Sumilon Island
Sumilon Island
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- RRDubai, United Arab Emirates66 contributionsSumilon Sand BarAfter Butanding watching, free service take us to the operators of the boat going to Sumilon Island. We paid 1500php for 2 adults 1 senior and 1 kid. Good for snorkeling, diving and swimming and enjoy with the sand bar that is famous for.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 December 2023
- KavinPhilSingapore, Singapore70 contributionsGreat StayA Must if in Cebu, very friendly staff, great snorkeling, hiking, diving, the island offers an amazing experience. Best part of the day is having a cold beer watching the beautiful sunsets from your hammock. Thank You Sumilon Island!Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 8 May 2024
- @1989Manila, Philippines190 contributionsgreat place to unwind.The island was amazing. The water was so clear and there were tons of birds flying around the trees. We even saw a humming bird. This is a secluded island away from the noise and pollution of the bustling city, if you want to unwind this is the best place to stay.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 May 2024
- pancit_cantonCavite Province, Philippines295 contributionsDiscovering the Serene Oasis of Sumilon Island in OslobDiscovering Sumilon Island in Oslob is like stumbling upon a hidden gem in the heart of paradise. With just a quick 10-15 minute boat ride from the wharf, you're transported to a place of utter tranquility and natural splendor. For the ultimate experience, I'd recommend starting your day with an early morning adventure, setting off around 7 am. Since there aren't any fancy amenities like cottages or tables on the island, it's best to come prepared with your own picnic essentials – a cozy blanket, some delicious snacks, and, of course, a commitment to keeping the island clean and pristine. Sumilon is privately owned, and let me tell you, they know how to pamper their guests. You can opt for a luxurious overnight stay at their upscale hotel and resort or go for a day trip with options like Klook's day pass, which gives you access to exclusive perks like cottages, tables, and even a refreshing pool. But if you're on a budget, don't worry – you can still enjoy the island's beauty with public access, although you'll have to stick to certain areas. Navigating the island is a breeze with the help of local boat guides, especially when it comes to timing your visit. Trust me, you'll want to make the most of the cooler morning temperatures before the sun reaches its peak around 10 am. So don't forget to pack your essentials – a sturdy umbrella, a comfy chair, and, most importantly, plenty of sunscreen to keep you protected from the tropical rays. Whether you're starting your day with a dose of island magic or sneaking away for a peaceful mid-morning retreat, Sumilon Island promises an experience you won't soon forget. So come, lose yourself in its serene beauty, and let the coastal wonders of Oslob leave a lasting imprint on your soul.Visited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 29 May 2024
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4.0
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iankatipunan
Manila, Philippines56 contributions
Dec 2019
We didn't able to see the whale shark since we arrived at Oslob around 10:30am, so we went to Sumilon island instead.
Before heading to the island, you need the pay Php1,500 for the boat ride and Php50 each for the environmental fee. We paid a total of Php1,700 for the 4 of us. It is too expensive for just a short boat ride to and from the island! Let's say the boat can accommodate around 4 families, that is Php6,800. The boat carries passengers every 1-2hours. Let's just say it sails 4 times a day for easier computation. That means they will earn at least Php27,000 a day! Wow!
Nevertheless, we still sailed to the island to see if it offers something different from other sandbars that I've seen. Unfortunately, it doesn't.
Yes the island is big, but a big chunk of it is owned by Bluewater Resort, so you can't roam around the island freely. You're only allowed to walk on the sandbar and swim on the beach. Also, you can't swim on the left side of the island because it is quite rocky. We just swam and stayed for 30min then left as soon as the boat arrives.
To summarize our experience, there's nothing spectacular on the island. But if you're a first timer to see a sandbar and white sand, or if you'll stay on the exclusive bluewater resort I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it.
Before heading to the island, you need the pay Php1,500 for the boat ride and Php50 each for the environmental fee. We paid a total of Php1,700 for the 4 of us. It is too expensive for just a short boat ride to and from the island! Let's say the boat can accommodate around 4 families, that is Php6,800. The boat carries passengers every 1-2hours. Let's just say it sails 4 times a day for easier computation. That means they will earn at least Php27,000 a day! Wow!
Nevertheless, we still sailed to the island to see if it offers something different from other sandbars that I've seen. Unfortunately, it doesn't.
Yes the island is big, but a big chunk of it is owned by Bluewater Resort, so you can't roam around the island freely. You're only allowed to walk on the sandbar and swim on the beach. Also, you can't swim on the left side of the island because it is quite rocky. We just swam and stayed for 30min then left as soon as the boat arrives.
To summarize our experience, there's nothing spectacular on the island. But if you're a first timer to see a sandbar and white sand, or if you'll stay on the exclusive bluewater resort I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter L
Esbjerg, Denmark15 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Paid 1500 pesos for two persons to go to the island with a boat provided by Bluewater Resort at the Island.
We where told there was a beautiful beach and a good coral reef.
Yes the beach is beautiful, but packed with people mainly Asians girls taking photos for their social media accounts.
The reef is dead and bleeded and a very small amout of fish. You are not allowed to discover anything and the lifeguards will whistle after you if you get 50m away from the beach. Maybe the reef is better further out, I will never know.
Please notice that you're ONLY allowed on the beach and can't go anywhere else. There is guards there who will tell you.
So many told us about this island, but it didn't live up to our expectations. For 1500 pesos you can do so much more in Cebu!
We where told there was a beautiful beach and a good coral reef.
Yes the beach is beautiful, but packed with people mainly Asians girls taking photos for their social media accounts.
The reef is dead and bleeded and a very small amout of fish. You are not allowed to discover anything and the lifeguards will whistle after you if you get 50m away from the beach. Maybe the reef is better further out, I will never know.
Please notice that you're ONLY allowed on the beach and can't go anywhere else. There is guards there who will tell you.
So many told us about this island, but it didn't live up to our expectations. For 1500 pesos you can do so much more in Cebu!
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paiis
Thailand91 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Isn’t what is advertised at all!
We expected a large beach area with a swimming area (the sea) instead we got there and we’ll there was steps up the island which you couldn’t go further as that was the resort and a mass amount of people sitting on the rocks as there was no beach area!
Very poor.. we paid 1000php per person and it was a completely waste of money. We were told we could come back any time before 6pm and we were then told we had to leave at 3pm as that was the last boat. Because there wasn’t many people left waiting for boats. We’d have liked to see the sunset at least but we couldn’t. I wouldn’t recommend unless you stay at the resort.
We expected a large beach area with a swimming area (the sea) instead we got there and we’ll there was steps up the island which you couldn’t go further as that was the resort and a mass amount of people sitting on the rocks as there was no beach area!
Very poor.. we paid 1000php per person and it was a completely waste of money. We were told we could come back any time before 6pm and we were then told we had to leave at 3pm as that was the last boat. Because there wasn’t many people left waiting for boats. We’d have liked to see the sunset at least but we couldn’t. I wouldn’t recommend unless you stay at the resort.
Written 14 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jannica T
3 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We were on the island today. There is both a private and a public side, which we knew beforehand. We decided on the public side anyway and paid 1700 pesos for two people. We took a biot to the island for about 20 minutes. When we got there, there was a super small strip of sand that you couldn't lie on. Thousands of people gathered in the water to snorkel, but this is only possible with a guide, which costs another 350 pesos. Oh, and don't forget the snorkeling equipment. The goggles cost you 100 pesos.
This place is a complete rip-off!
When we went towards the private area, we were stopped straight away, but we could have paid another 2000 pesos to get there, which we declined, shaking our heads. We were then immediately offered a price of 1500 pesos per person.
Save this place!
This place is a complete rip-off!
When we went towards the private area, we were stopped straight away, but we could have paid another 2000 pesos to get there, which we declined, shaking our heads. We were then immediately offered a price of 1500 pesos per person.
Save this place!
Written 29 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shaz E
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We didn't have any tours booked as we wanted to explore on our own, but once we walked up the stairs for a bit (from the sandbar) and that was it. It was high tide so we couldn't sunbake. We snorkeled for a bit but the swell was bad.
The package fee to get into the resort was like 2000peso or 2500 peso.
The locals will try to rip you off for the price of the tuk tuk and boat trip. The starting price is 1000peso.
Overall, I didn't enjoy my time here and I honestly would give it a miss.
The package fee to get into the resort was like 2000peso or 2500 peso.
The locals will try to rip you off for the price of the tuk tuk and boat trip. The starting price is 1000peso.
Overall, I didn't enjoy my time here and I honestly would give it a miss.
Written 24 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tibor A
5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
30x3m long beach, without an option to see the inner part of the island without paying 2000-2500p fir the resirt part. We were there on Saturday when it was crowded with tourists. U can not buy anything on the beach, There is almost no shadow where u can sit not to get sunburned. The transport for 4 people was 1200p and 100p per head for environment. Waste of money and time.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulatraveladdict
Amsterdam, The Netherlands5 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Not a relax exclusive place. Staff very friendly but not good management. Already had bad experience blue water resort macrame and here the same. A lot of day people making a lot of noise under plastic tents. Marked swimming place with big boat in front making a lot of noise. No drinks after 21.00, no minibar, they don’t allow drinks from Cebu. No cushion on beds, not relax. Restaurant is nice but no good food. Only pizza (they ran out of pizza first night), burger en Filipino food (which we had before so much better for so much less). No seafood… no bar. No daily cleaning. Over crowded beach. If you want a nice place go to the atmosphere resort in Dauin. Prices same but 10 times better!
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nitajuana
Cebu City, Philippines45 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
3 hours drive from Cebu City. When you reach the docking area you will check-in and they will give you an orientation - protocols, but no room keys yet. 10 minutes boat trip to the island. No fancy greetings, you have to walk all the way to their other check-in counter, where keys will be given when available. Note: NOT a good place for elderly or PWD, lots of walking and stairs climbing. They have a golf cart that runs only up to 4pm, after that you have to walk from sand bar back to your room, a good 10 minute walk. They do not provide maps, so you have to navigate by yourself. The lagoon was pretty, but no one was on standby to help us there.
Food was ok, during breakfast limited choices, no cereals for kids.
Rooms are big but television and telephone is not working.
The island is beautiful, serene but they can improve more on their service and amenities.
Food was ok, during breakfast limited choices, no cereals for kids.
Rooms are big but television and telephone is not working.
The island is beautiful, serene but they can improve more on their service and amenities.
Written 19 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
@1989
Manila, Philippines190 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
The island was amazing. The water was so clear and there were tons of birds flying around the trees. We even saw a humming bird. This is a secluded island away from the noise and pollution of the bustling city, if you want to unwind this is the best place to stay.
Written 28 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RR
Dubai, United Arab Emirates66 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
After Butanding watching, free service take us to the operators of the boat going to Sumilon Island. We paid 1500php for 2 adults 1 senior and 1 kid. Good for snorkeling, diving and swimming and enjoy with the sand bar that is famous for.
Written 13 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you use a drone to photograph the sandbar ? Thank you
Written 24 November 2018
Will you be going via island hopping/day trip or are you booking a room in the resort?
Last time we were there we tried to fly a drone in our boat, we visited the island via island hopping tour. The boatmen did not make any comments so I'm guessing it is okay. Safe travels!
Written 27 November 2018
Hi All who visited Sumilon Island> after reading reviews and Q&A's I am still a bit confused with the prices. I see one person paid PHP1,500 per head, and then another PHP1,500 for 4 people. Could somebody explain what are the prices ranges?
Written 17 January 2018
Not sure how the prices work. I reckon it depends which boat/company you go to. But yea, we paid 1500pesos for 4people on a shared boat.
Written 20 January 2018
I would like to ask if we are going to sumilon island ,where can we eat lunch?Is there any buffet lunch offer?or any resto that serves lunch?Thanks
Written 19 September 2017
Hi! Sumilon Island actually has packages which include buffet lunch.
Written 18 November 2018
maathereesaa
Davao del Sur Province, Philippines
Hello! I would like to ask if boat rent to Sumilon which is 1500 back and forth?thank you
Written 23 March 2017
1500peso is for return boat transfer + usage of hotel facilities and private beach + lunch. Another cheaper alternative is 900peso for return boat transfer + usage of public beach area. I would not recommend second option as the area has got no shaded place for you to hang around (it is really hot and sunny at the island) and the beach area is really really small. You can't even get a spot to suntan. Plus the water at this beach is full of corals that it is so hard for you to walk there. Pay a little more and enjoy the facilities at the hotel.
Written 4 April 2017
There are round trip boat that you can rent to go there. That would be 1500 php. Then you pay for the fee of Sumilon is about 50-100 php. The expense for Sumilon is depend on how you spend. You can buy some food and water bring to the island. You only can access to the public zone of island.
Written 12 December 2016
How much is that for that 2 way boat ticket and the tour to explore Sumilon island ?
It seems like I havent seen any information about that on the internet.
That would be great if there is a Whaleshark watching - Sumilon tour or just a Sumilon Island tour but included boat fee.
Could anyone please share me your experience / advice ?
Written 17 November 2016
Whats best time to go? I see review has two different suggestion. Obviously the best time would be LOW TIDE but is it morning , or late afternoon ?
Written 12 July 2017
Hello from Hanoi, Vietnam.
Is it possible if after doing Whaleshark watching tour, then I will talke a boat to get Sumilon Island in the early afternoon and get back to Oslob in the late afternoon?
I mean, will we have enough time to have a snorkling tour in the afternoon or they just provide it in the morning?
Thanks in advance,
Written 16 November 2016
Hi! It is possible! Just make sure to get the contact details of the boatmen and tell them the time you intend to go back.
In my experience, we did the oslob whaleshark tour at around 6-7:30 am then we went to sumilon island around 9:30 am then we went back to oslob at 1pm.
Written 17 November 2016
Hi,
I'd like to know if I can take a boat to go to Sumilon or come back to Oslob at anytime I want or I have to follow the boat schedule?
What time is good to go there. I prefer when it's not crowded. Low tide or high tide is good?
Thank you for your precious sharing !
Written 16 August 2016
I suggest you go to the shore of where the whale shark watching is. Ask people around how much is the boat ride to sumilon island. Haggle. Go very early so that you can leave around 730/ 8am. I think I payed 500php per person (and i still find it expensive) but we really do want to go again. They will bring you to fish sanctuary (to snorkle and feed fish- bring crushed crackers and snorkling gear) then to the sand bar. And yes you won't be able to access the resort unless you pay the resort for a room or cottage.
Written 25 August 2016
From Cebu City to Oslob, it would take you around 3 hours then another 15-20 minute boat ride to the island.
Written 18 July 2016
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