The second time is always the sweetest.
Surprisingly without any plan, I was back to Cebu again! It was on September 2012, when I first came here and stayed for few days.
Here are few photos of my 2012 visit here:
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| Mingling with some kids in Moalboal, Cebu |
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| Boarding to Pescador Island to dive |
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| Discovering more of Cebu City |
Why and how I get here?
To cut the story short, I was persuaded by Zev’s approach. Originally, I was planning to go to Siquijor the next day after a taking a short break here in Dumaguete. I was just curious about this rumored mystique island.
But while Zev, Peter and I were enjoying one afternoon siesta at Harold’s, we started talking about these great Whale Sharks of Oslob, locally known as butanding. Zev had already asked the locals on how to get there and surprisingly, it would just take us more than 2 hours or maybe less! Thus, it’s not really that stressful to travel from Dumaguete.
The idea of going there (Oslob) just blew my mind. Maybe I could visit Siquijor someday but I guess, seeing the sharks first just couldn't wait! So the very next day, Zev, Peter and I headed to see these whale sharks.
From Sibulan Port in Dumaguete, we reached Oslob in an hour or less. There were tricycles at the port waiting for passengers. We all hopped in and the trike driver dropped us off directly at the Whale Shark Watching Area.
Arriving in Oslob: Swimming with the Whale Sharks
The sun was already up when we reached the place. I was about to put on some sunscreen but we were warned not to do so because it may harm the whale sharks as we swim with them. We were also reminded during the orientation to maintain a 2-meter distance from them.
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| The beach in Oslob |
Just few meters from the shore, I just couldn't describe what I was really feeling when I saw the whale sharks coming. It’s a combination of excitement, anxiety and a little bit of fear. It’s mixed emotion, actually. With the greatness of their size, I could feel my heart pounding and this feeling made me a little hesitant to dive to the water immediately.
I was the last one who got off the boat and dove. Surprisingly, these mammals were the biggest yet friendliest I ever seen and encountered in my entire life. I swam with them while comfortably following them as they move from one boat to another and I could say they are 100% harmless. I was kind of worried at first because they might perceive me as food, would swallow and engulf me with their big mouth, but knowing that they just eat plankton and some small marine organisms, this gave me more reassurance that I will be safe.
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| Photo credits to Zev on this great shot of mine with the whale shark! |
Swimming with the Whale Sharks was indeed a priceless experience! I could still remember when I spoke with this backpacker named Johann when I was in Cebu last year. We were talking about his first encounter with the sharks. “I want to see the whale sharks too”, that is what I said. And yes, it’s a dream come true!
Tumalog Waterfalls
Still with these funny, adventure-loving buddies, Zev and Peter, we headed down south and decided to visit more places nearby. A local told us about this waterfalls here that is most visited by tourists and locals alike. It is called Tumalog Waterfalls.
Half of the trip was spent on a 15-minute tricycle ride. We stopped at an intersection where we need to transfer to motorbikes (locally known as habal-habal) that could bring us up to the said waterfalls. The way getting there is awesome. I couldn't forget the breathtaking scenery and the amazing landscape as we went uphill on this smooth paved road.
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| Zev (left) & Peter (right) |
In just approximately 7 minutes, we finally arrived.
Should I use the word ‘luxurious’ and ‘grandiose’ just to describe this multi-step, cascade waterfalls? For me, it looks similar to a facade of a high-ceiling, Spanish church. Its virgin beauty is incomparable. If you look up, you’ll see the water gushing down the falls like drizzling chandelier crystals glistening against the midday sunlight. Its flowing and splashing sound is very relaxing, like music therapy to the ears.
This trip to Oslob is worth remembering.
I think I am already in love with this place. Cebu is amazingly beautiful. The biodiversity of the land is so rich; the beaches here are perfect; the Cebu sun is stunning; the joyful feeling is always in the air; I love the warm locals...nothing else I could ask for.
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