If real peace is what you are looking for, I mean no loud music, no parties and other extravagant and noise occasions without disregarding the purpose of adventure which is to enjoy and to explore, you will find it here in one beautiful island of Cebu, Sumilon Island.
Sumilon Island abounds in natural scenery from tropical plants growing vigorously throughout the island to overwhelming ocean spectacle. Expect an unadulterated ocean waters, loaded with tons of different kinds of corals, tropical fishes and other marine denizens.
Feel safe in this island paradise and one of Cebu’s best kept secrets. Sumilon which literally mean “take refuge” rests in the southeastern tip from the mainland about 125 kilometers away from Cebu City. It is visible near the coasts of Oslob and in close proximity to Dumaguete in Negros Province.
Covered with waters, this island of 24 hectares is best known for its fish sanctuary as the oldest in the entire country. This first marine sanctuary was fostered under the guidance of an American University, the Siliman University’s Marine Reserve on 1974.
Once, the corals were seriously damaged because of Moro Ami fishermen who use dynamite fishing technique for a bountiful catch disregarding its effects on the corals underneath. But now, this 39-hectare lot has burgeoned into a world-class sanctuary which houses thousands of marine species.
Because of its underwater beauty in superlative description, it has become so far, the most popular diving spot in the entire Visayas region. The underwater world offers dumbfounding corals, alive and colorful, in its gardens, rare eels and gobies and other fishes or even sharks. Its waters are wealthy of different marine flora and fauna. Such scuba diving experience can never be forgotten.
This small island has four exceptional dive sites namely: Garden Eel Plaza, Nikki’s Wall, Coral Landscape and Julie’s Rock.
Aside from the amazing things below, what is on the outside is still worth admiring at. The pristine, powdery sand took notice especially its sandbar which is very well-known for its changing shapes and shifting locations around the island, depending on the season of the place.
There is also a part where high mangroves are teeming in a natural lagoon. Natural caves are found all over the island where fishermen take their refuge. A lighthouse is located on the souther part of the island in a protected tree park. Another historic piece is the “Baluarte”, a watchtower, designed as a warning system to frustrate the attacks of the marauders on 19th century.
Sumilon Island and Boljoon was under constant attack of the slavers. However the battle at Sumilon on 1813 marked the end of these hostilities. The battle the won due to the cooperation of the townfolks aided by the brilliant idea of Fr. Julian Bermejo, a Spanish Augustinian Friar who was assigned at Boljoon on October 19, 1802. Aside from the town, he was the parish priest of the neighboring towns of Oslob, Argao and Dalaguete.
Being an adept builder and a military leader, he immediately faced the challenges that his town’s people have been experiencing. After the attack of the marauders, Boljoon’s church was humiliated and left devastated. Upon his take-over, he constructed the new church. Knowing that attacks are bombshell, he first secured the place by building a strong church boundary. Within these strong bulwarks, the church was completed with a parish house, a blockhouse along the north wall and a watchtower in two-storey facing the sea.
To reinforce the defenses, Fr. Julian built watchtowers in neighboring towns from Sibonga to Santander, including the Sumilon Island. These watchtowers were extended until Carcar for a total of 96 kilometers. With this great idea, the commoners were warned whenever invaders are at sight. These took them much time to secure their families and other important possessions in safer places.
On 1813, near Sumilon, the final battle took place and Fr. Julian’s plans were proved operative. Since the defeat of the slavers, no other attacks were reported along the southern coastal communities of Cebu.
Now, Sumilon is a safe place to venture and chill out. Tranquility is very evident throughout the island. Everything in view is designed especially for you to unwind. This is one of Cebu’s best kept secrets because it does not accommodate too many visitors. Only in limited basis, one can enjoy the entire island without being irritated by overcrowding. And besides, it is isolated making it a real dreamy paradise.
Aside from diving, other activities are available: Bird Watching, Picnics, Fishing, Hiking, Paddling and Trekking.
Also, in the island, Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort accommodates the needs of the visitors for shelter and relaxation. It offers excellent amenities and facilities for guests and tourists who are planning to stay for two days or more. Well, there is also a one-day-package tour and no need to stay there for a night.
The resort is limited for more or less 120 persons thus making an excellent place for people who need privacy from public eyes. The rooms are capacious with verandas overlooking the sea, a very spectacular view of the peaceful the expansive ocean. Pools of uniquely-designed are breathtaking and really enticing.
People who are really looking for a real peace, Sumilon Island is a good suggestion. Feel the peace that’s what you are looking for you’re whole life. This is going to be you’re one of a kind experience.
How To Get There:
From mainland Cebu, a travel for three hours, you will reach Oslob. Sumilon is separated from the Cebu mainland by the Cebu Strait. You can take private cars or public buses from Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City.
From Oslob, pump boats transport you to the island. Another route is a travel to Dumagete City in Negros Oriental because it is also very close to its shores.
