S1 E90 | Journey to Oslob, Cebu – Preparing to Swim with Whale Sharks

From Moalboal, we made our way further south to Oslob, a town that’s become famous for its whale shark encounters. The journey took two buses and nearly three hours, giving us time to soak in the changing views of Cebu’s countryside.

By the time we reached Tanawan, a quiet little village in Oslob, it was late and we had no room booked. We went around looking for budget stays and finally settled into a small bamboo hut at a place called Hostel Laguna. The room was simple — just a double bed, a fan (charmingly called “Tough Mama”), and thin walls made of bamboo. Basic, but cozy enough for the night.

The highlight of Tanawan is, of course, its stretch of beautiful beaches. The sand was soft, the sea calm, and scattered islands with white sand bars dotted the horizon. But the real reason travelers come here — and why we had — was for something much bigger: swimming with whale sharks.

Locals call them the gentle giants of the sea. Whale sharks can grow up to 25 meters long and weigh nearly 19 tons. Despite their intimidating size, they are filter feeders, living on plankton and tiny sea creatures, and they’re known to be harmless to humans. Here in Oslob, fishermen have worked with them for years, and now visitors can join boat tours to swim alongside these incredible creatures.

We learned that there are specific rules for swimming with whale sharks — like keeping a safe distance, not touching them, and respecting their space. Tomorrow would be our first time seeing them up close, and while we were thrilled, there was definitely some nervousness too. The thought of being next to a fish the size of a bus was both exciting and intimidating.

Our evening in Oslob wasn’t just about anticipation. We also sampled a classic Cebuano dish called silog. Traditionally served with rice and egg, ours was prepared in a vegetarian style with Teppanyaki-style vegetables. Paired with Milo, a nostalgic favorite for many, it made for a satisfying and memorable meal.

As the day ended, we sat by the ocean, reflecting on the adventure ahead. Tomorrow, we would meet the whale sharks of Oslob — a moment we knew we’d never forget.