• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Go to Expat Living Hong Kong
Join our Mailing List

Expat Living Singapore HomepageExpat Living Singapore

Moving to Singapore and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Singapore.

Menu
  • Living in Singapore
      • Living here
      • Neighbourhood Guides
      • Schools
      • Property
      • Work And Business
      • Finance
      • For Guys
      • Environment
        • Singapore skyline daytime marina bayStarting a business in Singapore
        • Abu Ahmad refugeLife as a refugee: One father’s story
        • Family at home power services electrical providersLooking to change your electricity provider?
        • Where to live in singaporeThinking of moving to Singapore?
      • View all
    Close
  • What’s On
    • Things To Do
    • EL Events
    • Family
    • Concerts & Shows
    • Wine, Dine & Party
    • Network & Shop
    • Sports & Wellness
    • Exhibitions & Workshops
    • Close
  • Kids
      • Enrichment
      • Kids Things To Do
      • Mums & Babies
      • Schools
      • Tots & Toddlers
      • Tweens & Teens
        • Gautier JulianaKids rooms from all over the world
        • Swim School Singapore10 exciting enrichment activities for kids
        • Pacific Prime babymoon travel insurance woman in poolPlanning a babymoon?
        • AIS IBWant to ace the IB exam? Here’s how one girl did
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Accessories
      • Decorating Ideas
      • Homes Outdoor
      • Readers’ Homes
      • Shopping For Home
        • Gautier JulianaKids rooms from all over the world
        • Justinas siglap homeInside a colourful 1950s Siglap home
        • Courts Sofa10 sofa styles to suit you and your space
        • image-2019-02-18Where to buy cushions, curtains & upholstery
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Asia
      • Australia And New Zealand
      • Rest Of World
      • Travel News
      • Travel Tips
        • Niyama Private Islands Maldives Chill and Play IslandsEscape to this gorgeous Maldivian resort
        • Central Harbourfont Hong KongThings to Do with Kids in Hong Kong
        • Pacific Prime babymoon travel insurance woman in poolPlanning a babymoon?
        • Europe trip MelindaMelinda’s adventure in Italy and Germany
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Asian Cuisine
      • Western Cuisine
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Groceries & Speciality Services
      • Recipes & Classes
        • The Monarchy teamWe check out a cool British-inspired bar
        • Banana cake recipeTea time recipe: Banana cake
        • welsh lamb premium meat delivery onlineWelsh lamb: Where to find and how to cook it
        • Authors of Table TalesAuthor spotlight: Table Tales
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
      • Horoscopes
        • BTL Vanquish Me slimming treatment cutis fire and iceHow to target specific problem areas
        • composite facelift dr wong w aesthetic plastic surgeryHow to get a natural looking facelift
        • MAH Collection Resort wearLooking for stylish resort wear?
        • engagement rings singapore gioia fine jewelleryWhere to buy or customise engagement rings
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Dental
      • Fitness
      • Medical
      • Wellness
        • composite facelift dr wong w aesthetic plastic surgeryHow to get a natural looking facelift
        • UP fitnessThe benefits of getting in shape with your partner
        • Pacific Prime babymoon travel insurance woman in poolPlanning a babymoon?
        • benefits of drinking water natural springs water deliveryThe natural remedy everyone needs
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
    • PRINT MAGAZINE
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINE
    • BOOKS
    • Close
Home » Travel » Asia » Holiday in the Philippines: Head to Cebu for a weekend trip in Mactan

Holiday in the Philippines: Head to Cebu for a weekend trip in Mactan

Updated on 19th December 2017 by Expat Living |

The Philippines is a wealth of hidden gems where inaccessibility is both a blessing and a curse. Travel to and between the islands being tricky and onerous, much of its unspoilt beauty is yet to be revealed. However, for travellers looking for a quick weekend getaway, the shores of Cebu are but a hop away. Leanda Rathmell spent a dynamic weekend at the Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Mactan.

 

THURSDAY

12.45pm
Three and bit hours after take-off, our SilkAir flight touches down at Mactan Cebu International Airport. Instantly, we are greeted with warm smiles and hand-beaded necklaces. Immigration is surprisingly swift and painless (two words not often associated with Filipino airport facilities) and our driver awaits with our car, chilled towels and delightful news that our hotel is a mere 15-minute drive away.

Our cheerful chaperone for the weekend, Clyde, greets us at the resort entrance and takes us to our sanctuary for the next two nights. Located in one of the recently renovated wings, our Casa Suite is bigger than our Singapore apartment. We have an interconnecting living room and bedroom, two bathrooms, two balconies and three televisions (one built-in above the bath) all to ourselves.

 

2.30pm
After an espresso in our living room and a tinker with all our mod-con room-gadgets, we head out to explore. It takes a solid hour to get our bearings in this expansive retreat; 350 hectares of greenery, 350 metres of white sand, 530 rooms and an infinite choice of activities could keep you busy for weeks. We spot two very large pools, a golf course, a tennis court, waterslides, outdoor table tennis, billiards and boxing equipment, a scuba centre and plenty of places to grab a bite. Peckish, we share a mango shake and some pika pika, or finger food, at Breeze. The coconut-battered calamari and mozzarella sticks and mango salsa tide us just nicely over the afternoon.

3.00pm
The weaving walkway leads us to the resort’s golf course where I sorely submit to defeat. A well-kept 6-hole, par 3, the course is ample for keen golfers like John, whilst short enough not to try the patience of casual players like myself. Spotting the mini-golf, I challenge John to another round, hoping for some redemption. As he pots the victorious 14th hole, my mood must be causing grey clouds gather and the rain is quick to follow.

 

En route back to the room, we discover the arcade zone. A godsend for kids and the young at heart, this place is equipped with pool tables, air hockey, pinball, karaoke, computer games and its very own Timezone arcade. What was envisaged as a romantic weekend quickly turns competitive. Elbows are flung and curses exchanged. I proudly emerge as the air hockey queen!

5.00pm
We take a dip in the pool and have an embarrassing attempt at riding the waterslide. Take note, adults are not allowed on it and the lifeguards are not easily fooled. Instead, we relax on the sun loungers and let the breeze lull us into an afternoon nap.

6.45pm
Showered and refreshed, we head down to ACQUA for dinner – a formal affair of Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. Chef Joris Rycker wows us with a menu of canapés, gnocchi di zucca e rosmarino with tallegio cheese and grilled rib-eye with Chianti sauce.

8.30pm
After couple of nightcaps at the lobby lounge, where we enjoy the live band’s rendition of Clapton hits, we stop at the Ocean Club Lounge to borrow a DVD for the night. Four minutes into The Terminal and we’re fast asleep!

FRIDAY 

8.00am
An early game of tennis helps to work up an appetite, then it’s down to Tides for my favourite part of the day, breakfast. As I’m half-Filipina and lived in Manila for over 10 years, Filipino cuisine, which is characterised by a bold combination of sweet, sour and salty, is an all-time favourite of mine. Though Tides offers all the delights of an international buffet, we dig into the beef tapa, longanisa and garlic rice. For a sweet finish, we enjoy gula melaka sprinkled on suman, a glutinous rice treat cooked in banana leaves, coupled with a warm cup of sokolate: Filipino hot chocolate made from roasted cocoa nibs, sugar and ground peanuts.

 

10.00am
For a small fee of 500 pesos, we rent snorkelling gear and head out to the hotel’s very own marine sanctuary. Spanning six hectares of the resort’s beachfront, this joint venture between Shangri-La, Scotty’s Dive Centre and Amores charities is an impressive pledge to conservation and corporate social responsibility.

It teems with over 160 species of marine life, including angelfish, puffers, butterfly fish, pipefish, eels and starfish. It is also home to 70 giant clams seized from poachers in Palawan and hawksbill turtles that were handed over to the local government. Two ships were sunk to form artificial reefs and encourage coral and fish proliferation.

The shining sun and tame seas allow for brilliant clarity in the water. With the occasional break to sunbathe on floating platforms, we spend a considerable time watching the ever-changing colours of the seabed and the comings and goings of boats full of diving enthusiasts.

3.30pm
Sun-kissed and back on dry land, we return to Tides for a late lunch. We opt to share a bowl of sinigang, a tamarind-based soup with shrimp and stewed vegetables, and bistek tagalog, tenderised strips of steak rich with the flavours of garlic and soy sauce.

5.00pm
A beach escape isn’t complete without a spot of pampering. We head over to CHI spa village and enjoy 60 minutes of traditional Filipino Hilot massage, a technique using warm banana leaves and virgin coconut oil coupled with instinctive strokes and pressure. John and I emerge from our private rooms in a trance-like state of tranquillity. We continue to enjoy peace and quiet as we walk hand-in-hand through the gardens back to our room.

7.30pm
We have a romantic four-course dinner planned down at the beachside restaurant, Cowrie Cove. A candle-lit path leads us down the rocky jetty to our private cabana, draped in loose fabric and surrounded by crashing waves. Fresh and full of flavour, the seafood platter, warm coconut soup and grilled salmon fillet leave us beyond satisfied. As we finish with mango desserts, our waitress thoughtfully brings us warm towels and lattes to counteract the chilliness of the night. Then it’s back to the room to run a hot bath and have an early night.

 

SATURDAY

7.30am
I awake refreshed for yoga down in the hotel garden, followed by a quick dip in the pool before meeting John at Tides for breakfast.

10.00am
We spend the remainder of our day relaxing by the beach before packing for the airport. SilkAir does not operate return flights on Sundays, so we’re booked on the 3.30pm return flight. Though we would love to stay longer, it’s wonderful to return on a Saturday night and still having the remainder of the weekend ahead.

Getting There
SilkAir flies direct from Singapore to Cebu five days a week. Room rates at Shangri La Mactan Resort & Spa start at 11,400 pesos (S$345) a night.

Like this? Read more at our travel section.

Categories: Asia Travel

About Expat Living

Expat Living is your trusted guide if you are moving to or living in Singapore! Our team will help you find out about shopping, dining, entertainment, schools, travel, fashion, finance, health and beauty.

You May Also Like

Niyama Private Islands Maldives Chill and Play Islands

Escape to this gorgeous Maldivian resort

Central Harbourfont Hong Kong

Things to Do with Kids in Hong Kong

Pacific Prime babymoon travel insurance woman in pool

Planning a babymoon?

Like what you've seen?

Enter your email address to stay in touch!

By subscribing, you'll receive our monthly newsletters and offers, which you can unsubscribe to anytime.

Primary Sidebar

Editor's Picks

Best short breaks from Singapore

Where to live in Singapore expat guide

The expat’s guide to where to live in Singapore

my cozy room

Best Facials Singapore: We review 7 facial treatments!

Journey East Element Sofa

Best furniture shops in Singapore

35 Cool & Fun Things To Do In Singapore

best champagne brunches in Singapore - hilton

Best Brunch Places In Singapore: Champagne Sunday Brunches

What's On

Image of stamp collection at You've Got Mail Exhibition

You’ve Got Mail! Exhibition

The Little Prince_Behind The Exhibition (1). Image courtesy of Singapore Philatelic Museum

The Little Prince: Behind the Story Exhibition

Selling Dreams: Early Advertising in Singapore

Lim Cheng Hoe: Painting Singapore (Singapore River)

Lim Cheng Hoe: Painting Singapore

Five Oxen Wu Guanzhong

Wu Guanzhong: Expressions of Pen & Palette

Passion@KampongGlam

Passion@KampongGlam

Follow us @expatlivingsg

Want to win a free hair makeover? 💇🏻‍♀️ We're looking for two lucky readers to review a hair service of their choice at @keltureaveda , which will appear on our popular site!
To apply, drop us an email at anthia.chng@expatliving.sg with a photo of yourself and the following details: full name, age, nationality, preferred hair treatment/services and a short writeup on why you should be chosen.
Glamorous Giving is on tonight so get ready to shop! See you there!
#expatliving #shopping #shopforacause #singaporeshopping
Oven roasted French Chicken with ‘forty garlic’ and oven baked Atlantic Seabass with Fennel salad and Sicilian tomatoes at the lovely Atout Restaurant Dempsey - Bon Appetit - Jacqui @atout_restaurant #atout_restaurant #expatlivingsg
If you have no plans for the weekend, bring the fambam to #prudentialmarinabaycarnival for a blast! Happening till 24 March, the carnival features over 40 exciting rides and games. We had such a fun time last night 🎠🎡🎢 - Anthia
Head online to read our new round up on online stores for furniture like this one from @soulandtables! We're loving this contemporary piece!
Retail therapy that gives back?! We’re on board! We chatted to Leah Lambert in our February issue about @glamorousgiving. Pencil it in for the 20-21st of February. More details online ✨
Celebrate Valentine's with an exquisite five course meal for two at Café Melba for just $88++ PER COUPLE!
That fresh 🍓 tart (and everything else) looks YUM!
#ValentinesDaySG #CelebrateLove #CafeMelbaSingapore #expatliving #expatlivingsg
Wow! I love the look of this underwater restaurant in the Maldives. Lindsay Yap checked it out for us on page 130 of our Feb issue 🌊
Have you made plans for Valentine’s Day? If not don’t sweat it! We have plenty of ideas online or in our February issue 🥰❤️
Drinks tonight? Try Jigger and Pony’s signature creation, Donkey Kong - a banana-infused Monkey Shoulder Scotch!
We're giving away FREE copies of our latest Home & Property Guide for a limited time only! Grab your copy here: expatliving.sg/HPG_IG
Want to look professional and put-together, yet stylish at the same time? @rougesingapore has some of the most comfortable and flattering officewear that'll take you from day to night, office to bar. Digging the fun colours I wore in this mini shoot for our January workwear fashion spread 💃 - Anthia // #expatlivingsg #expatlivingsingapore #expatliving
Discover romantic bars and restaurants, Japan journeys and kid-friendly holidays in our latest issue! Grab your copy here: expatliving.sg/el-shop/
Have you ever been to Japan? Our editor headed to Kyushu and loved it! Her full story online now 🇯🇵
Where’s your favourite spot on the East Coast? This month we chatted to Rachel House and Sam Chapman about the ins and outs of living on Telok Kurau. See page 64 🍃
Gorgeous diamonds don't always have to be crazy expensive - @diamantipertutti is a designed-in-Belgium jewellery label offering modern and well-priced designs that incorporate ethically sourced diamonds 💍 They've just opened their first Singapore store in Raffles City! - Anthia
I’m sure by now you have all seen our cover, but where is this stunning view?! It’s in Italy 🇮🇹 In an area called Puglia which is located in the heel of Italy. More details on page 139 @borgoegnazia
We are loving The Monarchy’s new Quintessentially British Cocktail bar and Ultra lounge, open from 5pm till late Tuesday’s to Saturday’s check them out on the trendy Tras Street #expatlivingsg #themonarchysg #cocktailbar #ultralounge #singapore #hermajesty #trasstreet #peakyblinders #kevinseah
It’s my favourite round up of the year *drumroll* It’s our vegetarian and vegan round up!! Check out the 30 restaurants we chose in our January issue or online 🥰- Michaela
Brilliant weekend at the @SingOpenGolf! Well done @jazzjanegolf on becoming the third Thai champion to conquer the green!
We had a peak inside a Siglap 1950s home this January. We love the colours! 🥰
Early morning prayers. Piercings. Pots of milk. A long procession. To those who aren’t familiar with the Hindu ritual of Thaipusam, it may all seem a strange combination. Learn more about this festival in our things to do section online and head down to see it on Monday (21st Jan)
Throwback to our Christmas fashion shoot for the December issue! We had such a blast at @thesummerhousesg and @wildseedsg 💃
Recently went to South Africa for the holidays and loved it! If you guys haven’t gone you need to. Table Mountain is incredible. Would also recommend a game drive, we loved @amakhala - Michaela
  • Competitions
  • Noticeboard
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy

© 2019 Expat Living Singapore, All Rights Reserved.

Near me
40 km