Oslob is a small town on Cebu Island’s southern coast that includes 21 villages, including Tan-awan. Because of the whale sharks that swim near the coast, it has been a domestic and international tourism hotspot since 2011. But wait, there’s more! This charming city is gifted with beautiful beaches! This post will give you a lot of reasons to visit Oslob in Cebu, as well as travel and budget tips to help you plan your trip.

I have a few friends who have previously visited here, and they said it was an incredible experience. I’d been to Cebu many times but hadn’t gone to Oslob, so in March 2019, I scheduled a trip with Cebu Pacific (I’d had a few bad experiences with them but decided to give them another try – this time, no flight cancellation/delay, hurrah!). Guilly’s Place is a fantastic choice for my lodging since whenever I travel, I ALWAYS choose to stay near train stations or bus stops (or anyplace I can quickly catch a ride), so it’s a good choice for me. I rented a single bedroom since I simply need somewhere to sleep, take a bath, and keep my backpack.

Top Attractions in Oslob, Cebu

Swim and relax at Sumilon Island

Enjoy free time to swim and relax at this gloriously beautiful beach of white sands and clear blue waters. Sumilon is a secluded island in the south-eastern tip of mainland Cebu, a 15-20 minutes boat ride.

You may book a day trip to Sumilon Island via the link below: SUMILON ISLAND DAY PASS

Whale-Shark Watching in Tan-Awan

Oslob is one of the places where you can swim with these magnificent creatures. Whale shark watching here is open all year round.

NOTE:

• The activity is available daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM only, so be sure to get to the wharf before 6:00 AM.
• It is only good for 30 minutes only.
• You will be taken to the site by batch, usually 10 person per boat.
• Avoid wearing sunscreen or essential oils.
• Current conversion: 50.76 PHP = 1 USD

NOTE:

• Entrance fee: 50 PHP or 0.99 USD
• Open: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Boat fee: 1500 PHP to 2500 PHP per group – depending on the size of the boat (rate to be divided among passengers). You may also choose to join other groups.
• Return trip: You don’t have to wait for the same boat. There are boats available every 1 hour, 30 mins. Last return trip departs at 4:30 PM.
• You may bring packed lunch or snacks & water as there are no stores in Simulan Island’s public area. Food can be purchased at the stores at Oslob beachfront.

Admire the majestic Tumalog Falls

Tumalon Falls is one of the most beautiful falls I’ve seen, and it’s such a great wonder it’s not as popular as other waterfalls in the country.

NOTE:

• Entrance fee: 20 PHP per person
• Transportation fare: 50 PHP per person (habal-habal/motorbike)

Explore the history of Oslob

Aside from these exciting nature adventures, Oslob is also rich in history. What’s awesome is these sites are just stepping away from each other. It is also just near the whale shark watching site!

Places to Visit:

• Oslob Heritage Park – Inside you can see some preserved antiques.
• Immaculate Conception Parish Church – One of the oldest churches in Cebu. Construction started in 1830 and was completed in 1848.
• Cuartel – It is located on the right side of the Church, it is an unfinished building consisting of coral blocks resembling a Spanish-era barracks.
• Baluarte – a ruin of one of the seven Spanish watchtower in Oslob which was built in 1788. It was built along the coastline of Oslob.
• Calle Aragones – It is the oldest street in Oslob which also serves as the entrance that leads to the rest of the heritage park.

NOTE:

• Tour around Oslob Heritage Park is FREE. Even the museum.
• Getting there, you can hire a tricycle or arrange a transportation with your hotel/resort.

How To Get To Oslob Cebu

From Cebu City

BY BUS: From the South Bus Terminal (near Elizabeth Mall), ride a Ceres bus going to Bato (via Lilo-an). Bus fare is 155 PHP per person (one-way). Inform the driver to drop you off at the main whale shark activity site or to the resort you’re heading.

From Badian/Kawasan Falls

BY BUS: Take a bus going to Bato (hop off at the last stop) and you have to ride another bus going to Cebu City (but hop off at Oslob). If you are doing whale shark snorkeling, please let the driver know that you would want to stop at Brumiri Resort or somewhere around that area, if not they will take you to Oslob central which is maybe another 10 km away. Fare is 100 PHP.

From Oslob to Cebu City

BY BUS: Anywhere along the highway where the buses pass by is a drop-off point. No need to go to any bus terminals. Fare: Aircon buses are 190 PHP, regular buses are 170 PHP.

For convenient travel you may book a shared van transfer through the link below: 
SHARED VAN TRANSFERS BETWEEN OSLOB & CEBU CITY/MACTAN

Sample 2-day Itinerary

DAY 1

• 4:00 AM –Bus ride to Oslob from South Bus Terminal
• 6:30 AM – ETA Oslob (breakfast)
• 7:30 AM – ETA Tumalog Falls (habal-habal/motorbike)
• 8:30 AM – ETD Tumalog Falls (habal-habal/motorbike)
• 9:00 AM – Depart for Sumilon Island
• 9:30 AM – Sumilon Island Day Tour
• 2:00 PM – Boat-ride from Sumilon Island back to Brumini Resort (last return trip departs at 4:30 PM.
• 3:30 PM – Oslob Heritage Park: Cuartel, Baluarte, Immaculate Church, Oslob Museum (all of these are within in the vicinity)
• 5:00 PM – Back to hotel/resort

DAY 2:

• 4:00 AM – Head to the whale shark watching site (lite breakfast)
• 6:00 AM – Start of registration and briefing (takes 10-15 minutes)
• 7:00 AM – Whale shark watching activity (30 minutes only)
• 8:00 AM – Head back to resort/hotel (rest/bath)
• 10:20 AM – Check out
• 10:30 AM – ETA Oslob Public Market for breakfast (my hotel is only 5-minutes walk away)
• 11:30 AM – ETD from Oslob to Cebu City
• 3:00 PM – ETA Cebu City

NOTE:

• Buses in South Bus Terminal operates 24/7 (Ceres bus).
• I’d suggest staying in Oslob the night before the whale shark watching activity as the queue can quite long. I went to the site at around 5:00 AM and I was at the 3rd boat for the day.
• You may leave your backpacks at Brumiri Resort, 100 PHP for locker rental and shower (10-15 minutes away from Tumalog Falls).

Budget & Expenses

Airfare (via Cebu Pacific) – 2,835.64 PHP (bought this 5 months prior to the trip)
Accommodation (Guilly’s Place) – 600 PHP for 2 nights (bought this 4 months prior to the trip)

DAY 1
Bus going to Oslob – 155 PHP
Breakfast near the whale shark watching site – 150 PHP
Locker Rental (at Brumiri Resort) – 100 PHP
Habal-habal/Motorbike Ride to and from Tumalog Falls – 120 PHP
Tumalog Falls Entrance Fee – 20 PHP
Boat-Ride to Sumilon Island – 150 PHP ( 1,500 PHP divided into 10 persons)
Sumilon Island Entrance Fee – 50 PHP
Boat ride from Sumilon Island to Mainland – 150 PHP (1,500 PHP divided to 10 persons)
Tricycle Ride from Brumiri Resort to hotel/resort – 10 PHP
SUB TOTAL: 905 PHP

DAY 2
Tricycle ride to whale shark watching site – 10 PHP
Whale shark watching fee – 500 PHP
Tricycle ride to hotel/resort – 10 PHP
Breakfast at Oslob Public Market – 200 PHP
Bus going to Cebu City – 190 PHP
SUB TOTAL: 910 PHP

TOTAL: 1,815 PHP
(not including airfare and accommodation)

Where To Stay in Oslob, Cebu

Here is a list of various budget accommodations in Oslob Cebu. You may book your reservations via the links below. I recommend booking immediately to avail of their discounted rates.

• GUILLY’S PLACE
• CASA BONITA INN
• ISLET VIEW PENSION HOUSE
• MELRONZ INN
• GT SEASIDE INN
• ALOHA
• SASCHA’S RESORT
• REDDOORZ

Overall

I had tons of fun exploring Oslob and will definitely return. I might even avail myself of the day tour package offered in Sumilon Island (to access the amenities).

Have you been to Oslob? What are the activities that you’ve enjoyed? Would you consider adding Oslob to your next travel destination? I’d like to know by commenting below! 

More Oslob, Cebu Posts

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