Cebu
Whale Shark Watching
This has to be one of the best trips I had ever taken in my life. Thank to my friend Fleur for being the inspo behind this adventure!
Whale shark watching or diving in Oslob – Cebu has to be on your bucket list as it offers you an up close and personal adventures with these gentle giants of the sea like never before.
With a 0330 wake up call, I was on my way from Cebu City to Oslob. Driving away from the city and into the villages near the sea was an eye opener to Philippine village life. After the 3-hour drive, we arrived in Oslob and were given a light breakfast.
You will be ushered to a hut overlooking the sea for a mini briefing by tour operators before the beginning of your swim. Key point to note, NO TOUCHING! (the whale sharks can touch you, but you can’t touch them. Some of them actually did swim up to me and they felt like slimy rock). You then get loaded up into a kayak like boat and get paddled about 200 meters away from shore. Your boat man then starts feeding the whale sharks a kind of fish mix which then attracts then to your boat. You are then allowed to jump into the water to interact with them (with life vests and snorkeling masks)
It was an unbelievable experience in being at least one arm’s length away from these magnificent creatures. They looked so pretty underwater and I actually felt so lucky that they shared the same planet with us. The encounter had also got me thinking about how we then need to put in more effort to protect these darlings and do more to fight climate change and overfishing which have contributed to their dwindling population.
After about half an hour, you will have to make your way back to shore, where your guide will be waiting to take you to Tumalog falls for a kind of a cool down session. The falls are a short drive away and require a short hike from the drop of point to reach. Being surrounded by such natural beauty left me in awe. You are allowed to waddle into the falls and enjoy the refreshing, cool water as well as the beauty of the falls itself !
** In hindsight would i do this again ? Not really, depends on your stance regarding animal welfare ( i did this in 2017 but come 2026 i still wonder if i did the right thing)
Canyoneering and Island Hopping
Hidden in the lush mountains of southern Cebu lies one of the Philippines’ most thrilling adventures — canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. More than just a waterfall visit, canyoneering is an adrenaline-filled journey through nature, where turquoise rivers, jungle trails and towering limestone cliffs create an unforgettable experience.
The adventure begins in the heart of Cebu’s countryside, trekking through the rainforest before descending into a natural playground of crystal-clear streams and cascading waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll navigate through rocky paths, swim through refreshing pools, climb over natural formations and take exciting cliff jumps into the cool blue waters below.
The highlight of the experience is reaching the famous Kawasan Falls — a breathtaking multi-tiered waterfall known for its vibrant turquoise waters surrounded by tropical greenery. After the adventure through the canyon, taking a moment to soak in the beauty of the falls feels like the perfect reward.
Canyoneering in Cebu is the perfect blend of adventure and nature — a journey filled with laughter, excitement and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring hidden landscapes or looking for an experience beyond the usual beach escape, Cebu’s canyoneering adventure promises a day you won’t forget.
Another activity to do while in Cebu would be island hoping .Cebu’s coastline offers an unforgettable island hopping experience filled with turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and incredible marine life.
A day out at sea takes you across stunning islands and hidden gems, where you can swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel among colourful coral reefs and discover the beauty of the Philippines’ underwater world. From peaceful sandbars to vibrant marine sanctuaries, every stop offers a different glimpse of Cebu’s tropical charm.
One of the highlights is exploring the waters around Nalusuan Island, known for its beautiful reefs and snorkelling spots, or visiting Hilutungan Island, a protected marine sanctuary rich with tropical fish.
