Enjoying the sandbar of Sumilon Island without breaking the bank

Sumilon Island, along with Bantayan and Kalanggaman, is definitely one of the trending islands today. It is just a 15 minute boat ride away from Brgy. Tan-awan so its a wise move to treat yourself an island relaxation after your whale shark encounter. After our Oslob town proper tour, we rented a pump boat to bring us to Sumilon to officially start our Cebu getaway. (and my babyboy’s birthday too)

read my 4-Days South Cebu and Cebu City Itinerary and Travel Guide.

HOW TO GET THERE:

If going to the Sumilon sandbar: Look for Heide (she’s famous) in the vendors area near the whale shark encounter and rent a boat to her. Price ranges on the number of people. We paid P1,500 for 5 persons, roundtrip.

If going to Bluewater Sumilon Resort: Ride a tricycle or multicab that will bring you to Sumilon Island Port in Mainland Bancogon. The boat ride is inclusive in the day tour rate.

BLUEWATER SUMILON vs SUMILON SANDBAR

Sumilon Island is mostly owned (or rented I’m not really sure) by Bluewater Resort. The same company that owns Bluewater Maribago and Bluewater Panglao. It is a luxury resort, with their hospitality services and beautiful infinity pool. They offer a day tour package for P1,500 on weekdays and P2,000 on weekends from 7am to 5pm. This package is inclusive of lunch buffet, snorkeling gears, trekking and other activities and amenities. Don’t even get me start with their room rates of at least P15,000 a night.

But the good new is that you don’t need to spend thousands of pesos to enjoy the sandbar. Sumilon’s shifting sandbar is open for public. You just need to pay a P20 environmental fee. The sandbar is just bare though. Unlike the Bohol’s virgin island, this has no shade and vendors around. Most people bring beach umbrellas (or even tents) and food instead. So it’s a pretty normal scenario to see families or friends drinking alcohol and having fun around.

We chose to just experience Sumilon Sandbar because first, the day tour package is pricey; and second, the sandbar is perfect enough to enjoy ourselves. We settled our things and foods near the rocks and decided to swim after a long hot day. We were actually like kids who were put in a playground. Never underestimate what a beach can do to working adults from Manila. The sandbar was fully visible when we got there by 3pm so we enjoyed taking photos and running around.

Don’t even make me start with how crystal clear the water is. The water is cold enough to erase how hot the day has been. But be a little careful because after the shoreline is an instant deep part. You can borrow a life vest to the boat you’ve rented if you’re afraid of swimming in the deep part. (You can bring goggles so you can see the corals below. #TipidTipsNiB) We enjoyed the cold water for 30 minutes and tried really hard to capture a perfect group underwater shot. We failed.

I’m not really sure with how the sandbar’s visibility works. Of course, it depends on the weather but it is thick enough not to vanish completely on a high tide unlike other sandbars. So my best move is to ask the locals that day. I asked one around 7am and by just looking at the sea she said not yet for the tide is high. (Napa-wow ako sa move ni Ate) I asked another one around 11am and he said that the afternoon is a good time. And it really is. These people need to teach me their super power.

The last boat ride to the main island is 5pm. 2 hours stay here had not been enough for us. If you’re planning an island slumber party, I advised you to bring a beach umbrella and be there around 1:30pm. Here’s some photos sunset photos:

Here’s a trivia for you guys, did you know that Sumilon sandbar is shifting locations around the island depends on the month? This island is magical!

If you’re rich (unlike me), go book a R&R experience with Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort. You can go book them with Agoda through here. I need to start working my ass off for luxury travels like this someday.

HEADING TO CEBU SOON?

Click the image on the left for a detailed island travel guide that will help you more.

OR HAVE BEEN ALREADY?

We can share tips, experience and guides in the comment section below!