If you’re visiting Oslob in the south of Cebu, then Tumalog Falls should be very high on your to-do list.
Tumalog Falls is the only major waterfall near Oslob, but it’s also visitable from Moalboal, which is what I did. The downside to riding so far to reach the waterfall is that by the time I arrived it was already fairly busy. Nonetheless, Tumalog Falls is one of my favourite waterfalls in Cebu. Just be warned – it does tend to disappear in the dry season.
Continue reading this blog post for all the necessary information to visit Tumalog Falls for yourself. I’ve shared where to find it, how to get there, the entrance fee, and more.
About Tumalog Falls
Tumalog Falls differs from many other Cebu waterfalls in that there isn’t actually a lot of water coming down. Despite its impressive height, Tumalog Falls is more of a gentle misty shower than a thundering cascade. What it does share with other Cebu waterfalls is of course that beautiful blue limestone-rich water. The pool at the base is very wide but not very deep. You can walk all the way beneath the waterfall and it’ll still come up only to about your chest.
The area around the waterfall is fairly developed with pathways and structures, which is a shame as it definitely detracts from the natural beauty of the area. On the other hand, it’s not like they’ve just poured concrete all over the place so I appreciate that there has been some restraint. Tumalog Falls is also quite accessible, and takes only about two or three minutes of walking to reach the falls themselves, making it one of the easiest Cebu waterfalls to get to. From the parking area, locals are waiting to give visitors rides down a very steep hill practically right to the base of the falls. It’s also possible to forego the ride and walk the hill yourself, (which is what I did) but honestly you’d have to be stupid to do that. (Which is what I am.)
Tumalog Falls Entrance + Guide Fees
The entrance fee for Tumalog Falls is 50 PHP per person, which is paid at the bottom of the hill near the base of the falls. This makes Tumalog Falls the cheapest waterfall in Cebu, excluding the few that are undeveloped and don’t have fees, like Cambanog Falls.
There is no parking fee at the top of the hill, however the way down to the base is quite steep, and more importantly it’s just as steep on the way back up. Local guides will take you down and back up on the back of a scooter for another 50 PHP. This is technically optional, but given that it’s a way to provide employment for members of the local community and also is only 50 PHP, there’s no good reason not to take them up on the offer.
How to Get to Tumalog Falls
Tumalog Falls is located in the highlands just fifteen minutes south of Oslob. The easiest way to reach it is of course on your own scooter, but if you don’t have one it’s also easy to flag down a habal-halal driver in town to take you there.
Personally, I visited Tumalog Falls as part of a big loop I was riding along the scenic southern coastline of Cebu from Moslboal to Cebu. It’s among the best rides in Cebu and there are tons of waterfalls to stop at along the way.
From the turnoff from Natalio Bacalso Avenue onto Tumalog Falls Road 7 km south of Oslob, the views only get better and better. The road gains a lot of elevation, and views down of the ocean below are incredible, especially with scattered islands visible in the distance. After five or ten minutes of following the road uphill (depending on how slow you drive in order to take in the views), you’ll reach the obvious turnoff to the busy parking area on the right.
Tips for Visiting Tumalog Falls
Practice Leave No Trace principles by carrying out all your garbage and avoiding any actions that could harm the environment like leaving graffiti. That’s just trashy and gross.
As a visitor, you are responsible for helping to protect Tumalog Falls. Showing care for preserving natural attractions helps keep these sites pristine and also encourages locals to prioritize sustainable practices. Always pay entrance and guide fees—these often fund local conservation and create jobs for the local community. Go a step further by giving an additional donation, explicitly stating that it’s for conservation. Even a small amount that might not be significant to you can mean a lot to the locals. Asking how fees or donations are used for preservation shows locals that tourists value these efforts and motivates them to continue protecting the area.
Locals try to give you what they think you want in order to earn a living from tourism, and they will happily cut down trees, exterminate wildlife, pour concrete, and build trashy overpriced restaurants when they think that’s what tourists want most. You can reshape this perception—show through your words and spending that you value the natural beauty and authenticity of the area over commercialization.
When to Visit Tumalog Falls
The best time to visit Tumalog Falls is at the start of the dry season, which lasts from December to May. By April or even late March some years, the waterfall often dries up to barely a trickle. December to March is the ideal time to visit. This period offers warm, sunny weather with fewer rainy days, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the island.
Year-round, temperatures in the area stay consistently warm, typically around 25°C to 32°C, so you can expect a tropical climate no matter when you visit. If you plan to travel outside the dry season, be ready for moderate but steady rainfall and pack some rain gear to stay comfortable during your trip.
Tumalog Falls is certainly within the top five most popular waterfalls in Cebu, and as such if you want to get it to yourself you’ll have to get up early. This one gets busy.
Where to Stay
