Cebu City might be the most popular destination the island of Cebu is known for, but for those with a hankering for adventure, the southern tip of the island is a must-visit.
While it might not be as well-known, the southern tip of Cebu is home to several tourist spots which would pique the interest of visitors.
Oslob is one of the most famous destinations in the area and for good reason.
The town has made a name for itself due to the regular appearance of whale sharks in the seas in front of the coastal town.
Here, visitors can swim alongside the largest fishes in the world.
While the practice of feeding the whale sharks to lure them to the waiting crowd is considered to be controversial due to how it affects the feeding patterns of these migratory animals, this has led to a boom in the tourism in the town.
According to one of the personnel manning the registration of guests, they average 300 visitors a day during weekdays, reaching 1000+ during the weekend.
Whale shark watchers are paddled out to the gentle giants via small boats. From there, they could jump into the waters and swim beside the gentle giants. The boat guides can also help in taking photos and videos as a souvenir of the trip.
For those who prefer their water to be fresh rather than salty, Tumalog falls is the destination of choice.
The falls are quite a ways inland and hidden deep in the mountains. It was discovered only in 2012 but it has since then become one of the must-visit spots when in the area.
Visitors must travel down a steep road to get to the falls or alternatively, one can ride a motorcycle going to and from the falls. The basin of the falls is relatively shallow, making it a perfect spot to cool of and enjoy the cold waters raining from above. You can also position yourself directly underneath the falls if you wish.
Unknown to many, Oslob is an old town. This is most evident with the Oslob Church. Also known as Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Conception, it is one of the oldest churches in Cebu. It was constructed in 1830, and was designed by Bishop Santos Gomez Marañon – the same person who built the Magellan’s Cross kiosk in Cebu City.
Just across the church is the Cuartel Ruins. This was built to serve as the barracks for the Spanish troops garrisoned there.
However, construction was halted during the arrival of the Americans in 1899. The coral stones used in its construction came from the remnants of the collapsed floor of the church bell tower.
There are a number of available accommodations in Oslob with varying prices.
Off the coast of southern Cebu is the island of Sumilon which is also the home of Bluewater Sumilon Resort.
Guests can visit the resort by taking a boat ride from the Bluewater jetty in Bancogon, Oslob. The resort offers a mix of luxurious accommodations and raw natural beauty. It is also home to several destinations of note.
