'6 ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT IN OSLOB'
One of the many things you will love about Oslob is how abundant its tourist attractions is. The great hospitality of the people and the peacefulness in the place makes you also fall in love more with it. It literally few drives away from the busy noise of the city and this is what a city kid dreams of.
Oslob is located approximately three hours away from Cebu City. The town became the center of attention in the recent years because of the sudden popularity of its awesomely and prepossessing attractions which entice tourists to visit the place.
Here are the following 6 winsome attractions which you need to see in the magnifique Oslob:
1. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH CHURCH
- one of the oldest churches in Cebu that were remnants of the Spanish occupation. The church of the Nuestra Señora de la Immaculada Concepcion can be considered the centerpiece of Oslob’s heritage complex. It was established as a visita of Boljoon in 1690 and became an independent parish in 1848 with the Immaculate Conception as its patroness. This church has suffered and survived fire damages during the Japanese occupation in 1942, and two other incidents which dated 1955 and 2008.
2. BALUARTE
- The Baluarte (Spanish for watchtower) of Oslob was built in 1788. As written in its marker, “It is one of the seven watchtowers built along the coastline of Oslob. The local people also referred this Baluarte as Lantawan or Watchtower. It has a hexagonal plan, massive crenelated walls, gun slits and a small entrance. It occupies an area roughly 48 square meters, and with a height of about seven meters.” This was served as a defense system in dispelling the Moro raiders of the past, which included 6 other watchtowers along the coastline of Oslob.
3. CUARTEL
- Located front right of the church of Oslob, Cuartel stands an unfinished building made of coral blocks resembling a Spanish-era barracks. The unfinished barracks remained intact after enduring another war, and, withstanding earthquakes and frequent typhoons. Coral stones were used in the construction of this structure. It’s now mostly a ruin, but now you can appreciate what remains of the structure.
4. WHALE SHARK WATCHING
- Whale shark watching in Oslob has become a popular tourist attraction. Spotted in the barangay of Tan‑awan which is 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the center of the town, this migratory whale sharks, some refer to as butanding or tuki, came to Oslob waters since 2011 and has never left since. Local fishermen feed the whale sharks by hand consists of planktons and small fishes which tourists are allowed to swim with this gentle giants and observe them under supervision by the local tourism officers. Why give it a try?
5. TUMALOG FALLS
- This picturesque beauty hidden in the mountains of Barangay Tumalog will leave you speechless with admiration. This nature attraction is just 20-30 minutes away from where the Whale Sharks are located. With the only entrance fee of 20 pesos beholds the beauty of clear waters falling from the cliff which comes in delicate curtains. You can hire a motorcycle in which they called "habal-habal" to get in to the falls because it's pretty steepy in making your way there. After all, it is very convenient and pricey.
6. SUMILON ISLAND
- this 24-hectare coral island was developed into an eco-friendly haven for those who want to get away from the stress of city living. Sumilon Island is famous throughout the country and internationally for the exceptional beauty of its dive sites. You can go dive in to the clear blue waters with the various marine species and the stunning coral reefs. Also, you can go bird-watching, picnicking, fishing, hiking, island tours, paddling and trekking within the island.
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Rest assure Oslob has got something to offer whether it be historical sights or the beauty of nature. If you're a feisty traveller, the best way in getting to Oslob is by boarding a bus at the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City. From there, the trip will last close to three hours. Tip: leave as early as you can (3-5 AM) so that you can get to enjoy lots of activities. This is especially true if you want to go whale shark-watching, visit the falls and go on a heritage tour in just one day.
Credits: Google Images
