Stunning sandbar, pristine beach at Sumilon Island

A brief overnight stay at Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort in Oslob, Cebu was one of the most memorable staycations I had. While I had a great time, it was the different beaches that really made the trip unforgettable. There are three types of beaches in this small island and each have its own charm and beauty.

1) The Sumilon Island sandbar

One of the most popular areas for Sumilon Island visitors is the sandbar. It’s really no ordinary stretch of sand but, from around 9 AM till later at noon, its just so gorgeous with the sand almost blindingly white, and around it are different shades of blue from light to deep dark hue that it’s just so captivating to watch it from a distance or at the edges of the sandbar.

But better still, I really enjoyed swimming at its cool waters although it was a bit rough that time. Also, a caveat, some portions become deep within a few meters from the edge especially if you swim near the tip. Most families who swam when I was there just bathed near the starting point as it was shallow.

Note also that depending on the time of year, the sandbar shifts position and shape. You can also see the tip of Cebu and Negros from this side of the island.

2) Rocky beach

Located at the southern part of the island, this beach is rocky. During high tide, it’s an inviting pristine beach but when the tides go down, visitors come here to explore as it becomes a shallow tidal pool with interesting marine wildlife that are sometimes trapped among the crevices and depressions. A staff even told me that baby sharks are sometimes found here and birds, like herons and egrets can be spotted looking for fish.

This beach fronts the deluxe and premier rooms and during noon, spending time at one of the lounging chairs under the trees is just so relaxing.

3) White sand beach near the lagoon

The longest stretch of white sand, the beach near the lagoon and located at the eastern part of Sumilon Island is the most interesting for me. There are several simple huts lining the beach, it’s also wide enough for resort activities and beach volleyball. But I enjoyed just staying at one of the huts and looking at the very pristine and clear water.

There’s also lots of birds within the area from the tiny but colorful sunbirds to all black glossy starlings to egrets and herons. There were doves too that kept me on the lookout for other avian species. While I did not swim, as the water was kind of rough, I did saw traces of large reef fish swimming near the surface!

But the most memorable? When I went hiking, there’s a portion in the advanced trail that brings you to a promontory that overlooks this beach. It was just stunning and gave me goosebumps! It was so wild, with the sea in different shades of blue and the waves slowly moving to shore. And I just spent some time there, marveling at the natural vista spread before me.

Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort
Sumilon Island, Bancogon, Oslob,
Cebu, Philippines 6025
sumilon@bluewater.com.ph
+63 32 3183129/318 9098
+63 917 6317512/+63 999 8858337
www.bluewater.com.ph