The people of Mactan Island has long been commuting to and fro mainland Cebu by the use of ferries. Of course, Mactan is separated by the narrow Opon Channel which makes Cebu as one of the best harbours in the country. Now, because of the construction of a US air base (which will be later Mactan International Airport) and lack of land area in urban Cebu, former president Marcos constructed the old Mactan-Mandaue Bridge which finally connected Mactan to Cebu mainland without using ferries.

Today, most of the people cross the channel by the two bridges spanning between the two islands, but some Oponghons (residents of LapuLapu City or Mactan Island) would prefer to ride the Mactan-Cebu Ferry which is more convenient for them. Well, it is really convenient for the Cebuanos and local residents. They would not need to brave the increasingly jammed roads in Mandaue and Cebu City during rush hours and yet they can cruise all the way to home or work. That’s what you call “urban island living” indeed! The terminals are found at Muelle Osmena, Mactan (near the Virgen de la Regla Church, downtown LapuLapu City) and Pier 3 in downtown Cebu City. They are open from 5:30 AM all the way to 7:00PM.

Now, you don’t have to worry because its not an outrigger boat or banca. All of them are diesel powered all-metal ferry boats. Read the rest of this entry »