Butanding Festival

Want to see giant sea creatures in their natural habitat up-close and personal?

This April, Donsol town in Sorsogon holds an annual festival that ushers in the butanding (whale shark) season.

Like most festivals in the country, a street parade highlights the festivities. The main attractions, however, are eco-trips into the sea organized by trained tour operators and guide for visitors who wish to see the butanding.

Despite their fearsome name, whale sharks pose no harm to humans, though they sometimes measure more than 10 meters and weigh over a ton.

The sea near the shores of Pilar, Donsol and Magallanes towns in Sorsogon and Pioduran in Albay is considered a "freeway" and migratory park for butanding.

Although the whale shark watching season starts from April to December, a dozen of whale sharks can be seen in coastal villages in several towns straddling the Sorsogon Bay all year round, say local fishermen.

Officials in these towns compete for tourists. They train local folks on how to take care of the whale sharks and the proper way to entertain visitors.

But it was Donsol that enjoyed a boom from the butanding eco-tourism trade due to its easy access from Legazpi and Sorsogon City and the proactive stance of its people.

During this season, giant whale sharks take refuge in Sorsogon Bay where they fatten themselves on "balaw" (small prawns).

GETTING THERE
The Philippine Airlines operates a daily flight to Legazpi City from Manila.

From the Legazpi City Airport, one can arrange for private transport to Donsol, Sorsogon. Another option is to take public transport (buses, vans or FX) from Legazpi either directly to Donsol or via Sorsogon City.

Before reaching Sorsogon City, the capital of Sorsogon Province, a diversion road takes visitors from the main highway to Donsol and Pilar.