Island Life

Sumilon Island from 10,000ft

The tourist trail was the theme for the weekend just past and the island of Sumilon was chosen as the destination. Sumilon is a small island located at the southern tip of Cebu just off the east coast (9 25 56.2N 123 23 24.13E). I'd seen it several times before during the flight's approach into Cebu's airport and often wondered if I'd be fortunate enough to visit as it looked really good from 10,000ft up in the air.

Jetty to the Island

From Toledo it took around 3 hours to drive to the jetty for the 10 minute trip across to the island by pump boat. At the jetty things were looking good. The weather was sunny, the sky was blue and the sea was crystal clear and we were greeted at the jetty with a cool drink and a chilled towel with which to freshen up with.

Sumilon Beach

Being the only passengers we had the boat to ourselves. On the island we were met by Iris who welcomed us with a seashell necklace. Iris was also the bellhop and porter and led us to our resort cottage on the sea shore, which was large and spacious, if a little spartan (hotel review here).

The rest of the day was spent swimming and snorkelling around the coral reefs watching the myriad of brightly coloured fish swimming by, lounging in the resort pool, relaxing in the jacuzzi and taking in a couple of beers. We were told (by Iris) that there would be a traditional Philippine dinner in the evening, followed by traditional Philippines dancing and show.

Resort Pool

I'm not usually one for this type of entertainment but as there was really very little else to do there was little choice. The meal was passable and the wine was expensive. Iris turned out to be the MC for the evenings events too. Similarly, she was the singer of the traditional songs (and the not so traditional songs). The dancing was done by the rest of the staff, changing out of their cooks uniforms and bar garb into the dancing outfits. By 9:00pm it was all over and we were the last people in the bar/restaurant finishing off the expensive wine with the staff trying not to look like they'd rather be doing their own thing than waiting on two half drunk guests, so we also turned in for the night.

Sunset Over Neighbouring Island of Negros

And what a night! Just as we left the restaurant it started to rain lightly. By the early hours of the morning there was a thunder storm so violent like I've never experienced before. The lightning and thunder were simultaneous which led me to thinks that we were about to be struck by lightning and the thunder was so loud that it made the building shake and vibrate. And the rain was an absolute deluge.

Day After the Storm

In the morning it was all calm again but because of the run-off the sea was no longer as clear as is was the day before and it was quite choppy too, making the return trip to the mainland not something to look forward to.

Breakfast (served by Iris) was a leisurely affair, partly because there wasn't much else to do with our plans for more swimming and snorkelling scuppered by the weather. Our original plan was to spend the rest of the day on the island but as the weather wasn't so great we checked out at midday to head back to Cebu City. We were checked out by Iris, who happened to be the receptionist and our bill was prepared by Iris who was also the cashier.

I left Sumilon wondering if Iris would be interested in a job in construction?