This Gorgeous Resort-Themed Terminal in Cebu is Now Fully Operational

Bring out those phones and post Instagram Stories to your heart’s content—the much-awaited Terminal 2 of the Mactan Cebu International Airport finally began operations this week, and it deserves all the attention.

Touted as the world’s first resort airport, Terminal 2 is an instant landmark with its captivating curves made of glue-laminated timber, full-length glass panels, and skylights. While striking on the outside, the beauty of the new terminal lies in its glass walls, which allows for natural light to flow through the facility and evokes a warm and welcoming ambience reminiscent of Cebuano hospitality.

The design, which fulfills a vision by the GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation, is a collaboration between architect Royal Pineda, interior designer Budji Layug, and furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue, along with Hong Kong-based firm Integrated Design Associates.

But there’s more to Terminal 2 beyond its looks, even though it's like, really pretty. Here are five reasons you should fly out from Cebu on your next international trip:

1. Easy Navigation

You can make comparisons to Singapore’s Changi, or even Hong Kong's and Korea’s international airports, and for good reason: next to all these renowned facilities, the new terminal can definitely hold its own. That said, one significant difference lies in the size: Terminal 2 is relatively smaller, but that doesn’t mean it's not spacious—there's definitely more than enough room to move around, minus the confusion that comes with navigating a massive, complicated airport.

The layout is also quite cohesive, taking you from check-in to immigration to boarding seamlessly. The flow is well-thought-out enough for you to breeze through all these steps, giving you ample time to enjoy everything else the airport has to offer, which includes…

2. Duty-Free Shopping till You Drop!

Past the immigration counter, you’ll immediately find yourself at the Duty Free section, which is slated to be the biggest in the country. In one long aisle, you’ll find everything you could possibly want to buy, whether you're looking for food, souvenirs, electronics, accessories, perfume, cosmetics, liquor, and many others. Aside from well-known international brands, homegrown products from local designers and companies are also showcased.

DG Tip: Look down! The tiles on the floor are infused with mother-of-pearl, reflecting the overhead lights and creating a sparkling effect akin to sand.

3. No Shortage of Hangout Spots

One thing that’s tedious about international flights is that you have to check in hours in advance, often leaving you with plenty of time to spare pre-departure, not counting any delays that may occur. Good thing the new terminal has several places to kill time at whether you're traveling solo or with a group, including an outlet of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf which has killer views of the tarmac, and the Cabin Bar, where you can wait for your flight accompanied by your drink of choice.

Aside from dining places, the new terminal features a small The Spa at Cebu outlet as well as a prayer room, where you can reflect and have time to yourself before you fly out.

4. It’s Just Really Instagrammable, Okay?

Terminal 2 knows it caters to the millennial generation, and was built and designed accordingly. Besides the gorgeous cathedral-like arches, you’ll find every corner is worth an Instagram shot, with attention to detail extended to places you wouldn’t usually consider, including the tube from the boarding gates to the aircraft, the conveyor belt for luggage, and the woven pattern on the counters. Even the bathrooms feature a wall of moss on the far end, surrounded by the rustic wooden doors of the cubicles. Now you can take your bathroom selfies to the next level!

5. Your Gateway to the World

Cebu’s newest terminal is dedicated to international flights, from carriers such as Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, SilkAir, and more to come. Spanning over 65,000 sq. ft., there’s definitely ample room for everyone, allowing Cebu to cater to more passengers, whether they're arriving or departing. And while the destination is important, how you get there matters just as much—and for that, Terminal 2 is proud to be part of your journey.

Planning to kickstart your world tour with a trip around the Queen City of the South? Find travel inspiration in our Cebu Travel Guide. Maximize and enjoy your Cebu stay when you avail our promos from our partner establishments in Cebu.

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