Sans Rival Bistro in Dumaguete

From Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, we returned to Dumaguete to take a ferry that will bring us to Bohol. 

But first, we had lunch at Sans Rival Bistro which was not only conveniently situated near the port but is also home to the famous silvanas of Dumaguete. Sans Rival Bistro stands out from the rows of restaurants along Rizal Boulevard because of its modern look.

Facade

There's an al fresco dining area for those who want to enjoy the fresh breeze from the sea.

Al Fresco Area

Pre-cooked meals displayed carinderia style are available at San Rival Bistro but we preferred to order ala carte:

Sizzling Fries

Would have loved it better with cheese!

Bistro Signature Salad

Fresh crunchy vegetables

Pritchon Pockets

Enjoyable appetizer with authentic flavours

Seafood Paella

Moist with generous serving of fresh seafood

San Rival Bistro has a cake window with many inviting sweets but it's best to order the classic silvanas to avoid disappointment.

Cakes, Cakes, Cakes

Butter Sansrival

 At less than 30php a slice, it's no surprise that this was just ordinary. 

Chocolate Silvanas

I applaud the effort but the chocolate experiment didn't work.

Do not leave Sans Rival Bistro without buying a box of silvanas. It's buttery with just the right level of sweetness. Best pasalubong from Dumaguete.

Sans Rival Bistro is located at 3 San Jose Street, Dumaguete. For more information, call (035)4210338 or click here.

Food at Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort

Aside from the good service and picturesque landscape, another thing I appreciated about Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort is the satisfactory food it prepares for guests. 

Breakfast is included in the room rate and we got to choose from a Japanese, American, or Filipino plate. Best value of the lot, we feel, is the Japanese meal of grilled fish, rice, and eggs as it includes a cup of miso soup.

Japanese 

American

Filipino 

When we arrived at Bluewater, we were hungry and tired so we ordered from room service. The pizza and burgers were good and filling while everybody loved the lechon kawali. We also made sure to try the famous banana bread recommended by friends but it was average at best. 

Pineapple & Ham Pizza 

Sumilon Burger

Lechon Kawali

Banana Bread

For dinner, we ate at The Pavilion which houses the restaurant of Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort and had a feast of mainly Filipino classics.  The succulent lechon kawali from room service was such a hit that we reordered it. If there's one dish to avoid, it's the grilled tanigue because it was overcooked and not fresh.

Shrimp & Papaya Salad

Grilled Tanigue

Grilled Squid

Lechon Kawali

Sinigang

Nasi Goreng

To those wondering, pricing of food is reasonable for an exclusive island resort. Be prepared to pay Manila rates.

Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort is located at Sumilon Island, Bancogon, Oslob, Cebu, Philippines. For more information, call (32) 318 3129 or 0917 631 7512. Email the resort at sumilon@bluewater.com.ph or click here for their website.

Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort in Cebu

We stayed at Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort for our first night in the Visayas as it was very close to Oslob. We were also encouraged by the reasonable rates and positive feedback from friends who have already been to Bluewater.

Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort is a private island in the middle of the sea so we first had to take a boat from Bluewater's jump off point in Oslob to the resort.  We were welcomed at the port with cool refreshments, exactly what we needed on a hot summer day. 

View From the Dock

They have a strict boat schedule which can be seen here. Plan your trip based on the schedule to avoid paying a fee.

The trip to the island from the mainland is just 15 minutes. 

Upon arrival, I couldn't believe what greeted us: Powdery white sand beach and the most beautiful shades of the deep blue sea.

We spent most of our time in the island swimming at this strip of paradise:

Paradise

From the back part of the island, we were transported to the main lobby using this small car. 

A staff welcomed and oriented us about the different facilities of the resort.

We explored the island in no time:

Library

Pool

Jacuzzi

Spa

Glamping (There Was Nothing Glamorous About the Tents. Best To Avoid)

Picnic Tables

Playground

Lagoon for Kayaking

We booked a deluxe room at Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort.

Our Villa

The room was spacious and clean, making our stay very comfortable. 

Admittedly, the room isn't equipped with the most modern of equipment but we were in a secluded island after all.

View From the Room

I certainly enjoyed the experience and was impressed by the warm service and picturesque landscape of Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort. I would recommend the resort to beach babies who are looking for alternatives to Boracay or Palawan.

My next post will be about the food at Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort.

Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort is located at Sumilon Island, Bancogon, Oslob, Cebu, Philippines. For more information, call (32) 318 3129 or 0917 631 7512. Email the resort at sumilon@bluewater.com.ph or click here for their website.