If you are planning to chase waterfalls, then this is definitely a waterfalls worth the chase. Situated in the mountainous landscapes of Oslob, Tumalog Falls is undeniably one of Cebu’s most stunning waterfalls. Cascading from a height of around 80-100 meters, this majestic waterfall creates a mesmerizing turquoise pool beneath. The sheer magnitude and beauty of Tumalog Falls deem it an essential destination for any traveler exploring Cebu. 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.
If you would like to book a tour of Oslob with Tumalog Falls, you can get one here: Oslob Day Tour from Cebu City
For more information about traveling to Oslob, please check out our travel guide here: Oslob Travel Guide
How to get to Tumalog Falls
Tumalog Falls is situated in the Oslob municipality/town in southern Cebu, about a 20 minute drive from the main town area of Oslob. It’s located in the mountainous inland region, not along the coast so you’ll have to take a private transportation going there. But don’t fret, getting to Tumalog Falls is quite easy!
From anywhere in Oslob
If you’re already within the Oslob area, the best way to explore is on a habal-habal(motorcycle). Ours cost P500 to bring us up to the entry point of Tumalog Falls and includes a trip to Oslob town proper. The cost was split into two since I was traveling with a friend. From the whale watching area or from our , where our tour guide Kuya Jeff picked us up, the entry to Tumalog Falls was only about 10-15 minutes.
From Cebu City
If you’re coming from Cebu City, then you still have to take a bus. Simply take a bus the Cebu South Bus Terminal, buses leave every hour. The bus ride takes around 3 hours and the fare is around P150 (note this might change). The best option is to ask the conductor/driver to drop you off at the Oslob town proper or the Tan-awan whale shark watching area. From the drop off point, you can hire a habal-habal for the 20-minute ride up to the falls.
From Dumaguete City
If you are coming from Dumaguete, you can take the pumpboat going to Liloan, Santander from the Sibulan seaport. From the seaport, there are several tricycles that would take you to the highway of Liloan for P10 per pax. From the highway, ride the bus going to Cebu City. Ask the conductor to drop you off in Oslob. The fare is P30 per person. For more information about the Dumaguete-Oslob route, check my entry here: How to Go to Oslob from Dumaguete. You can hire a habal-habal for the 20-minute ride up to the falls.
Join an organized tour –> Most convenient option
Joining an organized Tumalog Falls day trip from Cebu City is also an option. This includes roundtrip transport and usually combines the Oslob whale shark watching tour as well. You can book a tour here: Oslob Whale Shark Watching + Tumalog Falls Tour from Cebu City
IMPORTANT NOTE: From the entrance point of Tumalog Falls, your habal-habal driver will no longer be able to drive you down the falls. You can choose to walk or hire another habal for P100 per head.
Entrance fee and other expenses
Note that these prices may change without prior notice.
- Entrance fee: P120
- Habal-habal from Oslob to Tumalog dropoff: P500 for the entire trip
- Habal-habal from dropoff to Tumalog falls: P100 per person back and forth
The habal-habal that you used coming from other parts of Oslob is not allowed to go down to the falls. There will be another set of habal-habal drivers waiting at the entry point. You can opt to avail of their service to bring you all the way down to the falls. That’s P100 per person, back and forth. Or you can walk.
We opted to walk because one, it was quite expensive and two, I can imagine how scary it can be riding a motorcycle on a very steep slope. I’d rather walk! The walk down the falls will take you about 15-20 minutes. You’re going downhill anyway so it won’t be tiring but you’ll have keep your balance as it is really steep.
Going back up is another story. It was quite tiring since we are now going uphill. But despite the tiring climb, I still wouldn’t think of riding a motorbike in this terrain. Really up to you! 🙂
 On the way up to the highway (Photo © iHeartPH)
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 Trying to keep our balance on the way down to the falls (Photo © iHeartPH)
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What to Expect
Lush bluish green waters
The water from the falls is light bluish green in color. We’ve noticed that it is the same color coming out from the faucet in our resort. Our tour guide Kuya Jeff said the water supply of the entire Oslob comes from these springs and hence they have the same color. Water supply in this municipality/town is very abundant. We have actually seen some man-made tanks along the way overflowing with light blue-green water.
The falls is really huge
I wasn’t expecting that Tumalog falls would be this majestic. It was very difficult to get a photo of it from top to bottom because of its size and if you go far back, there will lots of trees blocking the view. So you really have to come nearer and try your best to take a decent photo. Alternatively, you can take photos from the right side of the falls so there won’t be a lot of trees blocking the view.
Warning for wet cameras
Your cameras will get wet especially if it’s windy and the water from the falls will start drizzling on you. Better if you have an underwater or waterproof camera, or a waterproof casing. Your shots will be fantastic!
No changing areas/bathrooms
If you opt to swim, make sure to be in your swimming attire before you head for the falls as there is no place for you to change clothes. As an option, there is an area behind a rock where you can change clothes. This was the situation during our visit and might change as time goes by and improvements are made.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips for your visit to Tumalog Falls:
- Ensure you wear water/aqua shoes or sandals with good grip to navigate the slippery and sharp rocks in the pools and streams, to prioritize your safety.
- Bring your own drinking water and snacks since there are no shops or stores at the falls.
- Opt for an early visit, preferably around 8-10 am, to avoid crowds from nearby whale shark tours that usually arrive in the afternoon.
- Keep it light and use waterproof bags for your electronics and valuables to protect them during your adventure.
- Apply sunscreen and wear a hat as there is limited shade when you hike to the falls.
- Be ready for cold water as the plunge pools and streams are supplied by mountain run-off.
- Explore around the area – you will find small rock pools below the main falls and enjoy scenic views from above.
- If you want to take a photo of the entire falls, you might consider going to the right side of the falls so you don’t have a lot of trees blocking the view of the falls.
- If you prefer not to walk back uphill, consider hiring a motorbike or habal-habal for the return trip.
- Show respect for the site by avoiding littering and adhering to rules, contributing to the preservation of Tumalog Falls’ pristine condition.
- Capture those memorable photos but prioritize safety – avoid climbing wet rocks or swimming during heavy rains.
- It can get get chilly so bring in some towels or extra clothes which you can change into when you’re done swimming.
Where to stay in Oslob
You can visit my list of cheap accommodations in Oslob, Cebu here: Affordable Accommodations in Oslob.
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