So it was a few months ago that I was finally able to do an island hopping here in Cebu. This is really ironic since I just live near by the port for the boats going to the neighboring small islands.
The Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sactuary is known for its clear sea water and of course the beautiful view underwater. It’s actually where the well-known sports host, Ms. Dyan Castillejo. The thing is, she went there before me and she lives hundreds of miles away and have to spend huge amount of money to get here – so I was challenged to really put an effort in going and doing the island hopping and at the same time, feel like I’m that really poor. Poor me.
Here’s Dyan Castellejo at the Nalusuan Island Resort for Sports Unlimited.
How to get there?
I actually visited other islands on the same day, so please check out my post Island Hopping in Mactan to Sulpa Island wherein I gave the details on how to get to the port. But the only different thing is the island from the port to the island.
But you can get there via the boat, through the Cordova mini port in Mactan Island.
On your way to the island, you may see boats like these. Where's the owner when the boat is in the middle of the sea?
They're diving. I'm not sure what they're doing but I'm guessing that they're catching huge fish (by hand).
The Nalusuan Island Resort and Marine Sanctuary
It may take about 30 minutes or so (depending on the weather) for you to get to the island. And you'll now that you're getting near there when you see this.
It was low tide when I visited the island, but if you're in a great season the water will be higher than that, that it may actually almost reach the bridge/ It will be like walking in the water - oh! It would be great to have a glass bridge right?
The (what do you call that?) house is actually where you can go to dive and get equipment. The fish likes to wait there since you can feed the fish from there.
The tide is really low. so that's why the foreigners can just walk around. But for safety purposes, they have a life jacket on. The bridge is where you can park (if I am right with using the "parking" word for the boat) the boat that you're renting, that's why there are stairs there.
The water is so clear that you can actually see the group of sea urchins. I even saw a blue fish.
I think the place is really nice to relax and getaway from the city life. I can totally relax and have a break in this island. Live a day without the internet. I do believe they have an electricity though, because there's a music playing from the radio.
When I arrived, I actually caught these group of friends taking a picture and posing. They're actually taking a picture with a star fish. They're Koreans by the way.
Friends talking heart to heart at the beach. So I guess it's a great place to have a retreat too.
No need to be under the sun, you can be under a tree and relax.
This is their restaurant where you can order your meals and have the food package.
If you want a drink (liquor, soft drinks or water) then they do have their own local bar but their prices is expensive compared to the main island since they have to shop from the main island and bring it to the Nalusuan Island. So, it should be higher than the regular selling price. I'm not sure though if they charge if you're going to bring your own but hey, I think not. Since you'll be paying an entrance fee.
After roaming around. I saw this area of the island. White sands!
If you're having a team building, I think this is a great place too since you can play in this area. It's a huge area and you'll actually see small crabs walking and the star fish.
Anyone care to play volleyball with me?
So since I feel like I'm in the middle of the desert here. All alone like I'm lost and lonely, I decided to go back to the main island and saw this at the resort.
It's a mini boat. Great for dolls. Toys for your kid but it's not for sale.
Their public comfort room is clean too. That's a total plus since it's well maintained.
Costs and Expenses
Of course, it’s best if we include the expenses I have but please do take note that this may change since they do make changes.| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Boat Transfer (Good for a Maximum of 15) | 3,000 |
| Vhire Transfer (Round Trip) | 70 |
| Sikad Transfer (Round Trip) | 40 |
| Food (By the Nalusuan Island Resort) | 600 |
| Entrance Fee | 200 |
| Total | P3,910 |
NOTE: The boat transfer above is not from the Nalusuan Island Resort, since the island do offer their own boat transfer but then the transfer we hired can drop us to other islands in that same rate except for the island that is faraway – specifically the Pandanon Island.
The resort also offers other food package for P450.00/person but I like the P600/person much better. I do believe that they may offer you FREE from entrance fee if you’re going to stay there or you’ll eat there (if you’re many, I think). I went alone there, so I’m sorry if I can’t give you the benefit if you’re going to visit the island with a group.
I was hopping to go to Pandanon next time, I've heard it's better than Boracay and whiter (sands). Maybe next time? Surely I'll try my best to update everyone reading here in the Exotic Philippines blog once I do.
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