[Tumalog Falls, Cebu] Enjoy Activities at this Mysterious Waterfall

Tumalog Falls, also known as the “Mystical Falls,” is a waterfall that retains much of its natural state, making it a place where you can fully experience the refreshing negative ions in the air. With its abundant natural surroundings, it’s also a great spot for taking “Instagram-worthy” photos and serves as a perfect location for commemorative shots.

In this article, we will provide a thorough guide to Tumalog Falls, the “Mystical Falls,” including information on recommended budget tours. If you’re planning a trip to Cebu Island in the Philippines or wondering how to best enjoy your time there, this guide will be a great resource for you.

After the Whale Shark Experience, Feel the Negative Ions at the “Mystical Falls,” Tumalog Falls!

Tumalog Falls is a stunning waterfall located near Oslob, Cebu Island’s famous whale shark spot. While Cebu Island is renowned for Kawasan Falls, known for its canyoning activities and inclusion in the “World’s 100 Most Beautiful Waterfalls,” Tumalog Falls offers a completely different, yet equally enchanting, experience.

In a word, Tumalog Falls’ appeal can be summed up as “healing.” Here are five key highlights of Tumalog Falls:

Attraction 1: A Magical Waterfall Where You Can Experience Untouched Nature

Compared to Kawasan Falls, Tumalog Falls sees fewer tourists, preserving the natural scenery in its purest form. While it may not have the same dramatic power as Kawasan Falls, the gentle flow of water cascading down allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of nature, creating a mystical and soothing atmosphere.

Attraction 2: Close Proximity to Oslob

Tumalog Falls is only about 20 minutes away from Oslob, the famous whale shark spot, by car and habal-habal (motorbike). Although you can drive part of the way from Oslob, the road narrows near the base of the mountain, so you’ll need to switch to a habal-habal to continue.

The journey itself is part of the charm. As you ascend the mountain toward Tumalog Falls, you’ll be treated to stunning views from the vehicle. The thrill of riding the habal-habal on the mountain roads is like an exciting amusement park ride, offering an exhilarating experience.

For more details on snorkeling with whale sharks in Oslob, check out our “Whale Shark Snorkeling + Tumalog Falls Tour,” which provides in-depth information for those interested.

Attraction 3: You Can Walk Right Into the Waterfall Basin

The water at Tumalog Falls is shallow and the flow is gentle, allowing visitors to walk directly into the waterfall basin. After snorkeling or diving in the salty sea, you can immerse yourself in the fresh water of Tumalog Falls and soak in the negative ions, which provide a soothing and rejuvenating experience.

Standing directly beneath the waterfall, watching the mist-like spray of countless droplets falling down, is a magical and breathtaking sight.

Note: Even during warm weather, the water at Tumalog Falls can feel a bit chilly, so be careful not to catch a cold from the cool water.

Attraction 4: Doctor Fish Cleanse Your Skin

Near the waterfall basin at Tumalog Falls, there are small pools where many Doctor Fish swim. If you dip your feet or hands into the water, these fish will gather around and nibble away at dead skin.

At first, the sensation of being gently poked by the Doctor Fish may feel ticklish, but soon it becomes fun and enjoyable. It’s a rare opportunity to experience this natural fish therapy, so if you visit Tumalog Falls, make sure to dip your hands or feet in the water.

Attraction 5: A Photo Spot with the Ocean as a Backdrop

The drop-off point when accessing Tumalog Falls is also a famous spot for taking photos. From the top of the mountain, you can capture shots with the ocean in the background, creating a perfect keepsake that showcases the beauty of nature.

How to Access Tumalog Falls on Your Own

Tumalog Falls offers a unique experience with its magical scenery and healing atmosphere, but it’s rare for tourists to visit it alone from Cebu City. Most visitors combine it with a tour that includes snorkeling with whale sharks in Oslob, as this is a more popular and convenient route.

Although Tumalog Falls is very close to Oslob, the best way to enjoy it is by booking a tour that includes whale shark snorkeling. This is recommended due to concerns about safety in Cebu City (where pickpocketing and theft are common), transportation logistics, and the convenience of a prearranged itinerary, all of which make a tour more beneficial.

(Personal Access from Cebu City to Tumalog Falls)

1. Bus from Cebu City (South Bus Terminal) to Oslob (Approx. 3-4 hours)
   You have two bus options: non-air-conditioned (100–140 PHP, about 210–300 yen) and air-conditioned (150–180 PHP, about 320–380 yen). Most travelers take a taxi from their hotel to the bus terminal, which may cost a few extra hundred yen.
2. Habal-Habal from Oslob to Tumalog Falls (Approx. 20 minutes)
   From Oslob, you’ll need to take a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) to the entrance of Tumalog Falls. The cost is around 50 PHP (about 105 yen). You’ll need to negotiate the fare directly with the driver.

Important Points to Consider When Accessing Tumalog Falls on Your Own

• Safety Concerns: In Cebu Island, be mindful of pickpockets and theft.
• Habal-Habal Negotiation: Some drivers may quote higher prices to tourists, so be cautious and negotiate carefully.
• Walking to the Falls: You can drive to the base of the mountain where Tumalog Falls is located, but getting to the waterfall itself involves hiking up steep slopes. This can be physically demanding, especially after a day of snorkeling or diving. Using a habal-habal is recommended to avoid straining your legs.
• Restrooms: Be sure to check restroom availability along the way.

For Instagram-Worthy Shots, a Guided Tour with a Local Guide is Recommended

Tumalog Falls, one of Cebu Island’s top relaxation spots, is also a prime location for “Instagram-worthy” photos. Naturally, you’d want to capture beautiful photos with stunning backdrops to preserve memories of your trip.

Here are a few examples of amazing photos taken at Tumalog Falls:

• A series of images capturing the essence of negative ions at Tumalog Falls
• Photos showcasing the bamboo groves, natural surroundings, and waterfall basin unique to Tumalog Falls
• Other Instagram-worthy shots

While the beauty of the scenery is essential for these pictures, knowing the best spots for shooting is equally important.

CebuPre has local staff who know Cebu Island inside and out, and who can communicate well in English to provide support. They help you find the best photo spots for that day, ensuring you capture the perfect shots. With photo assistance included, you won’t need to search for someone to take pictures of you, your family, or friends—making it easy to create unforgettable memories together!

CebuPre Tumalog Falls Plan│Cheapest Private Plan

For those looking to eliminate hassle and uncertainty while capturing stunning photos, a guided tour with a local expert is highly recommended, and CebuPre is the top choice. What sets CebuPre apart is its private, one-group-only tours at the industry’s lowest price.

Typically, tours involve group activities with other tourists, making it difficult to adjust the schedule to your preferences. However, with CebuPre, since the tour is private, you can enjoy Cebu Island at your own pace without worrying about other tour participants.

Here is an example of a Tumalog Falls-inclusive tour from CebuPre:

CebuPre Island Tour

Whale Shark Snorkeling + Tumalog Falls Tour

• Price: 4,100 PHP

Itinerary:

• 4:00: Pickup from hotel
• 5:00: Breakfast at Jollibee (a popular Filipino fast food chain)
• 6:30: Arrive in Oslob (change, shower, restroom, snorkeling briefing)
• 7:00: Whale shark snorkeling
• 9:00: Arrive at Tumalog Falls
• 10:30: Lunch (not included; costs between 200–800 PHP)
• 14:00: Arrive back at the hotel

Services included: Snorkeling mask, life jacket rental, transportation (private vehicle, hotel pickup/drop-off), breakfast at Jollibee
Additional costs: Underwater GoPro rental + photo support (1,000 PHP), breakfast at Jollibee (80–200 PHP)

At only 4,100 PHP for whale shark snorkeling and Tumalog Falls, CebuPre0 offers an unbeatable deal. Let’s compare this with other tour companies:

Tour Company A

Whale Shark + Sumilon Island + Tumalog Falls Tour

• Price: 10,500 PHP

Itinerary:

• 4:00–5:00: Pickup from hotel
• 9:00: Arrive in Oslob (change, shower, restroom, snorkeling briefing)
• 9:30: Whale shark snorkeling
• 11:00: Snorkeling at Sumilon Island
• 12:00: Lunch
• 12:30: Visit Tumalog Falls
• 18:00: Arrive back at the hotel

Services included: Snorkeling set rental, life jacket, entrance fees, towel rental, transportation (private vehicle, hotel pickup/drop-off), photo service

While the inclusion of Sumilon Island in this group tour is a plus, the price is significantly higher compared to CebuPre.

Tour Company B

Whale Shark Snorkeling + Tumalog Falls Tour

• Price: 3,800 PHP

Itinerary:

• 4:30: Pickup from hotel (extra charge)
• 7:00: Breakfast in the car
• 8:00: Arrive in Oslob + whale shark snorkeling
• 10:00: Arrive at Tumalog Falls
• 11:30: Arrive at a sea-view church (photo spot)
• 12:00: Lunch
• 13:00: Depart Oslob
• 18:00: Arrive back at the hotel

Services included: Free underwater GoPro rental, Japanese-speaking guide, photo gift, breakfast (hotel pickup is extra)

While Company B offers a private tour, its price starts higher and does not include hotel pickup.

In summary, comparing the various plans highlights the affordability and extensive services offered by CebuPre.

Customer Reviews of Tumalog Falls

Here are some reviews from customers who enjoyed Tumalog Falls through our CebuPre tours. While Tumalog Falls may not have a vast number of online reviews due to its tranquil, “healing” nature, the experience of witnessing the “Mystical Falls” has left many in awe. The waterfall’s beauty and atmosphere offer a sense of wonder that is hard to find in Japan, and many visitors have shared their emotional responses.

• Review by M-san
  “Thank you so much for the other day‼ It was my first time in Cebu, so I was a little nervous, but guide Sheila and the driver were so kind, and I felt completely at ease and enjoyed the tour to the fullest. I was thrilled to get photos with the whale sharks, which I was most excited about! Snorkeling at the beautiful Sumilon Island was great, and we had a blast taking tons of photos with Sheila on the beach. Tumalog Falls was stunning, and the motorbike ride there was thrilling and so much fun‼ It was such a fulfilling day, full of experiences I could never have in Japan✨.”

What to Bring to Tumalog Falls

When visiting Tumalog Falls, here are some essential items to bring along:

• Swimsuit: After snorkeling with whale sharks in Oslob, heading straight to Tumalog Falls in your swimsuit is ideal.
• Towel: Especially when riding the habal-habal, the wind can cool your body, so be sure to dry off after getting wet to avoid getting too cold.
• Change of Clothes: The mist from Tumalog Falls can get you quite wet, so it’s a good idea to bring extra clothes to change into afterward.

Things to Be Cautious About

Avoid bringing any devices that aren’t waterproof, as the spray from Tumalog Falls can damage them.

Summary

This time, we’ve introduced Tumalog Falls on Cebu Island.

Through the various photos and reviews, you can probably imagine why Tumalog Falls is called the “Mystical Falls.” The view of the water cascading down from beneath the falls and the fine spray is truly magical—something you must experience for yourself. Getting your hands or feet nibbled by wild Doctor Fish is also a unique experience exclusive to Tumalog Falls.

For those who want to fully enjoy this experience, we recommend booking an affordable and trustworthy tour. At CebuPre,we offer the lowest-priced private tours in Cebu, including plans that let you enjoy both Tumalog Falls and whale shark snorkeling.

If you’re interested, please feel free to contact us.