A few kilometres off Cebu Island in the Philippines, lies Mactan Island being only a fraction of the size of Cebu. And yet, Mactan Island is densely populated with over 400,000 inhabitants that are growing in numbers every year. Mactan Island is a thriving tourist attraction as it boasts superb tourist spots and attractions. Snorkeling at the Marine Sanctuary was one that I was really looking forward to. Thankfully, I managed to stay 2 nights in Shangri-La's Mactan Resort, giving me enough time to slowly snorkel my way along the sanctuary.
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Shangri-La's Resort and Spa, Mactan, Cebu   
The Marine Sanctuary is right below the resort, a few minutes walk from the rooms.
   
A view of the resort and beach from the gazebo.
 
Rolling waves kisses the shoreline of the resort's beach.
Water sports like kayaking, jetskiiing, windsurfing and parasailing are made available by the resort as well!
Having fun with my camera in the sun.
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A night view of the resort.
Underwater photography
Used this snorkeling trip to test out my underwater camera housing as well as to get used to taking pictures with low light and moving objects. (Mainly fishes that dart away when I approach too closely)
Small school of Three Stripe Damsels - Dascyllus aruanus
Always had a phobia of Trigger fish. This sanctuary in particular teemed with Picasso Triggers-(Rhinecanthus aculeatus)
Could not tell if it was a bat or angelfish :/
All in all, It was a real fun snorkeling trip after 3 long years of waiting for a trip like this. Would love to go for the nearby island hopping snorkel trips the next time round. Had fun experimenting with my Canon G-12 underwater, all set and warmed up for the next snorkel trip!
