To Hop and Chase: From Oslob to Sumilon Island to Samboan Waterfalls

Sumilon Island

I have been to the southern part of Cebu a number of times already and been wishing to visit a remarkable island adjacent to Oslob, where the gentle giants (whale shark or locally known as Butanding) can be found. It was actually an unplanned side trip at first as we initially planned to chase the waterfalls of Samboan.

 

 

 

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We headed directly to Sumilon Island after breakfast and whale watching in Oslob. It took us approximately 15 minutes to reach the island through boat and enjoy its white, fine sand bar and pristine water for 2 hours despite the scorching heat of the sun.

 

 

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Back to main land, we hired a multicab to transport us to Samboan, at Fantasy Lodge, where we will be staying overnight for our next activity. We ate lunch at the resort, rest for a while and start our falls hopping at Aguinid Falls.

 

 

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It was passed 3:00 pm when we started trekking Aguinid with two guides. Well, it was actually beyond my expectations on what’s gonna happen here. Jumping into a more than 6 feet deep water is like stopping your natural breathing in a couple of minutes.

 

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Climbing the naturally structured rocks to get through the next level is definitely a challenge considering the continuous flow of water atop. I was able to cross an area where I need to swim although it is 6 feet deep. We even did rappelling as we insisted to go farther than the usual 5th level tour.

 

 

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All efforts paid off as the view of a beautiful sunset ended up our adventure for the day.

 

 

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Everyone is hungry already and decided to eat dinner at the city proper before heading back to the resort to rest and chitchat as we always do. We had good laughs and some photo shoot with Brandon, who set the mood of drama and fun before retiring to bed.

 

 

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We walk up early at 5:00 am to roam around the scenic, laid-back ambiance of Fantasy Lodge.

 

 

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I love everything here except their pool, which is unfriendly to guests like me, who seems to have phobia in deep water, and some food choices in their menu.

 

 

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Their hot choco is perfect for my palate; I so loved it and even consumed 3 cups.

 

 

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I’m so in love with their exclusive dome-shaped villa, overlooking the sea as well as the area near their restaurant. Overall, the place is just so homey and relaxing.

 

 

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With our things packed up and all payables settled, we checked out from the resort to cool ourselves off at the pride waterfalls of Samboan.

 

 

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The intense tropical heat of the sun and pristine water of the falls convinced me to take a refreshing plunge. Getting to Binalayan Hidden Falls and Dau Falls is just a tricycle and motorcycle away for our group so it would not be difficult for us to transfer from one place to another.

 

 

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Tiredness and high temperature forced us to cut our visit to the other waterfalls and decided to return to Cebu City by 3:30 pm.

 

 

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Another moment made successful with my nature-lover friends. Indeed, good friends won’t let you do crazy, but life-changing adventures in life alone.

 

 

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Itinerary:

 

 

Day 1:

 

 

1:30 am – 2:00 am – Meet-up @ Cebu South Bus Terminal
2:30 am – 6:30 am – Bound for Oslob
7:00 am – 9:30 am – Oslob (Breakfast and whale watch)
10:00 am – 10:15 am – Mainland Oslob to Sumilon Island (by boat)
10:15 am – 11:45 am – Sumilon (swimming, photo-ops, etc.)
11: 45 am – 12:00 noon – Sumilon-Mainland Oslob
12:30 noon – 1:30 – Oslob to Samboan
1:00 pm – Lunch (Check-in at Fantasy Lodge)
3:00 pm- 6:00 pm – Aguinid Falls
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Dinner
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Socials

 

Day 2:

 

5:00 am – Wake-up call
7:00 am – Breakfast
9:00 am – 3:00 pm – Falls Hopping (Hidden, Dau)
3:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Samboan – Cebu City (it usually takes 3-4 hours travel, but it took as almost 6 hours due to traffic congestion)

 

Estimated Budget/Pax for a Group of 9

 

375 – Bus Fares (165-Cebu City-Oslob/30-Oslob-Samboan/180-Samboan-Cebu City)
168 – Boat transfers (1500/9)
50 – Entrance Fee (Sumilon)
150 – Tricycle (for Falls Hopping)
60 – Falls Entrance/Registration Fee (20/Falls)
778 – Accommodation (8000/9)

Total: 1581

 

 

 

 

Note: This estimated budget excludes our meals and other personal expenses

*Bring light to spare you from difficulties in transferring from one place to another.

*Some photos in this post were solicited from the group of this trip.

 

 

 

Watch the video of our trip by travel buddy Asa ni Quen?

More about the Philippines here.