2025 Sumilon Island Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

#Southeast Asia Travel If you ask me to tell you the most memorable place during my trip to Cebu, I would recommend this place! There were really no Koreans, so it was hard to find reviews But.. there was such a beautiful scenery waiting for me:) It was even better because there were no people 🥰 This is “Sumilon” Island I liked that you can use the hotel’s swimming pool and private beach without staying at the hotel! If you want to enjoy a little vacation in Cebu, I recommend it :) 📍 Cebu Sumilon Island #Cebu Travel

Hey there, travel enthusiasts! Get ready for an unforgettable 6-day getaway to the Philippines, a world-class island paradise! We've got the perfect itinerary to make your trip truly special. The sun, the sea, and the sights will leave you mesmerized. This 6-day journey is one you won't want to miss! -- 🌞🌴Itinerary: D1 Manila -> Dumaguete Today marks the beginning of our adventure! We'll depart from Manila and make a brief stop in Dumaguete, a charming coastal city where you can experience the unique atmosphere of the South China Sea. D2 Siquijor Island Get ready for a full day of island bliss on Siquijor! With its azure skies, golden beaches, and laid-back vibe, you'll be captivated by this tropical gem. D3 Sumilon Island -> Oslob Whale Shark Watching Prepare for an awe-inspiring encounter with gentle giants! Today, we'll head to Sumilon Island and Oslob, where you'll have the chance to swim alongside whale sharks. Their massive size and gentle eyes will leave you speechless. D4 Free Day Rest and relaxation are essential parts of any vacation. Today is yours to spend as you please. Explore Apo Island and its vibrant marine life, including sea turtles, or simply unwind by the pool and soak up the sun. D5 Free Day Make the most of another free day! We recommend a trip to Bais Bay for dolphin watching, followed by a delicious seafood feast. You can also explore the stunning underwater world. D6 Dumaguete -> Manila -> Departure On our final day, we'll journey back from Dumaguete to Manila, where you'll catch your flight home. We hope this trip has added a vibrant chapter to your travel memories. -- Travel Tips: 1️⃣️February Weather: The Philippines enjoys a relatively constant temperature year-round, averaging between 26-31°C (79-88°F). February offers pleasant weather with plenty of sunshine, guaranteed to boost your mood.☀️🌈 2️⃣️Visa Information: Please note that a visa is required for entry into the Philippines. Online applications are generally the most convenient option. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and apply in advance.📑🖋️ 3️⃣️Souvenir Prices: The Philippines offers a variety of affordable souvenirs, including dried mangoes and other tropical fruits. They're incredibly delicious!🥭🍍💸 4️⃣️Airport Transportation: Taxis from the airport to the city center are reasonably priced, and public buses are also available. However, try to avoid traveling during rush hour, as traffic can be quite heavy.🚕🚌🚦 -- 🎉Pack your bags and let the sun, beaches, and culinary delights of the Philippines kickstart your summer adventure!

#timetotravel This is a wonderful and gorgeous resort. We went there for just a day and was part of our tour package including the swimming with the whale sharks in Oslob. We stayed there for a few hours, ate to fill our stomach and drank to quench our thirst. Of course we didn't just come here to eat and drink but also enjoyed the crystal clear water, the pristine beach and their infinity pool. Travel time: 4-5 hours depends on where you are starting off in Cebu. Boat Ride: Around 10 minutes from Bancogon Oslob Port Day Tour Rate: 1500 this includes the boat ride. If you want to snorkel then that is an additional fee to be paid there. Enjoy! #mytripvlog #tripblazers #island #sandbar #philippines #cebu #beachlife

🗺️Located off the southeastern coast of Cebu island, Philippines 🇵🇭, Sumilon island is a tranquil tropical destination. It has 24 hectares of land, which is surrounded by clear blue waters! Its most famous feature is its sandbar, which is made of powdery white sand. How to get there? 🤔 💡The only access to the island is by boat that departs daily from Mainland Bancogon in Oslob to Sumilon. Travel time is around 20 minutes. 🎟️tickets: 50php / person for environmental fee 🚤boat transfer fee: 1,500 / boat of 4 people Activities to do:⬇️ •snorkeling •swimming •diving 🏨hotel: BlueWater Sumilon Island Resort ↪️The only accommodation in the island. 💁🏻‍♀️Tip: You can buy the BlueWater Sumilon day pass online in advance that gives you access to all of the facilities at the resort such as the infinity pool, private beach area, freshwater lagoon, and restaurant. #travel #beachlife #philippines

🔅Oslob is located at the southern tip of Cebu. It's a small coastal town but it has become world famous because of the whale sharks or the largest fish on the planet that roam its seas, locally known as butanding or tuki. 📍How to get to Oslob:🚌 From Cebu South Bus Terminal take bus for Bato via Oslob ( fare 150-200php) 🔝What to See and Do in Oslob 1️⃣ Swim with whale sharks 🦈🦈 2️⃣Explore the Sumilon Island 🏝️🏝️ 3️⃣Check Tumalog Falls 💦 4️⃣Explore around the Cuartel ruins🏛️ 5️⃣Visit Oslob Macaque 🐵🐒🙉🙈 6️⃣ Lady of Immaculate Church ⛪ #philippines #oslob #travel #urbanexplorer #awesomepic #summervacation #islandtravel #whaleshark #whattodo

Sumilon Island is a small 24 hectare coral island located off the tip of Cebu. Located in the small coastal town of Oslob and a short boat ride. This island is famous for both snorkeling, diving and enjoying the sand bar there. Sumilon Island was the second marine sanctuary to be setup in the Philippines. With Crystal clear water you can enjoy swimming and sun tanning.

#2023travelwish With the pandemic, travel restrictions have come the way. I haven't been able to travel abroad since Covid-19 pandemic started. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to explore domestically. This visit to Sumilon Island is like the best getaway for now. This destination gives the adventure while letting you escape into a place of quite solitude. I explored the island sandbar and soaked myself in its crystal water. It's been wonderful swimming so far. I hope to travel to South Korea and Japan soon. It was my plan before the pandemic happened. Would my wish come true for 2023? Hoping for the best.

#resortstyle Sumilon Island is an island resort owned by Bluewater Resorts. Guests can exclusively enjoy the crystal clear and pristine seawater surrounding the island. The resort also is famous on its white sand bar during low tide. Bluewater resort has its own docking port and boats carrying guests from mainland Cebu to Sumilon island and vice versa. #cebudestination #sumilonisland

Sumilon Island Cebu is located in the south of Cebu, approximately three and a half hours from the city center. You will enjoy the crystal clear water on this island; however, you must take a boat ride from Cebu's Oslob side. Before visiting this small island, we went whale shark diving. There are numerous travel agencies in and around Cebu where you can book your trip at a reasonable price. #cebutrip #tripblazers #beachlife #philippines #itsmorefuninthephilippines 🇵🇭🇵🇭❤️

This place is amazing! It’s not the techiest place in terms of keycards and such but the internet is fast. My husband works online doing videos and the internet did not disappoint. Now on to the best bits... This place is amazing! It’s not the techiest place in terms of keycards and such but the internet is fast. My husband works online doing videos and the internet did not disappoint. Now on to the best bits... Room was so spacious and comfortable. The bathroom is on a whole other level. It’s a room all on it’s own. It seemed to me that all the rooms have a sea view. Or at least most of them. It can comfortably fit a family of 6 with extra mattresses. But is incredibly spacious for 4. The beds were so comfortable and the bathroom had a bidet! If you are looking for razors, bring your own. :) The amenities/facilities are simply breathtaking and wonderful to be a part of. Sumilon island is a marine sanctuary. They have activities that promote this. So much to do with a family. You can swim with baby sharks (black tip reef sharks), feed the fish in the lagoon area, snorkel/scuba in the marine sanctuary, swim in the ocean or pools, trekking and biking to name some. Room was so spacious and comfortable. The bathroom is on a whole other level. It’s a room all on it’s own. It seemed to me that all the rooms have a sea view. Or at least most of them. It can comfortably fit a family of 6 with extra mattresses. But is incredibly spacious for 4. The beds were so comfortable and the bathroom had a bidet! If you are looking for razors, bring your own. :) facilities are simply breathtaking and wonderful to be a part of. Sumilon island is a marine sanctuary. They have activities that promote this. So much to do with a family. You can swim with baby sharks (black tip reef sharks), feed the fish in the lagoon area, snorkel/scuba in the marine sanctuary, swim in the ocean or pools, trekking and biking to name some.

At Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, let the islander’s easy-going friendliness shine through and keep the pace low-key enough to let you feel pampered. very nice beaches, beautiful sandbar, very attentive service crew, delicious food, beautiful and clean rooms, very picturesque and beautiful resort in Oslob, Cebu #skiing #skiing #skiing #skiing #skiing #nationalpark #momentsmission #urbanexplorer

To start off I think that the 4.5 hours of driving that I did to reach this place was worth it. The trip will let you pass some of the best beaches coastal towns of Cebu with sights that are worth visiting if you have the time. When we arrive in the holding are we were greeted by the staff and was lead to the lounge for the orientation. The staff were friendly and we received complimentary Iced tea. Here we were informed that the resort was undergoing some renovations. The main restaurant and the infinity pool are unavailable. Though I understand that it was off peak season, it was still a little disappointing to find out and we were not informed in advance. We were then ferried to the island by a boat. (Make sure that you check weather conditions when travelling here as the seas might be choppy during your travels.

Sumilon Bluewater island resort is one of the best summer resort I have visited. I love the beach, the food & the smiling staffs on the island. It is a refuge for a well deserved family outing. Trekking around the island is a revelation. Stone-edge paths, light house and the old baluarte. The sand bar at the southern tip is tantalizing with varied shapes depending on the time of the day . The water is pristinely blue & clear. I could not resist a last dip before leaving the island. A place worth going back special summer! #islandlover #islandlife #beachlove

Sumilon Island is one of the best-kept secret paradises just 20 minutes by boat from the popular town of Oslob in Cebu. It’s the best day trip or overnight stay you can do when exploring the southern region of Cebu. I personally spent one night on the island at the Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort and have put together this complete guide including how to get there, where to book a day tour, where to stay on the island, and what to expect when you arrive. #naturalwonders#bestislandtraveltowns#romanticrestaurant

Sumilon Island is a small sandbar island located just a short boat ride around from Oslob. There’s no doubt that Sumilon Island is an epic spot for spending the day relaxing, exploring and swimming in some of the clearest water in Cebu. There are several boat operators that transport tourists and locals between the mainland and Sumilon everyday. However, don’t get caught paying for a private boat. Instead, the local option is to share a boat or “banka” with others. If you’re getting a tricycle over to the boats, you can ask your driver for a cheap local boat transfer. #beaches#bestislandtraveltowns

Sumilon Island is a small hidden gem located in Cebu, Philippines 🏝️ But its beauty is anything but small — warm sunlight shines on fine white sand beaches, contrasting with crystal-clear blue waters that resemble glass 💎 This is the perfect place for a full-on relaxation. Whether you want to swim, snorkel, or kayak, it’s all possible here 🌊 During low tide, a white sandbar emerges in the middle of the sea, becoming a popular photo spot everyone must capture 📸 Just hearing the gentle sound of waves and feeling the sea breeze makes time seem to slow down — Sumilon Island is not just an island, it’s a true sanctuary for the soul 💙🌴

#mytraveldiary Sumilon Island, just a short boat ride from Cebu, is a haven of calm and natural beauty. Famous for its ever-changing sandbar, turquoise waters, and rich marine life, the island offers both relaxation and adventure. Snorkelers can explore colorful coral reefs, while those who prefer a slower pace can lounge on the pristine beach or kayak in the clear lagoon. The island also has scenic trails leading to lookout points with sweeping ocean views. What makes Sumilon special is its balance of peace and activity—whether you’re after quiet moments by the shore or a bit of exploration, the island delivers. It’s a perfect retreat for anyone longing to reconnect with nature’s quiet charm.

📅 Itinerary Day1：Manila Day2: Cebu then road trip to Oslob for Tumalog waterfall Day3: Oslob wale shack watching 🏨 Accommodation : Seascape oslob and bluewater sumilon island resort 🍴 Food Recommendations 📌 Tips

The trip departs between 2:00 and 3:00 in the morning and takes over three hours from the hotel, but it's definitely a place you should visit at least once! The opportunity to see whale sharks up close was very impressive and a fond memory. We went snorkeling and to a waterfall, so it was a very hard day, but you can have fun to the fullest and get some time to forget about your daily life!

#holidayitinerary Off the coast of Oslob, Cebu, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort is a serene getaway surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. The island’s famous shifting sandbar creates a stunning natural beach, perfect for relaxing or taking memorable photos. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, diving, or hiking around the island’s lush trails, lagoons, and historical caves. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, from cozy deluxe rooms to private villas and glamping tents, all designed for comfort and a touch of luxury. With its infinity pool, spa services, and on-site dining, the resort balances adventure and relaxation. Whether seeking peaceful solitude or fun activities, Sumilon Island offers an unforgettable tropical experience in Cebu.

📍Travel Overview This is a model plan to enjoy Cebu in just 2 days and 1 night. From city sightseeing to resort relaxation and the popular island hopping experience, you can fully immerse yourself in the charm of Cebu even in a short period. 🚩Itinerary • Day 1: City sightseeing → Relax at the hotel's private beach • Day 2: Sumilon Island → Oslob (whale sharks) → Moalboal (sea turtles & sardine run) 🏖️Instagram-Worthy Spots • The white sandbar of Sumilon Island • Snorkeling with giant whale sharks • The mesmerizing "curtain of the sea" created by sardine schools 🚇Transportation • City sightseeing: Grab is convenient • Island hopping: Use local tours (opt for ones with transportation included for peace of mind) ※ Be cautious when choosing tour companies. Avoid CSP ⚠️ 📷Recommended Photo Spots • The emerald blue coastline of Sumilon Island • Silhouettes of whale sharks and snorkelers from underwater • Swimming alongside sea turtles • Beneath the sardine run 🍜Must-Try Cuisine • Cebu's specialty "Lechon" • Fresh mango juice • Garlic shrimp and other seafood dishes 🏠Recommended Accommodations • Resorts with private beaches (perfect for a short stay to enjoy the resort vibe) • If focusing on the city, hotels near Ayala Mall are convenient 💡Tips • Since there’s a lot of boat travel, bring motion sickness medication if needed • Protect yourself from the sun with rash guards and sunscreen • The scenery of Sumilon Island changes with the tides; low tide is best for photography

#snorkeling Ever dreamed of floating beside the gentle giants of the sea? In Oslob, Cebu, you can! This small coastal town has become world-famous for its unique opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks — massive, majestic, and incredibly peaceful creatures that leave visitors in awe. 🌴☀️ ⸻ 🎯 Why Oslob? Located on the southeastern coast of Cebu, Oslob is one of the only places on Earth where you can reliably see whale sharks year-round — often just a few meters from shore! With calm waters and local guides, it’s a bucket-list experience for any ocean lover. ⸻ 🐋 What to Expect • 🌅 Early morning adventure: Start before sunrise — most tours begin by 6:00 AM to catch the whale sharks at their most active. • 🛶 Short boat ride from the shore (just 5-10 minutes). • 🤿 30-minute snorkeling session with 3–10 whale sharks swimming nearby. • 📸 Photo ops with underwater cameras — most operators offer rental or photography add-ons. ⸻ 🌊 Tips for a Responsible & Enjoyable Experience • 🚫 Do NOT touch the whale sharks — it’s harmful and against the rules. • 🧴 Wear reef-safe sunscreen or better yet, a rash guard. • 🐢 Keep your distance, and let them swim to you — they’re curious! • 🧘 Stay calm in the water. They’re massive but totally harmless. • 🎟️ Arrive early to avoid the long queues (and get better light!). ⸻ 🐠 Combo Adventures Nearby Make the most of your trip to Oslob by pairing your whale shark experience with other epic activities: • 🏞️ Tumalog Falls – A magical waterfall just 15 minutes away. • 🏝️ Sumilon Island – White sandbar, snorkeling, and island vibes. • 🌄 Osmeña Peak – Breathtaking panoramic hike nearby. • 🐢 Aguinid Falls – Multi-level waterfall adventure if you’re up for more splash! ⸻ 💬 Final Thought Swimming beside a creature the size of a bus — in the clear blue waters of Cebu — is an unforgettable experience. While it’s magical, it’s also important to respect these wild animals and ensure tourism stays sustainable.

#philippinestrip Tucked away on the southeastern coast of Cebu, Oslob is more than just a stop for whale shark encounters — it’s a beach paradise with laid-back vibes, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical backdrops. Whether you’re after snorkelling, sunsets, or a poolside mango shake, here’s how to have the ultimate resort holiday in Oslob! ⸻ 🎯 Highlights: What Not to Miss • 🐋 Swim with Whale Sharks (responsibly!) – Oslob’s most famous draw • 💦 Tumalog Falls – A dreamy waterfall just 15 mins from town • 🌊 Island-Hopping to Sumilon – White sand, blue lagoons, coral reefs • 🌴 Relax at the Resort – Hammocks, beach lounges & endless coconuts • 📸 Sunrise over the sea – Early mornings are pure magic ⸻ 🛎️ Accommodation Tips Oslob has everything from budget beachfront huts to luxe resorts with infinity pools. 🌟 Recommended Picks: • Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort – Exclusive island escape with stunning snorkel spots • Seafari Resort Oslob – Perched on a cliff with epic sea views • Luna Oslob Travellers Inn – A friendly, clean base with beachfront access 💡 Tip: Book early for resorts near the whale shark area, especially during dry season (Dec–May). ⸻ 🌟 Top Travel Tips • 📅 Visit during dry season (Dec–May) for calm seas and sunny skies • 🐋 Go early for whale sharks – Be there by 6–7 AM for best conditions and smaller crowds • 🚿 Bring reef-safe sunscreen – Protect your skin and marine life • 🏝️ Pack aqua shoes & dry bags – For waterfalls, boat rides, and rocky shores • 🚗 Hire a local trike or motorbike to explore off-the-path gems ⸻ 🍴 Foodie Finds • 🥭 Try fresh mango shakes — sweet, cold, and addictive • 🐟 Grilled seafood by the beach — you can’t go wrong with garlic butter prawns • 🍚 Local dishes to try: Lechon Cebu, kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), and pancit canton ⸻ 💬 Final Thought Oslob is that rare mix of gentle luxury and raw adventure — where you can float in turquoise waters in the morning, chase waterfalls by lunch, and nap in a seaside hammock before sunset. It’s tropical serenity with a wild twist.

With pristine white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters. As Cebu's first marine protected area, it's a haven of untouched natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a scenic and tranquil getaway. #naturalwonders #staycation #fambam #bluewaters

#philippinestrip Cebu was one of those trips that felt like five days weren’t enough… but we still packed in a lot of magic. Here’s how we spent our time: 📍 Days 1–2: Oslob We started in Oslob, famous (and a bit controversial) for its whale shark experience. Swimming alongside these massive, gentle creatures was surreal — they glide by like underwater giants. 📝 Important note: Do your research and decide if this experience aligns with your values. There’s ongoing debate about the ethics of feeding practices. After that, we took a boat to Sumilon Island, a tiny slice of paradise with white sandbars and crystal-clear water. Honestly, it felt like something out of a drone commercial. 🍴What to eat in Oslob: – Lechon Cebu (roast pork — crispy, juicy, legendary) – Puso (rice wrapped in woven palm leaves — super portable and traditional) ⸻ 📍 Days 3–5: Moalboal Then we headed to Moalboal, which quickly became one of our favorite spots in the Philippines. It’s a laid-back beach town with world-class snorkeling just steps from the shore. 🌊 We swam with sea turtles, got lost in the sardine run, and joined a local island-hopping tour to explore Pescador Island and stunning coral reefs. No scuba needed — a snorkel is all you need to be blown away. Sunsets in Moalboal? Unreal. Every evening felt like the sky was trying to outdo itself. 🍛 What to eat in Moalboal: – Grilled seafood (the fresher, the better) – Halo-halo (colorful shaved ice dessert with sweet beans, jelly, and leche flan — weird and wonderful) – Pancit canton (Filipino stir-fried noodles — perfect after a swim) ⸻ 🧭 TL;DR: Cebu Itinerary Highlights • 🐋 Swim with whale sharks (Oslob) • 🏝️ Visit Sumilon Island • 🐢 Snorkel with turtles (Moalboal) • 🐟 Sardine Run • 🚤 Island hopping in Pescador • 🌅 Watch unforgettable sunsets • 🍴 Try lechon, halo-halo & seafood by the beach #CebuItinerary #OslobWhaleSharks #MoalboalSnorkeling #SumilonIsland #IslandHoppingPhilippines #PhilippinesTravel #TurtleSnorkeling #BackpackingPhilippines #BeachLife #LechonCebu #SardineRun #TravelAsia #WanderlustPhilippines

A beach resort away from the hustle and bustle of Cebu City.

Went to cebu featuring moalboal, oslob, sumilon island and cebu city with their own public transportation and minimal bookings! it was a girls trip with just two of us, and it definitely felt safe traveling around. Though we did invest a bit more on accommodations this time, staying in all hotels. But our average accommodation costs were about $30 per night per head with exception for the 5-star bluewater resort - for a standalone premium suite (fits up to 4 pax), it was SGD $250 for 2 nights WITH breakfast and dinner provided! Used trip.com to book it and definitely was a steal, as we felt like we were in a love island show with stunning views and various activities to enjoy for free within the resort. Cebu city - moalboal and Oslob - moalboal is easy to commute with their public bus (Ceres les AC busses recommended for tourists for speed and comfort) with about 150 - 200 pesos per pax (< SGD $5) and takes about 4 hours for moalboal and 5 hours for oslob. Tricky commute was moalboal to oslob as you need to transfer busses. On google maps, you can find “Jolibee moalboal” or “Bus Journey to Oslob via Bato” for detailed reviews by other visitors! :) Main mode of commutes in the countryside are local tricycle scooters, often referred to as tuk tuk. In cebu city, grab is available. Each trip costs about less than 350 pesos ( ~ SGD $9) and depends on the distance. Roaming Data plans for 4G or even 5G is useless in moalboal and oslob as you can’t even get signal 60% of the time and maximum speed is LTE. However, all resorts are equipped with high speed internets surprisingly. In cebu city, 5G is available. So, cebu is definitely a great place for digital detox. Filipino cuisine is usually bursting with flavours but one place i would definitely recommend is “Smoke Stack” where they sell charcoal grilled bbq meats including lechon, their lechon baka is unlike any other, and definitely a hidden gem! They aren’t a fancy restaurant but they really focused all into the quality of the food. their pork ribs were amazing too. Its easy to commute if you put your grab destination as the shopping complex next to it “citadine cebu city”. A great place to chillax after stressful life! #travel #resorts #cebu #moalboal #oslob #beachlife #seascapes #myitinerary #localfood #getaway #sumilonisland #philipines #transport #reccomended #staycation #digitaldetox

Sumilon Island was also part of my tour package I booked for a day, after I went swimming with the whale sharks, the next was to go see this beautiful island with beautiful waters. You could snorkel and also see some beautiful fishes, you could just play in the water, #sumilonisland It was relaxing and yes I got to take ton of pictures. I loved the waters there. NB: you are not allowed to collect sea shells #historicallandmarks #localguides #tripblazers #urbanexplorer