The Municipality of Oslob is located in the southernmost tip on the island of Cebu and is about 117 kilometers from Cebu City and within few hours of travel, you may be able to reach this perfect destination in the Visayas for recreation and relaxation. Oslob is used to be called “Bolocboloc” due to its natural spring near the shore. Spanish colonizers later changed its name to “Toslob”, a Visayan term meaning “soak or “dip” and then changed to a shortened name, Oslob.
Oslob borders to the north with the town of Boljoon, on its western part, are the towns of Ginatilan and Sambaoan, at the east side is the Cebu Strait, and while at the southern portion is the town of Santander. Oslob includes 11 barangays and their main source of living is fishing, farming, and tourism. You can easily reach their beautiful town by taking public transportations like bus and rented vans at the Cebu South Terminal and has an estimated travel time of three hours.
Oslob is one of the two destinations in the Philippines famous for Whale Shark encounter. There are over a hundred thousand tourists coming here every year to experience swimming with whale sharks. But there were also other tourist attractions and activities that you can experience while you are in the area.
1. Sumilon Island
A white-sand island and is one of Oslob’s gems. With a 10-15 minute boat ride from Oslob, you can already reach this island with blue crystal clear water that is famous for its Whale Shark watching. This is the first marine protected area in the Philippines and has been a marine sanctuary since 1974. If you are into diving or snorkeling, there are four major diving sites where you can witness a wide variety of tropical fishes and marine species: Garden Eel Plaza, Nikk’s Wall, Coral Landscape and Julie’s Rock.
If you are into kayaking, there is a natural lagoon on the island surrounded by towering mangroves. The lagoon is a nice and safe place for every family to enjoy where children are also allowed to have a supervised play in its waters and you can later explore the wonderful caves in Sumilon.
2. Tumalog Falls
These falls, also known as Toslob Falls or Mag-ambak Falls is situated in barangay Luka, in the southern part of Cebu. This place was near the famous Whale Shark attraction in Oslob. It has been becoming a trend among tourists to drop by Tumalog Falls after their Whale Shark experience.
Some enthusiasts describe the falls as “gossamer” at it creates a silky, very light and gauze-like fabric descending down transforming into a basin of water while others describe it as a” horsehair” due to the flow of its water that resembles a horse’s tail or neck hair.
3. Baluarte Ruins
These ruins were built in 1788. Their main purpose was providing a safe place for guards to observe the surrounding area. A part of the defense system in dispelling the Morocco raiders of the past, which includes 6 watchtowers along the shoreline of Oslob.
The said defense system was so effective because the people of Oslob were able to repulse an enemy attack in 1815 and lived in peace ever since. Its rehabilitation started in June 2009 with the purpose of transforming the area into a real heritage site.
4. Cuartel Ruins
This was already considered as one of Cebu’s heritage sites. This structure was built around the 1860s by the Spaniards. It was made of thick coral stones which makes the building sturdy which makes it withstand typhoons and earthquakes.
This structure was supposed to house the Spanish soldiers assigned in Oslob. Upon the arrival of American troops, the Spaniards flew away leaving its unfinished construction.
5. Mainit Springs
This one of Cebu’s most beautiful springs and is located in Malabuyoc, Cebu. It is a gentle-flowing stream that has a water temperature that ranges and sometimes reaches up to 42 degrees.
As advised by their locals, its hot pools have therapeutic effects on the skin, nervous system and vital organs. It can even kill harmful germs and eliminates toxins from the body.
6. Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church
Churches have been used as headquarters, artillery emplacement, and makeshift hospital during the colonial age in the Philippines. The old walls of the church who have witnessed histories have many stories to tell.
The church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception dates back to the 1830s. Is has witnessed centuries of war, oppression, and distress and has been ravaged by two fires. The 2008 fire incident has destroyed its interiors but the image of its patron saint was spared because it was enclosed in a glass case. The 73 icons located near the centuries-old bell tower has also survived the fire.
7. Museo Oslob
After a visit at Cuartel Ruins, you can also stop by Museo Oslob for free. It features some of the antiques contributed by the people of Oslob. Some of the items are old piano, old mirror and house stuff which makes up their town’s history.
8. Paragliding
One of Oslob’s newest attractions is located in the opposite direction of the Whale Sharks, the town of Daanglungsod. Paragliding lets you enjoy the view while your company controls the flight and will take you to a soft landing at the beach. Each flight takes up to 20 minutes to complete a single ride.
9. Sutukil
“Sutukil” stands for three methods of cooking. Su for “sugba” or to grill shrimp, squid, pork belly and tilapia, tu for “tula” or stew Spanish mackerel or Tilapia, kil for “kilaw” or to cook in vinegar like a civeche.
Oslob is also a place for adventurous eaters who wants to experience Sutukil at the beach. Tan-Awan hosts a row of Sutukil stalls where you can choose from a variety of seafood and meats and have them cooked the way you like them and served with plenty of rice and ice-cold beer.
Read more: The 10 Best Restaurant in Oslob
10. Kawasan Falls
This is surely one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines along with Tumalog Falls. This water form has turquoise blue water where you can swim and relax. It is located about 130 km southwest of Cebu City and about 60 km from Oslob and is situated in the mountains of Barangay Matutinao, Badian. Cottages are available for tourists who wish to stay for a few days or overnight
If you are into extreme adventures, you undoubtedly should try Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls. You can easily rent equipment for this activity or you can bring your own gear if you would like to go on a solo trip.
Since you are already in Cebu Island, why don’t you travel north and visit the vibrant capital of Visayas region, Cebu City? Click HERE
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