Sumilon Island (Oslob) Beach (Sumilon Sandbar)

  • Sumilon Island (Oslob) Beach - Philippines
    © Liana Smith Bautista and licensed for reuse under this Licence Pinterest
  • Sumilon Island (Oslob) Beach - Philippines
    © Liana Smith Bautista and licensed for reuse under this Licence Pinterest
  • Sumilon Island (Oslob) Beach - Philippines
    © Richard Mcall and licensed for reuse under this Licence Pinterest

The little island of Sumilon lies just a few kilometres off the east coast of the Cebu resort town of Oslob. Measuring less than a kilometre across Sumion really is the epitome of a tropical island and packs plenty into its diminutive size.

One of the main reasons to head over from the mainland is to visit the beautiful Sumilon Sandbar, an idyllic stretch of fine white sand on the northern side of the island. As the tide rises and falls the sandbar shrinks and grows, although either tide is great. The crystalline turquise waters here are home to plenty of coral reefs and make for great snorkeling.

Sumilon Island was the first area in the Philippines to be granted the status of a protected marine sanctuary all the way back in 1974. This are is particularly known for whale sharks and Oslob is well-known for its shark watching tours. Around Sumilon you are more likely to see black tip sharks along with any number of smaller colourful fish.

There are plenty of other activities on the island such as the lagoon which rusn behind the beach on the eastern side of Sumilon. You can kayak among the mangroves on this pristine little lake. Although the island is small there is plenty to explore if you are here for the day. Hiking through the interior jungle and checking out the caves and waterfalls should be on everyone’s list.

For the best views on the island make the trek up to the lighthouse. But make sure to head back down to the sandbar to catch the last rays of the day. The sunsets here are some of the best in Cebu.

Nearest town/city

Santander

Also known as:

Sumilon Sandbar

Activities

  • Diving & snorkelling

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Current weather (Fri Mar 29th 17:00)

Clear sky

(Clear sky)
29.8°C / 86°F

Sea temperature

27.3°C
81.2°F

Sumilon Island (Oslob) BeachFull weather & tide times info »