TUMALOG FALLS: A Paradise found in Oslob, Cebu

The scorching heat of the sun has been hurting our very skin these past few months and what our beings need is that kind of refreshment that makes us forget the country is facing one of its highest record of heat index.

TUMALOG FALLS is the perfect place to quench your quest in finding the absolute spot to somehow ease the intense heat you're feeling right now.

What? Where? And how do I get there?

These questions may be on your mind right now so take your time and continue reading this blog.

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LOCALE

Tumalog Falls is located in Oslob, Cebu. Oslob is the second to the last municipality in the Southeast part of Cebu island which is famous for its whale watching, snorkeling, freediving activities, the majestic sandbar in Sumilon island and most especially, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines -- Tumalog falls.

Tumalog is one of the barangays in the said municipality and its marvellous waterfalls is located in the middle of it. You have to travel more or less 15 minutes from the national highway to the exact location.

So how do you actually get there? You may ask.

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HERE IS HOW

If you are from the northern part of Cebu or located in Cebu City and don't have a private vehicle, all you just need to do is ride a bus with a sign board BATO via OSLOB at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. You have to line up in the paying station and tell the personnel that you will be going to Oslob, specifically, Tumalog.

(Note: Do not be confused because there are two types of buses that has a big sign saying BATO but the other one is going to Barili which you will be routed to the other side of the island. So, double check the bus you are riding and make sure it's going to Oslob.)

Once you're already dropped in Tumalog, there will be habal-habal drivers or motorbike drivers who will give you a ride to Tumalog Waterfalls. It would take you about 15 to 20 minutes ride before you get to your destination.

But I tell you, the ride going to the waterfalls is so worthy because you get to see the view of the Sumilon island and the island of Siquijor, the green landscape of the town and the picturesque view of the ocean. Once you get nearer and nearer to the waterfalls, you get to see the tip of the waterfalls from afar. It looks like a hidden gem in the middle of the forest -- the only body of water you see at the center of the mountains.

And you'll know you're very close to it when the heat from the ride changes into a cold feeling that makes you want to jump into the water right away.

However, if you have a motorcycle or a private car, it's just a four to five hours drive from Cebu City to the exact location of the waterfalls.

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THE EXPERIENCE

The moment you are already in the receiving area of the beautiful spot, you have to pay an entrance fee and a tour guide. But it depends if you want to have a tour guide or not. In my case, I didn't ask for one since it was my second time to visit there.

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Relax with the fishes..

On the first part of the waterfalls, there is a small spot where small fishes habitated and you can enjoy sitting there while soaking your feet in the water and the fishes will come near you and they also enjoy biting your soles or your fingertoes. (Just writing about this makes my feet tingle because the sensation on my feet is still vivid in my memory.)

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Cold. Cold. Cold.

After relaxing your feet with the fishes, it's time to get in the cold. But wait, why don't you take beautiful pictures first?

If you are alone in your journey going to Tumalog falls, you can ask for some personnel roaming around the vicinity of the waterfalls to take a picture or a video of you. I bet they are good in taking panoramic shots of you when you get there. Just leave a pretty amount of tip to your liking and the reward would be wonderful pictures of your unforgettable memories of the place.

Now, it's finally time to jump in the cold.

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Feel the cool breeze of the waterfalls and unwind with the sound of the waters rushing through the ground from the hills up above.

And oh, suffice your eyes with the divinely yet naturally structured rocks around it and I bet you'll fall in love with its heavenly beauty. This is going to be one of those wonderful places you can't stop your mouth from talking about it...

...because I, can't stop myself from talking about it.