The usual hustle and bustle of the city can be tiresome and boring sometimes. Every once in a while, it would be great to take a break and see the rolling hills, pristine beaches, and tropical forests of the countryside. If you're planning where to go on your next vacation, Oslob can be a great place to visit.

Like all other places in the Philippines, Oslob has its own mix of cultural heritage sites and natural attractions. The municipality is located about 132 kilometers from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and is one of the towns in the southernmost tip of the island of Cebu. Although Oslob has been a quite countryside in the past, it caught the attention of the public when whale sharks started visiting the place. Since then, whale shark watching has sparked the town's eco-tourism.

5 Activities to Do to Explore Oslob in a Day

Whether you're a local or foreigner, Oslob has a lot in store for you to make sure you'll have a wonderful weekend. Just make sure to make an itinerary based on the following activities — these are the surefire ways to explore the place:

1. Take a selfie at the Baywalk

Nothing can be more boring than enduring a three-hour trip. To ease your boredom, hang out at the Baywalk even just for 30 minutes. Watch the waves kiss the shore as the sun sets or rises. Then, take a selfie (or a groupfie) to catch the first or last of the sun's golden rays in your pictures.

2. Drop by the Immaculate Conception Church, one of Cebu's oldest architecture

It doesn't require you to be a heritage or culture buff to appreciate the beauty of this church. Built on the 4th of May 1830, this structure is built using the oldest construction materials — coral stones cemented with lime and seashell ashes. Also, this church also embodies the tenacity and steadfast faith of Cebuanos, having survived fire three times — first on 1942, second on 1955 and third on 2008.

3. Visit the town's historical landmarks

The belfry, baluarte and cuartel. Oslob is home to Cebu's oldest Spanish strongholds. Like the other fortresses and watchtowers built at strategic places in Cebu, the Cuartel and Baluarte were designed to protect the local community against Moro invaders. The 5-level belfry, which has 11 bells, was also built nearby to serve as alarm should there be any threat coming from the sea.

4. Take a refreshing bath at Tumalog Falls

After eating a hearty lunch, head directly to Tumalog Falls to avoid the searing heat of midday sun. Dip into the ice-like coldness of the water to freshen up and get ready for the rest of the day.

5. Swim with the gentle giants

In the past, Oslob is a quiet town, until the whale sharks came looking for food. The locals fed them. And from then on, they became the town's frequent visitors. Today at Barangay Tan-awan, foreigners and locals alike would take turns renting a boat that would get them closer to the gentle giants. The size of whale sharks ranges from 2-6 meters, the largest of which is called "Big Mama" at 9 meters. The viewing is open from 6AM to 12PM only.

When to Visit Oslob?

Although these activities can be done anytime of the year, it would be perfect if you can visit Oslob during the first week of December, just in time for the town's fiesta. That is, if you want to witness festivities and cultural shows. Specifically, Oslob's fiesta is held every 8th of December in celebration of the Immaculate Conception Feast.

Toslob Festival — This is the town's festival that showcases ritual dances, especially about how the place got its name. The legend tells of two Spanish Civils who saw a couple eating boiled bananas soaked in vinegar and salt. The guards asked the couple about the name of the place. The couple misinterpreted the question and said "Toslob" because they thought that they were being asked what they were doing.

Rates and Fees

Here's the catch! Oslob can actually be toured even if you have a budget of just 1500. Here's a breakdown:

• PHP 50 - (jeep fare from the Airport to Gaisano Island Mall [PHP7] — V-hire from Gaisano Island Mall to SM City [PHP 25] — SM City to South Bus Terminal [PHP8]
  Transportation Alternative – PHP150 - 300 (Taxi from Airport to South Bus Terminal)
• PHP 120-200 – Ceres Bus from South Bus Terminal to Oslob (Aircon or Non Aircon)
• PHP 500 – Whale Shark Watching Rate per person for 30 minutes
• PHP 120 - Motorcycle Ride to Tumalog Falls
• PHP 20 – Tumalog Falls entrance fee
• PHP 300 – Foods for 3 meals
• PHP 100 – Delicacies and Souvenirs

Whether you like to take a break from the city or just in search of a new place to visit, Oslob is your perfect destination. You can easily ride a bus going back to the city or continue your exploration to the nearby city, Dumaguete, to visit Balinsasayao and Danao Twin Lakes and Casaroro Falls.