A trip to Sumilon Island in Cebu led us to discover a prime example of environment tourism.
Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort lies in the southeastern tip of Cebu. It’s recommended to scuba diving enthusiasts and nature trippers. The resort has 29 rooms and more are under construction.
Sumilon is beautiful. A 25-minute boat ride from Dumaguete, Bluewater has vistas of greenery encircling the island. Trees are everywhere, right to the top of the hill of Sumilon. It looks unspoiled by commercial development.
The seawater shimmers with a turquoise tint. Baby sharks swim playfully around the shoreline.
Built around the edges of Sumilon Island, Bluewater has rooms with varying views of the beachfront. The island itself is 24 hectares, which gives guests a huge playground. Apart from swimming and beach bumming, there’s a challenging trail around the hills for hiking and mountain biking.
There’s a natural lagoon filled with mangroves in the heart of the island. Caves can be explored, and in the southern side of the island is a hilltop where a watchtower called Baluarte lays in ruins.
It was originally built to warn island residents of approaching pirates and other unwanted guests.
From Bluewater, one can make a side trip to Oslob for whale shark-watching. The sea creature is a wonder to behold—huge as a car, but gentle as a cow.
Nearby, Aguinid Falls, with its five-tiered waterfalls, is good for swimming. The water in Aguinid is clean and freezing cold. The refreshing dip is a nice follow-up activity to whale shark-watching, since the sea water is filled with smelly krill in Oslob.
Camping in style
Back at Bluewater, we gladly find another attraction, its glamping grounds. A portmanteau of glamorous camping, glamping offers guests a chance to get up close and personal with nature—in style.
Humongous tents, sitting on wooden platforms, can fit a king-size bed, with more space for an air-conditioning unit, a fully stocked ref and wardrobe. It’s a virtual hotel room, but made of durable canvas and with zippers for door knobs.
At sunrise, you wake up to the sound of waves and sunlight bouncing off the fine sand.
The glamping experience includes butlers in safari-like outfits preparing your meal outside the tent, and tending to your whims and requests.
In Sumilon Island, it’s really more fun in the Philippines. —CONTRIBUTED