Sans Rival Bistro in Dumaguete

From Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, we returned to Dumaguete to take a ferry that will bring us to Bohol. 

But first, we had lunch at Sans Rival Bistro which was not only conveniently situated near the port but is also home to the famous silvanas of Dumaguete. Sans Rival Bistro stands out from the rows of restaurants along Rizal Boulevard because of its modern look.

Facade

There's an al fresco dining area for those who want to enjoy the fresh breeze from the sea.

Al Fresco Area

Pre-cooked meals displayed carinderia style are available at San Rival Bistro but we preferred to order ala carte:

Sizzling Fries

Would have loved it better with cheese!

Bistro Signature Salad

Fresh crunchy vegetables

Pritchon Pockets

Enjoyable appetizer with authentic flavours

Seafood Paella

Moist with generous serving of fresh seafood

San Rival Bistro has a cake window with many inviting sweets but it's best to order the classic silvanas to avoid disappointment.

Cakes, Cakes, Cakes

Butter Sansrival

 At less than 30php a slice, it's no surprise that this was just ordinary. 

Chocolate Silvanas

I applaud the effort but the chocolate experiment didn't work.

Do not leave Sans Rival Bistro without buying a box of silvanas. It's buttery with just the right level of sweetness. Best pasalubong from Dumaguete.

Sans Rival Bistro is located at 3 San Jose Street, Dumaguete. For more information, call (035)4210338 or click here.

Oslob, Cebu: Whale Sharks and Tumalog Falls

A few seasons ago, my friends and I visited Dumaguete, Bohol, and Cebu during a 4 day adventure. Each city offered something interesting and memorable, making this particular vacation one of my favorite local trips to date.

First stop was Dumaguete to see the whale sharks of Oslob. Oslob is actually a sleepy town in Cebu but it's much closer to Dumaguete so we landed at the Dumaguete airport.

To get to Oslob, we traveled 15 minutes from the airport to Sibulan Port via trike.

At Sibulan Port, we booked tickets to Liloan, Cebu. Travel time is 30 minutes.

Here are the rates and schedule:

Be prepared for a bumpy ride as boat to Liloan is not big. 

A lot of passengers got nauseous because of the huge waves so it's best to take medicine for motion sickness.

From Liloan Port, we were picked up by the very accommodating Pearl Evans of Costabella Oslob Services for a 10 minute car ride to Oslob. Pearl took care of all our arrangements in Oslob.

Before going into the water, it's required to listen to a briefing on the dos and don'ts when interacting with the whales.

This is where valuables can be kept for a minimal fee. They provide locks for security.

We didn't travel far on the boat to see the sharks.

View from Where the Sharks Are

The sharks were in close proximity because the fishermen lure them with food. 

It was amazing to see so many big fish in the sea and it truly was a once in a lifetime experience to be able to swim with these gentle giants.

I do have mixed feelings though because I don't think it's a good idea to feed the sharks as it disrupts the sharks' natural eating environment. The sharks eventually might just depend on humans for food. 

I can only hope that the city of Oslob is doing everything it can to protect the whale sharks.

After the whale shark experience, it was time for lunch. Don't expect much because food available at Oslob is very limited.

Store Where We Ate

We had a simple meal of pork, fish, and rice.

Our next destination for the day was Tumalog Falls. 

We had to walk a few minutes to get to the falls because the car provided by Costabella Oslob Services is only allowed up to a certain point.

Those who will hire a motorcycle to get to Tumalog Falls will have a shorter trek.

We didn't mind the easy climb though as the surrounding area was beautiful. It even built to the anticipation of finally seeing the falls.

Clear Water

Tumalog Falls was a mesmerising sight to see and my pictures don't do it any justice. 

The water at Tumalog Falls cascades like small droplets of rain allowing us to play and pose underneath the falls.

Tumalog Falls is unique and should not be missed when in Oslob.

For those who need a van in Oslob, I would recommend Costabella Oslob Services for its reasonable rates.  Contact Costabella Oslob Service at 0922-4724244 or 09157258578. You can also check their website here or email them here.