Known for its massive whale sharks, Oslob is one of the must-visit tourist destinations in Cebu, Philippines. Besides whale shark watching, other fun things to do in Oslob should be on your itinerary.
Oslob is a fourth-class town located 116 kilometers south of Cebu City. Despite the influx of tourists, Oslob remains a tourist town with a countryside vibe. To date, Oslob has preserved its rich colonial past, and you can see structures of evidence all over town.
To get to Oslob, hop on a Ceres Liner bus bound for Bato via Oslob. Tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at the whale shark activity center in Barangay Tan-awan or wherever you wish to start your Oslob trip.
Without further ado, here are the top 5 best things to do in Oslob, Cebu:
1. Swim with Giant Whale Sharks
Oslob is famous for whale shark watching, one of the most popular things to do in Cebu. Tourists get the opportunity to swim with these gentle giants, something that you would hardly find anywhere else in the world.
Oslob has recorded at least 208 whale sharks off the coast of Tan-awan—9 of which have made permanent residence in town.
Despite their sheer size, the largest sharks in the world, whale sharks are friendly and do not pose harm to humans. However, avoid touching them.
2. Swim in Coral-Blue Water of Tumalog Falls
About 3 kilometers away from the whale shark viewing location is Tumalog Falls, also known as Toslob Falls or Mag-ambak Falls. Located in Barangay Luka, Tumalog Falls is usually on the itinerary of most people coming to Oslob for the whale sharks. And you should too.
Tumalog Falls is a horsetail waterfall, so you are guaranteed a stunning view of throughout the year. You can jump from the short cliffs and swim in its incredible coral-blue water.
3. Visit Sumilon Island
Just a few minutes away boat ride from Barangay Bangcogon in mainland Oslob is Sumilon Island, the first marine protected area in the Philippines.
Sumilon Island is known for its shifting sandbar, which you’ve probably seen all over the internet. The island also has a few dive sites, a lagoon, caves, hiking trails, a 19th-century watchtower, and a modern lighthouse.
There’s only one resort in the island, which is Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, a 4-star resort popular among newlyweds and honeymooners.
4. Turn Back Time at Cuartel Ruins and Museo Oslob
Built in 1860, the Cuartel was constructed to serve as a military barrack for Spanish soldiers. However, the construction did not finish as the Spanish rule in the Philippines concluded in 1898.
The ruins of Cuartel have become one of Oslob’s heritage sites. Cuartel Ruins have become a popular prenuptial photo location among locals.
Nearby is Museo Oslob, home to many artifacts and antiques contributed by the locals of Oslob. Some old items you will see here are old pianos and pieces of old furniture.
5. Visit Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church
Churches built in the colonial era were very strong because they were used as headquarters, storage for artillery, and makeshift hospitals. The Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church is one of them.
Built in 1830, the church has seen Oslob’s biggest tragedies and progress. It took 18 years to finish the original structure of the church which had already been destroyed by two fires. Despite that, the current coral stone church still stands today.
