I got this GC as a prize for writing about our Sumilon experience last August 1st. You can also check out my entry to see for yourself what’s waiting for you at the Sumilon Island Bluewater Resort. I’m set to go there end of this month to avail of this GC and I can’t wait to relax and unwind under this tropical paradise.

Thanks again to Ruben and Maribago Bluewater! Weeeeeeeeeeeeee

Are you ready for the ultimate summer escapade?

I am highly recommending a trip to the south of Cebu and experience the majestic Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort for those beach bums out there. This beautiful island is one’s perfect getaway to an ultimate summer experience. Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort is located on Sumilon Island in Oslob, Cebu.  This island is the first marine protected area in the Philippines and was made a fish sanctuary back in 1974.

How to get there?

You can go there by public bus or drive using your vehicle. I believe it’s a 2 – 3 hour drive from the city proper. It’s best to contact the management to inform them of your arrival. But there are also those who’d prefer to arrive there unscheduled and they are still welcome to visit the island. When you decide to ride by bus, just go to the South Bus Terminal in N. Bacalso Avenue and look for the bus that goes to Oslob. You can choose to ride on an air conditioned bus or non-air con. Just tell the bus conductor that you wish to stop at the drop off point going to Sumilon Island and they’ll know where that is. They will just call your attention when you are near the area. For those bringing their private vehicles remember that when you reach the town of Carcar, you have to go straight to the other side of the rotunda marker in Carcar, as turning right will lead to Kawasan in Badian. There are also visible signages which will indicate that you are near the place. When you reach the area, you have to make a left turn and pass through a steep road going down to the resort’s waiting area.

You have to wait for a boat to take you to the island from the mainland. If you want to be early, you can catch the first trip, which is at 7:00 am,  where you can  join the  island staff as they report for work in the resort. The next boat trip doesn’t leave till 9:00 am. The best thing is when you arrive in the mainland waiting area, you’ll be served with iced tea to quench your thirst. And once you arrive in the island, refreshments will be served again to quench your throats. 

This is the boat that will transport you to the island. I think it will take 15 minutes for the transfer.

You’ll get to discover pristine white sand beaches in the different areas of the island.

There are actually a lot of activities to get yourself busy with when you reach the  island of Sumilon. You can check the resort’s library to discover Sumilon Island’s history. If this is not one of your ideal plans to spend your day here, you can always go birdwatching. You can also lounge in their Payag-Payag (huts) and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place. For the more adventurous type, you can go trekking and discover the cave in the island, check out the lighthouse  and watch tower and find your way to the  island’s swimming areas. All of this you can do in less than 3 hours. The island is small and by the time you’re finished with your trek, you’d discover that you have already toured the island.

What’s interesting is that the island has a natural lagoon surrounded by mangroves and this is a perfect way to enjoy boat paddling. For the sea lovers, you can also go snorkeling, wind surfing and even scuba diving. The island offers great diving sites and you can find various marine species there.

And while you are in the island, never forget to capture the unforgettable memories you will experience, like what we did. Picture2x all the way!!!

The island’s swimming area

There’s a 3:00 pm boat that leaves the island. The last trip is at 5:30pm, except for Saturdays which is at 5:00pm. The last boat trip will also transport the resort staff who live on the mainland.

I’m not sure though if the last trip of the buses that pass by Oslob is at 6pm or 7pm. Nevertheless, if you are riding via public transportation, make sure you ride the bus that comes along. Otherwise, you’ll end up like us. We chose to wait for the air conditioned bus and we end up standing since all the seats were taken. It was after an hour or more before we were able to find us some vacant seats as passengers dropped off on nearby towns.

So, the fun part. Let’s talk about the price. You think this vacation is cheap? Think again…It’s actually not But there was really a time when the resort was not yet fully developed and going to the island will only cost you P500.00. Then eventually, it increased to P1,000.oo and now even higher.

Rates

In order to experience this wonderful vacation, you have to spend a few bucks since this place isn’t exactly cheap. A day tour on a weekday (Monday-Friday) will cost you P 1,500.00 per head and on a Weekend (Saturday and Sunday) it costs P 2,000.00 per head. The day tour includes boat transfers, a lunch buffet and free use of all facilities including the gears needed for boat paddling, snorkeling and even the life vests. I’m not sure though if this covers the diving gears.

For the weekend rate, an added bonus of cocktails and snacks are up for grabs.

They will charge corkage fees for bringing in food except for some chips and water.

If you are also thinking of spending the night here, think twice. Since this is an exclusive resort, only 12 cottages are available and spending the night will cost you P 7,500.00 for twin sharing with free breakfast. This is their regular rate but I believe they have a special rate for foreigners

For those interested to discover Sumilon, you can check out the following

Contact information:

Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort
Sumilon Island, Oslob
Cebu 6025
Philippines
Telefax No. (63) 32 481-0801 or (63) 32 492-0100
Email Address: sumilonreservations@bluewater.com.ph
URL: http://www.bluewater.com.ph/sumilon2/

P.S. We went to Sumilon last January of 2008. When we went there on a Sunday, we paid P2,000 for the island package and spent approximately 500 for the round trip bus fare. But with the fare increase I have no idea how much the trip to Oslob costs. Just prepare a 2,500 or 3,000 budget to be safe

And although it has been over a year since we experienced Sumilon, my memories of the place are still fresh. In my opinion and to this day nothing has beaten Sumilon Island’s wonders.

*** You may also visit the following links for more information:

• Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort
• Sumilon Bluewater
• Sumilon Bluewater blog
• Maribago Bluewater Cebu
• Maribago Bluewater
• Pinoy World