 A view from a resort in Mactan. |
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
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| Location | South East Asia |
| Archipelago | Visayas |
| Major islands | Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Masbate, Negros, Panay and Samar. |
| Country | |
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Philippines
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| A City and a Municipality | Lapu-Lapu and Cordova |
| Largest city | Lapu-Lapu (pop. 217,019) |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 251,051 (as of 2000) |
| Ethnic groups | Visayan (Cebuano) and other ethnic groups. |
Mactan is an island located a few kilometres from the island of Cebu in the Philippines. The island is part of the province of Cebu and it is divided into Lapu-Lapu City and the municipality of Cordova. The island is connected to Cebu by the two bridges one of which is the Marcelo Fernan Bridge and the Mactan Bridge. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the country's second busiest airport is located on Mactan island. The only aquarium attraction in the Visayas is also located on the island.
History
The island was a Muslim settlement before it was colonized by Spain in the 16th century. Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived on the island in 1521 and became involved in tribal warfare among the tribal groups, only to be killed in battle by Datu Lapu-Lapu, one of the chieftains in the island. By 1730, Augustinian friars established the town of Lapu-Lapu and it became a city in 1961.
Today the island is known for its furniture and industrial factories, which are some of the most successful industries in the Philippines. Also important to the island is its tourism industry and the production of guitars, ukeleles and other musical instruments.
External links
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