My Solo Adventure at Mactan Island Cebu

My Solo Adventure at Mactan Island Cebu
August 3-5, 2006

Day 1. August 3, 2006

I arrived at Mactan Airport at 6am.

I tried to check Silangan Lodge since it is very near the airport. Silangan Lodge is just beside the Parking Area of the Airport. It is in front of the Pasalubong Center. Well, I didn't like the room - too small and too old.

From Silangan Lodge I walked to the Tricycle Terminal. This is located in front of the Waterfront Hotel Car Entrance. Do the walking in the morning or in the evening when it is not hot. I just don't know if you can take a taxi to this tricycle terminal. It's so near, just enough for walking. Advisable for those without the heavy baggage and those under budget constraint. The tricycle fare is 6 pesos. The other terminal is located near the Marina Mall or Day's Hotel. From the terminal you have to walk again to the Quirino Highway. I crossed the highway because I am going to Ace Pension. From Marina Mall, I rode a multicab and alighted at Ace Pension. The fare is 6 pesos.

I checked Mactan and Ace Pension since it is near each other. Ace Pension is clean and better looking. Mactan Pension is somewhat ok - it is old. Mactan Pension has cheaper standard room than Ace Pension. On my 1st day, I chose Ace Pension. I paid 840 pesos for 1 night lodging.

< The view at the back of Ace Pension. This is the view of Opon Channel. The body water that is sandwiched by Mactan Island and Mandaue City.

My adventure began when I knew that my other 2 friends are not coming to Cebu because of some emergency reason. I was one day ahead of them because of the promo schedule of Cebu Pacific. Anyway, I can plan ahead and scout the area if I am one day ahead of them. And so I knew I will be alone in Cebu. Nevertheless, I still went on.

On the way to Angasil Pier. With lots of courage, I ride the multicab with a "Soong" sign. I asked first if it will pass Angasil Pier. Although I don't understand them, I know they understand me. I cannot understand Bisaya dialect. From Ace Pension to Angasil Road (the road that goes to Angasil Pier), the fare is 8 pesos. From the Angasil road junction to Angasil Pier, I rode a tricycle. The tricycle fare is 6 pesos.

The view of Angasil Pier and it's surroundings. I was told that the fare to Olango Island is 14 pesos. There's a boat rental here c/o Dan. I think it can accomodate up to 20 person. Boat rental ranges to 2200 to 3500 depending on destination.

The views of Portofino Resort. This resort is a walking distance from the Angasil Pier. Here are some pricelists: Entrance = P 75 or P 100. Swimming Pool Entrance = P 100. Day Use Rooms (8am-5pm) = 2300/2400/2600/2800/3000. Overnight Rooms (2pm-12nn) = 2600/2800/3000/3100/3800. Room rates includes both entrance fee. Maximum per room = 10 pax. Extra person = P 500. Extra Bed or TV or Ref = P 250 each. Gazebo (2 tables, 12 chairs) = P 1200. Shade Sails (2 tables, 12 chairs) = P 800. Medium Tent (2 tables, 12 chairs) = P 1000. Small Tent (1 tables, 6 chairs) = P 840. Table Set (1 tables, 6 chairs) = P 200. Restrictions: No bringing in of pets, videoke, tents, tables, extra beds, outside catering, bonfire, electrical cords.

From this point onwards, I rode a habal-habal. I contracted the motorcycle for P 100.