Serene Sumilon

Sumilon island has always captivated me when I got to know about it and since then I've always wanted to see it. Thanks to a 50% off deal by Deal Grocer, I got the opportunity to go there.

Due to a very busy summer (Davao last January, Hong Kong last February, Samar last March and Magalawa island last April) it wasn't long that I realized the the voucher will soon expire this June 30. Good thing I was able to get a buddy with me for this trip, one of my friends Cha (see our pics together at Negros Oriental). Since there was no promos going to Dumaguete that time, the airfare was a little steep. Despite the storm on the weekend of our trip, Cha and I still pushed through with our trip and I'm glad that we did.

View of the island

You can reach Sumilon island in two ways, through Cebu and Dumaguete. Sumilon island is technically in the province of Cebu, in the southern part of the island. If we take the Cebu route, from Mactan International airport, it'll be a couple of hours by land to reach Sumilon. We instead took the Dumaguete route, where from Sibulan airport, its a quick 10 to 15 minute ride to Sibulan port, then around a 30 minute ride by boat to Liloan, which is already Cebu, another 10 minute ride to Sumilon's port then another boat ride, around 10 minutes to reach the island (airport transfers are included in the voucher that I purchased. Out of curiosity, I asked how much the the boat ride costs from Sibulan to Liloan and it costs 60 pesos).

Sibulan port

Liloan port

Although there was a storm, it was still a nice day, there were time where the sun would shine, but mostly it was cloudy weather. We arrived before 11AM at the resort, and since we didn't really eat breakfast, we decided to get brunch at their open air restaurant/reception area.

Sugpo for lunch

After lunch and while waiting for our room, we decided to hang out by their bar and get some drinks. I had a Bluewater mojito while Cha got her Strawberry margarita.

Bluewater mojito

Chillin' with our drinks

It was good that we were able to check in early, so we had more time to explore the island. The first thing we did was check out the island's sand bar. The sand was white and fine, but there are also parts where the sand is more course or bigger and had more shells.

Sand bar at Sumilon island

Sand bar at Sumilon island

Cha at the sand bar

We were enjoying the beach when the wind started to pick-up and it started to rain. We had to run back to our room which was quite far from the beach. After an hour or so, the rain stopped but we still decided to hang out at our room and decided to have pizza.

Chillin' at our room

Pizza for snack

After pizza, we decided to go back to the sand bar. After a few hours or so, we went to the other side of the island to explore the beach. The beach is rocky and the sand is more of a pebbly consistency. But one thing is consistent in both beaches, the water is gorgeous. We went back to our room, sat by our beach chairs and just watched the sun go down.

Sunset

Waiting for the sun to set

The next day, we woke up early so that we'll be able to trek around the island. Good thing we were the first ones at the breakfast buffet, it was quiet and we had the opportunity to pick first. The buffet consisted of breads, fruits, and the common breakfast foods (corned beef, langonisa etc). I had a big breakfast since I know I'll be doing a lot of walking that morning.

After breakfast, we began our trek. It was a good thing that it was cloudy that day, it wasn't as hot. The trail was rocky, so it advisable to wear comfortable shoes. The walking stick (you can get one at the start of the trail) was also a great help during the trek. The trail was beside the cliff so you always have a beautiful view of the sea. The trek will bring you to a lighthouse and the Baluarte which was a small fort.

Start of the trail

Cha

Glamping at the island

Lighthouse at Sumilon island

Lighthouse at Suilon island

Baluarte

Along the way, we saw a small plant whose stem was a little broken, being the good people that we were, we helped it so that it'll grow up to be a big tree. After about an hour of walking, we finally reached a familiar place, the sand bar. We got back to our room and took a break. (Tips: make sure to bring water so that you'll be able to quench your thirst during the trek. Before the trek, put on some insect repelant since the trail is very lush. Lastly, wear comfortable and durable shoes since the trail is rocky).

Next on our agenda was snorkeling and good thing our voucher included free use of snorkeling gear. The beach was rocky and very slippery so you have to be careful. After some snorkeling, we tried to kayak at the lagoon in the island. Good thing the use of the kayak was included in our voucher. The lagoon is small and you can kayak in it w/in 5 - 10 minutes.

Lagoon

There were a lot of visitors that day, most of them day trip visitors, so the hall was packed for lunch. Good thing that we were able to get a table and there were still a lot of food to choose from. After lunch, we decided to go back to the sand bar to swim. We saw quite a few people there. The sand bar is not part of the resort so there are times that boats will dock at the sand bar bringing in some tourists as well. 

Sand bar at Sumilon island

On our last day, the sun the weather was at its best and the sun was shining brightly. We didn't waste the opportunity so after breakfast, we immediately went to the sand bar to catch some sun before leaving. We happily took pictures until our cameras got wet which was a major let down. We placed our cameras at the sand to take pics of us laying around when a wave came in. Too bad for both our cams. Trying to forget the incident, we just had fun swimming.

last picture before our cameras got wet

Our stay at Sumilon ended but we were not yet done. Before heading out to the airport, we stopped by Sans Rival in Dumaguete city to eat and get some sylvanas. From the airport (the package included airport transfers so last stop was the airport), it costs 50 pesos to go to Sans Rival. it was just as I remember it the last time we were there in Negros. I ate some lasagna and braso de mercedes while Cha got their spaghetti and chocolate cake. After lunch, we decided to look for Anamarias to buy pasalubong. The tricycyle driver who brought us to Sans Rival was again there so he took us to Anamarias. Unfortunately, the store was closed (I guess since it was a Sunday) so we went back to Sans Rival and that's where we got our sylvanas.

Leaving the island

Lunch at Sans Rival

Sans Rival Dumaguete City

It was quite a weekend and I'm glad to have spent it with a good friend. Til next time Visayas!