Located at the southernmost part of Cebu, Oslob has a good combination of majestic waterfalls, fine sand beaches and lots of activities that you can do.
I would recommend staying at least one night in Oslob so you can watch the sunrise and the whales early in the morning. The waterfalls can be visited anytime of the day.
Here are some of the activities and tourist spots you wouldn’t want to miss during your visit.
For information about how to reach Oslob, suggested itinerary and budget, please check out our quick travel guide here: Oslob Travel Guide.
Oslob whale shark watching
While I personally do not support artificial feeding of fish, a trip to Oslob would feel incomplete without witnessing the majestic whale sharks known as butanding.
Tourists are treated to this spectacle by enticing these gentle giants to come close to the shore through daily feeding, allowing tourists to swim alongside them. This has become a popular routine, overseen by the Tan-awan Oslob Sea Warden Fisherman’s Association (TOSWFA), which has established guidelines for both the protection of the whales and the safety of visitors.
It is essential to adhere to these regulations, including attending a briefing before the encounter and refraining from touching the whales to prevent causing them distress.
Travelers have various options for arranging this unique experience. The most convenient way, especially for those who would like to book in advance is via Klook:
- Oslob Whale Shark Snorkeling and Badian Canyoneering Adventure
- Oslob Whale Shark Watching Experience in Cebu
- Oslob Whale Shark Watching Join-In Day Tour from Cebu
- Oslob Whale Shark Watching & Sumilon Island Day Tour
- Whale Shark Encounter, Sumilon Sandbar and Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls
If you have not pre-arranged your tour, you can go directly to the site. Here are the fees that you will need to pay depending on your preference – if you will stay on the boat or if you would like to swim and snorkel with the whales.
- For whale watching (without snorkeling) plus life vest rental, Filipino tourists pay PHP 500, while foreign tourists pay PHP 1,000.
- For those who wish to snorkel, the fees are PHP 1,000 for Filipinos and PHP 1,500 for foreign tourists.
Watch the sunrise along the beach
Before the whale watching starts and if you have arrived in Oslob early enough, you can spend time along the Oslob beach at dawn to watch the sunrise. This is the same beach area where whale watching happens.
Please be aware that this is not a white sand beach. It’s rocky and barely has sand. This shore is primarily used for docking fishing boats and boats used during the whale shark watching, and I wouldn’t suggest swimming by this shore. But the view of the sunrise is spectacular!
To get here, just ask your driver or tour guide to take you to the whale shark watching registration area and you can walk around the shore. There are a lot of simple restaurants/canteens in the area that serves my favorite sumptuous -silog meals and fresh fruit shakes for breakfast.
Read more: Best Resorts and Inns near Oslob Whale Shark Watching
The photo below was taken in front of BCD’s Place where we stayed for the night.
Hike in the 5-tier Aguinid Falls
Aguinid Falls is located in Samboan, one of the southern municipalities of Cebu. The entry to the falls will only take you about 5 minutes walk from the highway so it is very convenient for tourists to visit this spectacle. Its one of the many falls in Samboan (and nearby towns) which you shouldn’t miss. I would definitely recommend to include this in your side trips if you are visiting Moalboal, Oslob or any part of southern Cebu.
Climbing the 5-tier waterfalls of Aguinid was the most exciting sort of mini-canyoneering experience I’ve had. Probably not as challenging as Kawasan Falls in Badian and Alegria but fun nonetheless. Swimming in the cold spring water is also refreshing.
Read more: Aguinid Falls – The Gem of Southern Cebu
Swim in Tumalog Falls
If you are planning to chase waterfalls, then this is definitely a waterfalls worth the chase. Located in Oslob, Cebu, this waterfalls is a few minutes by habal-habal or motorcycle from the whale watching area or from Oslob town proper. This is a recommended stop-over when you are in Oslob.
Going back up to the main road was the most challenging part of the trip. Habal-habal drivers are stationed at the foot of the road just in case guests decide to charter them back to the main road.
Read more: Tumalog Falls: A Waterfalls Worth the Chase
Beach bum at Sumilon Island
In the seas of Oslob is an island called Sumilon. It is a tiny piece of land about 20 minutes by boat from Tan-awan, Oslob. The island is part of Bancogon, Oslob and hosts the Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort. It’s only about 24 hectares so tourists can roam around the island by foot in a couple of hours.
Several activities are available in the island, especially if you are checked-in in Sumilon Bluewater Island Resort. Otherwise, you could just enjoy the sandbar.
Read more: Sumilon Island Sandbar in Southern Cebu
Visit the Oslob Church and town plaza
Situated in the heart of Oslob’s town center, the church and plaza offer a charming glimpse into local life. The church stands as a picturesque landmark against the backdrop of a clear, azure noontime sky.
In the afternoon, the nearby plaza by the baywalk comes alive with the joyful sounds of children playing, vendors showcasing their wares, and women engaged in friendly conversations. This bustling scene transports visitors to a tranquil and leisurely provincial setting, evoking a sense of nostalgia for a simpler way of life.
For hotels/resorts in Oslob town proper, please visit our other blog article: Cheap accommodations in Oslob
If you are planning to visit other places near Oslob, please check out my suggested itinerary of Oslob-Bais-Apo Island in 6 days.
For more information about Oslob, check out our travel guide here: Oslob Travel Guide
