The area formerly known as Portofino Resort now features a shoreline of mixed pebbles and sand, especially along the ocean between high and low tide. The most critical part is here—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. The water was so murky that visibility was poor. 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 a 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. Accessing water in the restroom was difficult because the taps were out of order. 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. Plan to bring your vehicle—there’s plenty of parking available for your convenience.
Mactan Newtown Beach Information
- Pets are allowed.
- No overnight accommodation.
- Contact numbers: 0917 704 4893 / 0922-389-2833
- Email: [email protected]
- Paradise Beach Official Review
- Durhan White Beach Resort: Comprehensive Review
- Globe Telecom Reviews
