Tumalog Falls: A Dreamlike Waterfall That Shows The Beauty Of Letting Go

Some things are only beautiful because they don’t last. Maybe that’s why people are drawn to Tumalog Falls, where the waters sometimes disappear in the dry season.

People drive hours just to see this tiny yet mighty waterfall, famed for its stunning rock formations and mesmerizing blue waters. 

And on good days, that’s exactly what you get.

It’s not as grand as the other waterfalls in Cebu, but when the water flows freely, Tumalog Falls feels almost surreal.

But then, there are the other days. 

There are quieter ones. 

The disappointing ones.

They are the low moments when Tumalog Falls looks less like a waterfall and more like a leaky faucet clinging to whatever drops remain.

With the extreme dry season just weeks away, I knew I was running out of time. 

So my niece and I made my way South, determined to witness Tumalog Falls in all its glory before the waters faded.

And when I finally stood before it, I didn’t just see a waterfall. 

I discovered a lesson about change, seasons, and the fleeting nature of everything we hold dear.

What did I learn on my trip to Oslob, Cebu?

Is Tumalog Falls really as magical as they say?

My Tumalog Falls experience 

I had never been to Tumalog Falls in all my years living in Cebu.

I’ve visited many waterfalls and towering mountains in the Philippines, including Mount Apo and Mount Pulag.

And I’ve seen places I thought I’d only see in postcards, such as the Banaue Rice Terraces and Mayon Volcano.

Ironically, Tumalog Falls never crossed my mind.

I always thought it was too small, crowded, and overrun by international tourists chasing their next Instagram post.

But then, something changed.

One day, for no clear reason, I felt the urge to see it for myself. 

Was it because of curiosity? 

Was it the need to temporarily break away from my routine and hectic, fast-paced life?

Or perhaps some places call you when you’re finally ready to see them.

Whatever it was, I was glad I listened.

5:00 AM at Cebu City South Bus Terminal

There’s something about Cebu City South Bus Terminal that always makes me nostalgic.

The hurried footsteps and smell of coffee at this terminal bring me memories of the good old days. 

This place has been the starting point of many unforgettable adventures.

It has been a gateway to places unknown and stories waiting to be written.

It transports me to the days when my energy was limitless and life was simpler. 

Back then, all I needed was a backpack, a few hundred pesos, and an unstoppable urge to explore the unknown.

And on this day, while waiting for our bus to depart, it felt no different.

The thing is, some journeys are more than just about where you’re going.

Sometimes, they remind you of who you used to be and who you used to be with.

And when the bus departed from the station, thoughts about my friends kept running through my mind.

What happened to some of them?

I have stayed in touch with most of my friends during my days as a local explorer and trail blazer.

But what about those who I haven’t seen for years?

What happened to them?

Where are they now?

What happened to Shekhinah, Bing, and the others?

Are they, like Tumalog Falls, seasonal?

I guess the younger version of me, sitting on the powdery sands of Basdaku, Moalboal had been right all along.

Maybe friendship, in today’s world, is like a revolving door.

Friends come and go, leaving behind shared moments, laughter and unfinished plans.

Then one day, you find out they’ve quietly slipped out of your life.

It’s like they’re cameos in your movie.

You keep saying to yourself that someday you’ll reconnect and your paths will cross again.

But deep inside, you know some doors only swing one way.

And like Tumalog Falls in the dry season, some friendships fade. 

And it’s not because your connections weren’t real, but because they were never meant to last forever.

8:00 AM: The scenic trip from Cebu City to Tumalog Falls

Here’s one tip for anyone traveling from Cebu City to Tumalog Falls: take the left window seat.

Trust me, this drive is so scenic, you’ll think you’re in a moving postcard of Cebu’s sleepy seaside towns.

The first two hours may seem dull, with highways lined with the familiar urban sights. 

But once you pass by the town of Argao, everything changes.

Suddenly, the world outside the window slows down.

You’ll see untouched beaches, weathered fishing boats, ancestral homes, and century-old churches that seem frozen in time.

And in a way, this ride reminded me of a life before the noise, deadlines, responsibilities, and the rush of everyday life.

And as I admired the sights out the window, I also realized something.

There are 2 seasons in life.

There’s a season for hustle and grinding.

It’s the season when you’ll have to deal with sleepless nights and never-ending stress.

It’s the era in our life when you’ll make sacrifices in pursuit of something bigger.

And then, there’s the season for harvest.

It’s the time of your life when you finally stop chasing goals and allow yourself to breathe.

That’s the time to slow down and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

I had spent so many years in the first season, constantly dreaming, moving, and chasing the next milestone.

And now it feels like it’s time for the other season.

Like the Tumalog Falls in the dry season, I’m meant to slow down, fade, and perhaps flow again in another season.

09:10 AM: Tumalog Falls crossing

The best time to visit Tumalog Falls in Oslob is early morning.

That’s the best time to avoid the crowds who travel from Oslob Whale Shark to Tumalog Falls.

Unfortunately, we arrived a bit late at the Tumalog Falls crossing.

So, without wasting any time, we hopped on motorcycle taxis that would take us to the jump-off point of Tumalog Falls, Philippines.

Moments later, we arrived at the  jump-off point, and I was met with a sight I wasn’t expecting.

I saw several white vans packed into the parking area.

There were also tourists gathering in small groups, adjusting their rashguard, and talking in languages I couldn’t understand.

And for a moment, I felt like I had stepped into another country.

And it’s not because Tumalog Falls looked like some faraway destination.

But because almost everyone around me wasn’t Filipino.

The jump-off point was filled with tourists from Japan, South Korea, and China.

And they were all eager to see the waterfall that had somehow remained invisible to me for years, despite living in Cebu.

It was a strange feeling, to be somewhere familiar, yet feel like a foreigner in your own land.

09:30 AM: The motorcycle ride to Tumalog Falls

From the jump-off point, we took another motorcycle ride down a steep winding road to the entrance of Tumalog Falls.

Years ago, I would have hiked this paved road without hesitation.

Back then, I embraced these kinds of challenges, believing that every steep mountain can be conquered on foot.

And my ego pushed me to my limits because I wanted to prove to myself that I was strong.

But age and experience teach you things that pride refuses to acknowledge.

You learn to prioritize time, conserve energy, and let go of the need to constantly prove yourself.

And besides, taking the ride meant supporting a local driver, which is a small way to give back to the community.

Soon, we arrived at the entrance of Tumalog Falls.

Exploring Tumalog Falls 

After paying the entrance fee, we stepped inside the vicinity, eager to experience Tumalog Falls before the crowds arrived.

We had only minutes.

Soon, this tiny gorgeous nature spot would be filled with tourists. 

Soon, the moment of serenity would fade.

So, we made the most of our visit before the crowds arrived.

From the entrance, we made our way to a good vantage point and snapped pictures of the curtain-like waterfall.

Afterward, we went to a popular selfie spot in Tumalog Falls, which had guides who were willing to do the human-drone videos.

We took pictures, and admired the view.

And then, we ran out of things to do.

Want my honest and unfiltered opinions on Tumalog Falls?

Yes, the place is stunning, but it’s a place that’s more about seeing than doing.

The activities in Tumalog Falls are limited compared to the other larger waterfalls in the Philippines, like Lake Sebu’s 7 Falls.

The water is only knee-deep, meaning it’s not the best option for those looking for something more exciting.

So, if you’re the type who seeks adventure over aesthetics and planning to go to either Tumalog or Kawasan Falls, pick the latter.

To me, Tumalog Falls is more of a selfie or photography spot than a nature spot for immersion and adventure.

But that’s okay.

Different places offer different experiences, just like people have different preferences.

For adrenaline-seekers, Tumalog Falls might not be their cup of tea.

But for others, it’s the perfect place to sit back, snap photos, and take the stress off their shoulders.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

At least, that’s what I needed that day.

So, instead of leaving early, we spent time enjoying the scenery and refreshing waters of Tumalog Falls.

Crowds and revolving doors

As expected, the crowds eventually arrived at Tumalog Falls.

Excited voices filled the air.

Some couldn’t contain their awe with their faces lighting up, the moment they saw the Gatorade-blue pool and moss-covered rocks. 

Others silently admired the curtain-like cascade that tumbled softly down the cliffs.

Even with the constant flow of visitors, Tumalog Falls never felt overwhelmingly crowded.

People came. 

People left.

And then it hit me.

The reason Tumalog Falls didn’t feel crowded is the same reason why some people feel lonely.

The thing is, Tumalog Falls, like friendships in the 21st century, is a revolving door.

People arrive, admire its beauty,  take pictures, and then move on.

Some stay a bit longer, some leave too soon, and some promise to return but never do.

And that’s just how life is.

Some friendships, like the cascades and crowds in Tumalog Falls, are beautiful but fleeting. 

They come into your life like the perfect season, only to fade away when their time is up.

But just because something doesn’t last forever, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t real.

And just because someone leaves, it doesn’t mean the memories disappear.

Staying at Tumalog Falls

Knowing that the water was only knee or waist-deep, we had no plans to swim that day.

And yet, our clothes were soaked.

We didn’t even step fully into the water, yet the mist and the cascading flow had drenched us as we snapped photos of Tumalog Falls.

The curtain-like waterfall may seem gentle and delicate with its soft drizzle rolling down the moss-covered rocks.

But occasionally, without warning, it roars to life.

It could give you a sudden rush and an unexpected downpour.

It’s as if someone above was controlling the water flow through a valve, turning it on and off at will.

It’s unpredictable. 

It ebbs and it flows. 

And it disappears for months, only to return again.

And perhaps that’s what makes Tumalog Falls special.

Even when the dry months strip it down to nothing, it patiently waits. 

It doesn’t force itself to be something it’s not. 

It doesn’t panic and trusts that the rain will return.

In today’s fast-paced world, that’s something we’re supposed to do.

Almost everything, including love, friendships and dreams, has seasons.

Maybe some things are meant to pause before they flow again.

So instead of fearing the drought, we should trust that what’s meant for us will return when the time is right.

Side trip to Cuartel Ruins (Museo Oslob)

There was one more place to go before I head back to the city: Cuartel.

They may not be massive, but they’re eye-catching and steeped in history.

Suddenly, it rained.

We had to pause, find shelter, and wait until the rain stopped.

Soon, the rain stopped, and we resumed exploring the ruins.

As I’ve said a million times, it doesn’t rain forever.

I’ve used this phrase not just when traveling but every time I deal with adversities. 

​After years of traveling and hiking mountains, I realized how historic structures and fleeting moments both shape our lives. 

The rain that day was a gentle reminder that, like the weather, life’s challenges are temporary.

By embracing this perspective, I learned that hardships, like storms, are temporary.

And sometimes, these challenges and storms make way for clearer skies and new beginnings.

What is Tumalog Falls known for?

Tumalog Falls in Oslob, Cebu, is known for its ethereal, curtain-like cascade that drapes over a moss-covered limestone wall. Unlike the powerful torrents of other waterfalls, Tumalog Falls has a gentle, veil-like flow, creating a dreamy, almost magical atmosphere.

How do I go to Tumalog Falls?

To get to Tumalog Falls, first you need to go to Cebu City South Bus Terminal. Hop on a bus that will take you to Oslob. Ask the conductor or driver to drop you off at the Tumalog Falls crossing. Once there, take a motorcycle ride to the jump-off point. Fare is PHP 120 per person (back and forth). Afterward, take another motorcycle ride to the entrance of the waterfalls. Fare is PHP 50 per person (back and forth).

How much is the Tumalog Falls entrance fee?

The entrance fee to Tumalog Falls is PHP 50 per person.

Is Tumalog Falls now open?

Tumalog Falls is, as of this writing, open to the public. However, it sometimes has temporary closures due to reduced water flows. This usually happens between the months of March and May.