WOW Donsol

The idea of doing another trip to Donsol came out in January this year. I have done it twice already in the past and have had several whaleshark encounters, as well as manta sightings in Ticao, but what makes me want to go back. I guess, I just find it amazing to see the gentle giants of the sea gracefully cruising the waters of Donsol where planktons are abundant. Swimming with them is overwhelming. Though it takes a certain level of comfort in the water for the participant to really maximize the encounter. I wanted to share that experience with other people and help them understand the importance of being responsible to protect these creatures from near extinction.

I sent the email in January and got a good number of responses from people who’s interested to join. Then came March, additional people confirmed and PGMA declared a holiday on the Monday of the weekend we chose. It then became a challenge to me how to book 28 people given the limited number of resorts in Donsol. Getting the bus tickets was also a challenge as I originally reserved for 20 pax only. I had to divide the group into two to accommodate the others. After a 101 phone calls and email messages, all were set for the trip (and so I thought). Resorts had been booked, itinerary was confirmed, meals had been pre-arranged, bus tickets were purchased, and travel tips and reminders were sent out.


Our group took the buses of Cagsawa Travel and Tours. One group went to its Cubao Terminal while the rest of the group, including me, were picked up from its Ermita office. The Ermita group left at 715PM, 15 minutes delayed from the original schedule due to some complaints from the passengers. We were supposed to take the Royale Elite line but was given the business class instead. The Cagsawa staff explained that the Royal Elite line schedule for Ermita broke down and didn’t make it to Manila. After heaving sighs of frustrations, I resigned to the fact that we were really taking the business class bus. After 11 hours of land travel, we finally arrived in Legazpi. The vans I hired were waiting for us at the Satellite bus terminal. The other group from Cubao, missed their stop so they had to be picked up by the van from where they got off.

It was a winding and scenic one hour and a half ride from Legazpi to Donsol. We arrived ar Amor Resort at 8:30AM. The courteous and accommodating staff of Amor Farm Resort were there to welcome us. Agnes made sure that breakfast was ready when we got there. Agnes also helped us with the registration for the whaleshark encounter. Due to the volume of visitors for the whaleshark encounter, we had to wait for the Butanding Interaction Officers (BIOs) to return from a previous encounter trip. Visitors are not allowed to do the whaleshark encounter without a BIO on board. Our group alone occupied 4 boats. We started at 11 AM already and I was not really expecting to see as much as it was already late. Whalesharks thrive in the morning. Our boat had 2 whaleshark encounters while the rest had 5 and 6. Two years ago, I had 16 sightings. But it’s okay, though we only saw two, it was really up close and got to swim with them as well. We went back to the resort to have lunch and the rest of the group checked-in at Harong ni Lola Erna’ and Lopez Castillo Traveller’s Inn.

After the tiring 11-hour bus trip and whaleshark encounter in the morning, I finally had my much needed shower. The group met up again at 6PM to do the firefly watching along Donsol River. The river was dark and our boat was only guided by a tiny flashlight. It was enjoyable to see the fireflies light up the trees. My friend, Mythel, was awed like a child to see so many stars in the sky. You rarely see them in Manila because of the smug and lights in the city.

The next day, one group decided to do the whaleshark encounter again, another group did the boat trip to San Miguel Island for snorkeling, and the rest did the Manta Bowl dive in Ticao. The second timers for the whaleshark encounter were luckier and had several sightings. Our group who went to San Miguel Island enjoyed snorkeling. San Miguel, located in Masbate off Ticao, has a lot to offer its visitors. We took a side trip to the falls at the side of the limestone cliff. On our way there, we passed by the bird sanctuary where herons nest on trees. I felt guilty disturbing the birds in their sanctuary when the boatmen lighted some 5-star firecrackers to create a noise forcing the birds to come out of their nests. After the trip to the falls, we intended to have our lunch on the white sand island but when we got there, there were many locals having their picnic their. Manong said that it’s a usual Sunday practice of the locals there. So we ended up eating our lunch o the boat and did some snorkeling as well.

As much as we wanted to stay longer, we have a 645PM bus trip to catch at Legazpi City. We left the island at 1:45PM hoping to be back by 330PM. But the waves going back were bigger and our boat could not go faster. It was like riding the Jungle Log Jam going back. Water kept splashing at us and the boatmen were forced to remove the tarpaulin roof to prevent the wind from capsizing our boat. After the thrilling boat ride, we were back at the resort by 4PM. Took a quick shower and settled our payables. I was worried that the divers has not come back yet but decided to let the non-divers group leave for Legazpi already. The van ride to Legazpi city reminded me of Amazing Race as we were not sure if we were going to make it on time. Fortunately we made it to the station just before the bus was about to leave. I begged profusely to the driver to allow the divers group to be picked-up at the Banyag point. The driver agreed only to find out that the tickets of the divers were left at Donsol. We had to purchase new tickets for them but we were assured that the tickest we purchased in Manila may be refunded.

This Donsol was packed with a lot of adventures and (mis)adventures. I have never been tired from a trip but it sure was a lot of fun. Wouldn’t mind doing it again and again. I’ll probably just have to fine tune the schedule next time. It is advisable to do it on a weekday to avoid the volume of tourists. This will guarantee more sightings as the whalesharks will not be stressed by the number of people who keeps jumping in and out of the water just to see them.

It was great spending the weekend with my sister, friends, and the person I cared about the most, James. I also met new friends whom I am hoping to see again.

Amor Farm Resort (Agnes): (0917) 6941687
Rico Calleja (dive shop operator): (0918) 9252996
Edwin Ala (van for hire): (0918) 7293699
Cagsawa Travel and Tours: 5248704