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Review: Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, Philippines

Review: Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, Philippines

May 3, 2012

Last Updated on September 21, 2022

After three weeks of traveling around the Philippines, we simply wanted to kick back for a few days in Crusoe-esque splendor – and on Sumilon Island we did just that. Located 10 km from Cebu island, it might be just a hop away from civilization but it sure felt like a world apart.

Landing on the island’s sandbar, we stepped foot on the fine bone-white sand and clear-as-glass water; while the smiley and relaxed staff greeted us by our first names and handed us fresh fruit punch — it was as though we’d arrived on our very own private island.

review bluewater sumilon island resort philippines

Table of Contents

  • Review of Sumilon Island Resort
    • Jungle Trekking
    • Kayaking in the Mangroves
    • Snorkeling in the House Reefs
    • Swimming with Whale Sharks
    • Beachfront Lifestyle
    • Details:
    • Check the latest prices here.

Review of Sumilon Island Resort

Sumilon Island is an untouched island, run by an exclusive property, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, which gives near meaning to the experience of being castaway. Thick virgin rainforests and rugged coral terrain are kept in their original conditions, while the sparkling clear water surrounding it are protected even more so by Bluewater and relevant research groups. A clusters of stylish, and tastefully designed bungalows stand on the waterfront and an infinity pool is perched on a hilltop overlooking the sea.

On Sumilon, we spent our days eating fresh fish and snorkeling with live ones, collecting shells on the empty beach, and swaying on the hammock right by the spearmint blue sea. By day, we sipped mango juice on our verandah and whiled away the afternoon on the beach, and by night, we dined under the starry skies with sand running between our feet.

review bluewater sumilon island resort

Jungle Trekking

But it’s obvious there’s much more to Sumilon island than relaxation. Teeming with lush virgin rainforests, the island is a patchwork of wilderness that’s easy to explore on foot. After days of beach bumming, we strapped on our hiking boots to criss-cross the island. Sumilon is mapped out with a network of trekking trails that cuts through the interior of the island and runs along the craggy coastline. With the ocean right by our sides, we trekked past scuttling crabs and wound along lava rock paths with the sea cliffs plunging vertically into the water right beneath our feet.

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Within the dense rainforest, we stumbled upon several natural caves including the Yamashita Cave, a dark refuge tucked within banyan trees. For centuries, these caves provided shelter for fishermen to escape from the storms. They were the people who gave the island its name — ‘Sumilon’, translated to mean ‘to take refuge’.

We followed the trail through acres of natural forests, before ending at a lighthouse and an old Spanish baluarte, a historical watchtower built in the 19th century during the Spanish colonial era. This baluarte was built by the Spanish frays to deter slavers and marauders from attacking local communities. Despite being a hidden isle these days, Sumilon evidently played a vital role a few centuries ago.

review bluewater sumilon island resort

Kayaking in the Mangroves

On the other end of the island, a natural lagoon lies inland teeming with mangroves and swampy waters. We paddled out on kayaks, close to the mangroves to observe the myriad of insects and birds that flew overhead. Huge spiders spinned their web around the green mangrove trees, while tiny toads leapt from one root to another.

Under the shadow of tall granite cliffs that towered over the mangroves, we splashed through the brackish water and saw a different type of eco-system on this tiny island.

review bluewater sumilon island resort

Snorkeling in the House Reefs

In the afternoons, we often grabbed our snorkeling masks and fins and plunged into the water just on our doorstep. The sea surrounding Sumilon is home to some of the most biodiverse systems in the world: with coral-rich dive sites bursting and a huge abundance of tropical marine species. This was the first marine protected area in the Philippines and has been a marine sanctuary since 1974.

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Unfortunately, its corals were severely ravaged by the Muro Ami fishermen with their dynamite fishing technique a few decades ago. Thanks to the combined efforts of relevant research groups and Bluewater, it has now flourished into a world class 39-hectare sanctuary that serves as a home to thousands of aquatic animals.

Snorkeling off the sandbar, we found patchworks of multi-hued coral beds sprawled across the seabed that extended into the horizon. It was rare to find such a colorful coral garden right off the beach – something we’d usually dive deep into the ocean to find. Soon enough, we were swimming with schools of silvery barracudas, rainbow-colored giant parrot fish and even black eels. Black-tipped sharks have been seen in this area too – a pity the creature eluded us.

review bluewater sumilon island resort

Swimming with Whale Sharks

One day, we even went snorkeling with whale sharks just a short boat ride away from Sumilon. In Oslob, off the southern coast of Cebu, whale sharks are a common sight. The whale shark might be a massive animal – averaging around 9.7m in length – but it definitely fits the description of a gentle giant. As filter feeders, they feed primarily on plankton (microscopic plants and animal) and they do not attack humans or other marine animals unless provoked.

They are scientifically classified as sharks, but they’re far from most people’s perception of a shark. While I’ve swum with great white sharks before, this experience was starkly different: with the fear factor out of the way, it was surreal, intimate and extremely moving. Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob was definitely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my travels.

Check out other Cebu tours you can do from Sumilon Island.

whale sharks in oslob philippines

Beachfront Lifestyle

Back in our room, we idled away the evenings sitting out on the verandah – either reading a book, sleeping on a hammock or typing away on our laptops (it’s so relaxing to work in such an environment!). Our room was simple and luxurious both at once – with large comfortable beds, teak wood tables, lounge chairs, TV and air-conditioning – all within ten steps from the beach.

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For those on a budget, the resort also has a glamping option – in beautiful and spacious tents right on the beach, with outdoor tables and chairs to enjoy the sand and sea all to yourself. You can also visit the island on a daytrip, with meals and island activities at your disposal. Whatever the choice, Sumilon Island definitely gives the sensation of being castaway on a lost island in the middle of the ocean – although in reality, civilization is just a hop away.

review bluewater sumilon island resort


Details:

How to get there: Bluewater Sumilon Resort provides free transfers by boat from Oslob, a beach town in Southeast Cebu. It is approximately three hours from Cebu City by public bus.

Prices: Room rates start from 12,000PHP (US$280) per night; glamping packages at 9,500PHP (US$225) inc. full-board meals for two persons and one child; and a daytrip starting at 1,500 PHP (US$35).

Check the latest prices here.

Disclaimer: Our stay was made possible by Bluewater Sumilon Resort, but all opinions expressed above are our own.

11 Comments
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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. As an accomplished travel writer, she has written for BBC Travel, CNN and Rough Guides. She is also the author of five travel books, including the latest Lonely Planet's Mexico guidebook. Read more about her here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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The Comments

  • Erica
    May 3, 2012

    Sounds phenomenal!

    I love your photos- what kind of a lens did you use?

    Reply
    • Alberto Molero
      Erica
      May 3, 2012

      Hello Erica,

      Most of these pictures were taken using a wide-angle lens (Sigma 8-16mm). Also some of these are tone-mapped, i.e. they are a combination of three different pictures. I'm working on some photography posts to share some techniques I use with all WildJunket readers so stay tuned!

      Reply
      • Erica
        Alberto Molero
        May 3, 2012

        Hi Alberto,

        Thanks for the lens info! Which just makes me lust after a wide angle even more… sigh.
        I thought I detected a little tone mapping there. I certainly can't do it- the tutorials out there are not dumbed down enough for the likes of me- but I can usually tell when the technique has been used :)

        Looking forward to your photography posts!

        Reply
        • Alberto Molero
          Erica
          May 6, 2012

          Hi Erica,

          Tone-mapping is not that difficult as it sounds, if your camera allows bracketing it's nearly automatic with the correct post-processing tools. The topic is a bit advance for what I had in mind for my next few photography posts but I will sure try to cover it in the future.

          Seeya!

          Reply
  • Micamyx|Senyorita
    May 3, 2012

    I miss Sumilon Island! Got invited two years ago for an overnight stay there. :D

    Reply
  • Barbara
    May 4, 2012

    Wow! I love these pictures and this looks like a wonderful place to go. I'm headed to the Phillippines possibly next year, so I'm following your journey closely. This seems like untainted nature without a lot of tourists. Thanks!

    Reply
  • Nellie
    May 4, 2012

    Glad that we\’ve brightened up your rainy day in NYC!

    Reply
  • Gabz
    May 11, 2012

    I was there 3 weeks ago! Went there for a day tour after swimming with the whale sharks. Sumilon is simply breathtaking. Your photos are stunning! Glad to be here. :)

    Reply
  • Nellie
    January 18, 2013

    We absolutely loved our experience with the whale sharks. That was the closest we\’ve ever gotten to such a big animal. Highly recommend it!

    Reply
  • Nellie
    May 15, 2013

    Yes Sumilon is located across the channel from Oslob. In fact, we did go swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, what a wild experience!

    Reply
  • John
    May 19, 2018

    Wow! I love these pictures and this looks like a wonderful place to go. My friends are headed to the Philippines possibly next year, so I’m sharing this to them so they will be following your journey closely. This seems like untainted nature without a lot of tourists. Thanks!

    Reply

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