Sumilon Island Sand Bar — Attraction in Oslob

Sumilon Island was absolutely stunning — definitely one of the highlights of our trip. The water was incredibly clear, and the shades of blue were unreal. It felt like stepping into a postcard. We mainly went there to snorkel, and it did not disappoint. There was plenty of marine life to see, and the coral was vibrant and alive. We paid ₱350 for three people to join the snorkeling tour and rented snorkeling gear for ₱100 per set, which gave us about 45 minutes in the water — just the right amount of time to enjoy it without feeling rushed.

Getting to the island was smooth. We rented a boat from Bangcogon Resort and Restaurant for ₱1,500, which was good for five people, round trip, and with no time limit. That was such a big plus — we didn’t feel pressured to leave early. When we were ready to go back, we just informed the BRR lifeguards and the boat came to pick us up.

One thing to note: there are no food vendors on the island, so make sure to bring your own food and plenty of water. We brought a small bilao with us, which was more than enough for two and kept us full the entire day.

The island itself is very clean and peaceful. There weren’t too many people when we went, which made the experience even more enjoyable. There are areas to swim, snorkel, and just relax on the sandbar (depending on the tide). It’s also a great place for taking photos — every angle is just naturally beautiful.

Make sure to go early and during low tide if you want to see the sandbar — it disappears when it’s high tide, so timing your visit really makes a difference. Going early also means fewer people, so you get to enjoy the island with more peace and space.

Overall, Sumilon Island is a must-visit if you’re in the Oslob area. Whether you’re into snorkeling, relaxing, or simply enjoying nature, it’s...

Sumilon Island is a small island located less than 3 kilometers from Oslob mainland. After our whale watching tour in Oslob, our local guide efficiently arranged transportation for our group to Sumilon Island. A quick ten-minute ride in a multicab took us from the Oslob whale watching center to the docking port of Sumilon boats. For our group of 13 individuals, we paid 2500 for a shared boat that can accomodate about 30 people.

Having lived in Palawan for sixteen years and explored its stunning islands and beaches, I admittedly didn't have high expectations for Sumilon. Interestingly, Sumilon Island holds the distinction of being the first municipal marine sanctuary in the Philippines. It was established in 1974 with support from Silliman University and the late Dr. Angel Alcala, whom I had the privilege of meeting personally.

The island offers a delightful array of attractions - a fine white sand, crystal-clear turqoise waters, a shifting sandbar, coral reefs and a marine sanctuary. According to Atty. Raymond Acosta who spent time exploring the underwater ecosystem when we were there, he saw a variety of fish species and he had a great time snorkeling.

I was pleased to observe a diverse mix of visitors during our time on the island. There were travelers from India, Europe, America, China, and Korea, contributing to the multicultural atmosphere. Sumilon Island is well-maintained and provides convenient amenities such as cottages and there is a resort here - the Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort for those who wish to extend their stay overnight. I highly recommend including this island in your itinerary when planning a visit to Oslob. Its natural beauty and marine sanctuary will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on...

Good to see. Snorkeling gear & go pro available for rent. Commonly seeing foreigners sunbathing or in a tour. Take pictures/videos at the front edge of the ferry boat for the rest of the seats will have the cable ropes blocking the view. Wear aqua shoes/boots so the natural tiny rocks don't bother your feet. Else, if you're wearing flippers, it would come in and be bothersome. Quick ride reached by ferry boat for about 30 people. Wear the life vest first. Life vests are of better quality and not the usual for-show types. The boat returns after an hour; everyone who rode their boats need to be conscious of the time because it won't leave until it's full.

The sandbar area is narrow and the surrounding area is rocky like hundred islands. Unlike in the Hundred Islands of the north, there's nothing to see when snorkeling in the nearby area. Normally, people take turns taking pictures at the sandbar area where the boats dock, and then they swim at the other side. The water is just right in temperature.

There's a viewing deck you can climb for free, take photos up there, and a nearby area like an entrance to a cave with the natural...