A day tour in Sumilon Island

It has been two years since I engaged myself to outdoors. I have travelled to some famous islands all over Philippines. And then, there is this Sumilon Island  which happens to be at close proximity of my hometown Argao that I have never been to. So one weekend, in an impulse, I decided to visit the island through Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort

ABOUT THE ISLAND

Sumilon Island is a 24-hectare coral island off the coast of Bancogon, Oslob, Cebu. The island is located in the southeastern tip of Oslob. It is the first marine protected area in the Philippines; created as a marine sanctuary in 1974 under the guidance of the Silliman University Marine Reserve.

The island showing off its blue water.

The island hosts the Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort which developed the island into an eco-friendly haven for those who want to get away from the stress of city living.

ABOUT THE RESORT

The resort is a sister resort of the popular Maribago Bluewater resort in Mactan, Cebu. It is a bit expensive but all worth it when you get there. The resort features villa rooms, restaurant, infinity pool, spa services, bar/lounge, mini playground for kids, public free wifi and activities like kayaking , snorkeling and etc.  All of the activities are for free if you avail their rooms or have a day use for 2000 pesos.

Enjoying this scenic view located just right outside the island’s restaurant.

Just the way it is. No filter needed.

When you have 9 hours to spare.

HOW TO GET THERE 

From Cebu City | Go to Southbus Terminal. Look for a bus with a sign board that says BATO VIA OSLOB. The island is approximately 3 hours bus ride from Cebu City (depends on what time you are travelling) and 15-20 minutes boat ride from mainland. I would recommend to travel early, around 3AM – 5AM, for a shorter travel time due to less traffic. In my case, I was already at the bus terminal at 3AM since I needed to catch the first trip to Sumilon Island at 8AM. If you will be having a day use in Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort, you need to tell the conductor to drop you at Bancogon. The fare is 156 pesos for air-conditioned buses.

Bancogon pier at 6:30AM.

WHAT TO DO

The resort features a lot of activities, from land to water activities. Here are some of Sumilon Resort activities.

• SWIMMING/SNORKELING
• KAYAKING
• FISH FEEDING
• TREKKING
• BIRD WATCHING
• CAVE TOURS
• ISLAND HOPPING TOURS

When I was there,  swimming/snorkeling was prohibited due strong monsoon winds creating strong sea currents. I only did the kayaking, fish feeding and trekking.

The island’s small lagoon

Meriel and Loraine almost forgot their paddle boards.

Signature pose in every sandbar I visited 😎

 

TIPS

1. Check the weather on that day. You can’t enjoy the island on a rainy day 🙂
2. If you are planning for a day use, catch the first trip at 8AM so you have the entire day to explore the island.
3. Sunday is the best day to visit. The resort has small amount of guests on the day.
4. All network providers are available. When it comes to internet connection, Globe has it. But dont worry, there is a free wifi on the restaurant and bar/lounge area.
5. The resort has a corkage fee if you bring foods. But you can bring water though. In my visit, our bags were not inspected. So, I guess it’s okay to sneak some junk foods. lol
6. Bring soap and shampoo. The resort will only provide you a towel.
7. Listen to the staff before doing any activities. Their primary goal is your safety.
8. They don’t accept debit card payments. Only cash and credit card.
9. Don’t throw your garbage anywhere.
10. Make friends 🙂