Everyone knows that Oslob = Whale Sharks.
While these gentle giants really are the star of this otherwise ordinary municipality, I hate it when people come to Oslob…
Take one look at the whale sharks…
and then speed away as quickly as they can elsewhere.
Oslob is MORE than just its whale sharks!
In fact, you can easily spend 2-3 days in this town, and you’ll find that it’s well worth it.
That’s why in this article, I’m going to give you the FULL scoop about Oslob.
This Oslob travel guide will go over everything you need to know such as:
- What to do in Oslob
- How to get here
- How to get around once you’re here
- Where to stay in Oslob
- Where to eat in Oslob
There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in!
What to do in Oslob – 6 Oslob Tourist Spots You NEED to Check Out
Let’s start with the fun stuff!
What exactly can you do in Oslob???
Oslob Tourist Spots #1: Whale Shark Watching
- Opening Hours: 6 am – 12 pm (11 am cutoff)
- Fees: php500/head (Pinoys), php1,000/head (foreigners)
If you go to Oslob but don’t visit the whale sharks… have you really even been to Oslob???
It’s one of the only places in the Philippines where you’re guaranteed to see whale sharks every day (because they feed them).
So… what can you expect from this place?
Here’s a quick rundown!
You don’t need to book anything ahead or through anyone. Just go to the whale shark area on Google Maps. When you arrive tell the person sitting at a desk how many people are in your group, and you’ll be given a ticket.
Head to the cashier and pay, then wait for a quick orientation.
The orientation takes about 5 – 10 minutes, and they go over all the rules like no touching the whale sharks, no flash photography, no sunblock, etc.
Then, it’s waiting time!
Your ticket has a number, and you simply wait for your number to be called out. This is the part that can take a loooooong time (even on weekdays), so you might as well go get breakfast while waiting.
We waited about 1.5 hours before our number was called out.
We then boarded a small bangka. Rode to the whale shark line. And jumped in and swam alongside these STUNNING creatures.
You get to swim with the whale sharks for roughly 30 minutes.
The boat drivers discourage you from venturing too far away from your bangka (and from getting too close to the animals), but you still get a VERY up-close look at these amazing animals.
Then it’s time to climb back into the bangka and head back to shore.
I have a LOT more to say about this experience (including why it’s controversial), but that’ll be for another article.
For now, let me just say that if you’re heading to Oslob, this is a must-do!
Oslob Tourist Spots #2: Tumalog Falls
- Opening Hours: 7 am – 4 pm
- Fees: php50 entrance, php50 (optional 2-way motorbike ride)
Before you ask: YES, Tumalog Falls is open.
It was closed for most of 2024, but in October, they finally reopened.
And good thing!
Not only is the water here so BLUE, but Tumalog is also a super unique waterfall compared to the other falls in Cebu (and the rest of the Philippines).
Instead of one BIG and POWERFUL stream of water, Tumalog’s water comes down in a rain-like stream, and the rock formations here almost look like umbrellas scattering the rain even more.
Standing under the falls in Tumalog’s shallow pool feels just like standing in the rain.
A perfect stop after watching the whale sharks!
Note: you’re not allowed to drive your scooter all the way down to the falls. However, there are habal-habals (motorbike taxis) that can take you down and back up for php50.
If you want to walk, it’s about a 500m walk down a super steep road.
Oslob Tourist Spots #3: Wild Monkey Viewing
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 12 pm
- Fees: php50 entrance, php50 per banana bunch (optional)
If you like monkeys, you’ll love this spot!
And the best part?
These monkeys are 100% wild.
There’s no cages, no chains, nothing. They just come down from their mountain homes every morning for some bananas. Then climb back home every afternoon (kind of like the whale sharks tbh).
I’ll be honest:
I wasn’t expecting to like this spot (I don’t like zoos, and I’ve seen a lot of monkeys before).
But seeing how free these monkeys were was quite nice. Plus, you get to feed them as well.
Oslob Tourist Spots #4: Sumilon Island
Oslob’s beaches are mostly rocky.
There’s no powdery white sand like Moalboal’s white beach over here. Unless…
Unless you take a trip to Sumilon Island, which is just off the coast of Oslob.
Most of Sumilon Island is owned by BlueWater Resorts. They have villas on the island, an infinity pool, a hike, and a bunch of other activities (everything you’d expect from a high-end resort).
You can take a day trip to Sumilon Island for php1,500-php2,500 depending on the season. This day tour already includes boat transfers, a bunch of activities, and a buffet lunch!
You can contact BlueWater Resort to book a day tour, or you can book online through Klook.
Also!
Sumilon Island has a sandbar that isn’t owned by BlueWater Resort.
If you’re on a budget, you’ll find a bunch of joiner tours that head to this sandbar only. You can find a lot of them right outside the whale shark-watching area!
Oslob Tourist Spots #5: Cuartel Ruins
At the heart of Oslob town, you’ll find the Cuartel Ruins.
This used to be barracks for Spanish soldiers way back in the day, but today all that remains are some old walls sitting next to the Oslob church.
It’s not the most amazing ruins by any stretch of the imagination.
But if you have some time, chilling by the ruins as the sun sets is a really cozy way to spend your afternoon. Not too far away there’s also some grills where you can enjoy dinner.
Bonus Tourist Spot: Dao Falls
- Opening Hours: 7 am – 4 pm
- Fees: php200 entrance + guide tip
Bonus!
Dao Falls isn’t in Oslob. It’s in Samboan, which is two towns over (Oslob – Santander – Samboan).
However!
This is a magical waterfall that is an absolute MUST visit!
To get here, you’ll have to go on a short 20 – 30 minute river trek (0.8 km). The trek itself is already really nice, with tall canyon walls and lovely blue-green water flowing through.
But when you get to the actual falls, you’ll be blown away!
Dao Falls is one of my favorite falls of all time.
It’s beautiful, refreshing, and not at all crowded like Kawasan or other popular falls.
Bringing a guide here is mandatory (even though it’s a pretty easy hike without a guide). You’re always required to tip your guide.
We gave our guy php300.
How to Get to Oslob
There are several ways to get to Oslob depending on where you’re coming from.
For most people, the main jump-off to Oslob would be at the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City.
However, if you’re coming from Moalboal, Bohol, or Siquijor, there are other routes to get here.
Let’s go over these routes!
How to Get to Oslob from Cebu City
- Ride a taxi to the South Bus Terminal
- Buy a ticket, and hop on the bus to Oslob
- Relax and enjoy the ride!
When you arrive at the South Bus Terminal, head inside and buy a ticket for Oslob.
The person at the counter might ask you which part of Oslob you’re heading to (Oslob is a BIG municipality). If you’re heading to the whale shark area, tell them “Tan-Awan” (this is where the whale sharks are), or just say “Whale Sharks.”
If you’re staying in the main town, tell them “Poblacion.”
An aircon bus should cost you php265 if you’re heading to Poblacion, and slightly more if you’re going straight to Tan-Awan.
There’s no need to book your bus ticket in advance.
South Bus Terminal has busses leaving for Oslob roughly every 30 minutes 24/7, so getting a ride shouldn’t be a problem.
Travel time takes about 4 – 5 hours, and the busses typically make one stop somewhere in the middle for a quick meal/bathroom break (usually in the SOS Place in Argao).
How to Get to Oslob from Bohol
- Book the Apekop Ferry from Panglao to Oslob (book here!)
- Head to Momo Beach and board the boat
- Relax and enjoy the ride!
A LOT of travelers don’t realize this, but there’s a direct ferry from Bohol to Oslob.
It’s not the biggest boat, and it only leaves once a day, so this is one of the ferries that I actually recommend booking in advance (for most other ferries, you can just book on the spot).
The boat leaves from Momo Beach in Panglao, and docks in Cuartel Beach right in the heart of Oslob Town.
Travel time takes about an hour and a half.
Note: you can also ride this ferry if you’re in Oslob and want to explore Bohol next!
How to Get to Oslob from Siquijor
- Head to Larena Port
- Ride the Maayo Shipping boat from Larena to Bato
- Hop on a bus bound for Cebu City (via Oslob)
- Tell the conductor to drop you in Oslob!
There’s ONE boat a day from Larena Port to Bato Port in south Cebu (and usually none on Mondays).
Also, keep in mind that this boat leaves from Larena Port, NOT Siquijor Port (Siquijor Island has two main ports you see).
The travel time is about 3-4 hours.
Once you arrive, hop on a bus that’s heading to Cebu City VIA OSLOB. Make SURE you’re riding the one heading to Oslob since some buses head to Cebu City via Moalboal instead.
Travel time should take more or less 30 – 45 minutes.
That’s the most simple way to do it. But if you’d like more options (or if you’re traveling on a Monday), here’s the other way to get from Siquijor to Oslob:
- Take a ferry from Siquijor Port to Dumaguete
- Get on a bus to Sibulan Port
- Ride the Maayo Shipping ferry from Sibulan to Liloan Port
- Ride a bus heading to Cebu City and tell the conductor to drop you in Oslob
How to Get Around Oslob
The easiest way to get around Oslob is to rent a motorbike and explore yourself! This gives you the freedom to explore all the spots at your own pace.
Renting a motorbike here is SUPER easy. Most inns and hotels in Oslob should have a motorbike their guests can rent. If not, they’ll have contacts to bike rental shops.
If you can’t drive a motorbike, you can easily hail a tricycle or habal-habal to take you around (for example, if you’re heading from town to the whale shark area, or the monkey viewing). You can use these for short distances, or you can ask them to tour you around to all the popular spots.
Finally, if you’re going for long distances, there are MANY buses and jeepneys heading both south and north of Oslob! You can take buses to Samboan (where some really nice waterfalls are), or even all the way to Moalboal.
Where to Stay in Oslob
Oslob has options for ALL budgets.
Whether you’re a dirt-cheap backpacker, or someone looking for a luxurious getaway, Oslob has it all.
Now… when it comes to areas to stay, there are three popular options:
- Right next to the whale sharks,
- In Oslob town, or
- Some high-end resort
Where to Stay Near the Whale Sharks
For people taking a quick trip to Oslob, staying as close as you can to the whale sharks makes sense.
After all, you may want to queue as early as possible (aka, 5am), so you won’t be waiting in line for a longgg time.
The good news is, there are SO many places to stay right next to the whale sharks. Here’s a quick rundown!
Budget Stays:
- Way Shack Hostel – Affordable, clean rooms and just a 2min walk to whale shark watching.
- Sharky Hostel Oslob – This place is perfect for those who want to be the first to swim with sharks at dawn. The hostel itself is very simple.
- C Star Travellers Inn – Perfect accommodation for solo travelers exploring Oslob. Rooms are clean with complimentary grab-and-go breakfast. 4min walk to Whale Shark watching.
Mid-Price Stays:
- Ester’s Place Casa Bonita Inn – A luxurious haven for solo travelers in Oslob. Located just along the road and a 10 mins or less walk to whale shark watching.
- Joaquim’s Lodge – Simple facilities with high-cost performance. Enjoy the convenience of a stylish bar, a cozy coffee shop, and room service.
- Susada’s Inn – Spacious rooms with 2 beds good enough for 4 people. Big bathroom and a very clean place. Located a few minutes from the whale shark watching. There are also nearby restaurants and cafes. Highly accessible to commuters.
Where to Stay in Oslob Town
The problem with staying close to the whale sharks is that once the hustle and bustle of the whale shark viewing dies out for the day — you kind of find yourself in the middle of nowhere.
There aren’t too many food options, the place is mostly quiet, and you don’t get the usual conveniences of staying in a town.
That’s why even though it’s 15 minutes away, a lot of visitors choose to stay in Oslob town instead.
Budget Stays:
- Maxvir Beach Resort – Spacious bamboo hut with electric fan and bathroom. Located along the road and very near the market and Gaisano mall.
- New Village Lodge – 240m to Oslob town. This lodge is pet-friendly with a nice tranquil vibe. You can park your car just outside the rooms and they have a nice restobar with budget-friendly meals.
- Luna Oslob Travellers Inn – Few mins walk to Oslob Town and the beach. Affordable, clean rooms with all the essentials you will need.
Mid-Price Stays:
- Sascha’s Lodge – Where I stayed! A pretty simple lodge by the sea. They have a pool and a convenience/restaurant in their premises, and they have motorbikes for rent at php500/day. The walls are a bit too green for me, but that’s just a preference thing 😂. Overall a great place to stay in Oslob town!
- GT Seaside Inn – Located 200m to the main strip (Oslob Town), has a garden, restaurant and a private beach.
- Oslob Malonzo Pension House – Spacious rooms, a car park, and an eat-all-you-can Korean BBQ in the courtyard.
High-End Stays in Oslob
If you’re coming to Oslob for a luxurious vacation, there are several high-end resorts you can choose between.
These high-end resorts are scattered around the municipality.
Besides… if you can afford one of these resorts, you can probably afford a private driver to take you around.
- BlueWater Sumilon Island – You can’t talk about Oslob and luxury without mentioning BlueWater! Sumilon Island is just 15 minutes off the coast of Tan-Awan, and BlueWater Resorts actually owns almost all of the island. They have villas, an infinity pool, a cozy restaurant, and so much more! I’ve been to Sumilon Island 4 times already, but the most memorable one for me was the time I actually stayed there overnight. Super worth it!
- AJ’s Place Beach Resort – Nice and relaxing place to stay. Only 3 minute walk to the Whale Shark area. Rooms are clean and quiet, outdoor eating area on the beachfront, and free snorkeling!
- Casita Curbada – Casita Curbada has a private beach area, garden and is situated close to Tan-awan Beach.
- Cloud and Xky Beach Resort – Located in Tan-Awan where you can easily check out the whale sharks. Enjoy their outdoor pool, beach view, and karaoke.
Should You Stay in Oslob or Moalboal?
I generally recommend staying in Moalboal over Oslob. However, spending a night in Oslob makes a LOT of sense for some itineraries.
This is a question that I see a lot of people ask is whether they should stay in Oslob or Moalboal.
And the truth is… it depends.
If you ask me, I’d rather stay in Moalboal than Oslob.
The town in Moalboal is MUCH more alive than in Oslob.
There are more choices when it comes to places to stay — whether you want an active hostel, or a quiet stay. There are a LOT more establishments and restaurants. And there’s also more to do in Moalboal compared to Oslob.
That said, it makes sense to spend one night in Oslob if you want to see the whale sharks early, and then transfer to Moalboal for the rest of your trip.
There’s also a boat from Oslob to Bohol. So if Bohol is your next destination, you can spend the night in Oslob, see the whale sharks in the morning, and transfer to Bohol from there.
Of course, you can just choose to stay in Oslob the whole time and do a day trip to Moalboal.
Or, if you’re not trying to see the whole South Cebu in one go, why not spend ALL your time in Oslob?
Where to Eat in Oslob
Here’s a little secret:
I’m not the biggest foodie in the world!
However, I do enjoy finding really good cheap eats and unique food that’s worth mentioning.
Food options in Oslob are pretty limited, so I thought I’d write down where we ate to give you some ideas!
Where to Eat in Oslob: Jamaican Lafangan
- Food: Mostly grilled Filipino foods
- Price: Low
- Why I Like It: Open-air, chill atmosphere
- Location: Oslob town
- Note: They also have Tuslob Buwa (a Cebu delicacy made from pig’s brain) here. If you haven’t tried that yet, this is a great place to do so!
If you’re looking for a budget meal, head over to Jamaican Lafangan in Oslob Town.
It’s right beside the Cuartel Ruins, and it seems to be a local favorite.
Here they serve a bunch of Filipino grilled and barbecue dishes. I got Inasal Paa (grilled chicken leg) to cure the hunger!
There’s also Tuslob Buwa here (Cebu’s famous delicacy) if you’re brave enough to try it!
Where to Eat in Oslob: Le Bistrot
- Food: French / International / Pizzas
- Price: Mid to High
- Why I Like It: Only place we found with unique cuisine in Oslob
- Location: Oslob town
In Oslob, you’ll find that almost ALL the food here is either Filipino or American.
Silogs, BBQ, Inasal, seafood and more for the Filipino side, and burgers, chicken wings, and pizzas for the American side.
That’s why when we found this French cafe/restaurant, we were excited!
While the owner is probably French (and you can get croissants here), the menu is quite international (with Italian pizzas, Brazilian steak, American burgers, and more).
It’s on the pricier side. But the quality was quite good overall.
Where to Eat in Oslob: Felicita’s Cafe
- Food: Drinks, desserts, and simple please
- Price: Mid
- Why I Like It: Super beautiful view of Oslob’s ocean
- Location: 5 minute drive from Oslob town
If you’re looking for a spot with a view, Felicita’s Cafe is for you!
The cafe is built on the side of a cliff overlooking the bright blue ocean.
The water here is SO CLEAR, we could see a turtle swimming around, enjoying his best life from so far up.
But okay… food.
Felicia’s is mostly about desserts and drinks. However, they do have some meals. We ordered the pork belly and it was okay (a bit too pricey for what it’s worth [php200 for a small portion], but it was okay).
The real winner for this cafe is the view.
If ever I come back, I’d probably come here for some halo-halo or a shake instead of an actual meal.
Where to Eat in Oslob: Choobi-Choobi
- Food: Seafood / Pinoy food
- Price: High
- Why I Like It: Good food close to the whale shark area
- Location: 2-minute drive from the Whale Shark area
There are no Jollibees or McDonald’s in Oslob.
As far as chains go, the only one I found was Choobi-Choobi, a family seafood restaurant with branches all around Cebu.
They have all kinds of seafood here (although surprisingly, they didn’t have crabs), as well as some other Pinoy favorites like grilled belly.
We ordered oysters, squid, and shrimp, and they were all really good!
Choobi-Choobi is more of a family-type restaurant. But if you’re looking for some good food and don’t mind the price too much, this is a great place to eat after your whale shark adventure!
Conclusion – Is Oslob Worth Staying Longer?
In short: yes.
Sure, there are other places that are livelier, and other places with more to do.
If you’re short on time, coming here just to see the whale sharks then scooting away to Moalboal, Bohol, or Siquijor is completely fine.
But if you have more time, staying for a few days is well worthwhile.
I hope this guide helps you plan your trip!
Cheers!
Manoling