Mt. Bulusan Volcanic Eruption?
08 November 2010
Tutubi's been monitoring latest news about Mt. Bulusan, considered the Philippines' fourth most active volcano, whose restiveness is showing signs of impending eruption. He has visited Sorsogon some time ago including the serene and green Lake Bulusan at the foot of Bulusan volcano.
Last week, Mt. Bulusan reportedly spewed a column of ash about 600 meters into the air that showered several towns around the volcano and registered numerous earthquakes in the last 24 hours that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology described as "very minor." Still, preparations are being made for evacuations of families living inside the danger zone for any hazardous explosion the coming days. It last erupted in October 2007.
Photo of Mt. Bulusan taken on board a speeding Toyota Innova with tinted windows (you won't see actual pictures of volcanic eruption of Mt. Bulusan here)
the serene and green Bulusan Lake, on the background is one of the craters of the now restive Mt. Bulusan
Volcanic eruptions, like earthquakes are acts of nature that gave birth to many of the Philippines' bodies of water like Taal Lake and Laguna de Bay, even all the islands of the Philippines except Palawan, as claimed by newer research (that directly contradicted the earlier and less accepted "land bridges" theory), and explained the reasons the high concentration of endemic species of wildlife in these tropical islands.
Related Posts on Sorsogon:
Sorsogon Food Trip
Lake Bulusan
How to Get to Donsol
Church of Barcelona Sorsogon
Last week, Mt. Bulusan reportedly spewed a column of ash about 600 meters into the air that showered several towns around the volcano and registered numerous earthquakes in the last 24 hours that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology described as "very minor." Still, preparations are being made for evacuations of families living inside the danger zone for any hazardous explosion the coming days. It last erupted in October 2007.
Photo of Mt. Bulusan taken on board a speeding Toyota Innova with tinted windows (you won't see actual pictures of volcanic eruption of Mt. Bulusan here)
the serene and green Bulusan Lake, on the background is one of the craters of the now restive Mt. BulusanVolcanic eruptions, like earthquakes are acts of nature that gave birth to many of the Philippines' bodies of water like Taal Lake and Laguna de Bay, even all the islands of the Philippines except Palawan, as claimed by newer research (that directly contradicted the earlier and less accepted "land bridges" theory), and explained the reasons the high concentration of endemic species of wildlife in these tropical islands.
Related Posts on Sorsogon:
Sorsogon Food Trip
Lake Bulusan
How to Get to Donsol
Church of Barcelona Sorsogon
Labels: Bicol Region, Sorsogon, Volcanoes
posted by GingGoy @ 8:57 PM,
,
Sorsogon Delicacies: Kuyog, Hinagom, Binut-ong, and Kinagang
07 July 2009
The questions most asked by Tutubi to locals of various places he's visited try to uncover a place's native delicacies and specialties, where to find them and how to make them.
This time, he has yet to ask the question to his hosts in Gubat, Sorsogon and yet his question have been answered when they served him two of Gubat's delicacies that turned his ordinary lunch into a Gubat food trip.
First, besides usual dishes known to Tutubi, was a serving a fried small fish, locally called kuyog or cuyog, probably some sort of anchovy, whose taste reminds Tutubi of bangayngay of his childhood in Paete, Laguna. One of his hosts cautioned though that catching the kuyog fish, still small fries, is illegal but people are so fond of the fish they continue to catch them. Fermented kuyog fish is usually paired with cooked pili fruits as side dishes/appetizers/dips.
crispy fried kuyog.cuyog fish
Tutubi's host narrated how the side dish of cooked pili fruit and cuyog is made from boiled ripe pili fruit. The dark skin of the boiled pili fruit is peeled off and the dipped in fermented cuyog sauce, similar to bagoong, accentuated with a dash of calamansi juice. The pungent flavor of the pili combined with the sour and salty kuyog sauce is heavenly to the locals (peninsular Bicolanos and even those from Catanduanes) but is an acquired taste for others. It's very popularly paired with angol fish in coconut milk.
Next was a serving of brown cake made of rice called Hinagum (or hinagom). The rice dessert is also popular in nearby Samar Island, home of the Warays, where the Bicol Peninsula is separated by San Bernandino Strait. Hinagom recipe is simple, it's made from freshly harvested rice that's pounded, roasted in a pan, then pounded again in a mortar mixed with coconut meat and sugar before wrapping in leaves. It tastes quite similar to espasol of Laguna.
home-made hinagom served to Tutubi by his gracious hosts
Other Gubat delicacies that can be tried there for a Gubat food trip is binut-ong, a simple recipe of glutinous rice mixed with coconut milk and anise seeds, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled over low fire for about an hour and a half.
The timitim, is some sort of cassava cake made from grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, vanilla, and pili nuts. The video below, a clip fro m ABS-CBN travel show "Trip na Trip" where they demonstrated how to make the various Gubat, Sorsogon delicacies (shot at Veramaris Resort).
Kinagang, a unique Gubat delicacy made of crayfish. How to make kinagang: remove the shell of the crayfish, mash the meat and mix with strips of coconut meat and leaves of herba buena (a mint variety). Wrap the mixture in higikhik leaves (it's one of the secret of the delicacy or else it will taste differently) then steam.
Too bad, Tutubi wasn't able to taste timitim, binut-ong and kinagang but he hopes to be back in Gubat, Sorsogon someday for this
The worst part about Tutubi's stay in Gubat, Sorsogon was that there's really no restaurant where you can sample their gastronomic treats and culinary treasures except from the home of a Gubatnon. People of Gubat, like most other Filipinos, should really showcase their own native delicacies and unique cuisine as well as develop various tourist attractions to improve tourism in their town.
Most people still think Gubat, is a forest, as the name in Filipino means, but Gubat is actually a progressive town in Sorsogon, now with an ATM of her own by Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative (GSAC), and a lovely Rizal beach that can be developed as a surfing, skimboarding, kitesurfing/kiteboarding, and windsurfing beach if the locals and government officials get their acts together.
Combine culinary treasures with natural attractions and pride of place and you'll have a tourism success story!
Related Posts:
Rizal Beach Resort
Veramaris Resort, Gubat, Sorsogon
This time, he has yet to ask the question to his hosts in Gubat, Sorsogon and yet his question have been answered when they served him two of Gubat's delicacies that turned his ordinary lunch into a Gubat food trip.
First, besides usual dishes known to Tutubi, was a serving a fried small fish, locally called kuyog or cuyog, probably some sort of anchovy, whose taste reminds Tutubi of bangayngay of his childhood in Paete, Laguna. One of his hosts cautioned though that catching the kuyog fish, still small fries, is illegal but people are so fond of the fish they continue to catch them. Fermented kuyog fish is usually paired with cooked pili fruits as side dishes/appetizers/dips.
crispy fried kuyog.cuyog fishTutubi's host narrated how the side dish of cooked pili fruit and cuyog is made from boiled ripe pili fruit. The dark skin of the boiled pili fruit is peeled off and the dipped in fermented cuyog sauce, similar to bagoong, accentuated with a dash of calamansi juice. The pungent flavor of the pili combined with the sour and salty kuyog sauce is heavenly to the locals (peninsular Bicolanos and even those from Catanduanes) but is an acquired taste for others. It's very popularly paired with angol fish in coconut milk.
Next was a serving of brown cake made of rice called Hinagum (or hinagom). The rice dessert is also popular in nearby Samar Island, home of the Warays, where the Bicol Peninsula is separated by San Bernandino Strait. Hinagom recipe is simple, it's made from freshly harvested rice that's pounded, roasted in a pan, then pounded again in a mortar mixed with coconut meat and sugar before wrapping in leaves. It tastes quite similar to espasol of Laguna.
home-made hinagom served to Tutubi by his gracious hostsOther Gubat delicacies that can be tried there for a Gubat food trip is binut-ong, a simple recipe of glutinous rice mixed with coconut milk and anise seeds, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled over low fire for about an hour and a half.
The timitim, is some sort of cassava cake made from grated cassava, coconut milk, sugar, vanilla, and pili nuts. The video below, a clip fro m ABS-CBN travel show "Trip na Trip" where they demonstrated how to make the various Gubat, Sorsogon delicacies (shot at Veramaris Resort).
Kinagang, a unique Gubat delicacy made of crayfish. How to make kinagang: remove the shell of the crayfish, mash the meat and mix with strips of coconut meat and leaves of herba buena (a mint variety). Wrap the mixture in higikhik leaves (it's one of the secret of the delicacy or else it will taste differently) then steam.
Too bad, Tutubi wasn't able to taste timitim, binut-ong and kinagang but he hopes to be back in Gubat, Sorsogon someday for this
The worst part about Tutubi's stay in Gubat, Sorsogon was that there's really no restaurant where you can sample their gastronomic treats and culinary treasures except from the home of a Gubatnon. People of Gubat, like most other Filipinos, should really showcase their own native delicacies and unique cuisine as well as develop various tourist attractions to improve tourism in their town.
Most people still think Gubat, is a forest, as the name in Filipino means, but Gubat is actually a progressive town in Sorsogon, now with an ATM of her own by Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative (GSAC), and a lovely Rizal beach that can be developed as a surfing, skimboarding, kitesurfing/kiteboarding, and windsurfing beach if the locals and government officials get their acts together.
Combine culinary treasures with natural attractions and pride of place and you'll have a tourism success story!
Related Posts:
Rizal Beach Resort
Veramaris Resort, Gubat, Sorsogon
Labels: Bicol Cuisine, Bicol Region, Delicacies, Filipino Food, Sorsogon
posted by GingGoy @ 9:17 PM,
,
The Green Lake Bulusan of Sorsogon
04 July 2009
Tutubi's trip to Gubat, Sorsogon turned out unexpectedly fun-filled with yet again another unplanned trip to Lake Bulusan high up the mountains that enabled him see with his own eyes the green water of the lake formed out of a giant caldera with the still active Bulusan Volcano in the background.
Bulusan Lake turned out to be very accesible from the town of Bulusan, Sorosogon via a relatively well-paved winding road that took about 30 minutes to navigate from the Bulusan town proper.
Tutubi spent just a few minutes on the lakeshore after taking a few pictures of the lake itself and people frolicking, swimming and rafting on balsa made of bamboo (no kayaks or other water-sports here).
There is a marked trail that invites adventurers, mountain bikers and curious tourists to trek around the lake with a circumference of about five kilometers where you'll encounter old growth forest, tall, possibly centuries-old trees, giant ferns, orchids, wildflowers and other endemic flora and fauna that'll surely delight biologists.
Due to the usual lack of time, Tutubi wasn't able to walk around the lake and instead hopped back to their transport and return to Gubat via Irosin town.
---
Note: another lake that Tutubi wants to visit someday is Lake Buhi in Camarines Sur, home of the endemic sinarapan (Scientific Name: Mistichthys luzonensis) which is the world's smallest commercial fish
How to get there:
Bulusan Lake can be reached by trekking up the winding road, mountain bike, motorbike or just hire a tricycle in Bulusan town proper to take you there (fare is around PhP150.00 negotiable)
Bulusan Lake turned out to be very accesible from the town of Bulusan, Sorosogon via a relatively well-paved winding road that took about 30 minutes to navigate from the Bulusan town proper.
Tutubi spent just a few minutes on the lakeshore after taking a few pictures of the lake itself and people frolicking, swimming and rafting on balsa made of bamboo (no kayaks or other water-sports here).
There is a marked trail that invites adventurers, mountain bikers and curious tourists to trek around the lake with a circumference of about five kilometers where you'll encounter old growth forest, tall, possibly centuries-old trees, giant ferns, orchids, wildflowers and other endemic flora and fauna that'll surely delight biologists.
Due to the usual lack of time, Tutubi wasn't able to walk around the lake and instead hopped back to their transport and return to Gubat via Irosin town.
---
Note: another lake that Tutubi wants to visit someday is Lake Buhi in Camarines Sur, home of the endemic sinarapan (Scientific Name: Mistichthys luzonensis) which is the world's smallest commercial fish
How to get there:
Bulusan Lake can be reached by trekking up the winding road, mountain bike, motorbike or just hire a tricycle in Bulusan town proper to take you there (fare is around PhP150.00 negotiable)
Labels: Bicol Region, Lakes, Sorsogon
posted by GingGoy @ 9:25 PM,
,
A Glimpse of Mount Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon
03 July 2009
From Barcelona Church, Tutubi traveled southwards to Bulusan towards the lake when caught sight of Mt. Bulusan inside the van.
Mt. Bulusan is one of the twenty two active volcanoes in the Philippines according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS)
Photo of Mt. Bulusan taken inside a cruising van on the road to Bulusan town proper
Mt. Bulusan recently was monitored with volcanic activity in October 2007 almost at the same time when the more famous and most active Mayon volcano was also acting up.
If you want to trek up Mt. Bulusan, you can also start at Lake Bulusan and visit various hot springs and crater lakes of the volcano.
Related Posts:
Mayon volcano
Taal Volcano
Mt. Pinatubo
Mt. Bulusan is one of the twenty two active volcanoes in the Philippines according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS)
Photo of Mt. Bulusan taken inside a cruising van on the road to Bulusan town properMt. Bulusan recently was monitored with volcanic activity in October 2007 almost at the same time when the more famous and most active Mayon volcano was also acting up.
If you want to trek up Mt. Bulusan, you can also start at Lake Bulusan and visit various hot springs and crater lakes of the volcano.
Related Posts:
Mayon volcano
Taal Volcano
Mt. Pinatubo
Labels: Bicol Region, Sorsogon, Volcanoes
posted by GingGoy @ 9:15 PM,
,
Ruins of the Old Fort of Barcelona, Sorsogon
20 June 2009
Just across Barcelona Church facing the Pacific Ocean and Gubat Bay stands the stone ruins of a Spanish fort and a lighthouse that guides fishermen at night to shore of the tranquil town of Barcelona, Sorsogon.
old stone ruins of the fort, one of two sets of fortifications facing the sea
the north ruins facing the sea
the southern ruins and the lighthouse
There's not much information aboout the history of the fort but it may be tied with the church of Barcelona's history (even if during the Spanish times, churches were built with two purposes in mind: places of worship and refuge/fortress against invaders/pirates that's why they're always facing the sea)
Barcelona was named after Barcelona, Spain said to have similar topography as the Spanish city.
From a brief photo-op, Tutubi went on to visit Mount Bulusan and a trek around the green waters of Bulusan Lake
Related Posts on Sorsogon:
Barcelona Church
Donsol Whale Shark Tours
Just click on the Sorsogon Label below for more posts on Sorsogon ;P
old stone ruins of the fort, one of two sets of fortifications facing the sea
the north ruins facing the sea
the southern ruins and the lighthouseThere's not much information aboout the history of the fort but it may be tied with the church of Barcelona's history (even if during the Spanish times, churches were built with two purposes in mind: places of worship and refuge/fortress against invaders/pirates that's why they're always facing the sea)
Barcelona was named after Barcelona, Spain said to have similar topography as the Spanish city.
From a brief photo-op, Tutubi went on to visit Mount Bulusan and a trek around the green waters of Bulusan Lake
Related Posts on Sorsogon:
Barcelona Church
Donsol Whale Shark Tours
Just click on the Sorsogon Label below for more posts on Sorsogon ;P
Labels: Bicol Region, Sorsogon, Spanish Forts
posted by GingGoy @ 9:20 PM,
,
Old Church of St. Joseph, Barcelona, Sorsogon
23 May 2009
From Rizal Beach in Gubat town and on the way to Bulusan Lake, you would pass by a handsome old stone church facing the sea in a town named after a famous city of Spain
Photos of St. Joseph Church, Barcelona, Sorsogon:
old facade of the church, too bad the new image in front of the church obstructs the view of the facade and limits the angle you can take pictures from
the inside of the church was unlit and quite typical of most old stone churches
A marker indicating the year 1874 probably states the year the structure was completed
This old church is a recommended in your itinerary in case you want to do a Sorsogon Visita Iglesia on Holy Week.
How to get there:
Commuting to Barcelona involves a jeepney ride from Gubat, Sorsogon. Visit the post on Gubat or Sorsogon City for details on commuting to Barcelona or driving directions.
No information yet on St. Joseph Parish contact number and mass schedules
Related Posts:
Rizal Beach Resort
How to get to Donsol, Sorsogon
Photos of St. Joseph Church, Barcelona, Sorsogon:
old facade of the church, too bad the new image in front of the church obstructs the view of the facade and limits the angle you can take pictures from
the inside of the church was unlit and quite typical of most old stone churches
A marker indicating the year 1874 probably states the year the structure was completed
This old church is a recommended in your itinerary in case you want to do a Sorsogon Visita Iglesia on Holy Week.
How to get there:
Commuting to Barcelona involves a jeepney ride from Gubat, Sorsogon. Visit the post on Gubat or Sorsogon City for details on commuting to Barcelona or driving directions.
No information yet on St. Joseph Parish contact number and mass schedules
Related Posts:
Rizal Beach Resort
How to get to Donsol, Sorsogon
Labels: Bicol, Churches, Sorsogon, Visita Iglesia
posted by GingGoy @ 9:15 PM,
,
Bicol: Rizal Beach Resort, Gubat, Sorsogon
17 May 2009
One of only two "true" resorts on Rizal beach, Gubat Bay in Sorsogon is the beach resort named after the beach itself: Rizal Beach Resort
Tutubi was able to take these photos of the gate and of the beach front while he stayed at the nearby Veramaris Resort.
Photos of Rizal Beach Resort:
the entrance of Rizal Beach Resort near Veramaris Resort
the coconu tree-lined beach front with fine gray sand
a child playing on Rizal beach. Notice the waves on the beach good for newbie surfing, skimboarding, even boardsailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing due to the presence of strong winds
Tutubi can't give you a review of Rizal Beach Resort for he didn't stay there. You may call their published contact number for room rates, daytours/entrance fees and other inquiries.
Rizal Beach Resort
Gubat Sorsogon
Tel. No.: +63.56.311.1829; +63.56.311.1830
Official Website: http://www.rizalbeachresort.com
Related Posts:
Veramaris Resort.
Donsol Whale Sharks Interaction Guide
Donsol Video
Surfing Beaches of the Philippines
Tutubi was able to take these photos of the gate and of the beach front while he stayed at the nearby Veramaris Resort.
Photos of Rizal Beach Resort:
the entrance of Rizal Beach Resort near Veramaris Resort
the coconu tree-lined beach front with fine gray sand
a child playing on Rizal beach. Notice the waves on the beach good for newbie surfing, skimboarding, even boardsailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing due to the presence of strong windsTutubi can't give you a review of Rizal Beach Resort for he didn't stay there. You may call their published contact number for room rates, daytours/entrance fees and other inquiries.
Rizal Beach Resort
Gubat Sorsogon
Tel. No.: +63.56.311.1829; +63.56.311.1830
Official Website: http://www.rizalbeachresort.com
Related Posts:
Veramaris Resort.
Donsol Whale Sharks Interaction Guide
Donsol Video
Surfing Beaches of the Philippines
Labels: Beaches, Bicol Region, Hotels and Resorts, Sorsogon
posted by GingGoy @ 8:48 PM,
,
Veramaris Resort, Rizal Gubat Sorsogon
13 May 2009
After about 3.5 hours commuting from Legazpi Airport with a a van, jeepney and two tricycle rides, Tutubi was able to reach his home for the night, Veramaris Resort, booked by his contact in Gubat St. Anthony Cooperative (GSAC) that was his host for his stay in Gubat town.
Photos of Veramaris Resort, Rizal beach, Gubat, Sorsogon:
Veramaris Resort facade
the function hall/restaurant
Tutubi's room for the night
Veramaris Resort cottages and beach front
Review of Veramaris Resort:
Facilities: the place evidently need a paint job and renovation and furnitures that need replacement. Resort is generally clean though and the cottages are ok.
Food: the restaurant serves only a limited food on the menu and service and food were aweful, at an expensive price similar to Manila's prices. The other places to eat are too far from town mostly in Sorsogon City (Sidney suggested Casa Dominga restaurant but too far). Reason why Tutubi went straight to Legazpi Airport Hotel the next day to sample usual good food he knew exists there.
Rooms: during the time, Tutubi and his usual "tour" companion were the only ones billeted at the resort. The room has large windows with heavy sliding covers (probably for security), bed needed changing of mattress for more comfort. The shower head needs to be replaced as well.
Price: Too expensive for the facility and service. If it were priced at Ph1000.00 a night, Tutubi wouldn't call it expensive but the actual room rate was more than double the amount.
Overall Rating: Not Recommended; you'll just waste your time and money. (He didn't even try to get the resort's contact number for reservations and inquiries)
Due to not-so-good reviews about nearby Rizal Beach Resort, he opted to stay at Veramaris Resort only to find out he got a worse deal than the former due to absence of alternative places to stay in Gubat.
Rizal beach, however, has fine gray sand with waves for newbie surfing and skimboarding. The windy beach can also be tapped for windsurfing, kiteboarding/kitesurfing if only locals can discover the potential.
How to get to Rizal Beach, Gubat, Sorsogon:
There are direct buses going to Gubat from Cubao Araneta Terminal. From Legazpi, you can take vans going to Sorsogon City (fare: PhP60.00 travel time 1.5 hours) followed by a jeepney ride to Gubat via Casiguran (fare: PhP18.00). In Gubat, you can hire a tricycyle for PhP50.00 (special trip) or board a jeepney going to Bulusan that pass by the Rizal beach. There are many cheap "beach resorts" on Rizal beach for family outings or daytrips but, again, only for adventurous souls.
Photos of Veramaris Resort, Rizal beach, Gubat, Sorsogon:
Veramaris Resort facade
the function hall/restaurant
Tutubi's room for the night
Veramaris Resort cottages and beach front
Review of Veramaris Resort:
Facilities: the place evidently need a paint job and renovation and furnitures that need replacement. Resort is generally clean though and the cottages are ok.
Food: the restaurant serves only a limited food on the menu and service and food were aweful, at an expensive price similar to Manila's prices. The other places to eat are too far from town mostly in Sorsogon City (Sidney suggested Casa Dominga restaurant but too far). Reason why Tutubi went straight to Legazpi Airport Hotel the next day to sample usual good food he knew exists there.
Rooms: during the time, Tutubi and his usual "tour" companion were the only ones billeted at the resort. The room has large windows with heavy sliding covers (probably for security), bed needed changing of mattress for more comfort. The shower head needs to be replaced as well.
Price: Too expensive for the facility and service. If it were priced at Ph1000.00 a night, Tutubi wouldn't call it expensive but the actual room rate was more than double the amount.
Overall Rating: Not Recommended; you'll just waste your time and money. (He didn't even try to get the resort's contact number for reservations and inquiries)
Due to not-so-good reviews about nearby Rizal Beach Resort, he opted to stay at Veramaris Resort only to find out he got a worse deal than the former due to absence of alternative places to stay in Gubat.
Rizal beach, however, has fine gray sand with waves for newbie surfing and skimboarding. The windy beach can also be tapped for windsurfing, kiteboarding/kitesurfing if only locals can discover the potential.
How to get to Rizal Beach, Gubat, Sorsogon:
There are direct buses going to Gubat from Cubao Araneta Terminal. From Legazpi, you can take vans going to Sorsogon City (fare: PhP60.00 travel time 1.5 hours) followed by a jeepney ride to Gubat via Casiguran (fare: PhP18.00). In Gubat, you can hire a tricycyle for PhP50.00 (special trip) or board a jeepney going to Bulusan that pass by the Rizal beach. There are many cheap "beach resorts" on Rizal beach for family outings or daytrips but, again, only for adventurous souls.
Labels: Bicol, Hotels and Resorts, Resorts, Sorsogon
posted by GingGoy @ 11:13 PM,
,
The NPA in Gubat, Sorsogon?
09 May 2009
Two days before Tutubi went to Sorsogon, news on TV bannered a story about an encounter with the NPA in the town of Gubat, Sorsogon that worried his friends who knew where he's going next.
But the ever undaunted Tutubi, actually aware, was not afraid for he knew that the trouble really lies in the remote barrio of the town whose name means jungle in the vernacular.
Photos of Gubat, Sorsogon taken inside a van (that's why there's a bluish color cast)
When he got to Gubat, he immediately noticed the presence of large banners welcoming Jejomar Binay, the present mayor of Makati City now eyeing the country's most powerful seat, with a speaking engagement at Rizal Beach Resort.
the public market of Gubat, Sorsogon: no sign of the NPA in this "dreaded town"
tricycles are mostly overloaded like this funny one with a passenger that seemed to be drunk, dead or just keeping his face from the hot summer sun
The newly-installed ATM at the building o\f Gubat St. Anthony Credit Cooperative (the nearest other ATMs are 19 kilometers away in Sorsogon City)
Gubat is actually a peaceful and progressive town in Gubat Bay with rizal beach becoming a haven of newbie surfing and skimboarding. There are various beach resorts in Gubat including Rizal beach Resort and Vermaris Resort.
Note: Media really needs to avoid sensationalism in breaking the news, the network gets the attention but the community is really badly affected as well as the entire country. No matter how beautiful the country is, misinformed tourists won't come and visit the place.
You want a second opinion about Sorsogon and the friendly NPAs of Bicol as well as safety and security of foreigners and toursits there? Ask Sidney, the Belgian owner of My Sari-Sari Store who calls Sorsogon his second home and actually stayed there for twenty long years with no problems with the NPA.
But the ever undaunted Tutubi, actually aware, was not afraid for he knew that the trouble really lies in the remote barrio of the town whose name means jungle in the vernacular.
Photos of Gubat, Sorsogon taken inside a van (that's why there's a bluish color cast)
When he got to Gubat, he immediately noticed the presence of large banners welcoming Jejomar Binay, the present mayor of Makati City now eyeing the country's most powerful seat, with a speaking engagement at Rizal Beach Resort.
the public market of Gubat, Sorsogon: no sign of the NPA in this "dreaded town"
tricycles are mostly overloaded like this funny one with a passenger that seemed to be drunk, dead or just keeping his face from the hot summer sun
The newly-installed ATM at the building o\f Gubat St. Anthony Credit Cooperative (the nearest other ATMs are 19 kilometers away in Sorsogon City)Gubat is actually a peaceful and progressive town in Gubat Bay with rizal beach becoming a haven of newbie surfing and skimboarding. There are various beach resorts in Gubat including Rizal beach Resort and Vermaris Resort.
Note: Media really needs to avoid sensationalism in breaking the news, the network gets the attention but the community is really badly affected as well as the entire country. No matter how beautiful the country is, misinformed tourists won't come and visit the place.
You want a second opinion about Sorsogon and the friendly NPAs of Bicol as well as safety and security of foreigners and toursits there? Ask Sidney, the Belgian owner of My Sari-Sari Store who calls Sorsogon his second home and actually stayed there for twenty long years with no problems with the NPA.
posted by GingGoy @ 9:26 PM,
,
Bicol: Sorsogon City Gubat, Barcelona, Bulusan, Irosin Tour
03 May 2009
Straight from Legazpi Airport, Tutubi boarded a tricycle that took him to the van and bus terminal where he rode a van to Sorsogon City.
From there and in a span of just a few hours, he was able to visit interesting places in the province of Sorsogon including the newbie surfing and skimboarding mecca of Rizal beach in Gubat, an old church in Barcelona, the picturesque Bulusan Lake capped with a stopover for Bicolano cuisine in Irosin
The van and bus terminal in Legazpi offers a great view of Mayon Volcano
The trip from Legazpi to Sorsogon City lasting more than an hour, and passed by the town of Castilla and winding roads cut through forested areas and green ricefields.
The Sorsogon City welcome arch (taken sometime in 2005)
In Sorsogon City, the jeepney terminal used by Gubat-bound jeepneys is near Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, where Tutubi decided to check out when he saw an old jeepney waiting for passengers that he didn't want to ride in.
Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Sorsogon City undergoing facelift
the jeepney plying the Sorsogon to Gubat via Casiguran route. Tutubi didn't ride this jeep for fear of his life :P
This series will take you on a short virtual tour of Sorsogon:
To be continued...
How to get to Sorsogon:
Commuting to Sorsogon is easy for budget travelers who can live with taking a 12 hour bus ride to Sorsogon (Donsol, Pilar, Gubat, Matnog) offered by several bus lines in Manila.
For those trying to save time and a sore butt, you can book a flight toLegazpi Airport, hire a tricycle to the van/bus terminal then take a van/bus to Sorsogon City which will be the jump-off point of later explorations.
Fares and travel times:
Legazpi Airport to Bus terminal: PhP50.00 (travel time about 10 minutes)
Legazpi Van Terminal to Sorsogon City: PhP60.00 (1.5 hours duration)
Sorsogon City to Gubat, Sorsogon: PhP18.00 (45 minutes + ample waiting time)
From there and in a span of just a few hours, he was able to visit interesting places in the province of Sorsogon including the newbie surfing and skimboarding mecca of Rizal beach in Gubat, an old church in Barcelona, the picturesque Bulusan Lake capped with a stopover for Bicolano cuisine in Irosin
The van and bus terminal in Legazpi offers a great view of Mayon Volcano The trip from Legazpi to Sorsogon City lasting more than an hour, and passed by the town of Castilla and winding roads cut through forested areas and green ricefields.
The Sorsogon City welcome arch (taken sometime in 2005)In Sorsogon City, the jeepney terminal used by Gubat-bound jeepneys is near Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, where Tutubi decided to check out when he saw an old jeepney waiting for passengers that he didn't want to ride in.
Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Sorsogon City undergoing facelift
the jeepney plying the Sorsogon to Gubat via Casiguran route. Tutubi didn't ride this jeep for fear of his life :PThis series will take you on a short virtual tour of Sorsogon:
To be continued...
How to get to Sorsogon:
Commuting to Sorsogon is easy for budget travelers who can live with taking a 12 hour bus ride to Sorsogon (Donsol, Pilar, Gubat, Matnog) offered by several bus lines in Manila.
For those trying to save time and a sore butt, you can book a flight toLegazpi Airport, hire a tricycle to the van/bus terminal then take a van/bus to Sorsogon City which will be the jump-off point of later explorations.
Fares and travel times:
Legazpi Airport to Bus terminal: PhP50.00 (travel time about 10 minutes)
Legazpi Van Terminal to Sorsogon City: PhP60.00 (1.5 hours duration)
Sorsogon City to Gubat, Sorsogon: PhP18.00 (45 minutes + ample waiting time)
posted by GingGoy @ 11:43 PM,
,
Sorsogon: How to get to Donsol: Map, Bus Commute and Driving Directions
19 April 2009
There are only a few places Tutubi would really love to return to. One of them is Donsol, Sorsogon that he visited in Holy Week 2003 (Good Friday) in an unplanned, spur-of-the-moment trip.
He had no snorkels, mask, fins then, even a waterproof camera.
Now that he has all of them, he didn't find the time to return there when he visited Sorsogon again due to lack of time. He just asked around for updated information and fares to Donsol for your information.
How to get to Donsol, Sorsogon:
For an online map of Donsol, please click here
How to commute to Donsol, Sorsogon:
Bus to Donsol, Sorsogon are available serviced by Philtranco and some bus companies in Araneta Center Bus Terminal and several bus lines (ordinary) on EDSA, Pasay.
Flights to Donsol, Sorsogon:
There currently are no flights to Donsol, not even flights to Sorsogon City Airport, the nearest airport to the "whale shark capital of the world." Fly in to Legazpi City via Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines or ZestAir.
In Legazpi Airport, board a tricycle (as there no taxis in Legaspi City) and ask the driver to take you to the bus terminal (or the van terminal) where vans and buses to Donsol are waiting (tricycle fare: PhP50.00).
Legazpi Airport to Bus terminal: PhP50.00 travel time about 10 minutes
Van to Donsol Fare: PhP60.00 travel time is 1.5 hours
If you're a bunch of clueless tourists, there are vans for rent at Legazpi Airport to take you to Donsol (the vans can seat 10 people, less if you have lots of excess baggage). Van rental rates to Donsol are PhP1,500.00 one-way then another PhP1,500.00 going back (the driver said he'll wait for you in Donsol after your whale shark interaction tour). The same driver also quoted PhP2200 for a tour of Legazpi's 16 tourist spots for 6 hours. (Tutubi inquired this from Legazpi City Tourism officers at the airport as well as the van driver accredited by Legaspi Tourism)
Coming from Samar or Leyte (Tacloban or Ormoc), the Ro-ro buses that pass by Bicol via ports of Allen in Samar and Matnog port in Sorsogon are the cheaper way of going to Donsol from the Visayas. Just drop off in Putiao, Pilar then ride a jeepney to Donsol.
Driving Directions to Donsol, Sorsogon:
For those with cars, follow this route that the same directions to Bicol: SLEX batangas exit, Maharlika Highway, Sto. Tomas (a few kilometers from Rose and Grace and Jollibee, there's a fork on the road. Choose left going to Alaminos, the other road leads to Sto. Tomas town proper), Alaminos, San Pablo (Laguna), Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, Lucena, Pagbilao (this is Maharlika Highway or Pan-Philippine Highway) onwards to the Bicol provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay's Legazpi City, Daraga then Sorsogon province. On reaching the town of Pilar in Sorsogon, turn right on a road in an area known as Putiao. The road will lead to Pilar town proper and Donsol. Travel time from Legazpi city to Donsol is about 1 - 1.5 hours.
Notes:
Donsol Celebrates the Butanding Festival in April. this is the cheapest way to get there, unless you want to be part of a donsol package tour for convenience
Related Posts:
Legazpi Airport
Donsol Whale Sharks
Donsol Beach Resorts
He had no snorkels, mask, fins then, even a waterproof camera.
Now that he has all of them, he didn't find the time to return there when he visited Sorsogon again due to lack of time. He just asked around for updated information and fares to Donsol for your information.
How to get to Donsol, Sorsogon:
For an online map of Donsol, please click here
How to commute to Donsol, Sorsogon:
Bus to Donsol, Sorsogon are available serviced by Philtranco and some bus companies in Araneta Center Bus Terminal and several bus lines (ordinary) on EDSA, Pasay.
Flights to Donsol, Sorsogon:
There currently are no flights to Donsol, not even flights to Sorsogon City Airport, the nearest airport to the "whale shark capital of the world." Fly in to Legazpi City via Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines or ZestAir.
In Legazpi Airport, board a tricycle (as there no taxis in Legaspi City) and ask the driver to take you to the bus terminal (or the van terminal) where vans and buses to Donsol are waiting (tricycle fare: PhP50.00).
Legazpi Airport to Bus terminal: PhP50.00 travel time about 10 minutes
Van to Donsol Fare: PhP60.00 travel time is 1.5 hours
If you're a bunch of clueless tourists, there are vans for rent at Legazpi Airport to take you to Donsol (the vans can seat 10 people, less if you have lots of excess baggage). Van rental rates to Donsol are PhP1,500.00 one-way then another PhP1,500.00 going back (the driver said he'll wait for you in Donsol after your whale shark interaction tour). The same driver also quoted PhP2200 for a tour of Legazpi's 16 tourist spots for 6 hours. (Tutubi inquired this from Legazpi City Tourism officers at the airport as well as the van driver accredited by Legaspi Tourism)
Coming from Samar or Leyte (Tacloban or Ormoc), the Ro-ro buses that pass by Bicol via ports of Allen in Samar and Matnog port in Sorsogon are the cheaper way of going to Donsol from the Visayas. Just drop off in Putiao, Pilar then ride a jeepney to Donsol.
Driving Directions to Donsol, Sorsogon:
For those with cars, follow this route that the same directions to Bicol: SLEX batangas exit, Maharlika Highway, Sto. Tomas (a few kilometers from Rose and Grace and Jollibee, there's a fork on the road. Choose left going to Alaminos, the other road leads to Sto. Tomas town proper), Alaminos, San Pablo (Laguna), Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, Lucena, Pagbilao (this is Maharlika Highway or Pan-Philippine Highway) onwards to the Bicol provinces of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay's Legazpi City, Daraga then Sorsogon province. On reaching the town of Pilar in Sorsogon, turn right on a road in an area known as Putiao. The road will lead to Pilar town proper and Donsol. Travel time from Legazpi city to Donsol is about 1 - 1.5 hours.
Notes:
Donsol Celebrates the Butanding Festival in April. this is the cheapest way to get there, unless you want to be part of a donsol package tour for convenience
Related Posts:
Legazpi Airport
Donsol Whale Sharks
Donsol Beach Resorts
Labels: Bicol Region, Donsol, Sorsogon
posted by GingGoy @ 9:10 PM,
,
Best Surfing Beaches in the Philippines
14 March 2009
For those looking for extra adrenaline rush and muscle-flexing beyond the usual beach bumming, there are many known and unknown places in the Philippines where waves can be found that surfers, both local and foreign, will find challenging. Herewith is a list of surfing spots, both for newbies and surfers looking for "killer waves," gathered from various sources including various travel shows on TV.
Best Surfing Beaches in the Philippines:
Aurora: Baler's Sabang and Cemento Beach
If the ending scene of Francis Ford Copola's movie "Apocalypse Now" was shot in Pagsanjan Falls, Baler's beach was the location shoot of the surfing scene. To get there, board a Manila to Baler bus of Genesis Transport bus (terminal on EDSA, Pasay City) or a flight to Baler via SeAir.
Camarines Norte: Bagasbas Beach in Daet,
A surfing beach in the Bicol Region ideal for surfing lessons with fine black sand. It can be reached by buses going to Daet (Amihan, Philtranco and Superlines) followed by a short tricycle ride to the beach facing the vast Pacific Ocean.
Surfer on a surfboard on Bagasbas Beach
Catanduanes: Puraran Beach, Baras
Known in the international surfing circuit as "Majestic," with its awesome long-barrel waves made spectacular by visiting typhoons
Eastern Samar: Calicoan Island, Guiuan,
The home of The Surf Camp with ABCD Beach has both left-hand and right-hand waves. Surfing season runs from April to November
Eastern Samar: Macate Island and San Vicente, Sulat town
An "off the beaten track" surfing destination without the surfing tourist crowd in the town of Sulat, Eastern Samar is Macate Island (and San Vicente) where about eight feet high waves welcoming surfers can on a deserted beach. To get to Sulat, book a flight to Tacloban City, from Tacloban Airport, get on the San Jose jeep to Duptours terminal or Tacloban Bus Terminal, followed by a van ride to Borongan (via Duptours with regular trips to Borongan via plus another jeepney to Sulat) or bus to Borongan to take you to straight to Sulat, Eastern Samar.
Ilocos Norte: Maira-Ira Beach, Pagudpud
In an secret area in Pagudpud known as Blue Lagoon. It can be reached by boat from Pagudpud's Saud Beach
Ilocos Sur: Kido's Point, Cabugao
Kido's Point, after Cabugao's surfing hero Kido Cabasug, is another popular surfing site in Ilocos Sur.
La Union: San Juan
Perfect place for longboarders. It can be reached by any bus to Ilocos (Vigan, Laoag, Pagudpud) and drop off near the San Fernando-San Juan boundary.
Sorsogon: Gubat Bay, Gubat
Located in the Bicol Peninsula in Gubat, Sorsogon south of Legazpi City, it faces the San Juanico Strait. It has three kilometers of gray-sand beach very good for surfing school.
Surigao del Norte: Siargao Island
Known as "The Surfing Capital of the Philippines" with the world-famous Cloud 9 waves of General Luna town facing the Pacific Ocean. Cloud Nine was named after a chocolate bar that surfers kept in their shorts. The surfing beach offers a powerful hollow right hander hailed as one of the ten best waves in the world comparable to the renowned surf of Hawaii and Indonesia. Besides Clud Nine, there's Jacking Horse, Tuason Left, Rock Island, Stimpies and Pacifico. Best time for surfing in Siargao is from August up to the start of November due to the presence of typhoon swells and winds. Waves are smaller from May to July while December to April the winds are strong with pretty big swell preferred by some surfers.
Surigao del Sur: Lanuza Bay,
With waves as high as 15 feet, it's known "Doot Poktoy." Alternatives to Siargao includes Lanuza Rivermouth, Sabang, Moshimoshi left and right, Badjang-BigStar
Zambales: San Narciso and Pundaquit, San Antonio
Good for newbie surfers, the beaches of Brgy Pundaquit in San Antonio and of San Narciso beckons Metro Manilans due to its proximity.
Skimboarding in the Phlippines:
Skimboarding (or skimming), another water sport gaining popularity is some areas is a boardsport in which a skimboard (a sort of little surfboard) is used to ride on an incoming wave.
Note that the places listed above are also ideal for skimboarding where the towns of Tanauan and Dulag in Leyte is gaining popularity.
Want to learn how to surf without heading for the beach?
For furfing lessons nearest Metro Manila, OceanWaves at Club Manila Eastin Taytay Rizal offers surfing lessons by appointment-only basis. Call 6312805 or 3575452 for details, cost and other inquiries. Facilities include a 14-ft-deep diving pool with four diving platforms and a 20-ft-high waterfall; and a 30-m wide, 76-m long family wave pool that’s only 4 ft deep. OceanWaves is open every day with two-hour surfing lessons scheduled at 8-10 a.m., 10 a.m.-12 noon and 2-4 p.m.
Best Surfing Beaches in the Philippines:
Aurora: Baler's Sabang and Cemento Beach
If the ending scene of Francis Ford Copola's movie "Apocalypse Now" was shot in Pagsanjan Falls, Baler's beach was the location shoot of the surfing scene. To get there, board a Manila to Baler bus of Genesis Transport bus (terminal on EDSA, Pasay City) or a flight to Baler via SeAir.
Camarines Norte: Bagasbas Beach in Daet,
A surfing beach in the Bicol Region ideal for surfing lessons with fine black sand. It can be reached by buses going to Daet (Amihan, Philtranco and Superlines) followed by a short tricycle ride to the beach facing the vast Pacific Ocean.
Surfer on a surfboard on Bagasbas BeachCatanduanes: Puraran Beach, Baras
Known in the international surfing circuit as "Majestic," with its awesome long-barrel waves made spectacular by visiting typhoons
Eastern Samar: Calicoan Island, Guiuan,
The home of The Surf Camp with ABCD Beach has both left-hand and right-hand waves. Surfing season runs from April to November
Eastern Samar: Macate Island and San Vicente, Sulat town
An "off the beaten track" surfing destination without the surfing tourist crowd in the town of Sulat, Eastern Samar is Macate Island (and San Vicente) where about eight feet high waves welcoming surfers can on a deserted beach. To get to Sulat, book a flight to Tacloban City, from Tacloban Airport, get on the San Jose jeep to Duptours terminal or Tacloban Bus Terminal, followed by a van ride to Borongan (via Duptours with regular trips to Borongan via plus another jeepney to Sulat) or bus to Borongan to take you to straight to Sulat, Eastern Samar.
Ilocos Norte: Maira-Ira Beach, Pagudpud
In an secret area in Pagudpud known as Blue Lagoon. It can be reached by boat from Pagudpud's Saud Beach
Ilocos Sur: Kido's Point, Cabugao
Kido's Point, after Cabugao's surfing hero Kido Cabasug, is another popular surfing site in Ilocos Sur.
La Union: San Juan
Perfect place for longboarders. It can be reached by any bus to Ilocos (Vigan, Laoag, Pagudpud) and drop off near the San Fernando-San Juan boundary.
Sorsogon: Gubat Bay, Gubat
Located in the Bicol Peninsula in Gubat, Sorsogon south of Legazpi City, it faces the San Juanico Strait. It has three kilometers of gray-sand beach very good for surfing school.
Surigao del Norte: Siargao Island
Known as "The Surfing Capital of the Philippines" with the world-famous Cloud 9 waves of General Luna town facing the Pacific Ocean. Cloud Nine was named after a chocolate bar that surfers kept in their shorts. The surfing beach offers a powerful hollow right hander hailed as one of the ten best waves in the world comparable to the renowned surf of Hawaii and Indonesia. Besides Clud Nine, there's Jacking Horse, Tuason Left, Rock Island, Stimpies and Pacifico. Best time for surfing in Siargao is from August up to the start of November due to the presence of typhoon swells and winds. Waves are smaller from May to July while December to April the winds are strong with pretty big swell preferred by some surfers.
Surigao del Sur: Lanuza Bay,
With waves as high as 15 feet, it's known "Doot Poktoy." Alternatives to Siargao includes Lanuza Rivermouth, Sabang, Moshimoshi left and right, Badjang-BigStar
Zambales: San Narciso and Pundaquit, San Antonio
Good for newbie surfers, the beaches of Brgy Pundaquit in San Antonio and of San Narciso beckons Metro Manilans due to its proximity.
Skimboarding in the Phlippines:
Skimboarding (or skimming), another water sport gaining popularity is some areas is a boardsport in which a skimboard (a sort of little surfboard) is used to ride on an incoming wave.
Note that the places listed above are also ideal for skimboarding where the towns of Tanauan and Dulag in Leyte is gaining popularity.
Want to learn how to surf without heading for the beach?
For furfing lessons nearest Metro Manila, OceanWaves at Club Manila Eastin Taytay Rizal offers surfing lessons by appointment-only basis. Call 6312805 or 3575452 for details, cost and other inquiries. Facilities include a 14-ft-deep diving pool with four diving platforms and a 20-ft-high waterfall; and a 30-m wide, 76-m long family wave pool that’s only 4 ft deep. OceanWaves is open every day with two-hour surfing lessons scheduled at 8-10 a.m., 10 a.m.-12 noon and 2-4 p.m.
Labels: Aurora, Beaches, Boardsports, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Eastern Samar, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Sorsogon, Surfing, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Zambales
posted by GingGoy @ 10:27 PM,
,
Sorsogon Accommodations: Donsol Beach Resorts
28 December 2007
Updated 2013 list of beach resorts and accommodations in Donsol, Sorsogon for your whale shark tours and firefly encounters
Donsol Accommodation: Beach Resorts and Homestay information:
Where to Stay in Donsol, Sorsogon
Amor Beach Resort
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Telephone No.: +63.921.245.2028
Apuyan Residential Inn
Tres Maria, Donsol, Sorsogon
Hernandez Guest and Pension House
Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon
Inday Tourist Inn and Lodge
Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon
Santiago Tourist Inn
Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon
Vitton Beach Resort
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Telephone No.: +63.927.912.6313
Woodland Beach Resort
Pangpang, Donsol, Sorsogon
Telephone No.: +63.920.863.0191
The cheapest accommodations in Donsol are homestays, houses who open their homes to tourists and transients. To look for Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited homestays, you may get in touch with Donsol Inn-Keepers Association (DIKA) at telephone number +63.906.762.5955.
Source: Donsol tourism brochure (given by Tutubi's friends who were there recently)
please visit the donsol resort's official website, or call published contact numbers for inquiries, promos, day tour rates, sample restaurant menu prices, room rates, entrance fees, admission, swimming pool rates et al
Donsol Accommodation: Beach Resorts and Homestay information:
Where to Stay in Donsol, Sorsogon
Amor Beach Resort
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Telephone No.: +63.921.245.2028
Apuyan Residential Inn
Tres Maria, Donsol, Sorsogon
Hernandez Guest and Pension House
Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon
Inday Tourist Inn and Lodge
Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon
Santiago Tourist Inn
Poso, Donsol, Sorsogon
Vitton Beach Resort
Dancalan, Donsol, Sorsogon
Telephone No.: +63.927.912.6313
Woodland Beach Resort
Pangpang, Donsol, Sorsogon
Telephone No.: +63.920.863.0191
The cheapest accommodations in Donsol are homestays, houses who open their homes to tourists and transients. To look for Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited homestays, you may get in touch with Donsol Inn-Keepers Association (DIKA) at telephone number +63.906.762.5955.
Source: Donsol tourism brochure (given by Tutubi's friends who were there recently)
please visit the donsol resort's official website, or call published contact numbers for inquiries, promos, day tour rates, sample restaurant menu prices, room rates, entrance fees, admission, swimming pool rates et al
Labels: Accommodations, Bicol Region, Donsol, Hotels and Resorts, Sorsogon
posted by GingGoy @ 9:32 PM,
,
Sorsogon: Donsol Whale Shark Tours Rates/Boat Rental
27 December 2007
Looking for cheap whale shark tours in the Philippines? The cheapest of the cheap is the backpacking way. You can go there using public transportation while at the Donsol Visitor Center, everything is so easy for DIY budget travel enthusiast like Tutubi:
Tutubi was able to visit Donsol, in a spur-of-the-moment unplanned trip, and got to interact with the gentle butanding (local name for whale sharks, Scientific name: Rhincodon Typus), in April 2002 (Holy Week) and swears his Donsol butanding interaction Adventure is his most memorable experience so far.
Swim with the largest fish in the world in Donsol, a place frequented by locals, foreigners for the giant whale sharks, locally called butanding
Updated Information herewith (as of April 2013):
When to Visit Donsol:
Recommended visit to Donsol for the butanding is from January to May when the abundance of plankton, whale shark's main food, make those gentle filter-feeders stay in Donsol Bay. There's also the Butanding Festival in April so be prepared for competition with tourists and higher rates.
Whale Shark Interaction Adventure Tour:
Upon reaching Donsol, register first at the Visitor Center located in Barangay Dancalan where you'll be shown a short video about the whale shark interaction then hire a tricycle to take you to the boat station.
Registration fee per tourist:
Local PhP 100.00
Foreigner PhP 300.00
(at least here, they provide discounts to locals unlike in most places where prices only cater to foreign tourists)
Donsol Visitor Center Opens at 6:00am (even in Holy Week)
Whale shark interaction PhP 3,500.00 (per boat. price includes the three persons:
Skipper: who steers the boat for the tour
Butanding Spotter: standing at the bow always on the lookout for whale sharks
Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO): directs the whale shark interaction
Firefly watching/river cruising PhP 1,250.00 (cost per boat)
If you're a solo backpacker, you can pay PhP500.00 Butanding interaction fee and share the boat with six others
Do take note of the rules and policies posted on the walls of the Visitor Center and reiterated during the video presentation:
1. No touching/riding on the butanding
2. Do not restrict the movement of the shark or block its natural path
3. Recommended distance from the whale shark is 3 meters from the head and body and 4 meters from the tail
4. No flash photography allowed (tip: you may buy inexpensive disposable and waterproof cameras for this, not sharp but passable for bragging rights)
5. No scuba, scooters, jet-ski or any motorized underwater propulsion
6. Strictly one boat per whale shark policy with a maximum of six (6) swimmers per whale shark
Things to do in Donsol other than Butanting Interaction:
Other activities: Donsol River Cruise and Firefly Watching in the mangrove forest (optional but requires an overnight stay unlike the Butanding Interaction tours)
Whale shark picture and video here
Cheap hotels/resorts/accommodations and Where to Stay In Donsol Information:
Donsol Inn-keeper Association (DIKA): +63.906.762.5955
How to get to Donsol, Sorsogon for the whale shark tours (butanding adventure)
Donsol, Sorsogon can be reached via Legazpi City in Albay. Flights from Manila to Legazpi City and Cebu City to Legazpi City are available. Vans bound for Donsol are available at the Satellite Market for another one-hour ride. A short tricycle ride from the Visitor Center to the boat station is required.
Philippine Airlines, ZestAir and Cebu Pacific flies daily to Legazpi City daily. Donsol-bound vans are available at the Satellite Market for another one-hour ride.
For land travel (commute) to Donsol from Manila, buses are available in Cubao, Quezon City for a 12-hour ride to Legazpi City. These buses drop passengers at Satellite Market where one can get a van bound for Donsol.
Philtranco, with terminal in Cubao, has buses to Donsol. Inquire at their office or website for updated fares and trip schedules.
You may also hire vans in your area to drive you directly to Donsol then arrange the tour yourself to save on costs.
For your return trip, you may hire a tricycle (better to commission one in advance to fetch you at an appointed time to avoid waiting) to take you back to Brgy. Dancalan or the FX/Van terminal where vans going to Legazpi are available.
Note: other places where you can avail of whale shark tours are Puerto Bay in Palawan (where they're called tiki-tiki), in Bohol Island and in the waters of Calatagan, Batangas. Donsol is the most famous due to the high concentration of the butanding and already laid claim to the title "whale shark capital of the world."
Fare guide to Donsol, Sorsogon:
Tricycle from Legazpi Airport: PhP50.00/trip (good for 5 persons)
Van from Legazpi City terminal to Donsol: PhP60.00
Tricycle in Donsol to resort: P20.00/person
Besides Whale Sharks, sightings of rare megamouth sharks were recorded in Donsol bay while the nearby Ticao Pass is teeming with giant manta rays for sure sighting.
please leave comments for more tips or fore updates on the cheapest donsol butanding package tours, rates and cost chnages
UPDATED: April 2013
Related Posts:
Donsol Beach resorts
Tutubi was able to visit Donsol, in a spur-of-the-moment unplanned trip, and got to interact with the gentle butanding (local name for whale sharks, Scientific name: Rhincodon Typus), in April 2002 (Holy Week) and swears his Donsol butanding interaction Adventure is his most memorable experience so far.
Swim with the largest fish in the world in Donsol, a place frequented by locals, foreigners for the giant whale sharks, locally called butanding
Updated Information herewith (as of April 2013):
When to Visit Donsol:
Recommended visit to Donsol for the butanding is from January to May when the abundance of plankton, whale shark's main food, make those gentle filter-feeders stay in Donsol Bay. There's also the Butanding Festival in April so be prepared for competition with tourists and higher rates.
Whale Shark Interaction Adventure Tour:
Upon reaching Donsol, register first at the Visitor Center located in Barangay Dancalan where you'll be shown a short video about the whale shark interaction then hire a tricycle to take you to the boat station.
Registration fee per tourist:
Local PhP 100.00
Foreigner PhP 300.00
(at least here, they provide discounts to locals unlike in most places where prices only cater to foreign tourists)
Donsol Visitor Center Opens at 6:00am (even in Holy Week)
Whale shark interaction PhP 3,500.00 (per boat. price includes the three persons:
Skipper: who steers the boat for the tour
Butanding Spotter: standing at the bow always on the lookout for whale sharks
Butanding Interaction Officer (BIO): directs the whale shark interaction
Firefly watching/river cruising PhP 1,250.00 (cost per boat)
If you're a solo backpacker, you can pay PhP500.00 Butanding interaction fee and share the boat with six others
Do take note of the rules and policies posted on the walls of the Visitor Center and reiterated during the video presentation:
1. No touching/riding on the butanding
2. Do not restrict the movement of the shark or block its natural path
3. Recommended distance from the whale shark is 3 meters from the head and body and 4 meters from the tail
4. No flash photography allowed (tip: you may buy inexpensive disposable and waterproof cameras for this, not sharp but passable for bragging rights)
5. No scuba, scooters, jet-ski or any motorized underwater propulsion
6. Strictly one boat per whale shark policy with a maximum of six (6) swimmers per whale shark
Things to do in Donsol other than Butanting Interaction:
Other activities: Donsol River Cruise and Firefly Watching in the mangrove forest (optional but requires an overnight stay unlike the Butanding Interaction tours)
Whale shark picture and video here
Cheap hotels/resorts/accommodations and Where to Stay In Donsol Information:
Donsol Inn-keeper Association (DIKA): +63.906.762.5955
How to get to Donsol, Sorsogon for the whale shark tours (butanding adventure)
Donsol, Sorsogon can be reached via Legazpi City in Albay. Flights from Manila to Legazpi City and Cebu City to Legazpi City are available. Vans bound for Donsol are available at the Satellite Market for another one-hour ride. A short tricycle ride from the Visitor Center to the boat station is required.
Philippine Airlines, ZestAir and Cebu Pacific flies daily to Legazpi City daily. Donsol-bound vans are available at the Satellite Market for another one-hour ride.
For land travel (commute) to Donsol from Manila, buses are available in Cubao, Quezon City for a 12-hour ride to Legazpi City. These buses drop passengers at Satellite Market where one can get a van bound for Donsol.
Philtranco, with terminal in Cubao, has buses to Donsol. Inquire at their office or website for updated fares and trip schedules.
You may also hire vans in your area to drive you directly to Donsol then arrange the tour yourself to save on costs.
For your return trip, you may hire a tricycle (better to commission one in advance to fetch you at an appointed time to avoid waiting) to take you back to Brgy. Dancalan or the FX/Van terminal where vans going to Legazpi are available.
Note: other places where you can avail of whale shark tours are Puerto Bay in Palawan (where they're called tiki-tiki), in Bohol Island and in the waters of Calatagan, Batangas. Donsol is the most famous due to the high concentration of the butanding and already laid claim to the title "whale shark capital of the world."
Fare guide to Donsol, Sorsogon:
Tricycle from Legazpi Airport: PhP50.00/trip (good for 5 persons)
Van from Legazpi City terminal to Donsol: PhP60.00
Tricycle in Donsol to resort: P20.00/person
Besides Whale Sharks, sightings of rare megamouth sharks were recorded in Donsol bay while the nearby Ticao Pass is teeming with giant manta rays for sure sighting.
please leave comments for more tips or fore updates on the cheapest donsol butanding package tours, rates and cost chnages
UPDATED: April 2013
Related Posts:
Donsol Beach resorts
Labels: Bicol, Bicol Region, Donsol, Ecotourism, Sorsogon, Travel Guides
posted by GingGoy @ 9:58 PM,
,
Donsol Butanding (whale sharks)
14 July 2006
Have to admit that the Donsol experience I had a few years back is one of the most memorable adventures. It was holy week when we went there and unplanned since we didn't really intend to go due to lack of information but we pushed through on my proddings since we're already in Legazpi.
Interacting with those gentle butandings is really an unforgettable experience.
Updated Backpacking Donsol/Whale Shark Tours Cost and Directions
plugging in also a film DONSOL featured in this year's Cinemalaya.
I'm a fan of alternative movies that you can't catch on local cinemas except during film festivals.
do catch the film at the CCP:
July 18: 9:00pm
July 19: 6:15pm (Gala Premiere at the CCP Main Theater)
July 20: 9:00pm
July 21: 12:45pm
July 22: 3:30pm
Contact Maxie Evangelista at 0917-2431077 for discounted tickets and group reservations.
Looking for cheap Donsol Whalesharks adventure? Just drop a comment
How to go to Donsol:
Philippine airlines has daily flights to Legazpi City. From Legazpi city, board a jeepney going to Daraga bus terminal (near a gasoline station) from Daraga, the bus takes about 2 hours. Drop off at the Donsol Municipal Hall. Register there for a small price and view the Butanding video. Take a tricycle going to Donsol bay or your resort. Negotiate with boatmen (a spotter and a BIO (butanding interaction officer for the cost)
Commute by bus: Philtranco Bus in Cubao has buses going to Donsol and Pilar, Sorsogon.
Interacting with those gentle butandings is really an unforgettable experience.
Updated Backpacking Donsol/Whale Shark Tours Cost and Directions
plugging in also a film DONSOL featured in this year's Cinemalaya.
I'm a fan of alternative movies that you can't catch on local cinemas except during film festivals.
do catch the film at the CCP:
July 18: 9:00pm
July 19: 6:15pm (Gala Premiere at the CCP Main Theater)
July 20: 9:00pm
July 21: 12:45pm
July 22: 3:30pm
Contact Maxie Evangelista at 0917-2431077 for discounted tickets and group reservations.
Looking for cheap Donsol Whalesharks adventure? Just drop a comment
How to go to Donsol:
Philippine airlines has daily flights to Legazpi City. From Legazpi city, board a jeepney going to Daraga bus terminal (near a gasoline station) from Daraga, the bus takes about 2 hours. Drop off at the Donsol Municipal Hall. Register there for a small price and view the Butanding video. Take a tricycle going to Donsol bay or your resort. Negotiate with boatmen (a spotter and a BIO (butanding interaction officer for the cost)
Commute by bus: Philtranco Bus in Cubao has buses going to Donsol and Pilar, Sorsogon.
Labels: Bicol, Bicol Region, Sorsogon, Wildlife
posted by GingGoy @ 9:09 PM,
,