Travel guide to Oslob
Picture this: the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, swimming idly in the pure turquoise waters right before your eyes. Attracted by the local feeding boats, these aquatic giants pay no attention as you swim your way around them, marveling at their majesty.
This is an experience you will get nowhere else but in Oslob. After bobbing up from your underwater adventure, you can take in the scenery eating some of Cebu’s famous “SuTuKil” by the beach. You can also use this time to prepare for an even deeper expedition into the area’s clear waters, courtesy of Sumilon Island’s diving spot.
Welcome to Oslob!
Things to See and Do in Oslob, Cebu
Tumalog Falls
If fresh water is more your thing, prepare to stretch your legs a bit going to Tumalog Falls. This 300-foot tall waterfall is an enchanting reminder of the natural beauty we tend to take for granted. Gearing up for a hike in one of Oslob’s less-known jewels. Nature has been pretty generous to this part of Cebu.
Municipal Heritage Park
History buffs can also have their field day at Oslob, which is considered one of the oldest municipalities in the country (established way back in 1690). The Municipal Heritage Park at Calle Aragones hosts some of the oldest buildings in the area, from a church made of corals to fortifications made to repel Moro raids.
Whale Shark Watching
Far from the humdrum of metro Cebu, the town of Oslob is blessed with one of the rarest sights in the world. Whale sharks, the biggest water creatures, flock to this small town in order to feed. News about this phenomenon broke last 2011, and since then whale shark watching has become an instant attraction in Barangay Tan-awan.
Unlike Donsol, the only other place in the country where you can reliably get a view of these gentle ocean giants, Oslob lets you see the whale sharks being fed. It’s a marvelous sight, seeing the tuki (as they’re locally called) following the little feeder boats around. Aside from nourishing the creatures, this also makes sure the tuki will keep coming back to the area year after year.
While the tourists can get…well, touristy, most of the time, Oslob adheres to its strict policies that protect the whale sharks. Part of the attraction is seeing all these measures in place, set against the backdrop of the warm smiles from the people of this Cebuano jewel.
Sumilon Island
Sumilon Island is a 24-hectare stretch of nature, offering a great nature experience. This was the first marine protected area in the country, and was made into a fish sanctuary way back in 1974. Hence, it’s a famous dive spot with a lot of marine species. It also offers various activities like fishing, swimming, trekking, spelunking, and more!
Getting To Oslob
From Cebu City
Oslob is about 3 to 4 hours ride from Cebu City depending on the traffic. Wherever you are in Cebu City, head to South Bus Terminal and take the bus that goes to Bato via Liloan. Tell the bus driver to drop you off in the town of Oslob.
From Dumaguete City
From Dumaguete City, take a jeepney that goes to Sibulan or passing through Sibulan. Then tell the driver to drop you off at Sibulan Port. The ride is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. If you have few luggages with you, I suggest taking a tricycle instead.
In Sibulan Port, take a fast craft that goes across the island of Cebu and into Liloan Port. The trip is about 30 minutes.
In Liloan Port take the bus that goes to Cebu City. Cebu City bound buses normally passes by the port.
Just tell the driver to drop you off in Oslob.
Oslob is also a jump-off point if you want to go to neighboring island of Panglao in Bohol. By outrigger boats, you can be easily arranged with the friendly locals. While you should be prepared to rub elbows with a lot of fellow travelers, you’ll immediately see the rural charm of Oslob that has made it a bustling junction of tourism in the south.
Going Around
Going around Oslob and explore its offerings is very simple. The cheapest and readily available is to hire a habal habal. Negotiate first with the driver how much you need to pay for the whole duration of the tour around.
Where to Stay
There are few hotels in Oslob to choose from. From affordable inns to pricey ones, finding a place to stay in for the night is the last thing you should worry about.
