Medellin’s (once) hidden island

Medellin town in northern Cebu is one place to cool down from the heat and have fun this summer.

More than 120 kilometers away from Cebu City, the “sugar bowl” of the province has hidden pockets like Gibitngil Island, which is a 20-minute ride away by pumpboat.

“This place is a backpacker’s dream,” said Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez.

“The island is beautiful. It used to be a hidden place, but we decided to let other  people see its beauty,” said Ramirez

The island’s large rock face  formation along the coast used to be  a headquarters for the seawatch patrols of Bantay Dagat until the town realized this could be a tourist destination.

Cottages were built on the rocks.

The mayor said townfolk will maintain cleanliness in the island and closely monitor  any form of exploitation to preserve the island’s natural beauty.

A pumpboat ride for 20 people to the Gibitngil Island would cost P1,500.

Medellin is known for its vast sugarcane plantations but the town is one of the most  environment-friendly with houses that use solar panels to store energy.

If you’re a party-goer,  the town’s dockside, which is the jump-off point for island hopping,  has familiar round tables for music and beer.

As the pumpboat nears Gibitngil Island, the visitor is struck by the massive rock face formation.

Colorful cottages are perched on the rocks for those who want to stay overnight.

There’s a P10 entrance fee for those who arrive.

Diving boards at heights of 10 feet and 40 feet are ready for those adventurous to  dive into the deep blue water below.

For sunbathers, a stretch of white-sand beach  in a part of the island is the place to enjoy.

Fumiko, a Japanese national,  came to Cebu with friends to experience  Gibitngil Island.

“It’s my first time here. My friends who first came to Cebu suggested this place. It’s quiet and the water is so clear,” she said.

Medellin town’s other attractions are  the Dagusungan River Cruise, a 1.9 km  route from  barangay Caputatan Norte to barangay Caputatan Sur; a zipline, and the Tarzan Jump,  also in Caputatan Norte.

For divers, the town offers the  Discovery Reef, a 4.4 km stretch of reef on the east coast.