Spent the new year traveling from Manila to Legazpi City to Donsol, Sorsogon to see the famous whale sharks. Unfortunately, it had been raining quite a lot the weeks before we got there, we didn’t see any whale sharks, or butandings, as the locals call them. Although, twenty years ago, I was there with a group of eco-tourists to see them. And there were so many! You wouldn’t even need to get off the boat to see them. They actually surface and swim alongside the boat. Such playful and gentle creatures. So adorable. I so wanted to show them to my family, but it was not meant to be. It only means, we’ll have to go back! 😀
By the way, please DO NOT, by any means go to Oslob in Cebu to see the whale sharks. You will see them there all year round, for sure, because they are kept in captivity! Please do not contribute to this act of disrespect. In Donsol, they even respect the mating season. During these times, they do not conduct boat trips. Please do your share and contribute to the humane treatments of these magical creatures. 🙂
By the way, the butandings are not the only magical creatures that you can find in Donsol. You can also see the fireflies. I remember the very first time I saw them. It was on this very small paddle boat, without a motor. Everything was so quiet and dark. There was only the light of the moon and the fireflies. And they were everywhere. I even managed to touch them. One of the most memorable trips of my entire single life, when I was still living in the Philippines.
Back in Legazpi City, we rode an ATV to go to the Lava Wall, where you can do a zip line. This lava wall was formed during the last major eruption in 2016, according to the tour guide. We totally enjoyed this day of adventure, especially since the beauteous volcano was in clear visibility all morning. Mt Mayon is usually always hiding behind the clouds. But according to the locals, it only shows its magnificent self in full cloudless glory to people with good intentions. LOL. Although, the first time I saw it, was on a very clear, cloudless day. And the people in the trip told me, if it’s the first time you’re seeing it and it’s completely cloudless, it means you’re still a virgin. Haha!
You must also try the local dishes, if you are in Bicol. Especially if you love spicy food.
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