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The Bluewater Resort on Sumilon Island is a private island paradise for anyone looking for beautiful beaches plus plenty of peace and privacy to unwind. In this report you’ll learn everything important about this small but fine resort and how we experienced our stay on the island.
Reading tip: A guide to Sumilon Island, how to visit and the activities on site can be found here…
Sumilon Island Bluewater Resort
Book Sumilon Island Bluewater: Trip.com* / Agoda* / Booking* / Cebu101 Portal
Location and Getting There
Sumilon Island lies about 125 kilometers south of Cebu City. The island is known for its untouched beauty and calm atmosphere, which make it a perfect place to rest and relax. Because Sumilon Island is a private island, you can still holiday here undisturbed and explore a fascinating underwater world.
Getting There via Cebu City and Moalboal
The main airport for international flights in the region is Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu City, which is about a 3–4 hour drive from Oslob. Alternatively you can travel from Moalboal, which is only about a 2-hour drive away. In both cases the journey takes you to Oslob, a small town in southern Cebu where the resort’s private ferry terminal is located.
Boats to Sumilon Island leave daily from the Bluewater ferry terminal in Oslob. Departures are at fixed times at 8:00, 10:00, 12:00 and 2:00 pm and only take about 10 minutes. This short crossing makes arrival convenient and stress-free, and guests are taken straight to the resort. The transfer is included in the overnight rate, and the process on the mainland — with a pleasant waiting area and check-in — is well organized.
Detailed info on getting to Sumilon Island can be found here…
Rooms and Accommodation
The rooms at Bluewater Resort are spacious bungalows right by the sea. The bungalows offer a beautiful sea view and have a large terrace where you can enjoy the fresh air and the view of the water.
The furnishings of the bungalows are modern and comfortable: they include, among other things, two double beds, a smart TV, a fridge and a well-stocked minibar. The bathroom is spacious and nicely designed — ideal for unwinding after a day of activities. Overall the accommodation is very well maintained and creates a pleasant, private atmosphere that suits couples or small families. Right in front of the rooms you’ll find the sea, as well as hammocks and lounge areas to relax.
There are also private villas on the island; we didn’t see them (they’re a bit hidden) and didn’t book one either.
Service and Amenities
The Staff at Bluewater Resort are especially friendly and attentive. The service is complemented by various amenities:
- Free boat transfer: The crossing from Oslob to the island is free for resort guests, which makes the stay even more convenient.
- Room service: Room service is available to fulfill guest requests at any time.
On the resort grounds there are numerous facilities that make the stay even more pleasant:
- Two restaurants: There are two restaurants offering a variety of local and international dishes. One of them also serves day visitors, while the other is reserved exclusively for hotel guests.
- Two pools: One of the pools is an impressive infinity pool with a breathtaking sea view. The second pool and the adjacent beach restaurant are open to day guests during the day.
- Beach bar and jacuzzi: A small bar plus jacuzzis in the pool area add extra comfort. There are also cozy tables and bean bags outdoors that invite you to relax with a view of the sea.
- Spa: The Spa sits on a cliff and is housed in small, private cabins — ideal for a quiet break and recovery.
Activities
Bluewater Resort offers a variety of Activities that are either free or available for an extra charge:
- Free activities: Guests can use the scenic sandbar and the second beach, which also has a beach pool, free of charge. Three hiking trails lead to a watch tower with a spectacular view of the surroundings. Snorkeling is also possible at various spots, though around the sandbar there isn’t all that much to see. The house reef, however, is fantastic and one of the top snorkel spots in Cebu.
- Other activities: Further leisure options include billiards, table tennis, bird watching and baby shark watching, offered daily at fixed times.
A special highlight is the island’s exclusive atmosphere, since no other visitors are allowed. Guests therefore have private access to all beaches and areas of the resort.
Our Experience at Bluewater Resort Sumilon Island
Our stay at Bluewater Resort on Sumilon Island was overall very positive. The resort is very well kept and offers good value for money. The bungalows are comfortable and right by the sea, which creates an especially relaxing atmosphere.
Although the resort doesn’t reach classic 5-star hotel standards, it still meets all expectations for a 3- to 4-star resort. The restaurants serve (partly) good food, even if the selection is sometimes a bit limited. We’d rather skip the pizza; the Filipino food is good. However, the prices for drinks and food on the island are in places clearly higher than at comparable 5-star hotels in Bali or Singapore, which is a small downside. Since there are no shops on the island, this dependency is shamelessly exploited in our view. By the way: drink and food prices at the Bluewater resorts on the mainland are also significantly lower.
Still, the overall experience is positive: the island has an incomparable charm, and the peace plus the private atmosphere are especially valuable. At around €120 per night the resort offers excellent value for money, especially given the exclusive location and quiet surroundings. Anyone looking for a calm, well-kept retreat will definitely get their money’s worth here.
All in all, Bluewater Resort is a perfect place for a relaxed break in the Philippines, especially for couples and families.
Still have questions or additions about Bluewater Resort Sumilon Island? Leave a comment!
Bluewater Sumilon Island Review
A stay at Bluewater Sumilon Island is definitely a fantastic experience. The grounds and the island are beautiful, and if you want peace and plenty of privacy, this is the right place. The only real downside is that food and drinks on the island are simply too expensive!
Pros
- Lots of peace
- Lots of privacy
- Great swimming pools
- Beautiful beaches
- Breathtaking coral reef
- Spacious bungalows
Cons
- Expensive food and drinks
- Average food
- Lots of rules/bans
- Odd check-in / check-out policy
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Location10
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Rooms10
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Cleanliness10
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Amenities10
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Relaxation factor10
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Staff9
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Value for money7