By Bernard L. Supetran
THE island-province of Cebu is sanctuary to a diverse marine life that it has become one of the world’s diving havens. With a 600-kilometers coastline in the mainland and its islands, almost every beachfront is a veritable dive spot teeming with schools of sardines, whale sharks, thresher sharks, jacks, stingrays and various forms microaquatic animals, not to mention awesome coral gardens.
The islands of Mactan and Sumilon are among the must-see dive spots where you can get an equally exhilarating “surface interval” after the underwater foray. Surface interval refers to the rest in between dives, usually at least 45 minutes, depending on the depth and duration of the plunge.
Among seasoned divers, it has taken on an amusing twist—anytime spent on the surface for an ice-cold or hot drink on the boat, recreational activities on land to nocturnal partying. And in this department, any corner in Cebu is never wanting.
One of the old guards of the Queen City of the South is Montebello Villa Hotel in Banilad district, which opened 45 years ago on Valentine’s Day, when scuba diving was still on its infancy. It was one of the pioneer establishments to offer diving to Mactan to its guests through its concessionaire shop. Its current partner is Abyss Scuba Divers, which can take you around Cebu and nearby Bohol and Negros Oriental for an underwater odyssey.
Once adjacent to a vineyard and an expanse of mountains for a view, Montebello’s eclectic charm never fails to dazzle the old-time visitors, and even locals, with its Iberian-themed architecture and interiors, sprawling manicured gardens and cozy open spaces, which are a rarity in this concrete jungle.
The garden resort hotel is a secret nook in the city where you can enjoy a cozy poolside meal at La Terraza restaurant for its specialties, such as Monte Burger, Inihaw na Nukos, Grilled Rainbow Fish and Fried Tilapia, as well as international favorites.
Let not its Old World charm trick you into believing that it is frozen in time, as its rooms and amenities are on a par with any newly built lodging.
And if you are really itching for a taste of Manila-type urban landscape and traffic jam, you can get these just a few blocks away.
In the far end of the historic resort city of Lapu-Lapu in Mactan are some of the most exciting dive spots, including Kontiki Reef, Marine Station, Marigondon Cave and Tingo Point; the sanctuaries of Shangri La, Hilutungan, Talima and Nalusuan; and the wrecks of Tambuli and San Juan.
These sites can easily be reached from Be Resorts Mactan, a 161-room boutique hotel in the Punta Engaño peninsula where the posh establishments are located.
Just across is the famed Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, which boasts of the country’s largest concentration of migratory birds at 48 species, and another 51 endemic species. They can be seen during the cold months, as they escape the freezing temperature in the globe’s Northern Hemisphere.
Guests can bask in the glow of the sea and sun on a Jetski, kayak, banana boat or pedal boat; hop around the outlying islands, or go helmet diving through Fun and Sun Dive and Travel, one of Cebu’s biggest aquasport shops.
At the al-fresco beachside Salt Bar, sink your teeth in its BE Burger, which is sought for its flavorful juicy patty, crispy pata and BE Pizza, which comes in an assortment of flavors.
The resort can also arrange evening bonfires and special intimate setups at the beach for Instagram-worthy memories.
BE Mactan is currently undergoing a face-lift to give guests more recreational spaces, cozy food outlets and trendy rooms with a commanding view of the powdery beachfront, as well as the Olango Channel and the island in the horizon.
Near the southern tip of the province is the beguiling island of Sumilon, which is home to the country’s first marine sanctuary. It was established in 1974, after the Silliman University in Dumaguete City set up its marine conservation program—a municipal ordinance of Oslob subsequently declared Sumilon a marine reserve.
The island is also known for its marine wildlife saltwater lagoons filled with assorted tropical fishes, including black tip reef sharks, groupers and clown fishes. For those who don’t dive, snorkeling is a great alternative to view the astounding aquatic life about 20 feet below.
In the heart of the island is Bluewater Resort, which has a touch of countryside elegance with its star-rated rooms, recreational facilities and delectable cuisine.
Guests can tour the island, kayak on the lake; go glamping (glamorous camping); lounge at the payag-payag (bamboo gazebo); be pampered by a soothing massage overlooking the sea; soak idly at the infinity pool; trek to the lighthouse; or laze in its picture-perfect sandbar, acclaimed as one of the best in the archipelago.
And just like any diver’s surface interval, you can have a gustatory feast at The Pavilion, which serves local and international fare, and its trademark Adobo Rice, Lechon Kawali and Flaming Seafood. It is a virtual tropical fiesta as it unrolls its buffet during dinner and breakfast.
Its high octagonal nipa thatched roofing and al-fresco setting offer a panoramic view of the sea and mainland Cebu, enhancing your dining pleasure.
Bluewater also has optional day tours, and can arrange transportation to and from Cebu City for a seamless travel.
With the vast array of food to feast on, or leisure activities to do in Cebu, surface interval has never been this exciting.
Image credits: Imran Ahmad