Oslob is a tourist spot in Cebu for whale watching. I was actually having second thoughts on whether I’m going to see the whale sharks because such activity can harm them, but it’s one of my bucket lists and I’ve been dying to see the whale sharks since last year I went to Cebu. Nevertheless, we must, I say WE MUST respect the guidelines of the activity and realize the harm that we could do to the gentle giants. Anyway it’s whale watching not whale touching!

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How to get to Oslob:

The whale watching is located at Brgy. Tan-awan in Oslob. From South Bus Terminal, ride a bus (CERES) going to Bato via Liloan (P155.00 as of June 2015). That’s typically it! Tell the bus conductor to drop you off the whale watching station, it’s along the highway so it’s very easy to locate.

The bus drop us off in front of  MB’s Sunrise View Resort, since a sign of whale watching is posted in front of their gate we entered in this resort. We didn’t know that few meters before MB’s is the whale watching briefing station and site, it would be better if you go straight to the station (if you didn’t brought too much stuff) because the resort charged us another P100.00. But it’s a reasonable price because it includes the use of lockers, tables, cottages, transportation to the briefing station and boat assistance. Below is the price list of the whale watching activity (as of June 2015):

For Locals:
Whale watching inside the boat: P300.00/person (life jacket inlcuded)
Snorkeling with the whales: P500.00/person (snorkeling and life jacket included)

For Foreigners:
Snorkeling with the whales P1000.00/person(snorkeling and life jacket included)

Note: The whale watching activity is good for 30 minutes only.

For the safety of the tourist and whale sharks, the tourism officers gives a short briefing of the do’s and don’ts for whale watching.

The whale sharks are harmless but we must always consider a 4m distance from the whale shark for us not to touch/hit them. But if they swam too close please do not attempt to touch them. And oh, we are not allowed to wear sunblock or any body creams or oils for the chemicals might harm the whale sharks.

Whale watching is only from 6:30am until 12:00nn daily. Usually, after whale watching, people go to Tumalog Falls, which is only 15minutes away from the whale watching site. From the whale watching site, you can ride a habal-habal (motorcycle) which only costs P120.00 (as of June 2015) for a round trip. The entrance fee in Tumalog falls is only P20.00 (as of June 2015):

The habal habal dropped us off 500m from the falls. You can ride another habal-habal from the drop off point to the falls for P50.00 (as of June 2015) for a round trip. But we chose to walk for some challenge (especially going back) and experience nature.

By the way, you should discuss with the habal-habal driver what time he’s going to pick you up from the drop off point, pay him after not before the trip to Tumalog Falls.

I’ve seen photos of the Tumalog falls over the internet, but it was more stunning in actual. Even though the water level of the falls is too shallow and the water is not that clear (but not dirty), the cold water was refreshing, the sound of the sprinkling water was relaxing and the foggy effect of the falls with the birds flying around it was fascinating.

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How much did I spent:

Bus to Oslob: P155.00
Whale Watching: P500.00
MB’s Sunrise View Resort Fee: P100.00
Habal-Habal to Tumalog Falls: P120.00
Tumalog Falls Entrance Fee: P20.00
Bus to South Bus Terminal: P155.00
Meals: P100.00
Total: P1150  ($27)

The whole trip to Oslob can fit into a day and is very affordable. Oslob definitely makes you experience nature on another level.