Mactan is a small island located a few kilometers from the Eastern coast of Cebu island opposite the town of the same name. Mactan and Cebu city are connected by bridges Marcelo Fernan and the Mactan-Mandaue. The island is part of Cebu province and consists of two large cities – Lapu-Lapu city and Cordova. It is at the Mactan international airport Cebu, which is the second largest in the Philippines.

Before the Spanish colonization of Mactan in the 16th century the island was inhabited predominantly Muslim community. In 1521 arrived Portuguese Navigator Ferdinand Magellan, who became embroiled in tribal feuds and was killed by chief Lapu-Lapu. Later at the place of death of Magellan was erected a 30-foot memorial to his name.

In 1730 the monks of the Augustinian founded on Mactan city Open, which in 1961 was renamed in Lapu-Lapu city in honor of the militant leader, revered by Filipinos as a fighter for independence.

Today Mactan is a large industrial center – there are about 35 companies, many of which are among the most successful in the country. Interestingly, more than half of these enterprises belong to the Japanese. Here is the furniture, Hawaiian guitars and other musical instruments.

But, of course, one of the leading roles in the island's economy is reliant on tourism. Primarily known as the Mactan resort with many beautiful beaches, historical sights and entertainment centers. The proximity to the capital island – Cebu – influenced the development of local tourism infrastructure. Here is the only one in the Visayas region of the aquarium.

Since the Mactan is a coral island, it is particularly popular variety of water sports: diving, snorkeling, jetski, Windsurfing. Mactan and the neighbouring island of Olango shared channel Hilutungan depths up to 300 meters, which is probably the "diver's" attraction of the island. Among other well-known dive spots in Mactan can be noted coral reef the Shangri La Mactan, wall Mar Vista a depth of 40 meters, sandy slope of Tambuli at the bottom of which lie the remains of the plane, Whale Rock, the wall of the Kon-Tiki and the underwater cave Marigondon.