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Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to 'glamping' in Oslob, Cebu


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Learn more about the island featured on GMA-7’s summer special, “Isla”, hosted by Solenn Heussaff and Mikael Daez.

“Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling Isla!” (Don’t be a stranger on one’s own island!)

That was the battle cry of “Isla”, GMA-7’s 2014 summer special. Hosted by travel junkies Mikael Daez and Solenn Heussaff, the show set out to show off the beauty of the Philippines’ islands. “Each year, travel websites and magazines come up with lists of must-see places for tourists,” says Mikael. “One thing they have in common is they always mention the Philippines.”
So forget Boracay. Here’s an underrated island we should be proud of.



This is part of a series on the islands featured on “Isla”. Read about other featured destinations: El Nido, Palawan; Lobo, Batangas; Siquijor; Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Danjugan Island, Negros Occidental


Cebu is easily a popular summer destination for many because of its wonderful beaches like Mactan, Bantayan, and Moalboal. But the province has something more to offer—Oslob, which Mikael Daez tags as the “adventure island.” “There’s always more to an island than its main attractions,” says Mikael.

To get to Oslob, take a one-hour flight from Manila to Dumaguete City. From there, Oslob is reachable by a 30-minute ferry ride. You can also take a three-hour bus ride  from Cebu City to Oslob.

What to see
If you’re a fan of butanding or whale sharks, then Oslob’s whale shark-watching site would be perfect for you. And no, we’re not talking about huge underwater aquariums. Here, you can encounter these creatures in the wild.


A 30-minute session is worth it because aside from whale-sharks, you can also see other fish of different shapes and sizes. However, make sure to coordinate with the local government to engage a reputable tour operator that observes recommended wildlife encounter protocols. Some conservationists assert that feeding or touching the sharks can harm the animals.

If a wildlife encounter isn’t your thing, you can also take a 30-minute ride on a habal-habal to get to Tumalog falls. Natural pools which are perfect for relaxation welcome tourists to the area.

Also known as Toslob or Mag-Ambak falls, Tumalog is one-of-a-kind because of the umbrella-like rock formations that line the waterfall. These formations cause the water to fall like raindrops towards the bottom. “I haven’t seen anything like this anywhere in the world,” says a tourist.

Where to stay

Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort offers a wide range of amenities nature-trippers would surely enjoy. The resort is located at Sumilon Island, a 24-hectare marine protected area—the first in the Philippines. “Jump-off point pa lang, napakaputi na ng buhangin at napakalinaw na ng tubig!” says Mikael.


If you want an experience that combines luxury and nature, try “glamping”, which is short for “glamorous camping.” Why glamorous? Aside from the free wireless internet connection, guests may also request for an in-room massage! “Parang hotel room na may forest-jungle vibe,” says Mikael. In glamping, guests stay in huge tents, each tent has two beds, a lamp, and an electric fan. You can’t get any closer to nature than this!

Glamping tents cost P8,200 per night, while Bluewater Island Resort’s regular suites range from P8,000 to P20,000.

What to eat

While at Sumilon Island, don’t forget to savor a beachside feast of salad greens, steamed crabs, and pork toppings over rice cooked in bamboo.

If you want something native, try podrida, a flower-shaped biscuit with a filling made of shaved coconut meat and raisins. — Isabelle Laureta/PF, GMA News



This is part of a series on the islands featured on “Isla”. Read more:
Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to laid-back Dumaguete
Solenn Heussaff's "Isla" travel guide to stunning El Nido, Palawan
Mikael Daez's "Isla" travel guide to mystical Siquijor
Solenn Heussaff's "Isla" travel guide to Lobo, Batangas
Solenn Heussaff's "Isla" travel guide to pristine Danjugan Island