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 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.
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.
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.
TIPS
- Check the weather on that day. You can’t enjoy the island on a rainy day 🙂
- If you are planning for a day use, catch the first trip at 8AM so you have the entire day to explore the island.
- Sunday is the best day to visit. The resort has small amount of guests on the day.
- 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.
- 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
- Bring soap and shampoo. The resort will only provide you a towel.
- Listen to the staff before doing any activities. Their primary goal is your safety.
- They don’t accept debit card payments. Only cash and credit card.
- Don’t throw your garbage anywhere.
- Make friends 🙂