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.
Adventure Tips:
1. There's a fee of 500php for locals or 1,000php for foreigners to swim with the whale sharks. This includes the gears and the boat.
2. There's a 15-minute orientation by the local authority. Listen to all the rules and definitely follow them.
3. Do not use flash when taking pictures of the whale sharks. Also, do not use sunscreens, the chemical on these products are said to be dangerous for these creatures.
4. There are locals offering underwater camera for rent at 500php. I recommend Palme Tantay his approachable, helpful and accommodating nature. :) He can be contacted at +639328734819.
A personal note: I love swimming with the whale sharks but I definitely dislike it when people are crowding too much over them, not giving them enough space to swim around. So I advice those visiting to not be too excited to get too close and to give them space. Follow the 5-meter distance, don't touch them and definitely do not ride them. I do not entirely agree in feeding these creatures with krill or plankton (which is what the locals are doing) just to keep them around the area because I believe that it destroys their natural plight tendency. So a little respect of following the rules in this evolution would greatly make a difference. It's our way of showing simple gratitude that we're given the chance to have an up-close experience with these gentle giants. Thank you.
Tumalog Falls
Little does everyone know that there's this slightly-hidden paradise nestling a few minutes drive from Tan-awan's whale shark viewing point called Tumalog Falls. Going back to the city, it's at the left side of the highway with a visible-enough sign indicating its location. There's a little steep drive going to the falls but the view on top is just spectacular.
1. There's a fee of 500php for locals or 1,000php for foreigners to swim with the whale sharks. This includes the gears and the boat.
2. There's a 15-minute orientation by the local authority. Listen to all the rules and definitely follow them.
3. Do not use flash when taking pictures of the whale sharks. Also, do not use sunscreens, the chemical on these products are said to be dangerous for these creatures.
4. There are locals offering underwater camera for rent at 500php. I recommend Palme Tantay his approachable, helpful and accommodating nature. :) He can be contacted at +639328734819.
A personal note: I love swimming with the whale sharks but I definitely dislike it when people are crowding too much over them, not giving them enough space to swim around. So I advice those visiting to not be too excited to get too close and to give them space. Follow the 5-meter distance, don't touch them and definitely do not ride them. I do not entirely agree in feeding these creatures with krill or plankton (which is what the locals are doing) just to keep them around the area because I believe that it destroys their natural plight tendency. So a little respect of following the rules in this evolution would greatly make a difference. It's our way of showing simple gratitude that we're given the chance to have an up-close experience with these gentle giants. Thank you.
Tumalog Falls
Little does everyone know that there's this slightly-hidden paradise nestling a few minutes drive from Tan-awan's whale shark viewing point called Tumalog Falls. Going back to the city, it's at the left side of the highway with a visible-enough sign indicating its location. There's a little steep drive going to the falls but the view on top is just spectacular.
Adventure Tip: There's an entrance fee of only 20php. And you have the option to either rent a motorcycle going down the falls or simply walk. I always opt to walk despite the scorching heat of the sun and the pretty surroundings compensate for the threat of sunburned skin.
Tumalog Falls isn't as beautiful in pictures as it is in actuality, the camera simply can't capture its beauty, thus, an actual visit would give you the feeling of awe, serenity and tranquility. The place is just magical and definitely worth the spot in your Oslob itinerary.
Church of Immaculate Conception
Located at the Poblacion of Oslob right side from the highway going back to the city, the Church of Immaculate Conception was built in 1830s from cuts of coral stones and surrounded by stone walls. The church was burned during the World War II and was restored in 1955.
Church of Immaculate Conception
Located at the Poblacion of Oslob right side from the highway going back to the city, the Church of Immaculate Conception was built in 1830s from cuts of coral stones and surrounded by stone walls. The church was burned during the World War II and was restored in 1955.
Cuartel and Baluarte
Outside the walls of the church are the remains of one of the 6 watchtowers that line the southern coast of Cebu. Built in 1788, it is known to locals as the Baluarte, part of the defense system of townspeople of Oslob back then.
Outside the walls of the church are the remains of one of the 6 watchtowers that line the southern coast of Cebu. Built in 1788, it is known to locals as the Baluarte, part of the defense system of townspeople of Oslob back then.
Located front-right of the church outside the perimeter stone walls and near the sea is the Cuartel, built with the purpose of serving as barracks for Spanish armies but was halted during the arrival of the Americans in 1899. The coral stones used to build the cuartel came from the remnants of the collapsed floor of the church's bell tower.
The local government has preserved the location of the historical sites and has been a famous venue for photo shoots, hangout and appreciation of Oslob's history.
Boljoon
Going back to the city from Oslob, the first town to pass by is Boljoon. It's worth a stopover because this little town has something to offer too - nice public beach, nice view and some heritage spots - like the Boljoon church declared by the National Historical Institute a National Historical Landmark in 1999 and the following year, the National Museum declared it as a National Cultural Treasure.
Boljoon
Going back to the city from Oslob, the first town to pass by is Boljoon. It's worth a stopover because this little town has something to offer too - nice public beach, nice view and some heritage spots - like the Boljoon church declared by the National Historical Institute a National Historical Landmark in 1999 and the following year, the National Museum declared it as a National Cultural Treasure.
Adventure Tip: If there's still enough time left, the Monastery of the Holy Eucarist in Simala can also be part of the trip. Located at Marian Hills Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu, it's along the way going back to the city.
For those who prefer to stay overnight, no need to fret since there are available resorts within Oslob or Boljoon. My recommendation is Ermi Beach Resort since I've already stayed there and I can say that the place is pretty nice and relaxing. Check them out at http://ermi-beach-resort.com/.
Appreciate the beauty of nature and history by preservation, not exploitation. - KM
For those who prefer to stay overnight, no need to fret since there are available resorts within Oslob or Boljoon. My recommendation is Ermi Beach Resort since I've already stayed there and I can say that the place is pretty nice and relaxing. Check them out at http://ermi-beach-resort.com/.
Appreciate the beauty of nature and history by preservation, not exploitation. - KM