Donsol is a boring but friendly little town in Sorsogon district of Bicol province where the whale shark watching is based.
The town shuts down around 7 pm with the exception of a few small eateries around the market.
The locals are used to seeing tourists and are very helpful.
A few tricycles might even park outside the gate all night because they know that you will be going to the tourist center in the morning and they want to earn the 15 pesos per person charge to take you down there.
They will sleep on the motorbike and chat with their friends all night.
Filipinos are very versatile and adapt to any situation quickly. I really like these people. There are a few bad apples in the barrel but you learn how to pick them out in a hurry.
The pickle's choice of lodging is the Santiago guest house kitty corner from the Hernandez guest house (another good choice for budget lodging).
Rooms start at 300 pesos for a single at both places.
There are only 3 rooms upstairs at the Santiago but there are more at Hernandez.
If you are staying for a week or longer you could could have them hook up the cooking stove for you but for short stays it is not worth the hassle because you will be inconveniencing the folks that live downstairs.
There is a pizza shop three doors down from the Santaigo. It's not bad for 80 pesos. Another fast food shop is just down the street on the other side. Burgers, fries and coke cost 60 pesos.
Brionz Internet is past the school but a slow connection costs 60 pesos an hour. It's best to wait 'till you get to the city if you are planning to surf.
There is a nice food stall in the jeepney station that might be the only place to grab a bite to eat late at night. The food is not bad either.
The fist jeepney out of town leaves at 5am. They will stop at Pilar and then go to Daraga near Legazpi.
If you are headed south towards Sorsogon get off at the Putiao intersection and grab a southbound bus.
Another option is to take a pump boat to Masbate from Pilar if you are headed that direction. It's a beautiful trip passing Ticao Island.
There is a reasonably well stocked market in the center of town but the tourist junk has not yet arrived with the exception of a small shell and knick knack shop on the small bridge.
The tourist office is now located 3 to 4 kilometers out of town after you cross the big bridge.
Some backpackers were tormented that their guide book did not mention that in their book, (but Jimminy Crickets does every inch of the trip have to be mapped out)?
The eco tourism is a huge boost to the local economy and probably annoys the whale sharks a bit but improves their long term future.
; "img_3063.jpg")
; "img_3081.jpg")
; "img_3091.jpg")
; "img_3022.jpg")
; "img_3050.jpg")
; "img_3052.jpg")
; "img_3058.jpg")