DIY Cebu: Day 2 Whaleshark watching at Oslob

I’ve researched thoroughly before we had this trip and I knew that if we wanted to see the whalesharks early, we had to get up early. This is also the reason why I chose Gran Tierra Suites. It is near the South Bus terminal where we would ride a bus going to Oslob. They operate as early as 3AM. Make sure you ride the Ceres bus line. They are very efficient and on-time. Here’s their cebu bus sched.

How to go to Oslob from Cebu city
1. Ride the Ceres bus line at the South bus terminal. Travel time is at 3-4 hours. There are some stops made for comfort room breaks.
2. You won’t miss the drop off area as there are signs at the road and the bus conductor would also call out those who are getting off at Oslob.
3. From there, you’ll spot a registration area where you pay for which activities you want to avail of. Php500 if you want to get off the boat and swim with the whalesharks, Php300 if you will stay in the boat and just watch the whalesharks. They also have go pro cameras for rent for Php550. If you avail of it, the boatmen will take your picture underwater. If not, you’ll have to take the picture yourself.

TIP: Go on a weekday. There are several people during weekdays. We had ours on a weekday and the place was really crowded but it was really organized and systematic.
We were 110th on the line when we arrived. We waited for around an hour before we got our turn. The whaleshark watching takes around 30 minutes.

mandatory orientation

boats from afar

close encounter

boats for whaleshark watching

whaleshark

that’s how close they can be

 

Itinerary and Expenses:

3am – 3:15am      taxi from Gran Tierra to South Bus Terminal                  Php100

3:55am                   bus left for Oslob                                                                      Php165/person

7am                        arrived at Oslob

8:30                        standby for our turn to view the whalesharks              Php300/person

Php500/person

9:00                        done and ready for Sumilon Island

Total: Php680 – if you will view from the boat (includes another Php165 for the bus ride back to Cebu city)

Php880 – if you will swim with the whaleshark (inlcudes another Php165 for the bus ride back to Cebu City)

 

DIY Cebu: Day 1 at Cebu City

Another great way to end the year is to go see a new place. For me, that new place is Cebu. I’ve been to Cebu but only in Mactan. This time, I got to see Cebu city, Oslob, and Bantayan. It was only then that I realized how big Cebu is and that what felt like a long 5-day trip would seem to be short if I want to see all of the scenic spots. From having 4 areas of interest (Oslob, Bantayan, Moalboal, and Malapascua), I cut it down to two – Oslob and Bantayan.

Here’s a map of Cebu from Google:

Gran Tierra Suites

I chose Gran Tierra Suites because it is near the South bus terminal, where we will be riding a bus on our way to Oslob. Also, it is near the Fuente Circle and the famous Larsian’s where most blog posts I’ve read had recommended. It is 30 – 35 minutes away from the airport, depending on the traffic.

Our flight to Cebu was too early so we were also too early to check-in the hotel as their check-in time was at 2PM but they were kind enough to let us check-in as soon as a room was vacant. They served us complimentary snacks from their pastry store that tasted really good! They also have a water dispenser located outside the hall of the rooms for their guests. I’d say Gran Tierra Suites has good service and great value for your money.

Double room Php989/night

delicious snacks

After resting, we had our (late)lunch/dinner at Larsian’s. You can go there by foot from Gran Tierra Suites. In fact, you can explore the area around the Fuente Circle by foot.  Dining at Larsian’s was an exciting experience. It’s a grill place where you go around and order what you want to be cooked and they will cook it for you. However, there’s no “cup of rice” instead “puso” rice are being served and no utensils but plastic gloves are provided.

grilling area

dining area

“puso” rice Php4 each

unwrapped “puso” rice

white marlin Php120

BBQ Php4 each

We were served 15pcs of rice. We thought we had to finish them all as they are part of what we are going to pay for. It was on our dinner the following day that we realized that you only consume and pay for the rice that you can finish. >_< We also ordered tinolang halaan (clam).

Just writing about it makes me miss the place. You just have to be smart in your order to make the most of your budget. 🙂 And come in early as the place tends to be packed with people on peak dining hours. We came in around 5:30PM and the place was ours before people started coming in.