Sumilong at ‘Sumilon’

Oslob, Cebu – Among Tagalog speaking people, the word “Sumilong” means to take cover or to seek refuge either from the heat or pouring rain. But down here on the southern most part of the province of Cebu, in the town of Oslob where whale sharks have become long term residents as well as tourist attractions, there is an island called  “Sumilon” that also gives refuge for weary travellers and tourists seeking world class accommodations courtesy of  “BLUEWATER – Sumilon Resort”.

After months of listening to the Pork Barrel teleserye and the latest horror-docu entitled CARMAGEDON, we were convinced that we needed to go on vacation way before summer hits Metro Manila. So when “Tito Pete” Dacuycuy asked if I’d be interested to check out another BLUEWATER Resort location along with my family, we gave it no second thoughts and cleared our calendars pronto! Some of our readers might have read the piece I wrote about our trip to BLUEWATERS Panglao and the fantastic countryside tour we went on in Bohol last June 2012. In hindsight we were so grateful because a lot of the sights we saw in Bohol were damaged during the big earthquake in 2013. Thanks to “Tito Pete” who helps promote tourist destinations and developers, many travel and lifestyle editors, journalists and broadcasters have come to know of these places and helped promote them to others.

Unlike other trips where you can almost fly directly to your destination, getting to Sumilon Island is one of those trips that takes you to the countryside and different places along the way. To get here you can either fly to Cebu/Mactan then drive 2.5 to 3 hours down south and go directly to their visitors’ arrival area in Oslob. We, on the other hand flew to Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental where the famous Siliman University is located and where Sans Rival the delightfully wicked and tasty butter and peanut pastry reportedly comes from. After an interesting overnight stay in Dumaguete (which will be part 2 to this piece), we then took the 30-minute ferry boat ride to Liloan, Cebu. Our guide told us that “Liloan” comes from the word “hilo” or “dizzy” because it is at the point were currents converge and makes some boat travellers dizzy. From there it was a 10 minute drive to the Visitors arrival area and finally a 15 minute Big Banca ride to the island.

Judging from the guests that were already on the beach as well as the resorts dining pavilion, it was evident that many of the guest were well to do and sought out the resorts luxury service and refuge. A number had crossed over from Negros or drove down from the Cebu City area bringing family and friends who were vacationing from abroad. It was quite a mixed crowd of guests that we saw at the arrival area; some were day guests while many foreigners were there to stay for several nights.

The island itself is big in terms of resort sizes covering an area of 34 hectares but the resort proper occupies only one fourth of the area while rest has been dedicated to environmental preservation. Architecture on Sumilon Island finds its roots in typical Cebu house design, highlighted by the developers’ emphasis on “repurposing” salvaged materials that are used as posts, fences and railings. Even the towel racks are creatively made from simple guava branches, bedside lamps are from wooden logs. But don’t let this mislead you, they maybe environmentally smart but in terms of accommodations and amenities all BLUEWATER facilities are designed and built like 5 star hotels. From well-furnished interiors to luxurious and spacious bathrooms, it’s a hotel inside and a resort outside.

In terms of views and scenery, my wife Karen certainly loves the idea of lying in a bed all to her own that faces directly to the sea. Yes, my daughter got the other queen sized bed and I once again sleep on the huge couch right in front of the door.

A unique offering of the resort has to be their “Glamping” facility where families can experience what its like to go Camping Glamorously. It’s the wonderful compromise “for parents who want to stay in a resort room while providing their kids with the outdoor camping experience”. Not to worry folks, your kids won’t go hungry as the resort provides for an in tent minibar stocked with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks!

As far as activities are concerned, there is enough to keep one busy for days. Top on the list would be for most people the Whale Shark watching trips that start as early as 9 am weather permitting and subject to the presence and cooperation of the whale sharks. Those who are not into chasing and posing in front of these mammals seem to find happiness lulling about on the sand bar just in front of Sumilon island while those who really want to work out a sweat can go for a 45 minute trek around the island just before dinner or spend time snorkeling or kayaking around the island. If you’re a certified open water diver or want to take such a course, the resort would certainly be the perfect place to do so. Those with children can participate in the fish feeding activity or teach kids how to fish with assistance from the experienced resort staff.

My personal favorites were eating the endless supply of fresh fruits, relaxing in the air-conditioned premium deluxe cottage #20, violating my diet rules with pork binagoongan and fried noodles, and just forgetting about the annoying little things that prevent us from appreciating the company of our family, the blessings from friends, and the work that people put in to give us a place of refuge called “Sumilon”.