The Mactan Newtown Beach — Hotel in Lapu-Lapu

Not what I was expecting.

I guess growing up in more provincial areas, the price point shocked me the most with Newton's rates. Trust me when I say that I've paid for much lower prices with better experience.

First thing's first, the staff wasn't the best. I probably only caught them on the wrong day, but during our visit, many of them had an attitude, almost like they weren't happy with their job for service. And all of us were even trying our best to be as pleasant as possible but some of them had a really sour aura which just spoiled our experience a bit.

They charge your for the food and beverages that you bring in, which is understanble, and the entrance fee is acceptable for the type of beach that it is. Upon entry, you can tell there isn't much gimmick or leisure installations yet. There are a couple of stalls that offer freshly cooked food which were reasonably priced.

There's a patch of land that wasn't developed yet and you could tell that the place was relatively new and inexperienced, or maybe still waiting to cash in enough for improvements. Initial thought was definitely that they needed to make the place feel more exciting and inviting.

Once we got to the counter where you can rent for a cottage, that shocked us the most.

For one, I don't remember seeing any of those posted at the entrance. I could be wrong, but I do remember reading all the signage. So when we saw the rates for the tents and cottages, at first at thought they were reasonable. Of course that is until we actually got to the cottage we decided on getting and realizing that we played way more than what we ended up getting.

The cottage was old, it was not cleaned, and staff didn't warn us about there being other guests sitting there, so we had to stand there because they didn't believe us when we said we had paid for it. Could have easily been avoided if they'd stepped in much sooner. When they put up the sticker though, the guests obliged, but we were still left with a dirty cottage which they didn't bother to offer us with any help.

The table that we had was far too tiny for their claim of 10-16 people, and so was the cottage itself. Some of us had to eat elsewhere because it exceedingly a tight squeeze.

We also wanted to get on some rides, but the rates were spiked so high up and as we observed the people who just got off the banana boat, it didn't seem like it had the thrill that it promised would be brought.

They have a snack bar as well. You're better off buying your own food outside and just paying for the food charge because that might be cheaper than the money you might end up spending there. Of course, it is far off the city, so prices are expected to 've that way, but you should also be cautious with the money you'll be spending. Much rather be spent on other things than snacks.

But then, I think the seashore could compensate for the downs of the place. It can't be avoided that there would be some filth here and there for the amount of people sharing the tiny strip of the shoreline. Failure of cleaning up by guests, I believe. It does put a bad taste in your mouth, but if you just try to ignore it and enjoy the water, I think you'll be good.

Overall, the place wasn't the best I've ever been to, although the beach held a lot of promise. I think with better management and a whole lot of planning, it could...

When we got here we were disappointed about the beach. Becus It was so small and the sea can not go far away without doing activity. But the sail changed our mind completely. We were 2 persons and did the sail on the photo. When the sail, one person be on boat and another be on funboard.(I don't sure about the name of it.) We did that 30min at each position and switch the position 30min. So we did that about 1 hour with 1400php. The person in the boat could be on the edge of it and the other person could try to stand up on the board and have fun with that. If you want to do that, ask the shop near the beach. You can easily find there becus of some funboards are in there.

First of all, the guide is so nice person and funny. He was very kind to us and controlled the boat at each person's ability. He made it very good time for us. We thought that was not thrilling and dangerous thing at the first time. So we couldn't understand why we had life vests that time. But when the boat started, I totally freak out about the speed of that. I don't understand how can have the high speed still right now. It was totally the power of wind and something. It was so amazing. He use this boat to get another island without life vest. He is very brave and cool person. But sometimes he is also scared about the strong waves that couldn't control himself. Anyway the boat was so fast and brought us the open sea. It was our first time to the open sea without any safe boat or something. We had life vest thought, the deep and dark blue color sea made us scared. The color of the sea wasn't awkward if a shark jump out from the water and bite my legs. We got far away from beach that as cannot see even high building that is near the beach. There were only the Mother Nature and me. That time I thought my worries are so small thing and if I could bear this fear of sea, I felt I can do anything.

Even in the deep sea, the waves was big than I thought and It was really hard to get up on the board. My friend have a good sense of balance and a natural athlete but It wasn't easy. So that was fun thing, not too easy. And When we fell into the water, it was so thrilling and exciting. I could find myself to try to get on the board for my life. Anyway I think it's better than other activites that others do usually. The guide said That is only in Sebu. It's hard to say it but was very wonderful memory to us.

I wish you guys also...

Our family stayed at this paid beach resort, and what happened to my nephew was something no guest should ever experience. He stepped on a stonefish, the most venomous fish in the world, while swimming — a dangerous and extremely painful incident — yet there were no warnings, no briefings, and no “Beware: Stonefish” signs anywhere in the area.

Guests were not informed at all that stonefish may be found in the water. Despite charging guests to swim, the resort clearly failed in its duty to warn and protect. Proper signage and guest orientation are basic safety standards for any managed beach.

When the incident happened, the first aid given was incorrect — staff applied ice and a tourniquet, which is the opposite of recommended first-aid treatment for stonefish stings. This shows a serious lack of staff training and emergency preparedness. The ambulance response was delayed, and we had to handle most of the situation ourselves while my cousin was in severe pain.

We later spoke to the management. They admitted this was the first incident, said they were sorry, but also stated that they would not provide any financial help because it was a “natural hazard.” While we understand that marine creatures are part of nature, this does not remove the resort’s responsibility to ensure guest safety through proper warnings and trained personnel.

What’s most disappointing is the complete absence of empathy or “palubag-loob” from management — not even assistance for small medical costs like tetanus, pain relief, or toxicology tests. For a paid beach, we expected at least basic concern and accountability, not indifference.

This experience shows serious negligence and lack of preparedness from the resort. I hope this review serves as a warning to other guests and a wake-up call to the management. Train your staff properly, install clear warning signs, and brief your guests. Don’t wait for another person to get hurt before...