Oslob Cebu
7 THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING OSLOB, CEBU | TRAVEL GUIDE
- Whale shark watching
Whale sharks I guess puts Oslob, Cebu on the tourism map of the Philippines. When visiting the place, you will be surprised by the number of tourists both local and foreign lining to experience whale watching. When visiting the area don’t forget to bring your rashguard as you are not allowed to wear sunscreen while engaging in the whale shark watching. An underwater camera is also available for rent at the place bring your flash drive, or they can give you a CD copy of your photos.
Sumilon Island, Oslob Cebu. Photo from Sumilon Island Resort site
- Side Trip to Sumilon Island
Sumilon Island is a 24-hectare (59-acre) coral island off the coast of Bancogon, Oslob, Cebu. The island hosts the Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort which developed the island into an eco-friendly haven for those who want to get away from the stress of city living. Sumilon Island is known for its four major dive sites: Garden Eel Plaza, Nikki’s Wall, Coral Landscape and Julie’s Rock. The island is the first marine protected area in the Philippines under the guidance of the Silliman University Marine Reserve of Dumaguete City.
Famous attractions of Sumilon Island include the sandbar which is changing shapes and shifting locations around the island depending on the season. Also, there is a natural lagoon with high mangroves and natural caves used by fishermen to seek refuge during storms and a lake.
Sumilon Island can be reached by boat from Oslob. Another route to Sumilon Island is via Dumaguete City since it is also close to the island.
Cuartel at Oslob, Cebu
- Take your Selfie at the Cuartel
Part of the Oslob heritage park, the Cuartel is an unfinished building made of coral blocks resembling a Spanish-era barracks and perfect for some photo ops. It is said that the Cuartel was intended to be the Cuartel, barracks for Spanish soldiers or guardia civil. It was started about 1860 but remained unfinished at the end of Spanish occupation in 1898. At the back of the cuartel is the Oslob Museum. It is just a small museum, so we take a peek but didn’t get inside.
Oslob, Cebu
- Church of the Immaculate Conception
Right in front of the Cuartel is the Church of Immaculate Conception. I guess this church is the centerpiece of the Oslob heritage park. The present-day church of cut coral stone had blended so well with the overall look of the Oslob heritage park. The church building is said to have its first construction started in 1830 and finished 18 years later. The buttresses that were added were constructed between 1848 and 1850. The adjacent bell tower was built in 1858.
It was regrettable that the church building was closed during our visit, so we were not able to take some photographs of its interior. Right in front of the church is the former mortuary chapel with a pediment decorated with a relief of a human skeleton. A small road that leads to the old cemetery can be found in the northern part of the complex.
Oslob, Cebu
- Baluarte Ruins
The “Baluarte” is a Spanish word for watchtower. The Baluarte which can also be found at the Heritage park of Oslob was built in 1788. Its primary purpose was to provide a safe place wherein local guards could observe the surrounding area against the invasion of the Moros.
Oslob, Cebu
- Stroll at the Baywalk
One of the most beautiful parts of Heritage Park is its Baywalk. This is where the family can relax and unwind especially during the late afternoon when the sun is already cooler.
- Tumalog Falls
Another feature of Oslob, Cebu is the Tumalog Falls. To get to the falls, you have to either walk down a paved road from the highway or take a habal-habal (motorbike). When you get to the entrance of the falls, there is a gazebo where you can have a shower and change.
We were discouraged by the driver to go Tumalog Falls on our last visit because the water is too low and there’s almost no water flowing from the falls. So better ask the locals first about the condition of the falls should you desire to include this in your itinerary.
HOW TO GET TO OSLOB, CEBU
For foreigners coming from outside the Philippines, two Airports are near the place: the Mactan Cebu International Airport or the Dumaguete Airport. Oslob is part of Cebu Island in the Visayas so you can fly directly to Cebu International Airport. If you are already in the Philippines, you can also fly into Dumaguete Airport.
- Going to Oslob from Cebu City
Ride a bus to Oslob at Cebu South Bus Terminal. You can leave the city as early as 1 am. The earliest bus trips are non-air-conditioned.
- Going to Oslob, Cebu from Dumaguete City
From Dumaguete airport, hire a tricycle to take you to Sibulan Port or take the Ceres bus passing by Sibulan. From Sibulan take the Ferry or Fast Craft to Liloan Port. From Liloan, ride the bus that will take you to Oslob, Cebu. Ceres buses are just outside the port waiting for passengers.
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The Sumilon pic with the pristine white sands did it for me. I’M GOING TO CEBU! Glad I found this post – I now have an itinerary in mind. Thanks!
#advertising. My family planning to go to oslob, cebu this october!
Cebu on its finest! The Cuartel is perfect for selfie and the structure is perfectly beautiful! #advertising
it’s a best experience to dip in water together with the whaleshark
i want to experience whale watching
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I like this place especially in sumilon Island ?? #advertising
You will be surprise and amaze on it’s finest. And experience their adventure destination. #Advertising
#advertising I was able to visit Cebu a countless times, but unfortunately I haven’t been able to witness the Whale Shark in Oslob. 🙁
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Oslob, Cebu is one of the remarkable places to experience whale shark watching. Oslob is such a nice place to relax and bond with your family.
it’s a best experience to dip in water together with the whale shark. #Advertising
Just looking at the picture it seems that Whale shark watching is so fun. #Advertising
i like oslob, Cebu its perfect for friends or family bonding. #Advertising
It makes me more excited to go to cebu. 🙂
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Indeed, this is OSLOB CEBU. On of the most amazing place to visit. #advertising
I would like to experience whale shark watching too that surely will be great! #advertising
#Advertising Cebu is one of the popular places here in the Philippines.
Oslob Cebu is a very nice place to relax and unwind, this place will definitely relieve your stress. #advertising
Mabilis ba ang internet service dyan?
Parang gusto ko nang tumira dyan.
Great pictures!!!
wondering if swimming with whale sharks is really safe? have you heard about any unfortunate events with whale sharks? do you mind to share? would love to try this
It is very safe, no unfortunate events so far 🙂
I planned to go there this Holy Week but couldn’t book any hotels. Lol. How much budget would a 3 day trip to Oslob usually cost?
The unfortunate event about whalesharks there is that they get fed to be attracted, with poor nutrient and unnatural as those animals are meant to filter micro organisms. Another thing is an aggregation of 5 whales in semi contracts with hundreds of hyper excited humans isn’t healthy either (contact gives them skin diseases). So great for humans, bad for them.
I really love to try swimming with whale shark once in my life, but I’m still afraid of the safety. Are there any unfortunate situations happened before? Thanks in advance for your advice and keep moving!
Nice article , keep up the good work