Oslob is not just a place where you can watch or swim with the whale sharks (Read: Guidelines in Whale Shark Watching in Oslob). There’s definitely more to Oslob than meets the eye. There’s neighboring Sumilon Island, which is a boat away from the town. Then there’s Tumalog Falls and Mainit Sulfuric Hot Spring, but we were told that the falls is temporarily (I hope) dried up due to extreme heat. So, the option we took was the heritage part.
From MB’s Sunrise View we waited for a jeepney or tricycle to pass along the highway. Since commuting is a bit difficult in this part of town, we opted to take the motorcycle, which cost us P50 (app. USD 1.08) per head, and that’s two persons per motorbike. It would have been cheaper to take the other modes of transportation or the bus, but they come far and in between.
It was about 15 to 20 minutes from the whale shark watching area to get us to the Heritage Park, as the locals call it, zigzagging through cliffs with a breathtaking view of the sea but the dangers of the quick turn roads.
Spanish Cuartel
As we got there, we were instantly enamored by the ruins of the Spanish Cuartel. A two-level structure with rows of arches greeted us at the end of the road. It turns out that the building was built but never finished.
Fray Juan Jose Aragones started construction in the late 19th century for the purpose of using this as a barracks for the guardia civil.
The cuartel is made of coral stones that leads to a boulevard. It is located behind the current municipal hall and near the vicinity of the Immaculate Conception Church.
Immaculate Conception Church
The Immaculate Conception church is an imposing structure, also built of corals. Construction started in the year 1830 and it was finished 18 years after. An imposing hexagonal bell tower rises beside the church.
Right across main door is a small chapel. The church faces the sea and provides a magnificent view of the waters. Too bad that during our visit the place was closed. Locals told us that the church has been robbed before so it is being locked when mass is not being heard.
Baluarte
Watchtowers, called lantawan, are built along this coast to protect the town from raiders. These watchtowers were built in the late 18th century in the area where the church and the cuartel are also located.
Walls
I looked at the street in front of the church and a coral wall extends to the far end, evidence that the location has been used as a compound for political, religious, and social purposes.
Museum
Behind the cuartel is a modern structure, which houses antiques that reflect the lifestyle of ancient Oslob villagers. It included tools and items being used by religious and political offices that once ruled the town.
The Heritage Park, situated by the sea, exudes a relaxing vibe. The old structures provide a bit of nostalgia, giving us a glimpse of life in Oslob centuries past. It is good to see that the locals endeavor to preserve these structures for our generation and those after us.
Your shots of the Spanish Cuartel caught my breathe too, I’m in awe of the architecture. Despite the age, the ruins are holding pretty well. That speaks volume on the durability and stability of structures in the historic days.
I’ve never been to Oslob – and it looks like there are numerous things to do and discover there! Great recommendations – and a special congrats for the photos!
Wow this is brilliant post, you have taken some great photos. I have never been here but the architecture looks brilliant definitely something we would enjoy x
That’s an interesting place filled with both nature & heritage.
These buildings look so beautiful! I would have loved to just sit at the park by the sea and do nothing! Just relax.
It looks rather peaceful there but I like going to places where transportation is easily accessible. I feel like I’m trapped when I’m not able to leave when I want to. 🙁
Sometimes pictures of such structure plus the beautiful blue skies and seas makes one forget that this is not Europe.
The Heritage Park is beautiful, especially the Spanish Quartel. I imagine the barracks would have been very imposing if it was finished. haha
Never been to this place and never heard about it before also. But the place has something about it. Do they shoot movies and all here? The sea multiplies its beauty.
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous! I love visiting history rich places and get to know the culture of the country I am visiting. The Oslob heritage park looks like a perfect place to do that.
Another wonderful place I wish I visited. You took awesom pics here. I think this is a place where discoveries can be found for research work.
I went to that same place last year. Really loved the coral cuartel! I’m amazed how they built it
This is the first time to know that oslob has a lot of heritage sites. I would want to see the place because I’m a fan of heritage sites.
Truly, Oslob has a lot to offer. I am glad you had the chance to tour this part of the province as well. The churches are beautiful and breathtaking. It’s so nice to see that they are well-maintained and in good condition. I love the park beside the sea, that’s a nice place to spend the afternoon in!
What an interesting read. I know very littlw about that part of the world and am fascinated by all of spanish culture. This was hugely informative. Stunning pics too.
Thank you for this cultural tour of Oslob. I only knew this place for its whale sharks. Good to see that it has more to offer its tourists. Too bad that Cuartel is only in ruins now.
Architectural master piece at its finest form. Great photos to back it all up as living proof! Oslob is simply nurtured to an heritage legacy.
It always adds value when a place has history attached to it!
I went to Oslob twice and missed out on this on the first time. I’m glad I went the best time around. I loved the coral stones, it’s so lovely! Definitely makes a good spot for a shoot.
Everything is awesome looking. THat ride to get there though… I dunno. Jagged cliff edges make me nervous. Really!
This place is amazing. I hope to visit this place soon. The place seems to have a very rich catholic culture judging from the old churches and infrastructures 🙂
This church is gorgeous… but perhaps of its age, it looks a little eerie to me. I meant the fangs like stuff~
I’m glad you took it in the day~
Wow that are very beautiful photos. I like the park by the sea, we can have the best of both world. Hope that I can visit Oslob Heritage Park one day.