Tumalog Falls in Oslob is a gorgeous single tier curtain waterfall located in South Cebu. If you are chasing waterfalls when visiting the Philippines, Tumalog Falls is one of the most beautiful and impressive, so should definitely be added to your Cebu itinerary. You can easily spend a day visiting other waterfalls in the area such as Kawasan Falls, Aguinid Falls, Inambakan Falls, Dao Falls, Cambais Falls, or the secret Montpellier Falls.
Not only is Tumalog Falls stunning to look at, you can swim in the large refreshing rock pool below. How’s that for a bucket list tick off adventure during your Philippines trip? Tumalog Falls is easy to reach, and is accessible for all ages even for people with a low level of fitness. With it’s beautiful panoramic views from the jump off point, dreamy milky blue pools and jungle surroundings, a visit here should not be missed. In a series of articles showing day trips from Moalboal, Moalboal Eco Lodge will tell you how to get to Tumalog Falls, Oslob, best time to visit, and everything else you may need to know.
Visitor Information:
Entrance Fee: P50 Parking Fee: FREE Toilets on site: No Food/Drinks for sale: Yes at a small sari-sari stall Difficulty level: Easy Footwear: Water shoes Tip: Please take your trash away with you so you don’t spoil this experience for other people. From Moalboal, Tumalog Falls are located in Barangay Luka in Oslob, about 2 hours away from our Eco Lodge (directions at the bottom of this post). You can drive yourself on a scooter as it’s an easy ride, although I will confess you may get a numb bum if you are not used to spending hours on a bike. If you do not know how to ride a scooter, are not confident, or simply do not want to sit on a bike for a few hours, you can take a tour or hire a taxi driver. Tumalog Falls can be visited any time of day, but it’s best to arrive early to avoid the crowds. Between 8am-10am, if the sun is shining it will hit the plunge pool and provide gorgeous photos. 
Add Tumalog Falls, Oslob to your Cebu itinerary
Tumalog Falls , Oslob is definitely worth a visit. A 100 metre high cascading waterfall located in the South of Cebu, it’s one of the most impressive on the island, and needs to be included in your chasing waterfalls itinerary in the Philippines.
It’s a popular waterfall and easy to reach, although take note that the main road up to the entrance is about 2km and very steep. Unless you want a leg and cardio workout, I recommend you use a scooter or take a habal-habal (local term for a lift on the back of a motorbike). The first time I visited Tumalog Falls, I opted to walk from the main road which, in hindsight, was a mistake, but at least I had a chance to experience the gorgeous views. 
Take a few moments to appreciate this view near the entrance to Tumalog Falls, Oslob
When we reached the top, just before the parking area and entrance we had a magnificent view of the ocean, and all the lush green jungle surrounding it. It’s worth taking a few moments to stop and appreciate this panoramic viewpoint, the waterfalls will still be there in five minutes’ time so slow down and take it all in.
At the parking area, we paid our entrance fee to officials in a tent. We had a choice whether to walk the remaining 500m down to Tumalog Falls, or pay P50 for a round-trip habal-habal from one of the locals. It’s a way of giving them an income, and will save punishing your calves, as we discovered when we opted to walk.
It’s a steep hill down, but only takes a few minutes, however the return journey back up will probably take a little longer. After walking down the hill, we reached the stony entrance, and could hear the falls before seeing them. Tumalog Falls are set in the jungle and it’s a beautiful dreamy sight. We stopped first at a small milky blue rock pool which was surrounded by green plants. It reminded me a little of the secret pool we discovered when visiting Taginis Falls, quaint and pretty. 
Pass this stunning rock pool as you enter Tumalog Falls
We have seen these Insta-worthy pools at other waterfalls such as Mantayupan in Barilli, and Lugnason “Zodiac” Falls in Siquijor. The water gently flows over the natural stones like a bubbling brook that we would see in the English countryside.
After a few photos, we walked towards the main Falls, and under an archway reminding us we were visiting Tumalog Falls – another great photo opportunity for visitors we noticed.
Just a few steps away was the impressively wide falls. A huge waterfall thundering through the trees, over mossy walls and limestone cliffs from 100 metres high. We took a moment to stand and look at the stunning surroundings of century old trees towering around us. There was a small bamboo bench to sit on, so we enjoyed a few minutes watching others having fun and taking selfies.
The wide curtain waterfall cascades high through the jungle over mossy jagged walls
We noticed a couple of places to enter the water when we were read for a dip. The water was a balmy temperature, and it took a few moments to become used to it before we submerged ourselves completely. The plunge pool is shallow which is perfect for people who aren’t confident in water.
Now it was time for a swim – a bucket list tick off that cannot be missed – swimming in a jungle waterfall in the Philippines. As we gently swam around the large shallow pool, we made our way over to the main waterfall for an invigorating shoulder massage. To feel the power of nature is an incredible yet humbling experience. 
The shallow plunge pool is a refreshing swim on a hot tropical day
In total we probably spent around 30-45 minutes here, then went for lunch at the cute La Bistro Cafe in Oslob town proper. We had a wonderful day trip at Tumalog Falls, and this can easily be twinned with other gorgeous waterfalls in South Cebu such as Dao Falls, Inambakan or Aguinid Falls to maximise the day.
Note: Take only photos, leave only footprints; there are no bins here so take your trash away with you. Be a responsible tourist, and don’t litter this lovely slice of nature. 
When is the best time to visit Tumalog Falls
The best time of day to visit Tumalog Falls is probably in the morning between 8am and 10am. This means you should avoid any crowds, and if the sun is shining it will hit the plunge pool and provide gorgeous photos. There is no best month to visit Tumalog Falls, just visit when you are in Cebu. In the past, dry season in the Philippines was January to June, and rainy/typhoon season used to be late June to December. I am talking past tense, because in the past two years the weather patterns have been random. It rains during dry season, sunshine during rainy season, so my advice is to visit whenever you can and make the best out of the situation. Waterfalls are wet anyway, so a visit on a cloudy or rainy day won’t make too much of a difference. If it has rained a lot in the previous months, there should be more water, and it’s more powerful so you can experience it in all its glory.
How to get to Tumalog Falls
From Moalboal, head south along the coastal road until you reach Oslob. Tumalog Falls will be on your left. Drive about 2km up a very steep hill. Park your scooter at the top and you can either walk down a 500m steep hill, or pay about P50 to a habal-habal driver who will take you. Tip: Download Google Offline Map for the area, and type in Tumalog Falls which will navigate you to your destination. 
Moalboal Eco Lodge - close to amenities but far from the noise for a restful nights sleep
Where to stay in Moalboal
When visiting Moalboal, Moalboal Eco Lodge is the perfect place to stay. Located in the middle of a peaceful field with no traffic noise, it’s close enough to amenities, but far away so you can have a good night’s sleep. There is plenty of space to observe physical distancing at the Eco Lodge. Nestled in amongst palm trees, bamboo and coconut trees, Moalboal Eco Lodge have beautiful Bamboo Cottages suitable for solo travellers, couples and friends. We have two private rooms and a spacious 4-6 bed family room, a breakfast area, kitchen, and a stunning hammock/yoga/sunset deck. Take a look at our rooms! Visit our Eco Shop* for all your plastic free, zero waste, palm oil free travel products! (*10% from every purchase is donated to help street dogs in Moalboal)
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Want More Day Trips from Moalboal?
Osmena Peak Hike, Dalaguete Ethical Dolphin Watching, Alegria Basdaku “White Beach”, Moalboal Lambug Beach, Badian Taginis Falls & Budlot Spring Simala Shrine Castle Church, Sibonga Interested in diving? Freediving and Scuba Diving? Benefits of Learning Both Swimming with Sardines in Moalboal Thresher Shark Diving, Malapascua Heading to the Philippines? Check out these related posts! Fun Facts about the Philippines Is Oslob Whale Shark Watching Ethical? Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Philippines 28 Things to Do in Moalboal, Cebu Must-Try Filipino Foods Do you want to travel responsibly? Sustainable Travel: How to be a Responsible Tourist 12 Plastic Free & Zero Waste Travel Tips During Coronavirus Plastic Free & Zero Waste Toiletries: Space Saving Travel Essentials International Orangutan Day: Palm Oil Free Challenge Eco Friendly Gifts for Christmas and Any Occasion Pin this post for future reference! 
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