I’ve been all around the world, but I have yet to see a place where the largest fishes gather, and where we landlubbers get to mingle with them. This is the claim to fame that catapulted Oslob into international fame, and that’s something I want to see! But there’s also more to this locality than the famous whale shark watching activities, and I also want to see for myself the welcoming charm that many tourists have reported when they set foot here.
I was in Oslob and had my own share of enjoying what this beautiful town has for us to explore. I have swam with the whales, island hopped to Sumilon Island and enjoyed the refreshing waters up in Tumalog falls. But that was just before COVID 19 hits planet Earth. So, if Oslob is topping your list for places you would want to visit when travel restrictions eases off during this pandemic, this post should give you an overview in planning your itinerary.
Day 1 | Bus Travel To Oslob
Oslob is located near the very tip of Cebu’s banana-shaped island in the south. Travel time to Oslob from Cebu City takes around 4.5 hours on average. So, if you want to get to Oslob just before the sun sits, you should left the hotel by noon. The best and most convenient is to book a Grab that will take you to Cebu South Bus Terminal. This is one of the two major transport hubs in the city (the other being the North Terminal) and it serves all south-bound traffic including Oslob.
01:15 PM | Bus Leaves Cebu City
You should be on a bus leaving the terminal at this time. Bus fare to Oslob costs Php 185.00. It’s an aircon bus with overhead speakers blaring out some good music for a comfortable and enjoyable ride. This is important especially for those who don’t want to doze off and rather prefer to enjoy the scenery on the whole trip. Cebu has lots of centuries-old stone churches dating back to the colonial era. The fact that most of them were along the highway is a real treat for tourists!
5:45 PM | Bus arrives Oslob
The bus should arrived Oslob by this time. Your first view of the town will make you forget a breath or two as idyllic Filipino suburban scene, bathed in the perfect glow of the afternoon sun welcomes your arrival. It’s like a modern rendition of one of Guillermo Tolentino’s famous paintings! It will make you all the more excited to explore the town on foot.
6:00 PM | Hotel Check in and Dinner
After checking in your booked hotel, there’s anything that any tourists would come looking for at this hour – a good meal at a good place. Of course, one cannot let slip the chance to taste the local specialties! You can ask around and for sure you’ll end up at The Big J’s Restaurant on Natalio Bacalso street. They had really good food. All Filipino specialties perfect for those craving for some home-style Filipino dishes.
7:00 PM | Get Ready For Bed
You should be back in the hotel, take a shower, and get ready for bed. This first half-day should be pretty much only a teaser of what you should be expecting on day two. For sure you already liked what you’re seeing in this warm charming small town. The locals are really friendly, and there are lots to see even if you don’t venture out to the big blue out yonder.
Your heart should be jittery with excitement and doze off to a peaceful night’s sleep – and into the adventurous arms of tomorrow!
Day 2 | Whale Shark Watching, Sumilon Island, Tumalog Falls
5:00 AM | Early Bird
Excited? The first stop in today’s adventure is whale shark watching. If you had asked around, and at the suggestion of the place you’re staying, for sure you already had pre-arranged a habal-habal (a passenger motorcycle) for the day’s adventure. Renting one will save you the trouble of having to find public transport from the lodging to the whale shark-watching site, and from there to Puerto Sumilon.
6:15 AM | Whale Shark Watching
You should be in Brgy. Tan-awan, the whale shark watching site. Brgy. Tan-awan is about 10 kilometers from Oslob town proper. The whole experience is only 30 minutes.
Since 2011 when tourists started crowding here, the barangay has set forth some very specific rules to make sure swimming with the gigantic sea creatures is safe for everyone. You see, whale shark watching here isn’t just “watching” — tourists are given the opportunity to actually swim around these gentle sea giants.
This is pretty controversial, as some assert that this could pose harm both to the tourists and to the whale sharks (there’s a strict no-contact policy, but some still manage to slip in a touch or two). The use of feeding boats to attract these creatures even further has also been a cause for debate, with some saying that this disrupts their natural feeding pattern and hence may have unforeseen consequences. Regardless of any negative comments others have, the local government is doing everything it can to enforce all rules and ensure the safety of all.
Do’s and Don’ts In Whale Shark Watching
1. No splashing noises when entering the water.
2. No flash photography allowed.
3. No swimming within 5-6 meters of the whale sharks.
4. While we could get up close and personal, we cannot touch the animals for our safety.
5. Neither can we damage the corals beneath.
6. Of course, we’re not allowed to leave or take anything on our way to and from the water!
There are assigned guides and you will be given life vests for the swim. You will also be asked whether you are using sunblocks, oils, or similar skin products. They have to check if they are biodegradable products, and if not you had to wash them off before entering the sea.
One of the highlights of the trip to the jump-off point was the fact that an old-school paddle-operated boat are used. The locals reasoned that motorized boats could hurt the whale sharks with their propellers, and their sounds could scare the giant fish off. Good call, there!
Finally, you had the opportunity to jump in and behold the sea giants first-hand, and this close. It should be an amazing experience! It’s also one of those times when you’ll accept just how small humans are against the rest of nature. Here is a magnificent creature, at the top of his own pedestal, minding his business and unaware of the various problems and conflicts man makes for himself. The sea may sometimes be rough, and food may not always be plenty, but none of that seems to have rubbed off on the whale sharks. That’s something everyone could take home.
After the half hour dedicated to whale shark watching, you should have breakfast to the nearby restaurant before heading to Sumilon Island.
7:15 AM | Arrive Puerto Sumilon
Puerto Sumilon is the jump-off point to Sumilon Island. All tourists gather here for a short briefing on the ‘dos and don’ts’ before going to the island. In traditional Filipino hospitality, you will be treated to a welcome drink. Those coming here with vehicles are also welcome to use the free parking area. There are also vans and cars that can be rented here, seating anywhere from 4 to 14 people. It’s best to ask at your lodgings for the best deals.
8:20 AM | Arrive Bluewater Sumilon in 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!
My recommendation:
While I was there, I didn’t had time to do everything, but I did have a blast trekking! I’m guessing I was the only one who did this adventure, since most of the guests went either kayaking, swimming, or snorkeling right away. In fact, in the middle of my trek (and halfway to the lush wilderness of Sumilon), I considered turning back and joining them instead. But my heart told me to just follow the trail, and enjoy. I’m glad I did!
I also had a chance to snorkel, kayak, and swim later! Sumilon also has a lighthouse, which you can climb to see a magnificently breathtaking view of the whole island.
12:00 PM | Lunch in Bluwater Sumilon, Sumilon Island
Have some good lunch buffet featuring fresh seafood catch and more.
1:00 PM | Boat Trip from Sumilon Island Back to Puerto Sumilon
Time to take the boat back from Sumilon and onto your next stop – Tumalog Waterfalls!
2:00 PM | Tumalog Falls
After an hour’s worth of travel, you will arrive at Tumalog Waterfalls. This mesmerizing curtain of fine water is really nature’s work of art!
The jump-off to the journey here has some food stalls, so if you’re feeling empty before the hike it’s recommended to fill up here. From here, you could already see the falls — it was that big! On the way you’ll walk a steep road, but don’t worry because everything is well-marked. You’ll also see some cottages and tables that can be rented for a nominal price.
Once you get to the falls, the misty wonder of Tumalog — and of course, the clear and cool pools beneath it and its runoffs —- will keep you in awe.
4:00 PM | Oslob Ruins
ruins are found in the town plaza located by the seafront. You get a dose of history, a magnificent ocean view, a cool breeze, and a place where you can relax, without going far from your lodgings! Here’s what you’ll find at the town plaza.
1. The Baluarte
The Baluarte is a Spanish watchtower that was part of the town’s fortifications that began in 1788.
2. The Cuartel
There’s also the coral Cuartel, which was originally meant to be a Spanish barracks. It is said that its stones were taken from the collapsed bell tower of a nearby church.
3. Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church.
Established in 1690, the church became an independent parish “only” in the mid-1800s.
4. Oslob Museum
After traveling back to the past from watching the town’s ruins, another great dinner in one of the town’s restaurants is for you to enjoy.
6:00 PM | Back to Hotel
By this time, you should be back in your hotel room, sitting and absorbing the day’s adventure.
It’s always amazing how nature can pack so much of its beauty in such small places. Oslob is blessed with such distinction, with world-class natural beauty within a stone’s throw of each other. And while Cebu as a whole shares the same distinction, Oslob will always stand out in memory as a precious jewel that deserves more love from people around the world!
If you find yourself in the vicinity of Cebu, do yourself a favor and take a day trip (or two!) to this beautiful and little town. You’ll thank yourself later!
3 comments On Oslob in Two Days: A Fun Filled Adventure
Pingback: First-Timers Travel Guide To Oslob | The Poor Dad ()
Pingback: Leaving Earth Behind: Visiting the Kennedy Space Center | The Poor Dad ()
Pingback: Exploring the Wonders of Cebu Ocean Park | The Poor Dad ()