Island Hopping in Mactan, Cebu

Island Hopping has become mainstream in family and barkada outing especially in the Philippines since the country is an archipelago. As many as the islands, there are 7, 107 reasons why people would love to spend summer in the magnificent haven of the Philippines. The long stretch of the white-sand beaches, the crystal blue water, the rich marine life, and the delectable seafood dishes are just a few to mention.

Lapu-Lapu City from afar

From left: Guso (seaweed ceviche), Puso (hanging rice), Fresh squid stuffed with spices ready for grilling

One of the islands often visited by tourists is Lapu-Lapu City which is really accessible because it has an international airport and a wide range of options when it comes to hotels and resorts with five-star accommodations. For locals, the beach resorts and fine restaurants are mostly considered in visiting or in staying in Mactan Island (an alternate name of the city). The mainland of Lapu-Lapu also has islets where exceptional beaches can be found. An island hopping package is indeed ideal to enjoy the said features of Lapu-Lapu.

One of the islands we'll be hopping into

So one day, I and my friends agreed to unwind and go hopping among the islands. We didn't know anyone who offer boat renting services so we researched online and found this wonderful guy named Manong Rico. I could guarantee that he is true to his words and services.

Honestly, we were a little scared to give him an advance payment because we only knew him online. Fortunately, he wasn't that fraudulent guy we thought of.  So we initially paid half of the total cost 2 days before the outing. We met up at SM Cebu. Manong let us chose three islands but we wanted to explore Pandanon Island but we need to add Php 700 for extra fuel according to him which we agreed. We chose Caohagan, Hilutungan, Nalusuan, and Pandanon (an island in Bohol)

The following islands were the options: 

1. Caohagan Island with Php 70 entrance/head

2. Olango Fish Sanctuary with Php 50 entrance/head

3. Sulpa Island (White-sand beach) with Php 100 entrance/head

4. Hilutungan Island with Php 100 entrance/head

5. Nalusuan Island with Php 200 entrance/head

You may also check out another island hopping services operated by someone I know personally - Mark Pearl Island Hopping Services.

We paid Php 570 per person for the boat service (minimum of 10 pax) and the buffet. Oh yes, we had a sumptuous meal while we were traveling. Really, the food was delicious and sufficient  for everyone. What's excellent is they have a lot of options. They have sets of meals to choose from but if you want to bring your own food it's perfectly fine as well. Boat rental is at Php 2, 500 for the whole day. 

Their port is at Parola, Cordova which is about 10-15 minutes from the center of Lapu-Lapu City. Some of my friends were from Cebu City so they had to take the ferry ride for 20 minutes, then ride a public utility vehicle (puv) from Virgen de la Regla Church to Cordova. The PUV driver was so kind that he agreed to drop us near the port, otherwise, we would have walked or rode on a traysikad (local tricycle). From Parola, we left at exactly 8AM. 

The boat looks safe and big enough to handle the thirteen of us.  The food was ready so we could have started eating. LOL. We agreed to go straight to Pandanon Island first. The entrance was Php 150. 

We stopped at Caohagan Island to enjoy its virgin shores.  We took 'jumpshots' here! What do you expect? Heavy pictorials! LOL

 We didn't really entered Hilutungan but we stopped not too far from the island to watch its underwater scenery. They offer snorkeling at Php 100 for the snorkels and that little-boat ride to the sanctuary. Although the corals were not as impressive as the ones I found in Moalboal, I was still delighted to see its rich marine life. There was also a spot where we could take a deep plunge.

The horizon is so inviting.  I feel like flying! Ahh!

 This doggie can't even resist from dipping into the clear waters. 

Islands we passed by. I think this is Nalusuan Island.

We headed for the shores of Cordova at around 5PM and walked to highway since we didn't have our own ride.