Photo credit: Jeff Caceres (Facebook)
I always love exploring places that I’ve never visited yet. So as my sister, Aira.
Before I go to Manila for a business convention, my sister and I planned with her friends (Denise, JB, and Shiela) to go to Oslob, Cebu. One of my friends told me before that they had great experiences in traveling to this place. Since we’re on a limited budget, I only bring around P3,000 ($75) pocket money. It’ll include our gas contribution, barge fee, accommodation, food, pasalubong and other amenities.
After Valentine’s Day, we’re all set for the trip. At 2 AM in the morning, we took off from Bacolod City to Bais City. It’s a 3-hour road trip going to the Bais port. It only takes us an hour to reach the southern part of Cebu. After we successfully landed, our Love Month adventure begins.
Photo credit: Jeff Caceres (Facebook)
The Oslob Heritage Park
They said that the Oslob Heritage Park is one of the town’s highlights. After eating our breakfast outside of our car while enjoying a nice view from out of nowhere, we decided to explore the historic structures of the park. The first structure is known as the Cuartel. This structure was built in the 19th century and was supposed to be the Spanish barracks during the Moro war. Baluarte, the Spanish-term for watch tower, is also one of the historic structures that provide broad vision to Spaniards to prevent Moro invasion. There’s also an old church and museum in the Oslob Heritage Park.
Photo credit: Jeff Caceres (Facebook)
Simala Church
Less than 30 minutes later, we traveled to the Simala Church. It was said to be the town’s “miraculous” church. From there, we saw some hanging wheelchairs on the walls with testimonies from the visitors. Not only wheelchairs, but there are several items that people donate for granting their simple wishes from Mother Mary. My friends and I are taking our chance to want something that comes from our hearts. I would be back here to donate something if Mother Mary from Simala Church granted my wish.
Photo credit: Jeff Caceres (Facebook)
Osmena Peak
After eating our lunch at Jollibee in Carcar (home of the delicious chicharon), we proceed to Dalaguete to climb on the Cebu’s highest peak. For us to get there, we should ride on a motorbike since the road is so narrow and bumpy. It took us 15 to 20 minutes to get there before climbing to the Osmena Peak. Above sea level, Osmena Peak stands around 1,013 meters. When we finally reached the top, it was breathtaking. The 700-meter climb is exhausting, but it’s one of the easiest ever. It’s worth going there.
Photo credit: Jeff Caceres (Facebook)
Dive with the Butandings
After our unforgettable moment at the Osmena Peak, we decide to take a rest and proceed to our bed space in Oslob. At 5 AM in the morning, the tour guide knocked at our door to prepare ourselves for the unforgettable experience with the whale sharks (Butandings). We’re not allowed to put sunblock on our skin, as it has chemicals that could affect the health of the whale sharks. If you’re going to sit on a bangka while watching the Butandings from the boat, it cost P300 ($6) every 30 minutes. However, if you want to dive and take pictures with the whale sharks, you should pay additional P200 ($4) on top of the initial fee.
Photo credit: Jeff Caceres (Facebook)
Tumalog Falls
Our last stop is the Tumalog Falls. It is one of the main attractions of Oslob town. For us to get there, we need to rent a private service van. To our surprise, our driver is an American. He stayed here for a long time with his Filipina wife. I forgot how much we paid for the driver to take us back and forth, but it’s cheap for me. It took us around 10 minutes to reach the entrance of the Tumalog Falls. Registration is only P20 ($0.39). However, it’s a long way down to the falls. Since the road is too narrow, tourists should hang on in riding a “habal-habal” motorbike. However, we choose to walk until we get to the falls. The water looks amazing and refreshing. The good news is that the water is not too deep if you’re a full-grown adult.
Moving forward
I have visited the Queen City of the South’s capital a few times, but it’s highly urbanized. If you want more on nature, the southern part of Cebu is the best for you. With all the historical structures, climbing on the highest peak, diving with the Butandings and relaxing in Tumalog, I can say that it is one of the best adventures I’ve ever had. Not only that, it’s unforgettable and you’ll leave lots of memories there.
About the author
Jeff Caceres is a guy who loves to travel and adventure within the Philippines and the world. He also likes to engage to water sports and scuba diving. When it comes to scuba diving, he only chooses the best quality in the market today. Scuba Compare is a scuba diving blog the best place for you to choose the best full face snorkel masks and other water gear.
