Butanding in Donsol

After the discovery of the whale sharks off the coast of Donsol in 1998, this sleepy fishing village had become one of the top tourist attractions of the Bicol Region. Local visitors and those from all over the world flock this once obscure town to interact with these amazing gentle giants. The area around Donsol is best known for one of the greatest concentrations of whale sharks in the world.

Swimming with a Whale Shark, locally known as Butanding (scientific name: Rhincodon typus) is the epitome of wildlife encounters – an experience of a lifetime, a nature enthusiast or ecotour fanatic cannot afford to miss.

And such a singular experience is offered, nowhere else, but in the waters off Sorsogon Province, particularly in the towns of Donsol, Pilar, Castilla and Magallanes, where one can watch or interact with a Butanding, or even several – some 10 to 15 of them at any one time on lucky days. Such a phenomenon cannot be found in other parts of the country, or even in other parts of the world.

In fact, Donsol is now dubbed by enormously awed and satisfied tourists as the “Whale Shark Capital of the World”.  It is in the waters off Donsol where such a phenomenally large number of Whale Sharks congregate, cavort and caper.

These gentle giants of the sea – considered the largest fishes in the world, measuring from 15 ft. to as long as 40 ft. in length, have been observed to converge in the waters off Donsol starting sometime during the months of October and November, and peaks in the months of February to May.

The Butandings, featuring silvery polka dots all over its huge body, feeding only on plankton and krill, are harmless, gentle, friendly and playful, allowing humans to swim play and interact with them, as they ponderously glide alongside seacraft.

And then, the gentle giants quietly disappear. Nobody knows yet where they go during the rest of the year. But the seasoned Donsol fisherman assures, the Butandings sill surely be back again sometime in October, November or December for the start of another wholesome ecotourism adventure – the incomparable Whale Shark/Butanding Interaction. Only in Sorsogon

WHAT TO DO UPON ARRIVAL AT DONSOL

Your  first stop in town should be the Donsol Visitors Center where you can complete all the formalities like filling up forms, watching a video presentation, being briefed by a Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO) and hiring a boat for the whale shark – watching trip. The number of sightings varies depending on the season. The best time to visit is during the peak months of April and May.

 a. From Donsol Poblacion (town proper) ride a tricycle to Barangay Dancalan

b. Pay the registration fee at the visitor center and attend the brief orientation

c. Pay the boat rental package and rent equipment if needed

d. Short briefing from the Butanding Interaction Officer (BOI)

e. Prepare to have the best time of life!

FEES AND EXPENSES

a. Whale Watching Interaction Package

Boat Rental  Package – P3500 (maximum of 7 passengers)

Breakdown of Fees
Boat rental – P2,500
BIO fee –  650
Spotter/Guide fee  - 350
Total – P3,500

b. Registration Fee
Local -P100
Foreigner – P300

c. Equipment Rental (optional)
Includes mask, snorkel and fins -P300

HOW TO GET TO DONSOL

There are two ways to get the Donsol, Sorsogon. One is via Legazpi City in Albay, an hour flight or a ten-hour bus ride from Manila. The other approach is via Sorsogon City about twelve hours by bus from Manila. Take jeep or van interaction, motorized boats for hire are available at the Tourism Visitors Center.

By Public Transport

Legazpi to Donsol
Vans to Donsol may be picked-up at Legaspi Bus Terminal near the Pacific Mall in Legazpi daily.
Private Van: P1,500 driver included, seats up to 12, one-way
Public Van: P60 (US$1) per seat.

Donsol to Legazpi:
Vans back to Legazpi may be picked-up at the Donsol Town center
Last return trip to Legazpi is 3pm daily

By Private Car
From Legaspi, drive towards Sorsogon via the town of Daraga.  Then, turn right and head for Pilar and Donsol near Putiao about 20 kilometers south of Daraga. Drive for about 16 kilometers then turn off right at the entrance to Pilar. From here, it’s another 12 kilometers to Donsol.

WHERE TO STAY IN DONSOL

AMOR BEACH RESORT
With Restaurant/ offers diving/ nice cottages
Rates: Cottages Fan room – P 1,000
Cottages Ac room with Hot & Cold Shower – 1,600 & 2,000
Cottages Ac room without Hot & Cold Shower – 1,500
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Contact No. +63 909 5181150
c/o Razyl Amor

CASABIANCA BEACH RESORT
furnished duplex cottages
Rates: fan/bath P800, AC/bath P1500 (maximum 4 people)
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
c/o Mr. Jun-Jun Belmonte
0906-309-9372; 0920-2739-984
vicejjb_58@yahoo.com

VITTON BEACH RESORT
With restaurant/Snorkeling Equipment for hire
nicely furnished/ all with terrace
Rates: AC P1500
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Contact No. 0927-912-6313
c/o Nora Morales

WOODLAND BEACH RESORT
With restaurant/ offers diving/ big cottages
Rates:  fan P800, AC P1500 (2 pax), AC 2700 (10p ax)
Pangpang, Donsol Sorsogon
Contact No. 0921-969-9544
c/o Maricho Bigayan

SHORELINE BEACH RESORT & RESTO
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Contact No. 0919=420-8237
c/o Lizel Idjao

SANTIAGO TOURIST INN 
Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon

HERNANDEZ GUEST & PENSION HOUSE
Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon

HOMESTAYS

LOLA ERNA’S HOMESTAY
furnished but very basic accommodation
Location: in front of the river bridge
Contact No. 0906-7625955
c/o Lola Erna

RABULAN’S HOMESTAY
Kitchen available/ 3 big rooms
Location: near the market
Rates: fan/bath P300/600
Contact No. 0927-5997944

BALAY NI INDAY
Rate: P150/head
Location: Barangay Boroan, Donsol
c/o Hilda Belmonte

HERNANDEZ’ GUEST HOUSE
Rate: 150/head
Location: Poso, Donsol
c/o Andrew Hernandez

SANTIAGO’S HOMESTAY
Rate: P150.
Location: Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon
c/o Ederlina Santiago

VISITOR’S INN
Contact No.  Tel. No. (056) 491-1109/421-3180
Rates: AC – P1,200.00 (good for 4 pax); P1,850.00 (good for 7 pax)
c/o Hilda Belmonte

DOT-V Accredited Homestay Sites

Owner: Luisito Magdamit
Address: Bororan, Donsol, Sorsogon

Owner: Minerva P. Manlangit
Address: Boang, Rawis, Donsol Sorsogon
Mobile No.: +639182120457

Owner: Tessie P. Polo
Address: Bororan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Owner: Elsa M. Macandog
Address: Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Mobile No.: +639193450327

Owner: Dominador M. Jimenez
Address: Bororan, Donsol, Sorsogon

Owner: Nigel Smith
Address: Small Batangas, Santa Cruz, Donsol, Sorsogon
Mobile No.: +639196246544

Owner: Felino N. Melitante
Address: Sta. Cruz, Donsol, Sorsogon
Mobile No.: +639068239891

Owner: Elena C. Bongon
Address: Boang St., Donsol, Sorsogon
Mobile No.: +639207215157

Owner: Maricho C. Bigayan
Address: Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon
Mobile No.: +639219699544

Contact DOT-accredited HOME-STAYS
Inn-Keepers Association (DIKA)
Contact No. 0921-9699544
c/o Maricho Bigayan

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN DONSOL

Firefly Watching

See the numerous male fireflies flashing lights to attract female. Local fishermen will paddle you along the wide Donsol River to witness the dazzling display lights made by thousands of fireflies.

The Grotto

The Grotto stands on top of  a hill and is a pilgrimage site of the devotees of  the Blessed Mother Mary. It was built in 1976 by Mrs. Lydia Apuyan-Tagle as the fruit of her strong devotion to Our Lady of Lourdes. It could be reached by land fifteen (15) minutes ride from Donsol town proper. The feast day is celebrated every February 11^th of the year.
Location: Barangay San Antonio, Donsol, Sorsogon

Catundolan

Catundolan is Donsol’s landmark where pinnacle of rocks and vast coral formations are found. The water in this area is the deepest part of Donsol coastline where numerous whale sharks could be seen.