All the Facts You Need to Know Before Going to Cuartel Ruins (Museo Oslob)
Oslob is a municipality in the southern coast of Cebu, popular for its whale shark watching, diving, and snorkeling activities. In 2023, Oslob logged an average of 1,000 visitors per day due to its attractions. Besides its rich marine biodiversity, Oslob is also home to a rich cultural and historical heritage, such as the Cuartel Ruins.
The charming Poblacion area of Oslob is a promising site for heritage preservation, which history buffs will appreciate. This article will focus on the Cuartel Ruins and Museo Oslob, two structures that whisper about the island’s past.
The Visitor’s Guide to the Lovely Cuartel Ruins Museo Oslob in Cebu
How to Get to Cebu City and Cuartel Ruins in Oslob
Getting to Cebu City via Ferry
If you are traveling from nearby provinces in Visayas and Mindanao, Cebu City is accessible via ferry. Check out Trans-Asia’s schedule and rates going to Cebu here.
- Book a ticket at an accredited Trans-Asia Shipping Lines ticketing agent.
- Depart from your designated port at your scheduled date and time of travel.
- Arrive at Cebu Port Authority in Cebu City.
- Take any of the following to Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT):
- Taxi – Hail at the Pier and ask the driver to drop you off at the CSBT.
- Jeepney – Walk toward Cebu Technological University or Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, then ride a jeep that will stop by CSBT, get down at the terminal.
- Ride-hailing apps – Book a ride using apps such as Grab, InDrive, or Lalamove Cars. Although more convenient, this can cost higher than jeepneys or taxis.
Trans-Asia Shipping Lines offers trips to Cebu City from Cagayan de Oro City, Ozamiz, Iligan, Iloilo, Masbate, and Tagbilaran. Choose from different kinds of accommodation on board to maximize your comfortable and safe sailing.
Cuartel Ruins (Museo Oslob) via Bus
- At the Cebu South Bus Terminal, board a bus going to Bato via Liloan.
- Ask to be dropped off at Aragones Street or Eternidad Street.
- Walk toward Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepcion / Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church.
- The Cuartel Ruins can be found next to the church.
NOTE: The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Cuartel Ruins (Museo Oslob) via Van
- Book a private van through an accredited service provider.
- Ask to be dropped off at Aragones Street or Eternidad Street, or directly at the Cuartel Ruins.
NOTE: The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes.
6 Facts You Should Know About the Cuartel Ruins in Museo Oslob
1. Cuartel Ruins is an unfinished Spanish military barrack.
This may be evident from the name alone. ‘Cuartel’ is the Spanish word for barracks or quarter, structures that are used as military lodging. It was first built under the instruction of El Gran Maestro Don Marcus Sabandal in 1898. The following year, the arrival of the American soldiers prompted the Spanish to flee the town. Since then, the ruins have stood empty and unfinished.
It was not until recently that Cuartel Ruins and Museo Oslob sparked a fresh wave of tourism in the Poblacion area again, with visitors taking photos, wedding shoots, and exploring the heritage site.
2. It was built using coral stones.
Like many coastal Spanish colonial structures in the country, the Cuartel Ruins was made from coral stones. The stones were sourced from the remnants of the collapsed floor of the nearby church’s bell tower. The 19 centimeters thick walls now sprout moss and plants, and are surrounded by short, manicured trees to beautify it.
3. The Cuartel Ruins was part of the first line of defense against the Moros.
The Christians and Moros (or Muslims) share a history of conflict since the early Spanish colonial period. The religious conflict led to a series of attacks and pirate activity south of Cebu Island. The Cuartel Ruins were built as an additional defense system to accompany the series of watchtowers that already existed at that time.
4. The nearby watchtower was only 1 out of 74 across Cebu.
The old Oslob Watchtower or Baluarte is located just 200 meters from the ruins. It was erected in 1788, much earlier than Cuartel Ruins. It is one out of the 74 other watchtowers constructed along the Southern bays of Cebu island, from Carcar to Santander. Today, only 22 remain standing in ruins. There were 12 watchtowers in Oslob during that time, including this.
5. The Cuartel Ruins is free to the public.
The ruins are open to the public, and so are the historical structures in the same area. This makes Cuartel Ruins an affordable Cebu tourist spot for those going south. The locals are friendly and hospitable in case you have questions about directions.
6. It is one of the various attractions inside Cuartel Heritage Park.
Cuartel Ruins isn’t the only thing you can explore in the area. It is inside Oslob Cuartel Heritage Park, a gorgeous area facing the sea. Here are the rest of the attractions you can find nearby:
Museo Oslob
The separate building for Museo Oslob itself is small but rich in history. It is located right beside the Cuartel Ruins, just on the opposite side of the arched entrance. It houses a well-curated collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs from the Spanish and American colonial period in Oslob. It also features photographs and models of whale sharks, which the town is popular for.
According to the local government, Museo Oslob charges a 50 pesos entrance fee for this delightful collection.
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church / Oslob Church
The nearby church is also known as the Parroquia de la Inmaculada Concepcion. It was built in the 1830s and survived through a fire in 1955, and another in 2008. The latter destroyed the interior save for a statue of the patron saint, which was protected within its encasement.
Oslob Watchtower
As mentioned earlier, the Oslob Watchtower is one of the many baluarte built along the coastline of Cebu. It had a hexagonal structure, of which now remains a single part of the wall. The watchtower is especially pleasant to view against the backdrop of the sunset.
Cuartel Beach
The Cuartel Beach is aptly named after the ruins. It is not a sandy beach, but rather a long park lined by a seawall. Its grassy area is perfect for a picnic, a stroll, or just watching the sunset and waves. Local events and small gatherings take place here from time to time.
Tourist Spots Near Cuartel Ruins and Museo Oslob
Engage in fun activities around Oslob while you’re there. Here are five more Oslob tourist spots to visit near Cuartel Ruins Museo Oslob.
Oslob Paragliding Cafe
This is an accessible, safe, and scenic venue to learn paragliding in Cebu. They also feature a cafe, viewing deck, and camping area.
Oslob Macaque Sanctuary
Watch and interact with numerous Philippine long-tailed macaques in this sanctuary in Oslob. The entrance fee is 100 pesos and an additional 50 to feed them bananas.
Tumalog Falls
The tall and scenic Tumalog Falls are nestled in the hills of Oslob. For an affordable fee of 50 pesos, you can swim in the pool at the base of the falls.
Whale Shark Watching
What’s an Oslob trip without the main activity? Head down to Tan-Awan, the best spot in Oslob for watching the whale sharks. Just be aware of the potentially long lines.
Sumilon Island
Take a day trip to Sumilon Island and wade in the stunning blue waters. You can participate in water adventures at the island resort or take a walk at the white sand bar.
Cebu is home to many natural attractions, and to enrich your experience, include Oslob’s famous heritage sites in your itinerary. Little excursions with a touch of the past are essential to remember the Philippines’ rich history.
ALSO READ: The Cebu to Masbate Travel Guide that You Must Check Out
Travel to Cebu by Ferry
Reaching Cebu by ferry is one of the most affordable and scenic ways to travel from nearby islands and provinces. Trans-Asia Shipping Lines offers RoRo passenger services to Cebu from Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Iloilo, Ozamiz, Masbate, and Tagbilaran. Travel in style with luxurious seating areas and cabins. Enjoy scenic views while feasting at Trans-Asia’s own cafe and restaurant.
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