Cebu’s newest marine paradise

The trip begins via a scenic two-hour tree-canopied leisure drive from downtown Cebu through the coastal towns of Carcar, Argao, Boljoon, and Oslob that offers a peek at rural life, as well as its historical past, followed by a ferry ride to the island aboard a motorized banca. And on the 24-hectare coral island located on the southeastern tip of Cebu sits Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort.

At the recent opening of the resort, Austrian Consul General Arcadio Alegrado, together with his genteel wife Marle and enterprising daughters Julie and June, warmly welcomed guests to the casual get-together that promised lots of fun and laughter, excellent food, good company, and even perhaps some time for relaxation.

"Sumilon," which means "taking refuge," is one of those places you can really get lost in. This hideaway is a smattering of 12 bungalows each arranged as six cottages with private verandas. It is a laidback, relaxed resort hotel where guests are greeted by unobtrusive attendants in colorful summer outfits whose sole aim is to provide the best of service.

Pleasurable pastimes include soaking up the sun while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Cebu mainland, paddle boating, and scuba diving. Snorkeling off the reef is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will be able to see a kaleidoscope of colorful fishes swimming towards you. It is only when they have swum past that the wonder of what you have seen kicks in.

The island, which is surrounded by crystal blue waters, is the first marine protected area in the Philippines. Divers will find varied marine species and even occasional sightings of black tip sharks. There is also a natural lagoon teeming with high mangroves, natural caves and, hear this, the famous Yamashita caves. Its sandbar is well known for its changing shapes and shifting locations, depending on the time of year.

Inland, the island holds many treasures that it gladly shares with the holidaymakers who have an eye for beauty. On the southside, by the tree park is the "parola" lighthouse and the historical watchtower "baluarte" built as a warning system to thwart pirates and robbers in the l9th century.

Need I say anything more? Do come and discover Sumilon Bluewater Resort. It is the perfect setting to sit back and relax, to dive into azure waters, to smell the flowers, to put some zest into your life, or to simply fall in love.