Third day of our Bicolandia Tour 2011 is our first time to see and interact with whale sharks or butanding in Filipino. Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the world's largest fish. Whale sharks appear in considerable numbers in Donsol waters between the months of December to May. Donsol is the feeding ground of these gentle giants.
Butanding Interaction:
Upon arrival in Donsol, we registered and log at the Tourism Center. The Tourism Center opens at 8:00 AM everyday. We paid the necessary registration fees. Children below 12 years old are free. We also paid Php 3,500 for the boat rental inclusive of the fee for the guide and crew of the boat. We watched a briefing while waiting for our boat assignment. We were assigned boat number 29, second batch. There are two batches of boats that sail for the butanding interaction everyday. We were told that butanding watching for the second batch starts around 10:30 AM.
Snorkeling gears are available for rent at the Tourism Center. A set costs 250 pesos.
At around 11:00AM we were already on the boat
with our Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO) Kuya Randy. Each boat consists of a BIO, a spotter and a boat crew.
After having our interaction with the butanding, Kuya Randy took the kids for a swim in the sea which they really enjoyed. Thanks Kuya Randy!
Firefly Watching In Ogod River
We also took the opportunity to see the male fireflies attract the females of their kind in a dazzling display of their light in Ogod River. We paid Php 1,250 pesos for the rent of the boat, guides, and boatmen. Kuya Jonathan and his wife acted as our guides. They were very nice especially to the kids. They made sure that we will experience a close encounter with these wonderful insects that we don't get to experience in Manila. The boat ride is so relaxing. You don't want it to end.
Where We Stayed:
We stayed in AGM Beach Resort owned and operated by Ate Mae. The resort is new, turned one year in operation last February 17, 2011 and still undergoing a lot of improvements. They have family rooms and single rooms for two. The place is nice and clean.
They have their own cafeteria. The food is tasty and delicious.
Additonal photo I've taken:
Butanding Interaction:
Upon arrival in Donsol, we registered and log at the Tourism Center. The Tourism Center opens at 8:00 AM everyday. We paid the necessary registration fees. Children below 12 years old are free. We also paid Php 3,500 for the boat rental inclusive of the fee for the guide and crew of the boat. We watched a briefing while waiting for our boat assignment. We were assigned boat number 29, second batch. There are two batches of boats that sail for the butanding interaction everyday. We were told that butanding watching for the second batch starts around 10:30 AM.
Snorkeling gears are available for rent at the Tourism Center. A set costs 250 pesos.
with our Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO) Kuya Randy. Each boat consists of a BIO, a spotter and a boat crew.
Here, they are getting ready to jump to have a close encounter with the butanding. My brother and sister and nephew were so lucky to see the butanding opened its mouth to feed. It is a very rare opportunity and also unnerving.
Here are pictures of butanding taken from my underwater camera Olympus mju 850sw:
After having our interaction with the butanding, Kuya Randy took the kids for a swim in the sea which they really enjoyed. Thanks Kuya Randy!
We also took the opportunity to see the male fireflies attract the females of their kind in a dazzling display of their light in Ogod River. We paid Php 1,250 pesos for the rent of the boat, guides, and boatmen. Kuya Jonathan and his wife acted as our guides. They were very nice especially to the kids. They made sure that we will experience a close encounter with these wonderful insects that we don't get to experience in Manila. The boat ride is so relaxing. You don't want it to end.
Where We Stayed:
They have their own cafeteria. The food is tasty and delicious.
Additonal photo I've taken:
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