Back then, Oslob was a sleepy town down south of Cebu province, 113 kilometers away from the city. It has pretty beaches with its main attraction Sumilon Island, a private island owned by Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort. However, most people would simply pass by this town going to the port of Liloan or Bato to cross to Dumaguete City via Sibulan or Tampi.
But in late 2011, Oslob started to be taken noticed by tourists and adventure-seekers for a different reason. And who to thank for? The whale sharks, butanding in Tagalog or tuki in Cebuano. The whale shark is the largest non-cetacean animal in the world estimated at 9 meters in length and 9 tonnes in weight during adulthood. Despite its enormous size, the sea creature doesn't pose significant danger to humans, thus, its usually called the Gentle Giant of the sea.
The whale sharks were popularly known to visit only the waters of Donsol, Sorsogon and it was a big surprise to have them in Oslob. Nonetheless, they were warmly welcomed by the locals. Located 10 kilometers away from the town center, the Barangay of Tan-awan, Oslob (where the whale shark watching is) became one of the most visited tourist spots in the province of Cebu. People who want to see these beautiful creatures, locals and tourists alike, don't mind traveling 3 hours and a half drive just to spend 30 minutes with them.
For those without their own vehicle to drive to Oslob, buses at Cebu South Terminal are available. It is very important to take note that the local authority only allows swimming with these sea creatures until around lunch time. So better take an early trip going down south. I assure you, even if you have to wake up at 4 in the morning and your butt will hurt from sitting for hours, it'll be all worth it.
But in late 2011, Oslob started to be taken noticed by tourists and adventure-seekers for a different reason. And who to thank for? The whale sharks, butanding in Tagalog or tuki in Cebuano. The whale shark is the largest non-cetacean animal in the world estimated at 9 meters in length and 9 tonnes in weight during adulthood. Despite its enormous size, the sea creature doesn't pose significant danger to humans, thus, its usually called the Gentle Giant of the sea.
The whale sharks were popularly known to visit only the waters of Donsol, Sorsogon and it was a big surprise to have them in Oslob. Nonetheless, they were warmly welcomed by the locals. Located 10 kilometers away from the town center, the Barangay of Tan-awan, Oslob (where the whale shark watching is) became one of the most visited tourist spots in the province of Cebu. People who want to see these beautiful creatures, locals and tourists alike, don't mind traveling 3 hours and a half drive just to spend 30 minutes with them.
For those without their own vehicle to drive to Oslob, buses at Cebu South Terminal are available. It is very important to take note that the local authority only allows swimming with these sea creatures until around lunch time. So better take an early trip going down south. I assure you, even if you have to wake up at 4 in the morning and your butt will hurt from sitting for hours, it'll be all worth it.
As of this writing, I've swam with the whale sharks thrice already - July 2012, December 2012 and latest was this summer of 2013. Let's just say that it definitely won't be my last.