Philippine whale sharks
Butanding Patay – It was a bummer that this 5 meter whale shark was found dead, bobbing up and down in the Manila bay last week.
The picture in the paper shows the whale shark wrapped up in a net but it had been used to tow the fish ashore, and the cause of death was not determined.
Maybe swimming in the waters of Manila Bay was enough t do the poor bugger in!
Whalesharks are called “butanding” in most parts of the Philippines but they call them “tiki’tiki” down in southern Leyte.
Donsol Bay whale shark watching boat.
One of the coolest things a visitor can do is to swim with the whale shark in Donsol Bay near Sorsogon. These fish are so mellow and they don’t seem to mind swimmers as long as they are not grabbed.
Ernesto used to hunt whale sharks in Sogod Bay southern Leyte.
Here is some of his old gear – he now guides tourists.
Whaleshark video from youtube by another snorkeler
Pintuyan
Local fishermen are the best source of information about where to spot the whale sharks.
Butanding
Climbing Mount Apo
General Santos
Growing Orchids
Judy's Resto Bar
Logging with Motorcycles
Mount Mayon
Balabac Island
Biri Island
Calbiga Cave
Capul Island
Mangrove Swamp Palawan
Mikes's Resort
HI DP
CAN YOU GIVE ME THE INFO AGAIN TO PUT THE WHALE SHARK TRIP TOGETHER FROM MANILA I HAVE A WEEK LEFT MAYBE I CAN FIT IT IN.
THANKS PATRICK
Hi Patrick,
Fly down to Legaspi and take a van over to Donsol. Go to the Whale Shark Tourist Center around 8:00am the following morning and pay the park entrance fee.
Donsol Whale Shark Center
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/bicol/donsol-whale-shark-center.html
Mention that you would like to share expenses on boat with other tourists,and the girl there will set you up on the next boat available. Most travelers are eager to cut costs as well and will welcome the addition on their boat.
March is the prime time of year for “butanding watching” and the bay is thick with these whale sharks. Be sure to do it mate – you won’t regret!
Fins and masks are available for rent at 300 pesos. The boat will cost around 500 pesos each if you go with a full boat of 7 snorkelers.
Amor Farms Resort is a good place to stay right on the beach. In town Hernandez and Santiago are popular budget places.
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/bicol/amor-farm-beach-resort.html
Hernandez Lodging House
http://www.dutchpickle.com/philippines/bicol/hernandez-guesthouse-donsol.html
cheers
dp