How to get to Oslob & Kawasan Falls from Cebu city
- Mar 6, 2018
- 3 min read
You've heard it, I've heard it, we've all heard it... the destination of Cebu in the Philippines is well-known for their whale shark-based activities and waterfalls with water the colour of clear turquoise. But how does one manage to travel to Oslob and Kawasan Falls all on their own without having to spend a lot of costs on private tours? Well, that's why I travelled to Cebu for one long weekend to try and test my own independent and fail-proof navigation ;)
Where are Oslob and Kawasan Falls located in?
Answer - a few hours' bus ride away from Cebu city. So if you're the type that gets cranky over long (and often crowded) bus rides, then perhaps a private tour is more worth than travelling on your own. But if you're the type of traveller that is either on a budget, or doesn't mind long (and a bit adventurous, with a hint of local culture kicking in) bus rides, then read ahead.
So how does one get to Oslob and Kawasan Falls from Cebu city exactly?
Answer - public busses! Take a public taxi, or an Uber, or a Jeepney, OR a motorbike taxi from anywhere in Cebu city towards the South Bus Terminal. From then on, take the bus headed towards Oslob. Do not worry so much about miscommunication and going on the wrong bus! The conductors working in the bus terminal have very good understanding of basic English, and thus will understand which location you are headed to.
The way public busses work in Cebu may be a bit different than how public busses work anywhere else in the world. So instead of dropping you off from one bus terminal to the other, these busses will drop you off right in front of your desired location for as long as they are along the way of the bus route! Once you get on the bus, the conductor will go around handing tickets (small paper with punched holes for fares), so this will be your chance to let him know the exact address of your destination. Most conductors will also be familiar with names of popular destinations and/or accommodation sites, but do have the address of your desired destination ready in hand just in case they need it. It is also highly advisable to prepare yourself for the long bus ride- such as to go to the toilet and have some food beforehand, as well as bring enough snacks/drinks for the ride. Remember, it takes at least 3-4 hours bus ride from Cebu city to Oslob during a good day's traffic.
What are the prices of these public busses from Cebu city to Oslob?
Answer - For the 'normal' bus, it takes about 100 pesos to get from the Southern Bus Terminal to Oslob, whereas for the 'executive' bus, it takes about 150 pesos (due to my poor memory, I am not 100% sure about the costs). 'Normal' bus meaning older and non air-conditioned busses, whereas 'executive' bus meaning newer, air-conditioned bus with the occasional entertainment inside it. Both busses are yellow in colour, however 'normal' busses are distinguished based on their open-windows.
Important tips before boarding on a public bus from Cebu city to Oslob
1. Prepare yourself for the lengthy journey ahead! Perform the basic necessities- eat enough food, go to the restroom, and bring enough food and drinks for the entire ride. Optional is to bring plastic bag if you have car sickness, and warm clothing particularly for night busses.
2. Bring enough cash! Take note that the number of ATM machines available in Oslob and Kawasan Falls are highly limited, and most of them do not accept foreign card transactions, so it is essential to bring enough cash to last you throughout the entire excursion. In my personal experience, I had problems withdrawing cash through the island's ATM machines. Thankfully my hostel, Nordzee, accepted to give me cash by withdrawing the same amount from my card (with 6% transaction fees).
3. Look for nearby accommodations if you aren't keen on lengthy bus rides. Look for accommodations that are located in-between Cebu city and Oslob/Kawasan Falls to ensure you a good night's rest and shorter bus rides. The bus ride itself would not be much of a difference, but it is definitely highly advisable to look for nearby accommodations to Oslob/Kawasan Falls instead of taking day trips from Cebu city. Reason being is because both Oslob and Kawasan Falls are located not too far away from each other, but extremely far from Cebu city. Both locations will also require energy to travel, and explore to. Hence wise, it is highly recommended to look for nearby accommodation not only for convenience, but also for comfort. And besides, many accommodations nearby the destinations are affordable, and most come with gorgeous views of the beach! Two birds, one stone.
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