How to Spend 48 Hours in Oslob, Philippines

The reason people flock to Oslob is its whale sharks, locally called ‘tuki’. Though it shrouds some controversies, it has become a part of many bucket lists to swim with whale sharks in Oslob. Go to Barangay Tan-awan as early as possible since whale shark watching begins at 11 a.m. (and there is often a rush of tourists). Swim or snorkel and follow all the rules given during the briefing.

After swimming with the gentle giants, you can grab your breakfast from nearby eateries serving fresh seafood. Then hail a habal habal (motorcycle) to Tumalog Falls. Just before noon, prepare to leave for Mainit Spring.

Located in Malabuyoc, grab lunch along the way before you proceed to Mainit spring. ‘Mainit’ means ‘hot’, which explains this hot spring’s name. There are three man-made pools in which to take a dip, all with varying temperatures from 36.1°C-47.6°C. Not far from the spring is a small waterfall.

Going back to Oslob, spend some time at Oslob Baywalk and take your time while enjoying the sea views and small town scenes.

Enjoy peaceful nightlife in Oslob right in your place of stay. The best choice would be a beachfront accommodation where you can spend the night listening to the waves or listen to its lullaby while in a hammock. With your day packed with activities, enjoy the night with a bottle of local beer.

Like other southern towns, Oslob offers something for those who love cultural and historic walks. Right after breakfast, proceed to Oslob Municipal Heritage Park and see the town’s historic sites in one area. Learn about Oslob and Cebu’s Spanish era at Calle Aragones, say a prayer at the Church of Immaculate Concepcion and spot how this house of worship is made out of coral stone.

See sites like Cuartel and Baluarte. Cuartel (‘barracks’ in Spanish) is right in front of the church, built in 1860 for Spanish soldiers but left unfinished when the Filipino Revolution against Spain started. Baluarte on the other hand seems like an unfinished structure, but it was designed that way as a hiding place for Spanish soldiers spotting slave raiders attacking villages in the Visayas.

Go back to your accommodation in Oslob and check out before preparing yourself for a short boat ride to Sumilon Island. An island resort, Sumilon Island offers a tranquil retreat, away from the crowd flocking to Oslob. Escape and rejuvenate from yesterday’s fully packed tour.

The island of Sumilon covers 24 hectares with its clear waters teeming with rich underwater treasures. Enjoy a picnic by the beach, go for a swim or sign up for snorkelling or diving. From its iconic sandbar, explore other parts of the island from its mangrove, caves and even a 19th century watchtower.

Stay for the night in Sumilon Island as you enjoy the dusk and the island’s tranquil ambiance. Watch as the day turns to night from the resort’s bamboo gazebo before dinner. The resort also offers dinner parties in various locations. Then, before you retire, have a massage from the spa or read a book from the library.