How Lapu-Lapu City Became the Famous Historic Resort City

Share this: 

Lapu-Lapu City is famous for its stunning beach resorts and relevant historical landmarks.

High-end accommodation and a rich cultural heritage have given the city of Lapu-Lapu the moniker of Historic Resort City.

Thousands of tourists visit this highly-urbanized city every year to either learn about the history of Cebu or experience luxury stays at some of the best beaches in the Philippines.

This tourist haven is ideal for travel-loving locals and foreigners looking to settle down in Cebu.

The Mactan Shrine is where the historic Battle of Mactan took place.

A QUICK HISTORY OF LAPU-LAPU CITY

Lapu-Lapu City got its name from the first Filipino hero, Datu LapuLapu. A resident of Mactan, he led a group of Filipino warriors armed with spears and swords to defeat Ferdinand Magellan and his men.

This pivotal moment in the island’s history is referred to as the Battle of Mactan, and it is one of the first Filipino victories against foreign invaders.

Comprising 30 barangays between Mactan Island and Olango, the town formerly known as Opon was declared a city in 1961 and proclaimed a highly urbanized one in 2007.

To give commuters on the island better access to other parts of the province of Cebu, the First Mactan-Mandaue bridge and the Marcelo B. Fernan bridge were built to connect Lapu-Lapu City and mainland Cebu.

In 2022, the Cebu Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) was inaugurated as the third bridge to connect Cebu to Mactan Island, particularly in the nearby town of Cordova.

Throughout the years, many resorts and hotels have opened to take advantage of the clear blue waters of the Mactan Channel and its fine white sand beaches.

Neighboring towns like Maribago and Punta Engaño have several beachfront hotels and tourist attractions that allure both locals and tourists all year round.

Lapu-Lapu City is home to Cebu’s first outlet mall, located at Pueblo Verde.

It is also a sector for commerce, with several shopping malls and business centers operating in different parts of the city. 

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FORWARD TO IN MACTAN?

The Liberty Shrine is one of the most important historical monuments in Cebu.

Mactan Shrine

One of the most important tourist spots in the city is the Mactan Shrine, located in Punta Engaño. Alternately called the Liberty Shrine, this is where the triumphant Battle of Mactan took place. 

Inside are several historical monuments that pay homage to the first Filipino hero, Datu LapuLapu, and the man that brought Christianity to the Philippines, Ferdinand Magellan.

Today, the Liberty Shrine is a large, spacious park where you can hang out and relax with family and friends.

There are several stalls near the shrine where you can buy local souvenirs, including world-renowned guitars that are famous for their build and sound quality.

Photos courtesy of Lapu-Lapu City PIO Facebook Page

The Lapu-Lapu Shrine is also the venue for the Kadaugan sa Mactan event – a local festival that is celebrated every 27th of April to commemorate the historical battle.

It features a short presentation depicting the fight between Magellan and LapuLapu through a mix of dancing and acting.

Viewers from all around Cebu have visited the Mactan Shrine to watch this yearly event, especially since local celebrities portray the starring roles of LapuLapu, Magellan, and Reyna Bulakna.

Also, there are several Sutukil restaurants nearby. Sutukil is the terminology used to refer to the main cooking techniques in Cebu. Restaurants like Manna offer delicious seafood dishes made from the freshest fish from the ocean.

Mactan Island is popular for having some of the best beach resorts in Cebu.

Beach Resorts

Mactan is the perfect summer getaway, with its white sand beaches offering luxurious accommodation.

Soft, fine white sand covers the shore, and the crystal clear blue waters are a joy to swim in.

They also offer high-end amenities with a cozy atmosphere that you can enjoy any time of the day.

Now, there may be too many of these resorts to choose from, so where do you start?

You can start in the neighborhood of Maribago, which has two well known resorts, the Bluewater Maribago and the Cebu White Sands Resort.

If you want to go on a day trip, you can visit the Mactan Newtown Beach, where you can take part in exciting recreational activities like jet skiing and taking a ride on a banana boat.

The resort is easy to find and has several shopping centers and hotels nearby, as it is part of the Mactan Newtown.

Be aware that the place is often packed with people, so this may not be the most ideal venue if you want some privacy.

Mactan Island is the crown jewel of relaxing accommodation in Cebu, but it is more crucial in its history than its recreational offerings.

The history behind Lapu-Lapu City has made it a go-to place where locals and tourists can learn how the island came to be. Cebuanos, on the other hand, will most likely remember this place as the location of their first celebrated victory.

With a number of mesmerizing tourist destinations, hotels, and beaches, not to mention its relevant culture and history, it’s no wonder that people call this city the famous Historic Resort City of Cebu.

Share this: 

Other posts

Wide shot of the quadrangle at the La Casa Vieja

La Casa Vieja: A Hidden Fine Dining Restaurant in Banawa

La Casa Vieja is a Filipino fine dining restaurant located in Banawa. Some people will say that La Casa Vieja is one of the best kept secrets in Cebu’s culinary industry. This mid-range Filipino restaurant is tucked away in a private but accessible location, within the quiet residential area of Banawa.  Owned by one of

Read More
Entrance of Cupcaken along Banawa

Cupcaken: A Cozy Vintage-Inspired Cafe for Cupcake Lovers

Cupcaken is a streetside cafe in Cebu City known for selling a variety of delicious cupcakes. Cupcakes are feasts for the senses with their sweet flavor, irresistible aroma, and cute toppings that will make you want to try them out.  Their compactness makes them lighter alternatives to bigger desserts. You may end up eating multiple

Read More
Drone shot of Anjo World at night

Explore Anjo World and Its 12 Exhilarating Attractions!

Anjo World is a popular hangout spot in the south, thanks to the many rides and attractions inside. Welcome to everyone’s favorite amusement park in Cebu! Anjo World has 12 adrenaline pumping rides, large-scale attractions, and memorable concessionaire stands that you can enjoy with loved ones.  It is located in Minglanilla inside Belmont One, a

Read More
Sinulog Queens dances during the Grand Parade of the Sinulog 2024

Sinulog 2024 Set to Return to the South Road Properties

A Sinulog street dance performance during the Sinulog Grand Parade 2023 The Sinulog Festival will return to South Road Properties this 2024!  This was announced by Elmer “Jojo” Labella, the Executive Director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) at a press conference on November 14th, 2023.  The festival is slated for January of next year,

Read More
Wide shot of the Gasoline station at the North Reclamation Area

New Gasoline Station in Mabolo Has a Drive-Thru Patisserie

Fueltech Mabolo is the first gasoline station in Cebu with a drive thru patisserie. A gasoline station is no longer just a stopover for motorists to refuel. Even companies like the Shell gas station and Petron have rebranded to focus on giving motorists a great spot to dine, hang out, and relax.  Most cafes offer

Read More
Wide shot of the cashier of the Zero-X Coffee Shop in Cebu

A New Coffee Shop in Cebu with a Futuristic Japandi Design

Zero-X Cafe is a new coffee shop in Cebu with crypto-inspired aesthetics. Looking for a new coffee shop in Cebu? We’re sure that many of you have heard of Zero-X Cafe by now.  Its impressive design is half of what makes it so appealing. Apart from getting your dose of caffeine, don’t miss out on

Read More

Best of Cebu Videos

Scroll to Top
×
Weather Forecast
Exchange Currency
Cebu City
82°
Mostly Cloudy
5:45 am5:20 pm PST
Feels like: 91°F
Wind: 14mph NNE
Humidity: 77%
Pressure: 29.92"Hg
UV index: 2

Exchange Rate USD: Thu, 30 Nov.