Right outside Oslob, Cebu is a little Island Resort called Sumilon Island. Since diving with the whale sharks was over by 6:30am we decided to check it out. From our hotel in Tanawan, Oslob, it was about a 500 meter walk to the staging area to take the boat to Oslob.
Sumilon Island in the distance.
Just follow the signs down the little brick road.
After paying the fee for the day trip, we waiting for the boat to arrive.
The fee for the day trip was 1,500 php per person. It included the following:- Roundtrip boat transfer
- Plated 3 course lunch
- Access to all resort activities (snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, etc)
- Free rental of snorkel gear
- Use of infinity pool
- Use of storage lockers- Free towel
- Use of showers
After looking at the island map, we decided to start our morning with a hike around the island.
The hike was hardly a an easy stroll through the woods. Steep inclines and walking on jagged rocks would make it impossible to finish with flip flops, good thing we planned ahead and had adequate footwear.
Mia climbing to the top of the old lighthouse.
A view of the white sandbar.
The hike around the island took about one and a half hours, safe to safe we were ready for lunch after that.
An opening course of breaded chicken liver and a mushroom soup.
My main course of sweet and sour poached lapu lapu.
Mia's main course of pan fried cajun chicken with corn salsa.
Our 3rd course was mango cheesecake and pineapple puree.
After lunch it was time for a swim. We picked up our snorkel gear and jumped in.
Sumilon island is the first protected marine area in the Philippines (since 1974). Unlike other areas of the Philippines, the coral here is untouched, vibrant, and full of life. In just one foot of water you will already see an abundance of marine life. This alone is a good reason to visit Sumilon.
We thought about Kayaking, but after a long day of diving w/ whale sharks, hiking, and snorkeling, this was one activity we passed on.
We decided instead to swim and relax at the infinity pool facing Cebu Island.
After showering, we killed some time playing games while waiting for the boat to take us back to Cebu. While we did not spend the night in Sumilon, there are some nice accommodations pictured below.
The resort has a number of cabin rooms, all with an ocean view.
For a more outdoors experience you can go "Glamping". Which is what they call their version of camping (Glamorous Camping = Glamping). Hardly what we would call "roughing-it"
Overall this was a good way to spend the day. For more information visit:
http://www.bluewatersumilon.com.ph/
