Seven Commando Beach (El Nido, Palawan)

Posted on 5 December, 2015 by Benjie Layug — Leave a reply

Seven Commando Beach

The last part of our Island Tour A was to be spent at the picturesque and very laid back Seven Commando Beach which boasts the clearest beach waters in El Nido. Accessible only by boat, it is called as such because, a long time ago, seven soldiers (others say 7 fishermen) were stranded on the island. According to locals, their names can be seen printed on the rocks here.

Picnic huts along the beach

Store selling food and drinks

Ideal for swimming, beach volleyball, silhouette shots or just beach bumming, it has fine and clean but a little coarse white sands, turquoise clear waters, calm waves (very nice for snorkeling and swimming), fabulous rock formations and coconut trees.Despite having a souvenir shop, a stall that sells quite pricey smoothies, water, alcoholic drinks (beer, pina coladas, mango daiquiris, etc.)and food (chips and bananacue), and a restroom facility in this area, the wide, clean and white beach still retains its natural charm.

Swinging hammock

Sunset at Seven Commando Beach

For those who are not into swimming, you can just lounge around and have very refreshing halo-halo on a coconut shell (PhP150), fruit shakes, fresh coconuts (PhP50) and other thirst quenching refreshments at the store while enjoying the view, especially during sunset time. There is also a swinging hammock seat and sheltered beach tables which can be used for free.

The author (third from left) with, L-R, Meng, Osang and Melissa

Also within this beach is the 4-room Vellagio’s Resort which opened last January 2015. Full moon parties are held on this island in February. As the beach is only a 10-min. boat ride from the mainland, it is sometimes the first stop on the island hopping tour as it gets really crowded by beach bums in the afternoon.

Secret Lagoon (El Nido, Palawan)

Posted on 5 December, 2015 by Benjie Layug — Leave a reply

Boats parked offshore during low tide

After lunch at Star Beach, we again boarded our motorized outrigger boat for Secret Lagoon, a part of Island Tour A. As it was low tide, our boat docked some distance from the shore of a white sand beach lined with coconut palms beneath a massive and towering limestone cliff face. Alighting our boat, we had the choice of carefully wading on top of sharp rocks (aqua shoes highly recommended) or be pulled by our guides while floating on a life jacket. Most chose the latter while I did the former.

Being pulled to shore by our guides while floating on a life jacket

We came ashore a very beautiful beach, with huge alien-like limestone formations surrounding it, offering you majestic views of the open water between the cliffs and a peek of Shimizu Island. To the left of the beach is a huge cliff with a small opening. That, my friends, was the entrance to the Secret Lagoon, also known as Hidden Lagoon of Miniloc Island.

The beautiful palm-lined white sand beach

Some of the huge alien-like limestone formations

During high tide, it might be impossible to access the Secret Lagoon as, due to safety reasons, tourists might bump their heads on the sharp rocks of the tiny opening while swimming through it.

Entering the Secret Lagoon via a small opening

Fortunately, since it was low tide, the opening was now above the water so we didn’t have to swim through it. We just had to carefully crawl in or twist our body, like a pretzel, into the Secret Lagoon, making it the trickiest attraction of the day to get into. The water leading to the lagoon was shallow, so we were extra careful with the sharp rocks and corals to avoid scrapes and wounds.

Limestone cliffs surrounding the Secret Lagoon

Once through, we were mesmerized by the majestic limestone rock formations and cliffs surrounding it, its shadows making the temperature inside much cooler. As it was low tide, swimming was not enticing since the stagnant water was quite murky. The water inside looked shallow, but it gets deeper as you go farther so we didn’t dare. As it’s quite small, there’s not much to inside. For the adventurous, there’s a small passageway meters deep into the water where one can deep dive into.

Group posing inside the Secret Lagoon

However, we just posed beneath the massive, quite photogenic cliffs then left as there were lots of tourists waiting in the wings. It’s hard to consider the lagoon a secret with dozens of other tourists milling around you. To avoid the crowds, pay a bit extra and go later in the day. However, its adjacent, quieter white sand beach is one great spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Star Beach (El Nido, Palawan)

Posted on 5 December, 2015 by Benjie Layug — Leave a reply

Back to the wharf, we again boarded our boat for the short trip to the simple yet pretty Star Beach, a small, secluded area of white sand nestled between two large rock outcroppings. It was named Star Beach because this is the place in El Nido where you can find a lot of blue starfish. Unfortunately, I didn’t even see one.

Star Beach

Located on one side of the narrow Tapiutan Strait, the relatively small Star Beach is nothing remarkable. However, it offered rest and yes, food! Here, we had lunch of grilled fish, squid and chicken; steamed crab and fruits (pineapple, bananas and water melon).

An overhang, over a small cave, offered us protection from the noontime sun. Star Beach offered good photographic opportunities, with the towering limestone formation as a background, and the place is also good for snorkeling just a few meters off the beach without walking over sharp rocks to see different corals and plenty of species of colorful little fish and other marine life from its vast reef.

After lunch, we floated around the clear crystal blue-green waters. It was oh-so relaxing! The place can be littered with boats on peak season.

Matinloc Shrine (El Nido, Palawan)

Posted on 5 December, 2015 by Benjie Layug — Leave a reply

Matinloc Island

The next day, we commenced with our resort-sponsored grandiose Combination Tour A and C, an island-hopping tour, boarding a big outrigger boat from Las Cabanas Beach, a 5-min. walk or 69 steps down the hill from the resort. Set on a headland, the beach offers a panoramic view of the lush and lovely outlying islands we were to visit, the first of which was the heart-shaped Matinloc Island. It got its name from the native (Cuyunin) word matinlo which means maganda in Filipino or “beautiful” in English.

Las Cabanas Beach

On our way …..

The weather that day was pleasant and the waves were gentler than usual. Along the way, we passed by several islands. Upon arrival, we docked our boat at a small concrete pier. Matinloc Island has gorgeous limestone cliffs, beautiful white sand beaches and a shrine to Our Lady of Matinloc, inaugurated and blessed on May 31, 1993, the Feast of Our Lady of Matinloc.

Making landfall

The concrete landing dock

The dome-shaped shrine, with 12 columns, has an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a cross on a circular altar. This may sound kind of strange but this isolated, remote island also has a small “museum.” Inside this said museum are photos and newspaper clippings that explain the history of Matinloc Shrine, how it was built, and the miracles that supposedly occurred in the area after the shrine was constructed.

Matinloc Shrine

The author inside Matinloc Shrine

Beside the shrine are the ruins of the mansion of religious El Nido resident Jablon Fernadez, said to be a lodging facility for pilgrims. It was abandoned to rot due to, according to different accounts by the islanders, lack of funds, family quarrels, broken heart, charges of tax evasion, etc.. Only debris and some toilet fixtures were left inside and a stainless water tank outside.

Ruins of the abandoned mansion

White sand beach behind the shrine

Some of the walls were demolished by scavengers to get the door jambs but a number of window jambs, with their glass panels still intact, remain. However, its abandonment seems to add to the overall appeal of this mysterious place. Still, I hope that the ruins would be put into adaptive reuse and be functional.

The view deck

The long queue

We also climbed up a stair-like path, up a steep limestone cliff with sharp craggy outcrops, to a vantage point bordered by sharp, towering limestone rock faces. Here, we had a panoramic view of some of the limestone cliffs of the island, other nearby islands and beaches and the clear, blue waters of the Matinloc Channel. The awe-inspiring view and the great photo op, by itself, makes this island stop worthwhile. We didn’t long here as there was a queue of visitors waiting for us to get down.

View from a crack in the rocks

Another view from the top

The Resort Bayview Hotel El Nido: Sitio Marimegmeg, Brgy. Corong-Corong, El Nido, 5313, Palawan. Tel: + 66(0) 76 281 406. Fax: + 66(0) 76 384 369. Mobile numbers: (0915) 250-7368 (Globe) and (0920) 975-8690. E-mail: theresortelnido@gmail.com. Website: www.elnidobayview.com.

Pass Island (Coron, Palawan)

Posted on 16 June, 2015 by Benjie Layug — 1 Comment ↓

From Culion Island, we again boarded our motorized outrigger boat for the small Pass Island where we were to have lunch. While we were away touring Culion town, the fresh fish, squid and chicken that we brought along was grilled on board the boat.

The small, postcard-pretty Pass Island

The clean, quiet and very picturesque Pass Island has probably the best beach you can find in all of Coron, with powdery white sand; warm, crystal clear blue waters, palm trees, mangroves on the other side of the island, and a protected coral reef, with different sea life, you can enjoy snorkeling. The beach has a pretty shallow part, perfect for non-swimmers and children.

We weren’t alone …..

For visitors who pay a reasonable entrance fee (PhP200/boat), they have beachside tents and gazebos (PhP100/table) with plastic tables and chairs to dine in, hammocks where you can relax and chill in for free; and more than decent, immaculate bathrooms, definitely a bargain to have.

Making landfall……

Upon landing, our group stayed at one gazebo where we partook of the grilled fare with steamed rice and soft drinks. After lunch, Mike, Lindy and I donned our masks and snorkels to explore the island’s nice coral garden stretched along a line of black buoys. The fantastic variety of coral, with lots of small fishes, kept my attention for a good hour or more. The fish swarm around you, hoping for food, truly a surreal experience. To find the colony of giant clams, I had to inquire its location from a fellow snorkeler.

The powdery white sand beach dotted with colorful flags

I would definitely recommend this beautiful, pleasant, postcard-pretty and well-maintained island, a great photo location, to anyone who wants to see a slice of paradise! Though its sand is not as white and powdery as that in Boracay, don’t let that stop you as it is still a beautiful and definite quieter place. I can say that it was totally worth it. I wish i had an island like this as I could have stayed there all day. However, we had to leave the island before 3 PM to avoid the big waves.

There’s plenty of shade ……

A popular day trip island, the owner of Pass Island also offers overnight packages in bamboo and thatch huts. However, you will have to bring your own food and potable water as the only things they sell are snacks like chips and soda. Bring portable lamps and flashlights as the island has no electricity.

Quiet contemplation on Pass Island (photo Ms. Lindy E. Pellicer)

How to Get There: Pass Island is a 1.5-hour boat ride from Coron.

How to Get to Coron: Skyjet Airlines has 4 times weekly (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, 10:30 AM) flights from Manila (NAIA Terminal 4) to Coron (Francisco Reyes Airport). Travel time is 30 mins.

Asia Grand View Hotel: Governor’s Ave., Jolo, Brgy. 5, Coron, Palawan. Tel:(+632) 788-3385. Mobile number: (0999) 881-7848. E-mail: gsd@asiagrandview.com. Manila sales office: Unit 504, Richmonde Plaza, 21 San Miguel Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Tel: (+632) 695-3078 and 531-8380. Mobile number: (0917) 550-7373 to 75 Fax: (+632) 695-3078. E-mail: info@asiagrandview.com. Website: www.asiagrandview.com.

Skyjet Airlines: Manila Domestic Airport, Parking A, Terminal 4, NAIA Complex, Brgy. 191, Pasay City, Metro Manila. Tel: (02) 863-1333. E-mail: sales@skyjetair.com. Website: www.skyjetair.com.

Corangon Island (Tiwi, Albay)

Posted on 30 April, 2015 by Benjie Layug — 11 Comments ↓

Corangon Island

From the brown sand beach at Brgy. Baybay in Tiwi, our media group boarded 2 motorized outrigger boats to the tiny coral island of Corangon (from the local word meaning “coral”). Babes, Boyet, Leony, Star, Oliver, Ms. Norma Caayao (our Tiwi lady guide and photographer) and I boarded one boat while Rommel, Nestor and Mr. Andrew Zuniga (DOT Region 5) boarded the other.

Brown sand beach at Brgy. Baybay

As it was low tide, the islet was somehow visible from the shore. Our less than a kilometer boat ride to Corangon took just 15 mins. and we made landfall by 11 AM. Rommel and Nestor, not wanting to get their camera equipment and feet wet, just photographed the island from the relative safety of their boat.

Making landfall on the island

This unassuming, half-hectare islet lacks features that typically make a seascape picturesque as it is devoid of any vegetation or rock formations, being mainly composed of crushed corals and beige-colored sand. The swirling and pounding action of waves and sea currents have caused the coral rubble to surface above the sea line and evolve into this island.

The author with postcard-pretty Mt. Mayon in the background

However, Corangon is not as boring as it seems as it is probably the only islet in Albay province where the stratovolcanic Magayon trio, the province’s three most beautiful mountains — the 2,463 m. high Mt. Mayon, the 1,450 m. high Mt. Malinao and the 1,328 m. high Mt. Marasaga — are fully visible. Its quiet charm reminded me of White Island in Camiguin where the postcard-pretty, 1,332 m. high Mt. Hibok-Hibok and the 580 m, high Mt. Vulcan Daan, both also stratovolcanoes, can be seen.

Cloud-sheathed Mt. Malinao

Corangon Island is also a haven for tourists who want to see a different, picture-perfect view of the famous and stunning Mayon Volcano – from the sea. The island is also accessible from Malinao via a 30-minute boat ride. Fishermen also offer chartered rides to the islet at an affordable price. A dive site, Corangon Island is one of the top 5 dive sites in the Bicol Region.

Our media group with Mt. Masaraga and Mt. Malinao in the background

Corangon Island, home to different marine species and beautiful corals, is a declared municipal marine sanctuary (the 4.4 sq. km. Corangon Shoal Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve) and, as such, anyone who wants to visit it needs to first ask permission from the Municipality’s Agriculture Office (MAO).

Shadow over Corangon

The office administrator will ask about the purpose of the visit, then ask visitors to log in. A good idea would be to bring a letter of request, addressed to Ms. Leonila V. Coralde, the head of the MAO, indicating the purpose of your trip.

The crushed coral of Corangon Island

Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO): 4513 Tiwi, Albay. Tel (052) 435-0432.

Mayor’s Office: Municipal Hall, Poblacion, 4513 Tiwi, Albay. Tel.: (052) 435-4866.

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp (Nasugbu, Batangas)

Posted on 3 April, 2015 by Benjie Layug — 4 Comments ↓

Munting Buhangin Beach

From the very crowded Interlink Beach, we again continued on our quest to find a suitable beach resort for overnight camping. Canyon Cove was out of the question (PhP800/pax just for a day tour) so we moved on. Then I saw the sign for Munting Buhangin Beach Camp and, remembering my past overnight stay there, decided to check it out.

Munting Buhangin in the evening

Just past the members only Terrazas de Punta Fuego, we turned left into the gate of the resort and inquired about the rates from the security guards. From here, it’s a 1-km. and very steep downhill drive. As it was the peak season, we had to park our car some distance from the resort. We decided to leave the heavy camping gear inside the car and walk the rest of the way down. Then we had to go down a very long flight of stairs, with some 100 steps, to get to the reception area.

The long flight of stairs

Reception and information area

Our total bill for our overnight camping, which we promptly paid, came up to PhP3,400 which included entrance fees, camping fee and breakfast the next day for the 5 of us. I regretted not bringing our gear with us. Oh well.

Melissa and Almira inside our Coleman tent

Melissa and daughter Almira inside the Coleman tent

My son Jandy and Albert

Anyway, my son Jandy and Melissa’s children Almira and Albert volunteered to return with all our stuff, making the arduous climb up the stairs and the steep driveway to get to the car and then return, this time heavily laden, with all the heavy camping gear, backpacks and provisions. Thank God for children.

Kainan sa Beach Camp

The convenience store

The 24-hectare Munting Buhangin Beach Camp is backpacker and camper-friendly and just perfect as I brought along my 5-pax Coleman tent. This we pitched under a shady tree and beside a convenient long table with benches, all monobloc. Kainan sa Beach Camp, its restaurant, as well as the information and reception area (with its all-important convenience store where we bought our bottled water, ice cream and snacks) and a common grilling area were nearby.

Airconditioned concrete cottages

Airconditioned bamboo cottages

A treehouse

The resort also has a variety of accommodation choices, from airconditioned cottages, 2 and 4-pax family rooms, the always popular 10-pax treehouses to tents for rent. They also have conference rooms for seminars and team building activities. Their comfort rooms and shower areas, quite a long walk away, were not well-maintained, with sand all over the floor.

Comfort room and shower area

We didn’t sleep much inside our tents as our noisy neighbors were up all night and into the wee hours of the morning. With no sea breeze, it was also uncomfortably hot that night. Our packed breakfast the next day, ordered the night before, wasn’t much – scrambled egg and a cup of steamed rice with a choice of either tocino, beef tapa or longanisa.

Bamboo and nipa picnic huts

Monobloc picnic table and benches

A plus for the resort is their clean and wide beach front, on a captivating cove, which has clear and shallow water (not so during the rainy season though) with fine, light brown sand (no shells or sharp rocks) and not much waves, just right for giving lessons to a city dweller like Melissa on how to float. In spite of it being Holy Week and summer, the beach wasn’t overflowing with bodies. They also offer beach volleyball, tug-of-war, high rope, watersports (kayaking, banana boats, jetskis, aqua glide, speedboats, etc.).

Beach volleyball action

Melissa (third from right) joining the tug-of-war

The High Rope

There is nothing super special about this resort. However, if you’re just a backpacker, camper or simply a typical traveler just looking for some relaxation, a nice beach and a family picnic (you can bring your own food) under some shady trees while watching a beautiful sunset, then this is a good choice.

Dusk at Munting Buhangin

The author with Almira

Munting Buhangin Beach Camp: Brgy. Natiunan, Nasugbu, Batangas. Metro Manila booking office: 7/F Makati Executive Center. 114 L.P. Leviste cor. V.A. Rufino Sts., Salcedo Village, Makati City. Tel: 818-1975, 818-4798, 812-5448 and 818-2083 local 122. Fax: (632) 892-3649. Mobile number: (0922) 887-4131. E-mail: muntingbuhangin@gmail.com and muntingbuhangin@yahoo.com. Website: www.muntingbuhangin.ph.

Interlink Beach (Nasugbu, Batangas)

Posted on 3 April, 2015 by Benjie Layug — 3 Comments ↓

When I was still a young man, a lot of our Holy Week family vacations were held at Interlink Resort where my father bought some shares (Check out a past Interlink Resort promotional video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tD3mf7LkrJw). The resort was located on a hilltop within a private peninsula which could only be accessed by boat from Wawa Port.

Interlink Beach with Fortune Island seen from afar

The suicide cliff with a sea-sculpted cave below

Back then, the resort had non-airconditioned duplex cottages with airy verandas, a restaurant, small swimming pool, tennis court and a putting green. From the resort, a regular shuttle would transport guests down to the brown sand beach. The nearby cliff was said to have been the site where desperate Japanese soldiers jumped to their death during World War II. I remember that a shrine was installed to mark the event.

Posing beside one of Interlink Resort’s duplex cottages

Posing with my Mom and siblingswith the cliff in the background

Posing with my Mom and siblings with the peninsula and cliff in the background. On the far left is Wawa Port

Author (right) with sisters Tellie and Salve. In the background is Payong-Payong Point

The beach, though nothing like Boracay, with more coral reef than sand, was still a sight to behold as, a short distance from the beach, one could behold the well known Payong-Payong Point, a towering, offshore rock formation carved by wind, rain and the smashing waves.

Camping at Interlink Beach

Sunset at the beach

This place is also very familiar to some landscape photographers who love taking photographs of the beautiful sunset with Payong-Payong Point as backdrop. This scenery was also featured in the 2000 movie Pedrong Palad (Starring Joonee Gamboa, Chin Chin Gutierrez and Jaclyn Jose) and the January to May 2011 fantateleserye Mutya.

Wawa Port

The beach was somehow created when the developer bulldozed some of the coral away during low tide. During low tide, one could even walk, among the coral, all the way up to the rock formation, climb it and watch the fiery sunset from there. Here, the coral reef drops dramatically into the dark depths. From afar, you can also make out Fortune Island, 14 kms. away. My last visit to the still operating resort was sometime in 1982 or 1983. Some years later, the resort closed down.

Waiting for our banca at Wawa Port

I next visited the place on March 29-30, 2002, another long Holy Week end, camping on the hilltop with my son Jandy, daughter Cheska and Jandy’s Jesu-Mariae School teachers Erwin Vizcarra, Joel Fatlaunag and Vener Trillo. The resort back then was already abandoned and in ruins. The evening was very cold and, during the night, we woke up to cows grazing around us. Thoughts of Japanese ghosts in our midst were always in my mind. Some evening it turned out to be.

Crossing over to Interlink Beach

Holy Week of 2015 again brought me and Jandy there, with friend Melissa Tinonas and her children Almira and Albert. After a 1.5-hour trip via SLEX from Shell Magallanes, we arrived at Wawa Port by 11 AM. There were many cars parked at the port and, from the looks of it, there were many beachcombers also coming for a visit. We all boarded a banca to take us to the other side (PhP10 per person). From the breakwater, you could already see the great number of people who went there for a free swim.

Payong-Payong Point seen from Interlink Beach

Part of the beach now had some nipa picnic cottages said to be owned by a certain Nanay Precy Morales whose family lives near the Payong-Payong Point. Half of the beach was now cordoned off, off limits to beachcombers as it was now private property. Going up the hill, I talked to the security guard on duty. The hill was now cleared of the ruins of the now defunct Interlink Resort as well as the resident coconut trees and new villas were being built in their place. Well, so much for camping here in the future.

The new villas being built

Whatever becomes of the place, memories of Holy Weeks past in the former Interlink Resort will forever live in my mind.

Isla Rita (Puerto Princesa City, Palawan)

Posted on 24 March, 2015 by Benjie Layug — 2 Comments ↓

Isla Rita

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa Media Tour

The next day, after breakfast at South Sea Restaurant, Charmie, Joy, Lester, PJ and I, with Mr. Pete Dacucuy, boarded Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa’s Toyota Grandia van for the 25-min. drive to a beach at Ulugan Bay, a 7,200 hectare bay located on the central, western coast of Palawan which is opened to the northern end of the West Philippine Sea. Situated 47 kms. from Puerto Princesa City, the very deep (no less than 14 fathoms) bay is known for its distinct coastal mangrove forest that is associated with tidal flats. It has 790 hectares of coral reefs and seagrass beds, and smaller bays.

The coral reef and the island’s elongated coastline

It also has two islands and three islets. The tiny Tarakawayan Islet, at the head of the bay, lies nearly half a mile offshore, between the Kayulo and Bahile Rivers. South of Tarakawayan is White Rock Islet (or Puting Bato). Reef Islet, locally named Manyokos, lies on the eastern portion of the bay, near Marabay Point. The 140 ft. high Camungyan Island, more popularly known as Tres Marias Island, is a 3-peaked rock formation and dive site about 2 hrs. by boat from Brgy. Baheli.

The plastic pontoon dock

Our destination was to be the elongated, 25-hectare Isla Rita where we were to have a picnic as guests of former city mayor Edward S. Hagedorn. From the beach, we had to walk some distance to board our big, motorized outrigger boat as it was low tide and the water very shallow. The boat trip took about 20 mins. and we docked alongside a plastic pontoon dock in front of the resthouse. The 2-storey, native-style resthouse, elevated on concrete stilts, had a spacious wooded porch overlooking the sea at the lower level and a balcony at the second level. Nearby was a wood and bamboo gazebo, toilet and shower rooms and quarters for the caretakers.

The resthouse

Measuring 1.5 miles in length from north to south, and about 200 yards in breadth, it has white sand beaches on its southwest side. The island also has a detached rock at its northern extremity, the 45 ft. high Observatory Rock which extends in a northerly direction for about 400 yards.

The island is also a popular dive site. On the northwest side, the seabed slopes to 9 m. then drops off to 20 m.. Both shelf and wall have lots of hard and soft coral. Big garoupa and snappers, small reef fish and giant clams are plentiful. Diving season is November to June. There was to be no scuba diving for us but we availed of the next best thing – snorkeling. PJ and I donned snorkels, fins and goggles provided for us and walked towards the dock where, just underneath, were two colorful giant clams (Tridacna gigas). Though we didn’t encounter the big garoupa and snappers as I was snorkeling along a staghorn coral forest just near the shore, I still saw a lot of small, colorful reef fish including a pair of Moorish Idols.

The author at Isla Rita

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa: Sabang Beach, Sitio Sabang, Brgy. Cabayugan. Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Palawan Sales Office: Jeco Bldg., Rizal Ave. Extn., Puerto Princesa City. Tel (+63 48) 434 1448 to 49 and 723 7278. Mobile Numbers (+63 917) 308-3245 and (+ 63 917) 308-3245. Cebu Sales Office: Sheridan Bldg., Ouano Ave., NRA, Mandaue City. Tel: (+63 32) 236-1001. Fax: (+63 32) 345-1000. Mobile number: (+63 917) 306-6984. Manila Sales Office: tel: (+63 2) 939-8888. Mobile number: (+63 917) 726-5224. E-mail: reservations@sheridanbeachresort.com. Website:www.sheridanbeachresort.com.
Instagram: @sheridanresorts
Instagram official tag: #SheridanPalawan
Twitter: @sheridanresorts
Facebook: facebook.com/sheridanbeachresortandspa

Exploring Sumilon Island (Oslob, Cebu)

Posted on 8 November, 2014 by Benjie Layug — 1 Comment ↓

The Sumilon Island hiking trail

After our lunch at the Island Pavilion Restaurant, Lara, Joy, Jimbo, Rachelle, Risa, Leica (Pete’s daughter) and I decided to burn some calories by doing a hike, with a resort guide, around the 24-hectare island. Liana and Kaycee opted to stay behind to rest.

View of the natural lagoon from the cliffside trail

The nicely laid out hiking trail (open from 6 AM – 4 PM) started as we descended the steps down from the restaurant and traversed the cliffside pathway, strewn with coral rock, overlooking the natural lagoon where we could see a number of guests kayaking. Soon enough, we entered the lush forest. Along the trail are colored pennants tied to trees that indicate the difficulty of the trail – yellow for beginners, blue for moderate and red for advanced.

Hiking along the coral rock-strewn trail

Soon we reached a fork in the trail. The trail on the left traverses the northern point of the island where panoramic views of white sand beaches along the northwestern and eastern shores of the island can be seen. The trail on the right cuts through the spine of the island and leads up to the island’s highest point, 28 m. above sea level, where a lighthouse and a Spanish-era baluarte (watchtower) is located. We chose to explore this route.

The concrete lighthouse

The concrete lighthouse on the top wasn’t much. It didn’t have a hollow core with a spiral stairway leading to the top, a feature found in many lighthouses. Instead, steel, U-shaped ladder rungs imbedded in the concrete exterior was used.

The Spanish-era baluarte (watchtower)

The quadrilateral, heavily overgrown but still relatively intact baluarte was more interesting. It was part of a network of watchtower and fortlets, extending from Santander to Sibonga, built by Augustinian Fr. Julian Bermejo (pastor of Boljo-on from 1804-1836) to warn the townspeople of the approach of pirates. Lara and Joy entered the watchtower through a small, square hole in one of its sides.

The marine sanctuary

The abandoned marine station of Silliman University

From this vantage point, we now made our way down the trail to the pristine blue waters of the western side of the island where part of Sumilon Island Marine Park is located. Situated off Cebu’s southeastern coast, 5.5 kms. east northeast of Tanon Point, this marine sanctuary was formerly administered by Siliman University in Dumaguete City (Negros Oriental) as evidenced by a now abandoned hut of the marine station along this part of the trail. Today, the sanctuary is managed by the resort. Motorized water sports such as jetskiing and water skiing are not allowed to ensure that the sanctuary is not disturbed.

Aquamania Dive Shop

However, fine snorkeling, over coral gardens, can be done along the western, northern and eastern sides of the island. For scuba divers, it offers waters two to 5 m. deep and 200 m. wide and a drop-off about 100 m. off the southwest coast with spectacular underwater life including the big garoupa. Large schools of jacks, manta rays, sharks, barracudas, sea snakes, turtles and even an occasional whale shark can be seen off the northern and southern tip. Dive sites here include Coral Landscape, Garden Eel Plaza, Julie’s Rock and Nikki’s Wall. Diving season is all year round. Visibility reaches 30 m. and average depth is 20 m. with a maximum of 35 m.. Waters here are usually calm with strong currents to sometimes very rough, fierce and physically demanding currents. The resort has a dive shop (Aquamania) with certified dive instructors and extensive diving facilities.

Flower-bedecked table set-up for two at the sandbar

A marriage proposal etched on the sand

Further down the trail, we soon reached the island’s white sandbar, the only part of the island that is open to the public. It shifts and changes its shape with the tides and the current. Here, we can swim, snorkel or sunbathe. It was also the setting for last night’s al fresco dinner. When we passed by, it was already set up for a marriage proposal, with a table for two, surrounded by flower petals shaped into a heart, set up along the beach. Nearby, along the sand, were the words “Will you marry me?” etched with pieces of tree branches.

Grotto of Our Lady of Fatima

On our way back to our cottages, we passed by a grotto with a statue of Our Lady of Fatima and, just past it, the short and seemingly man-made Yamashita’s Cave. We entered the latter and were surprised by a Halloween set-up, meant to scare visitors, at its very end. We were totally drained and drenched with sweat by the time we returned to our rooms.

Entrance to Yamashita Cave

Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort: Brgy. Bancogon, Sumilon Island, Oslob, 6025 Cebu. Tel: (032) 382-0008 and (032) 318-9098. Mobile numbers: (0917) 631-7514 and (0917) 631-7512. Email: info.sumilon@bluewater.com.ph.

Cebu City booking office: CRM Bldg., Escario cor. Molave Sts., Lahug, 6000 Cebu City. Tel: (032) 412-2436. Mobile numbers (0917) 631-7508 and (0998) 962-8263. E-mail: sales.sumilon@bluewater.co.ph.

Manila Office: Rm. 1120, Cityland/Herrera Towers, 98 Herrera cor. Valero St. Salcedo Village, Makati City. Tel: (632) 817-5751 and (632) 887-1348. Fax: (632) 893-5391. E-mail: sumilon@bluewater.com.ph. Website: www.bluewatersumilon.com.ph.

This travel blog, a diary of the author’s local and international travels, aims to provide the reader with news and information on people, places and events that would interest the avid traveler and tourist. But, it also aims to be much more, providing insights on the wonders of this beautiful country, as well as the world, beyond the strict confines of the city. Have a BLAST seeing old churches, exotic temples, educational museums as well as palm-fringed islands; white sand beaches; thundering waterfalls; placid lakes; fiery sunsets; turquoise seas; cathedral-like caves; swirling rivers; majestic mountains; stupendous, amphitheater-like rice terraces; awesome volcanoes and the like. Get to know the movers and shakers in the tourism industry; find out where to titillate the palate; rejuvenate your body; feed your adrenalin, unwind and relax; satisfy your craving for history and culture; and find out what's being celebrated and where.

BENJAMIN “BENJIE” LAYUG, an architect by profession (he finished his B. S. Architecture degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 1982), is also a copy editor for two publishing houses; travel writer; blogger; architectural historian; author; concert. movie and musical reviewer (for www.pep.ph); and a motivational speaker.

As a free-lance travel writer, he has, in the past, contributed articles to Travel Update, Philippine Daily Inquirer, COLORS, TODAY, 7107 Islands Magazine, Business Day and Bluprint. He currently writes for Artplus Magazine and the Business Mirror.

He is also the author of the following travel books:

A Philippine Odyssey (New Day Publishers, 2005)
Pathfinder’s Travel Guide: Boracay (Great Books Trading, 2006)
A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Churches (New Day Publishers, 2007)
A Tourist to Notable Philippine Historical Landmarks, Monuments and Shrines (New Day Publishers, 2010)
A Tourist Guide to Notable Philippine Museums (New Day Publishers, 2012)

Some of his books now appear in the local library shelves of the National Library of the Philippines, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, University of Sto. Tomas, U.P. Diliman, Centro Escolar University, San Sebastian College, Miriam College, Silliman University, to name a few, as well as internationally at the National Library of Australia and the University of California Berkeley Library.

Now a senior citizen, he is probably one of the oldest, if not the oldest, active travel blogger in the country today. He also has a lifestyle blog called F.Y.I.:Firing Your Imagination (www.firingyourimagination.blogspot.com). Benjie has traveled to two-thirds (53) of the country’s 81 provinces and over 20 countries in 4 continents.