Sumilon Island is a breathtaking tropical paradise located off the coast of Cebu, Philippines. The island is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life. The island is also surrounded by lush vegetation, including coconut trees, mangroves, and tropical flowers, which provide a picturesque backdrop to the turquoise waters. For those looking for a challenge, the island’s rugged terrain provides ample opportunities for hiking, trekking, and more.
THINGS TO DO
Sumilon Island, despite its small size, offers numerous exciting activities, making it a must-visit destination for anyone’s itinerary. Here are the things to do on this beautiful island.
SANDBAR OF SUMILON ISLAND
The sandbar of Sumilon Island is renowned for its dynamic and ever-changing nature, shaped by the movement of tides. At low tide, visitors can admire the vast expanse of pristine white sand, dotted with shallow turquoise waters. When the waves rise, the sandbar shrinks, allowing the crystal clear seawater to take center stage. This captivating phenomenon offers a truly unique experience for visitors and makes the Sumilon Island Sandbar a must-visit destination.
The Sumilon Island Sandbar is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the stunning views of the sunset. To fully appreciate the beauty of this location, it’s recommended to save it for last and visit during the golden hour after a day of exploring the island and participating in other activities.
JULIE’S ROCK
Julie’s Rock is a popular diving site located off the coast of Sumilon Island in the Philippines. It is known for its vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations, making it a must-visit location for any diving enthusiast. The site is comprised of a large rock formation that rises from the seabed to within 10-20 meters of the surface, providing a stunning underwater landscape for divers to explore.
Visitors can expect to encounter a wide variety of marine life, including colorful schools of fish, sea turtles, and an abundance of vibrant coral formations. The site is also home to a number of unique underwater caves and crevices, providing divers with a unique and exciting diving experience.
SNORKELING
Sumilon Island offers visitors a unique snorkeling experience, allowing them to explore the island’s vibrant underwater world in shallow waters. The clear turquoise waters around Sumilon Island are teeming with an array of marine life, including colorful schools of fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations.
Visitors can rent snorkeling gear on the island or bring their own, and guided snorkeling tours are also available for those who prefer a more structured experience. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just starting out, Sumilon Island provides a unique and unforgettable snorkeling experience for everyone.
FISHING AND KAYAKING
Sumilon Lagoon offers visitors the chance to explore its tranquil waters by kayak or fishing. The calm and sheltered waters of the lagoon make it an ideal location for kayaking, allowing visitors to paddle at their own pace and enjoy the stunning scenery and serene atmosphere. The lagoon is also home to a number of small islands and islets, which can be explored by kayak for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Fishing is another popular activity in Sumilon Lagoon, with a diverse array of fish species to be caught, including barracuda, snapper, and grouper. If you’re an experienced angler or just looking to try your hand at fishing, Sumilon Lagoon is the perfect location to enjoy this peaceful and relaxing activity.
JUMPING FROM ROCKS ADVENTURE
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the cliffs close to the Sandbar of Sumilon Island offer an exciting opportunity to jump off the rocks into the crystal-clear waters below. The cliffs rise high above the water, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding ocean and offering a unique opportunity for those daring enough to take the leap. The jump itself is exhilarating, with a free fall into the cool and refreshing waters below.
For those looking for an adventure and a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Sumilon Island, jumping off the cliffs is a must-try activity. It’s important to note that this activity should only be attempted by experienced and confident swimmers, and visitors should always exercise caution and use proper safety gear. Visitors should also be aware of the tides and ocean conditions and always listen to the advice of the local guides and staff.
WATCH TOWER
One of the must-visit attractions on Sumilon Island is the Historic Watch Tower, a steep climb to the top of the island’s highest peak. This hike is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering visitors panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and lush vegetation.
The Watch Tower is a historic structure, built during the Spanish colonial period, and was used as a lookout point to spot incoming boats and enemies. The hike to the top of the tower provides an opportunity to learn about the island’s history and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sumilon Island.
The trail to the top of the Watch Tower is steep and challenging, but the stunning views from the top are well worth the effort. You should be prepared for a strenuous hike, wear proper footwear, and bring plenty of water. A guide is also recommended for those who are unfamiliar with the trail. For those seeking an adventure and a unique way to experience the beauty of Sumilon Island, the hike to the Historic Watch Tower is a must-do activity.
WHERE TO STAY
In response to previous damage to the island’s reefs and beaches caused by a surge of tourists, the resort owners renovated the island with sustainable practices like eco-friendly architecture, recyclable products, and effective sewage treatment. They also regularly plant trees.
Bluewater is a 4-star resort that offers the ultimate Sumilon Island experience, including access to a private beach, freshwater lagoon, and outdoor infinity pool. The resort features two restaurants serving delicious food and drinks, as well as unique cottages with ocean views for four guests. Higher-end private villas with private pools are also available. For a more rustic experience, consider the resort’s glamping option on Sumilon Beach. The rate includes a complimentary breakfast, plus activities like kayaking, snorkeling, mountain biking, and fishing.
You can check the rates at https://www.booking.com/hotel/ph/sumilon-bluewater-island-resort.en.html?aid=1248558&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&rel=nofollow