A Quiet town of Donsol, Sorsogon and Whale sharks...

I remember when I was still in my schooling age, my mom and dad would bring me and my brother to my mom's province in Donsol. I still remember the place back on its days where people were so laid back, they would either drink liquor with friends to a small store nearby or sleep around 6:00 PM. Donsol back then wasn't as crowded as it is today. Back on my childhood days, Whale Sharks were feared by the locals because there are instances where their boats accidentally hits the whale sharks and so some of the boat capsizes and thus it leads to death many times not only by people but also with the whale sharks. Some locals were very frightened by the whale sharks and thus resort in killing it. There were also instances where locals hunt whale sharks and sold them to the market or sometimes they will opt to have it for their dinner.

If you have been there and experienced swimming with the whale sharks, you may have seen some of them having wounds because of some boats accidentally hits them. As of the moment and as time passed by, people became aware on how to prevent such accidents and horrible actions. When World Wide Fund became aware of the horrifying incidents that the people were doing, they have done activities/projects that will help the people become more aware. It was also a way to preserve the animal because it was going instinct already.

Whale sharks, locally known as butanding, gather in the area six to nine months a year, with the numbers peaking from March to April. The largest fish in the world can grow up to 12 meters in length, and weigh many tons. They're considered a vulnerable species, and are protected in the Philippines.

Donsol is considered as a 1st class municipality because of the booming tourism the municipality is facing. With the help of the government, WWF and the locals they were able to make Donsol a tourist attraction that does not only attracts Filipinos but Foreign tourists as well. As years passes by, Donsol Sorsogon is becoming more and more popular.

To those who haven't been there, no worries. I will be your guide and will give the best advise I can give you for your future adventure trip to Donsol.

First the Basics: Where is Donsol located, how do you get there, and where do you stay...

Donsol is located 45km southwest of Legaspi City (about 1 hr land travel). From Manila, there are two ways so that you could go to Bicol: by plane and by bus. If you opt to go by plane it would be a 45 minutes plane ride to reach Legazpi airport. You will then hire a van from there and drive at least 1 hour until you reach the municipality of Donsol. When you want to go by bus you may buy bus tickets. There are trips daily going straight to Donsol. You could ride the following bus lines at Cubao Terminal or Pasay Bus Terminal: Isarog Lines, RSL, Raymond, Peñafrancia Tours, Amihan Bus, Cagsawa Lines and Philtranco lines. The bus cost about 600-1000 depending on what bus you would like to ride.

When you reach Donsol, you could directly go to the Hotel you have reserved for or if you have no reservations you could ask help from the tourist center. Be sure to make reservation especially if you are going there on a Philippine holiday and summer time between April - May. Usually, resorts and hotels are packed with tourists. Here are some of the resorts you could contact if you want to visit Donsol:

Amor Farm Beach Resort Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon Mobile: +63 910-4762176, +63 910 4586140 E-mail: lyn_amor0122@yahoo.com, rasyl_r_amor@yahoo.com

Viton Beach Resort Dancalan - Donsol - Sorsogon - Philippines Annie P. Buenaagua contact numbers: 09279126313 09216904399 email -annie buenaagua@yahoo.com

GIDDY'S PLACE
Clemente Street, Donsol Sorsogon The Only Hotel in town. Just opened April 2009 Contact : +63 (917) 848-8881 www.giddysplace.com or info@giddysplace.com

Now that you reached Bicol and have a place to stay, lets now talk about what are the process/ TO DO before you can swim with the whale sharks....

Registration: When you reach the Tourism Office, you are required to register and attend a brief orientation before you head out to see the Whale Sharks. You will also be required to pay the fee for: Boat Rental and Crew, Registration, and snorkeling equipment rental (if you dont have). The maximum number of registrants per boat is 7 people.

After you Registration: After the orientation on the rules and guidelines, you are ready to head out to sea on a boat. Your group will be accompanied by a BIO (Butanding Interaction Officer) who will serve as your guide while you're out in the water, there is also one Spotter, the one to search for the butanding, and two crew members to man the boat.

Out in the Water: Remember this, Whale Sharks are not show dolphins so there is no guarantee that you will spot one right away. It will take time but it will be worth it.So bit of advice, if you want to see them please be there in the right time and season (mostly January - May). The process to find the whale shark can take only a few minutes. The BIO will point them out and educate you on how to spot them, and provide additional information you need to know during the experience. The BIO's are quite knowledgeable and very friendly, and are willing to answer your questions. When the BIO feels that the situation is ideal, he will instruct the crew on the boat's approach to the whale shark, and take the lead in getting you ready for the experience. Seeing the Whale Sharks for the first time is an extremely exciting somewhat scary because of its size but a very good and unforgettable experience. Please be reminded on the safety procedures in mind, and always follow the lead and instructions of your BIO.

Generally, the encounter can take about 1-4 hours but can be extended depending on the situation, of course. I assure you that the experience is very exhilarating and unforgettable! To some it may be scary but it would be just for the first time, you will enjoy the experience of seeing and swimming with the whale sharks.

After your experience with the whale sharks, there is one interesting activity that you could do at night: Firefly watching! A nigh time boat trip through the mangroves to see the tiny lighted creatures cover whole trees.

If you are into diving, Donsol also offers a thrill to Dive seekers. You could literally swim with manta rays. Try the Manta Bowl or San Miguel Island Dives in Ticao or the muck dive in Donsol. Or if you don't know how to dive you could sight see and swim at the crystal blue water or snorkel with your hearts content. You would enjoy the sights that the Islands is offering. Clear blue water, millions of corals and different sea creatures that will be a feast to your eyes!

A trip to Ticao and Sam Miguel Islands is a different payment with the Whale Shark Interaction. You would also need to ride a banca for the trip. It would be a 4-5 hours boat ride if you want to see Ticao and San Miguel Islands. Assuring you that the long boat ride is all worth while when you see the islands and its majestic sea.

I would suggest a 4-5 days leave from work (why not!) if you want to go to Bicol to experience Donsol at its finest. It would be a great experience with friends, family and loved ones.

So why not visit Donsol and discover its majestic sights and must sees! I assure you your trip will never be forgotten and would be incomparable. You will only see and experience Whale Sharks, Firefly watching, sight seeing to Ticao and San Miguel Islands and diving with Manta rays only in Donsol.

Enjoy! Till next blog...