Getting away from it all

Sumilon Bluewater was once seafarers’ shelter

Our country’s thousands of magnificent islands can grant a traveler’s wish to bask in the serenity of a divine destination.

In the middle of God’s different versions of paradise is a resort on an island gifted with rich marine life, picturesque scenery, and appealing abodes.

The Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort in Cebu is detached from the worldly concerns of daily life. Here, on the island, you and your companion are all that matters –it’s what you’re there for and as far as they’re concerned, it’s what you deserve.

Located at Bancogon, Oslob in Cebu, Sumilon Island is accessed via two routes, from Dumaguete City or Cebu City, both an hour by plane from Manila. This private island is reachable only by a picturesque 30-minute pump boat ride from either Dumaguete or Cebu, so Sumilon offers airport assistance and transfers for visitors.

Secluded

The island’s peaceful seclusion makes it very appealing. To complement its serene surroundings, the resort is intentionally romantic: cozy nooks and crannies overlooking spectacular views give way to airy pathways, flowers and greenery spill over walls and trails, rooms are spacious and grand but not intimidating. Twelve suites modeled after the bahay kubo are arranged as six cottages, each with two adjoining rooms that open to an elegant and spacious interior.

The air-conditioned suites are tastefully furnished, with wood as the dominant theme. Two queen-sized beds boast soft and cushiony quilts, and are complemented with divans. Each suite has a private toilet and bath with hot and cold water and other amenities visitors have come to expect of luxury hotels in Metro Manila.

Other facilities and services available include 24-hour room service, fax and postal service, foreign currency exchange, IDD/NDD, laundry service, and safety deposit boxes.

Escaping the stress and hectic pace of urban life on Sumilon is easy, with its pristine natural wonders and peaceful environs.

Sumilon’s 24 hectares of coral rock land brims with an undeniable sensuality, a perfect setting for surrendering to the leisurely atmosphere of Southern Cebu. What once served as a natural shelter for seafarers caught in storms became a refuge for Philippine reef dwellers, what with its sparkling water, intricate patterns of ipil-ipil trees, and long stretch of sugar-white sand.

Take refuge

The name Sumilon is derived from the Cebuano term "nisilong" meaning, to take refuge. The island is surrounded by 50 hectares of reefs and teems with abundant sea life. In 1974, it became the country’s first marine sanctuary when a 750-meter-long strip of Sumilon’s west side was declared a marine park. Since the reef area was protected, marine life that had abandoned the area after it was ruined by muro-ami and dynamite fishing soon returned.

The island has PADI-certified expert instructors conducting on-site training for first-time divers, who will not forget the thrill of exploring the underwater fairyland of Sumilon, where they can interact with colorful sea anemones, clownfish, garden eels, table corals, fairy basslets, damselfish, lapu-lapu, schooling fusiliers, and even the occasional white tip sharks and sea turtles. Schools of jackfish and groupers are also regularly seen by divers. Dolphins pass by the coast between March and May along with various species of migratory birds. It’s perfect for diving, marine biology, and underwater photography. No wonder it’s considered one of the best dive spots in the Visayas.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is another attractive pastime in Sumilon’s pristine, mirror-like waters. Even in shallow waters, one can see soft corals and the tropical undersea wildlife. Water babies can also try lagoon paddle boating, as the island has expert instructors. Other island pursuits include kayaking, fishing, whale and dolphin watching, and hiking.

Those who prefer a more leisurely adventure can simply laze around, wander through acres of lush tropical gardens, watch the setting sun, paint a picture of romance, or take an early morning drive through the nearby town of Malabuyoc to watch the dolphins and migratory birds that occasionally visit the place. There’s also the Sumilon Island scenic boat tour; during the trip, guests are encouraged to feed the resident tropical fish.

Sense of history

Another thing that makes Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort different from other ethereal, serenely beautiful elegant landscapes available in a country with over 7,100 islands is its history. In 1813, Sumilon Island witnessed a great Cebuano victory. Locals, led by a local priest, fought and defeated marauding slavers. The baluarte where the signal for the locals to begin the attack on the slavers still stands today. A short trek will take you to this ancient sentinel, intact despite the ravages of time and weather. Visitors can climb the steep lighthouse and, once at the top, enjoy the spectacular 360-degree view of the entire island.

There are other historical and picturesque sites on neighboring towns such as Argao and Oslob waiting to be discovered, a real pleasure for history buffs.

Hearty cuisine

Ideal for food lovers and beach babies alike, Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort offers hearty cuisine by their expect chefs, who can make special picnic baskets to suit any couple’s adventure (and tastes) at just under P500. For secluded, romantic dinners by the shore, a personal server can cater to a couple’s every need. The resort’s chef also offers a mouthwatering selection of appetizers that include seafood bruschetta, Sumilon shrimp bites, and coconut calamari. Each afternoon, sweet concoctions are provided to tide guests over between meals of fresh seaweed, lobster potato, and shrimp and mango salad. For the main course, the restaurant serves barbecued or grilled choices of seafood, meat, or vegetables.

Guests of Sumilon who are looking for a hedonistic retreat can go for the ultimate indulgence and choose from a range of treatments for tired muscles. Sumilon’s skillful masseurs can give couples relaxing massages in the privacy of their rooms, where they can succumb to a complete state of relaxation, thanks to long flowing movements all over the body using tropical coconut oil and other relaxing, soothing herbs.