this majestic place, you would inevitably see the colorful streets and the fast pace of the lives of the people around.

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine is situated near the waters of the calm shore and surrounded with lush green mangroves. Also, the place is surrounded by lots of vendors selling accessories, "pasalubong", dream catchers, string instruments, local products, and many more. Most of the landscapes in the gardens have similar designs with any town or city plaza you see in any part of the Philippines. However, the edge of the gardens here is that it is highly maintained and well-managed. 


Lapu-Lapu - The Historic Resort City

Local and Foreign Tourists

A chain of vendors' stalls selling local goods

Getting there is quite intricate and so, arranging for a package tour would be much preferred. Also, having package tours would be easier though it might be costly. So the trip when traveling on your own might require you to ride a bus or a jeepney and taxi for crossing the bridge or through fast crafts when hopping to the Mactan island. 

Find out more about other destinations in Cebu!

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