Backpacking Cebu: Oslob and Boljoon

Boats at the whaleshark watching area

For this trip to Cebu, we didn't follow an itinerary. We hadn't had much time to plan because we weren't even sure the trip would push through. (No thanks to typhoon Maring and a freak accident involving a family member.) 

Without any concrete plan and any billeting arrangement, my mom and I flew to the Queen City of the South to go on another backpacking adventure. 

After hearing mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral and making the obligatory visit to the Sto. Nino Basilica, we went to the Southern Bus Station and hopped on a bus bound to Oslob. The only thing we were sure about was that we wanted to see the whalesharks. Thereafter, we followed the path where our itchy feet led us and made sure we made most of our much-needed mother-daughter bonding time.

For the first two days, we explored Oslob and Boljoon. We had a close encounter with the gentle giants, rode a habal-habal to marvel at the curtain-like cascades of Tumalog Falls, basked in the beauty of the heritage town of Boljoon, and even crashed an beer festival. 

Too bad were weren't able to go to Sumilon Island.  We hope to go there next time we find ourselves in this part of Cebu.

Sunrise at Oslob

Bridge near the Sumilon Island reception area

Stall near the beach

Oslob beach area

Close encounter with the whalesharks

Tumalog Falls

Boljoon Church

Boljoon seascape

Old Boljoon convent

Wall art at the cemetery beside the Boljoon Church

Our Lady of Sorrows

Old Catholic school building

Playground in Boljoon

How to go to Oslob:

From the airport, hail a taxi and ask to be dropped off at the South Bus Station.  Fare would be around P150.00 to P200.00. (Tip: Go to the departure hall and take the regular cabs.) 

Take the bus going to Bato-Oslob and tell the conductor that you will go disembark at Brgy Tan-awan. Travel time is 2.5 to 3 hours.  Fare is P154.00 (airconditioned bus).


How to go to Boljoon:

The heritage town of Boljoon is adjacent to Oslob. You may want to opt to explore it before going to Oslob or after experiencing your whaleshark encounter.  The town is just one bus or jeepney ride away from Oslob. Fare for the thirty minute bus ride is around P25.00.


Sending you happy thoughts...

Backpacking Cebu: Moalboal & Badian

Basdaku (White Beach)

Although I've been to Cebu so many times already, it was my first time to travel to the southern part of the province. I enjoyed chasing waterfalls, sunsets, and sea creatures. 

The underwater world is amazing! Too bad I didn't bring an underwater camera. I also didn't get to dive due to limited time. I'll definitely be back to experience the sardine run in Pescador Island!



If you're planning to go to these places and would need a guide, you may hire Andrew. He served as my guide and guardian angel during my Moalboal-Badian roadtrip. His brother is a dive master at the Magic Island Dive Resort so you may contact to him if you opt to explore the underwater world. Their family also rents out one of their rooms for only P850! That's already with tv, cable, a/c, and wifi. You can also use their motorcycle. You may contact him at 0999-9296923.

Basdaku (White Beach)

Sunset View at Panagsama Beach

                            Lambug Beach, Badian

Kawasan Falls, Badian

A view of Osmena Peak, the highest peak of Cebu

How to go to Moalboal:
You may opt to ride a bus bound to Moalboal at the Cebu South Bus Station (Php 115.00) or a van at One Citilink Terminal (Php 100.00). Travel time is about 2.5 hours.

From the highway, hail a tricycle to take you to Panagsama Beach (Badiot) or the White Beach (Basdaku).  Fare should be P65.00-100.00 per way (special trip) or P25.00 per person.

How to go to Badian:
From Moalboal, you may hire a motorcycle to take you directly to the entrance of Kawasan Falls. Buses also go from Moalboal to Badian. 

Budget Accommodation:
Moalboal Backpackers Lodge for as low as P220.00/night for a dormitory-type fan room accommodation.


Sending you happy thoughts...