Sumilon Island is one of the gems of Oslob. Just a short boat ride from Oslob, the town famous for its local Whale Sharks, is a beautiful yet small island with crystal clear water and just one resort. Some might just call it paradise.
HOW TO GET TO SUMILON ISLAND
Sumilon Island is just a short 10-15 minute boat road from Oslob. You can rent a small pump boat that will take you to the island from the port for less than a $10 return.
If you are in Cebu City you can take a scenic drive along the coast before you arrive in the southern town of Oslob. You may stop off at one of the famous South Cebu waterfalls along the way.
There’s also this great tour that combines a private trip to Sumilon Island and swimming with Whale Sharks experience.
WHERE TO STAY ON SUMILON ISLAND
There is only one resort on Sumilon Island and it is very exclusive. I mean, imagine getting to stay on a resort on a private island with crystal clear waters and your very own sandbar. If you can afford a night or two on Sumilon Island it would be a very unique experience. The resort is called Sumilon Blue Water Island Resort.
It is a 4-star resort with spacious cottages that are equipped with hot showers, WiFi, desk, TV and beautiful decor. Guests can enjoy massages or activities such as fishing, snorkelling, and diving and you can even watch the fish and sharks with the ocean view from your cottage.
To check the availability and rates of Sumilon Blue Water Island Resort you can Click Here.
SUMILON ISLAND, CEBU
When we arrived at Sumilon Island two ladies were waiting for us and we had to pay 50 pesos or $1 USD entrance fee. A group of holidaymakers played in the water and their kids were having the time of the life. The sand was some of the whitest I had seen so far in the Philippines and contrasted beautifully against the clear water and surrounding reefs.
A ladder led us up around the side of the island, towards the western dock. We explored the island for just over an hour and the weather cleared up creating beautiful reflections and scenes for some photographs. The island isn’t large but still spans 24 hectares. We managed to explore most corners of the island in our afternoon visit.
Sumilon Island is the first marine protected area in the Philippines and has been protected as a marine sanctuary since 1974. It is no surprise that there are lots of marine life swimming about the crystal clear waters of Sumilon Island.
SUMILON ISLAND DIVING
There are four major dive sites on Sumilon Island:
- Garden Eel Plaza
- Nikk’s Wall
- Coral Landscape
- Julie’s Rock
These diving sites are internationally known for their perfect visibility and a wide variety of tropical fish and marine species. If you are lucky you might spot a black tip reef shark or maybe even a whale shark cruising past.
SUMILON ISLAND SANDBAR
The sandbar at Sumilon Island is probably the top attraction for the island. Depending on the season, time of day and the weather will depend on the shape the sandbar assumes. There are also a few other spots to visit on the island including a natural lagoon with mangroves and a pristine lake.
Sumilon Island Map
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Digital Nomad Guide to Moalboal: THE DIGITAL NOMAD GUIDE TO MOALBOAL, CEBU
The Ultimate Philippines 3-4 week Itinerary: ULTIMATE PHILIPPINES TRAVEL ITINERARY FOR 3-4 WEEKS
The Backpacking Guide to the Philippines: PHILIPPINES BACKPACKING GUIDE: 1 MONTH FOR $800
Isabelle
Monday 6th of June 2022
Hi! Are any of the boats from Oslob to Sumilon able to hold luggages??
Brian
Wednesday 9th of February 2022
We enjoyed it. Went there during covid October 2020 and it was empty. We too are members, but don't live in white sands maribago yet. The island was nice. Free bikes to explore. Sand bar was our own most of time. The ocean was more warm than the pools
The food was excellent. Wife loves bluewater mango shakes. No buffet at any of the 3 property, but when it is available, they have a great spread. They have a great Japanese curry chicken, can get in maribago too
Good massages right on the beach They have glamping here too, with AC
Stayed in the cottages and also the suite in the picture above with the plunge pool outside. Liked the sunken living area. Also love blue waters bathroom style in their cr's. Really is comfort.
We had no issues with parking our vehicle. I've driven many crazy streets in San Francisco but the driveway down to the beach is a little hairy here. Please be careful, Otherwise enjoy Sumilon's little piece of heaven.
Definitely recommend getting a membership from Jessa at blue water membership online if you can. She's at the maribago location. They've extended the time on a yearly membership which makes it a smoking deal with all the deals and coupons you get. The free room at any of their 3 properties is still part of the deal.
StefanS
Friday 21st of January 2022
My wife and I stayed there for a week, we are also members of bluewater and we live just 400 m from maribago bluewater.... But sumilon island is not worth it ..
Thom
Wednesday 3rd of April 2019
Hi there bud! I saw your adventure on Sumilon Island and would like to ask where did you rode the boat? I mean it only costed you around 500 philippine peso (solo), is that correct? Did you have some people known to you or did you spoke to some people on the port already? Sorry for the questions but we're really tight on our budget on our upcoming trip to Cebu. Thanks in advance!