Swim with the famous whale shark "Butanding"
Oslob's whale shark watching is located in a small barangay named Tan-awan, a 10-kilometer drive away from the town center of Oslob. Let's go!
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How to get there:
Cebu City to Oslob (Updated 2019)
Cebu City to Oslob (Updated 2019)
From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport:
You can take a cab to go to the South bus terminal. The estimated fare is 250 PHP – 350 PHP, depending on traffic. Or you can take it straight to Barangay ("Brgy" for short) Tan-awan in Oslob, but we try for the cheapest travel method, which is by bus.
Alternatively, if you're familiar with Uber and/or Lyft, then you can download and use the mobile app, Grab, to book your transportation.
Travel time from Airport to South Bus Terminal: 1 hour (depending on traffic)
From Cebu City:
Take a cab or jeepney to South Bus Terminal which is a few meters away from Elizabeth Mall. The terminal is clean and organized. Buy your ticket at the counter and make sure to read the board signs placed in front of the windshield mirror before hopping inside the bus.
From the South bus terminal: take the Ceres Bus
- Buses Operate from 1 AM – 9 PM
- Bus Fare: 150 PHP – 180 PHP
- Bus Route: Bato via Liloan to Oslob
- Drop-Off: Brgy. Tan-awan in Oslob
- Travel Time (bus/private car): 3-4 hours
Prices may have changed.
Another alternative if you're around these two towns:
From Bato to Oslob:
- Bus Fare: 40 PHP – 60 PHP
- Travel Time: 20 – 30 minutes
From Moalboal to Oslob:
- Bus Fare: 100 PHP – 150 PHP
- Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes – 2 hours (1 hour+ to the town of Bato plus another 20 minutes)
Tips
- Power outlets are commonly type A, with a standard voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 60 Hz. Be sure to bring a universal plug adapter!
- Money matters: We recommend exchanging your currency via Western Union (WU) because you'll get a better rate than at the airport. You can send your travel budget to yourself and pick up the exchanged amount at the local WU.
- Convenient phone apps: Grab for transportation.
Survival Terms
- "CR" is the term for the toilet
- Salamat means "thank you"
Crazy Early Birds
Be there as early as possible to avoid the crowd and be the first to see them during their feeding time. We were at the terminal as early as 2 AM to catch the earliest bus. It will be a long, cold, and windy ride ahead of you; the earliest bus trips are not air-conditioned, so better to keep the window down and try to get some sleep. Don't forget to inform the ticket collector — commonly known as 'konduktor' — where you're heading. He's the one who collects the ticket fare and knows the road.
As we drove along the road, it was like we were at a rock concert, banging our heads together and swaying them from left to right as we drifted off to dreamland. We looked ridiculously tired, and I had even planned to film my friends sleeping if only I wasn't so preoccupied with getting some sleep too. However, I couldn't resist the twilight zone and eventually forgot about it.
There are billboard signs placed near the road for the Butanding briefing area. However, if you plan to be as early as 6 in the morning like us, then it's more realistic and responsible to inform the 'konduktor' not to miss the stop point.
As I was saying, we were busy sleeping and didn't notice that we were almost to our stop, maybe less than 50 minutes away. Good thing we informed the 'konduktor' ahead of time, and what perfect timing, because another group was also heading to the same destination.
Planning your travel is crucial, and using a Travel Planner can make the process much easier. Whether you are planning a short weekend getaway or a long-term travel adventure, a travel planner can help you stay organized and make the most of your trip.
What to do in Oslob
Did you know?
Whale Sharks: The Giant Fish of the Sea
The whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea. Despite their name, whale sharks are fish, not whales; they are called "whale" due to their enormous size, similar to some whale species. These gentle giants can grow to lengths similar to a large school bus. Rest assured, they do not consume humans. As filter-feeders, they strain plankton and small fish from the water with their wide mouths.
- Butanding Feeding Schedule: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Whale Watching-Only: 300 PHP (Locals) // 500 PHP (Foreigners)
- Whale Watching plus Snorkeling (inclusive of equipment): 500 PHP (Locals) // 1,000 PHP (Foreigners)
- Waterproof Camera Rent (without memory card): 500 PHP
- Waterproof Camera Rent (with memory card): 550 PHP
- Optional Locker Rent: 20 PHP, or just leave your belongings in the fisherman's shack
There are diving shops offering whale shark diving packages, the price depends on the number of divers. They can accommodate from 1 to 12 divers.
- Local Diving Rates: 3,500 - 8,000 PHP
- Foreigner Diving Rates: 4,500 - 9,000 PHP
Introducing the largest fish of the aquatic realm!
Explore more:
- PART 1: How to get there: Whale Shark Watching Butanding, Oslob, Cebu, Philippines
- PART 2: Whale Shark "Butanding" Crazy Experience
- After Whale Watching visit: Tumalog Waterfalls
Back to the City or Sidetrip
Two options:
1. If you're in a hurry or need to catch your flight or a boat ride, then better get back to the city early, as the traffic is unpredictable. Just wait for the Ceres Bus to pass by the road and make sure, before hopping in, that it has the sign going back to Cebu City.
2. Check out Tumalog Waterfalls. There are parked motorcycles near the briefing area. These guys will take you there. Entrance Fee: 20 PHP
If you still have ample time, then you can drop by Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion Church, one of the oldest churches in Cebu.
This was one of the best experiences in my life and one that would surely be on everyone's bucket list. I would do this again if I could go back to Oslob. Take a chance to swim with the whale sharks; it's not every day that you get to be with these lovely creatures.
Show your Filipino pride with a stylish Philippines Notebook! Visit Flying Starfish Studios for unique journals, notebooks, and planners.
Places to Visit After Oslob: Southern Cebu Highlights
Southwestern side:
- Sumilon Island (Oslob): Known for its white sandbar and clear waters.
- Tumalog Falls (Oslob): "Curtain" waterfall near the whale shark area.
- Aguinid Falls (Samboan): Offers a five-level climbing adventure.
- Dau Falls (Samboan): Unique waterfall, featuring a turquoise pool.
- Inambakan Falls (Ginatilan): Multi-tiered waterfall with a large pool.
- Kawasan Falls (Badian): Famous for its turquoise water.
- Basdaku (Moalboal): Unspoiled long stretch of white sandy beach - stay here for accessibility!
- Tingko Beach (Alcoy) is a serene, scenic beach, a low-key mini Boracay.
- Osmeña Peak (Dalaguete): Highest point in Cebu with panoramic views.
I always thought that my base jumping Bungee experience in Bohol would top my list of the most thrilling adventures in my life; however, I was mistaken. Swimming with the whale shark proved to be an extraordinary and magical experience!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Travel Packing Checklist Notebook: Say goodbye to "Oops, I forgot!" moments and last-minute shopping sprees!
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