Sumilon Bluewater: Island Resort Living (Day 1)

had an island discovery a few weeks ago with some blogger friends. Right after the 2-day stay at Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort and the Visita Iglesia south Cebu tour, we headed towards Sumilon Bluewater Resort in Sumilon Island.island

I thought I was just heading to another one of those usual resorts in the Philippines. To my surprise, it holds something more.

Going To Sumilon Island

From Manila to Cebu, you may choose from any local flights going to Mactan. From Cebu City, travel 3 to 4 hrs by land to Bancogon, Oslob either by car, hired van or bus. Upon reaching the jump-off point at Bancogon, Oslob, a 15 minute ride by pumpboat is provided for by the resort. Sumilon Bluewater can also be reached from Dumaguete City.

Sumilon Bluewater Beach Resort

More than just a resort located in an island, Sumilon Bluewater IS the whole Sumilon Island itself. It is situated southeast off the main island of Cebu and is part of the historic municipality of Oslob. It has a land area of 24 hectares and is surrounded by clear waters in varying hues.

In contrast to the usual beach resorts I have been to where you share the beach with other resorts and guests, checking in Sumilon Bluewater is like checking in to the whole island.

A small boat ride brought us from Oslob which is 117kms south of Cebu to the welcoming white sand beach of Sumilon Island.

It is also called the “Shifting White Sand Bar” because depending on the season and wind direction, the white sand bar can disappear or reappear.

From the beach, under the striking glare of the afternoon sun, we had to ride a golf cabbie-type vehicle which brought us to one of the 14 rooms among its 8 cottages which offer views of the sea, cove, and mainland Cebu. Each room is complete with amenities including wi-fi connection and has an area of 48-square meter and accommodates a maximum of 3 guests.

A stone’s throw away from our accommodations is the Nipa-hut octogonal-shaped Pavillion Resort Restaruant which offers a grand view of almost the whole of Sumilon‘s coastline.

We shared some afternoon cocktails as we enjoyed the refreshing high-altitude breeze and serene atmosphere of the secluded island. It was like having the whole island to ourselves.

We watched the sun set and disappear in the horizon before we prepared for another evening cocktails with bonfire by the beach. A full buffet dinner followed back in the restaurant with some home-grown entertainment.

This concludes our satisfying Day 1 in Sumilon Island – the first marine protected area in the Philippines which was made a fish sanctuary in 1974 under the guidance of Siliman University Marine Reserve.

Day 2 will follow in next week’s post. For package inquiry on Sumilon Bluewater Beach Resort in Cebu, please contact (63 32) 481 0801 or email sumilon<at>bluewater.com.ph