Many have argued that Tumalog Falls is the best place to unwind in Cebu south.
Source: Firth McEachern, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
What do you think is the main appeal of waterfalls?
Many will agree that they are picturesque attractions, but they’re also known for providing a sense of calmness and aiding in one’s growing admiration of mother nature.
According to Soulveda, waterfalls help provide mental clarity, improve emotional stability, relieve tired eyes, and connect with nature. (2023)
With all these factors combined, it’s no surprise that waterfalls are the perfect spot to unwind and cool off.
That being said, you can expect to revel in such an experience at Tumalog Falls. It’s a renowned relaxation spot located in the mountains of southern Cebu.
Like many waterfalls in Cebu south, it’s become a must-visit attraction for tourists as they grace through a serene jungle before finally dipping into the soothing freshwater.
It’s an important aspect of tourism in Oslob. Despite several uncontrollable circumstances, Tumalog Falls continues to be included in many Cebu itineraries, especially when visiting Oslob.
THE IMPACT OF TUMALOG FALLS
Tumalog Falls is nestled deep within the jungles of Barangay Luka. As word-of-mouth spread and tourism grew, the Oslob government looked into improving it as a main tourist attraction.
Roads leading to the falls were paved, with a few directly connected from the main highway for better accessibility. Most can access this through motorcycle taxis as the steep hill to the entrance can be taxing.
Standing at around 80 to 100 meters high, it is one of the biggest waterfalls in Cebu.
What makes it stand out is its amphitheater-like shape that allows the cascading water to fall like raindrops onto the massive plunge pool.
It’s a natural sight to behold, especially with its crystal clear waters and dozens of hundred-year-old trees surrounding the area. It offers a relaxing experience, especially once you dip into the water.
Aside from being a tourist destination, it also serves as a backup water supply for 13 barangays in the town of Oslob.
It perfectly complements the town’s other tourism activities, especially since it’s only 20 to 30 minutes away from Barangay Tanawan, where the whale shark-watching activities are held.
A south Cebu tour to Oslob will usually include Tumalog Falls as a rest area.
Today, the local government continues to work tirelessly to maintain the location’s natural beauty for future generations.
Unfortunately, this scenic destination has had some rough bumps in the road.
TEMPORARY CLOSURES
Just last year, Tumalog Falls completely dried up, leading management and the local government to temporarily close the falls to the public. This was because visitors would not get the complete experience with barely any water in its pools.
There were several factors as to why this phenomenon occurred, including the recent heatwave that hit the country in the same year, as well as sinkholes that emerged after Typhoon Odette.
It took around seven months amidst the rainy season for the falls to regain its regular flow, finally reopening to the public.
However, this wasn’t the first time the falls was temporarily closed.
A Sunstar Cebu article reported that the area was off limits for half a day in 2018 because of heavy rains.
The year before that, the government continued to let people into the falls despite a slow downpour, but they did not ask for any entrance fees. (2024)
Both scenarios highlight an alarming inconsistency regarding the water flow, mostly caused by natural disasters, the wet and dry seasons in the Philippines, and other man-made circumstances.
So you might be wondering, when is the best time to visit Tumalog Falls?
Tumalog Falls is best experienced during the dry season, which is from December to June, when the cascades are like raindrops. It’s safer, more relaxing, and it looks much better in photos.
Meanwhile, the water flow is stronger and a bit riskier from July to November. This also means fewer crowds, which can make for a more exclusive experience.
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Even with only a single tier, Tumalog Falls has the potential to become a beloved tourist spot in south Cebu. After exploring Oslob with the famous butanding, this postcard-worthy location can be the perfect spot to relax and recharge.
HOW TO GET THERE
Exact Location:
Barangay Luka, Oslob, Cebu
Entrance Fee: Php 50
Motorcycle (habal-habal): Php 50 (round trip)
The only public transport option available for you to get to Tumalog Falls is via a habal-habal. It’s recommended that you pay extra so the driver will wait until you’re done to return back to the main highway.
To get to Oslob, ride any bus en route to Bato, but make sure to take the Oslob route and not the Barili route.
REFERENCES:
Team Soulveda. 2023. “Wellness travel: 4 benefits of visiting waterfalls.” Soulveda.
https://www.soulveda.com/travel-diaries/4-benefits-of-visiting-a-waterfall/
Flores, Claudine. 2024. “Oslob closes Tumalog Falls.” Sunstar Cebu.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/oslobs-tumalog-falls-temporarily-closed
