7 THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING OSLOB CEBU +TRAVEL GUIDE

 

Oslob Cebu

7 THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING OSLOB, CEBU | TRAVEL GUIDE

 

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

 

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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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