The area previously known as Portofino Resort now features a shore with a mix of pebbles and sand, particularly along the ocean’s edge between high and low-water marks. Let’s talk about the most crucial part—the entrance fee. It’s pretty steep, at 350 pesos, to step onto the sand, and I found that quite surprising.
Stepping into the water, I immediately noticed numerous rocks beneath the surface. Navigating the shoreline without water shoes became challenging, disrupting my hopes for a pleasant walk by the water. To compound the situation, the showers, a standard expectation at any beach, were non-functional. That meant no way to wash off the salty seawater or that sticky feeling after a day at the beach.
Now, let’s get to the main attraction—the water. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the apparent paradise I was hoping for. It was murky, and you couldn’t see much. It didn’t invite you for a nice swim or some underwater exploring. Snorkeling was out of the question because there were no fish around, making it feel like a deserted underwater city.
The beach itself didn’t meet cleanliness standards. There were rocks all over the small patch of sand, making it more like an obstacle course than a relaxing place to put down your beach towel. Plus, there were few good spots to sit.
I was hoping for some good beach snacks. But the beach didn’t allow outside food, so I had to check out what they had. I was not impressed. The snacks were expensive and not very satisfying.
The bathrooms were a whole different experience. Going to the restroom became a quest for water because the taps didn’t work. With no running water, there was no way to freshen up properly after a day in the sun.
Conclusion
This beach outing left me questioning the value of money. The hefty entrance fee, with rocky waters, non-functional showers, and a less-than-pristine beach, made me reconsider the overall worth of the experience. While I support local businesses, transparency about what visitors can expect is important, especially when parting with their hard-earned cash. The beach is beautiful, but I recommend exploring other coastal gems that offer a more satisfying and well-rounded beach experience.
Entrance fee
- 150 per head on weekdays (Monday to Friday)
- ₱200 per Head on Weekends (Saturday & Sunday)
- Operating hours: 6 AM to 10 PM daily
Rentals
- Small Tent (15pax) – ₱1,500
- Big Tent (25 pax) – ₱3,000
- Cabana (15pax) – ₱1,500
- Parasol – ₱800
- Tables w/ chairs – ₱500
How To Get There
Exact Address: Located in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Newtown Beach is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive from Cebu City. Bringing your vehicle is recommended, and ample parking space is available.
Mactan Newtown Beach Information
- Pets are allowed.
- No overnight accommodation.
- Contact numbers: 0917 704 4893 / 0922-389-2833
- Email: [email protected]
