November 27, 2011
Donsol
We left Sorsogon city very early in the morning since we thought there was a better chance of seeing the Butanding whale sharks if we get to Donsol early. Given that it was not a peak season (peak season was February to April), we wanted to improve our chances of experiencing the sharks. At past 7 am, we arrived at Aguluz homestay where we will be staying later for the night.
At 730 am, we were already at Donsol tourism office which apparently does not open until 830 am so we had to wait for an hour before we were entertained. The good news though was that Butandings have been sighted by fishermen that morning, the first time in days (or weeks)!
After registration and a brief orientation, we boarded our boats and started the search for the whale sharks together with the Butanding Interaction Officer in charge as well as another spotter and some crew. It did not take long for the spotter to find a Butanding. The shark passed by very quickly however and you had to be at the water at exactly the right time to see it. It was on the 2nd sighting that I got to see a glimpse of it and on the 3rd and 4th sightings that I finally was able to see the whole shark. At one point, I think I could have touched it if I reached down my arm. It was that close.
Later in the afternoon, we went back to Aguluz homestay to wash up and rest. A sumptuous dinner of crabs and shrimps was served for us at night. Later on, we walked towards the Ogod river and rode the boat for the firefly encounter. I cant be sure if I have seen fireflies before but I was amazed by the light emitted by all the fireflies. It was a great night - cool breeze and good music brought by the newly-formed band - the Curse.
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