I’m not really into beaches.
Not anything that involves basking under the sun. This was a chance to swim with a creature of the sea as big as 10 feet –
about the size of a car! So, why not. =)
It took a lot of convincing
to take my family to see the whale sharks (butanding in tagalong, Tuki in
bisaya) in Oslob, Cebu. It’s about 2-3hrs drive from the city. So they’re
hesitant that these whale sharks might not show up because my uncle has been
hearing from Leo Lastimosa (Broadcast Journalist) that these beautiful
creatures don’t show-up everyday. Yes! He is a fan this radio
commentator/Broadcast journalist. Haha!
I was positive and yes! We
went.
Hello beautiful creatures!
We left the house at 5am.
Dropped by Carcar, where you will find the famous chicharon, ampao, bucarillo,
and gogorias (delectable delicacies worth tasting) to munch during the trip.
We reached Brgy. Tan-awan in
Oslob at about 7am. We just went in a resort that has a sign that says ‘Whale
shark watching, the ultimate experience with the “Gentle Giants”.
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| March 26, 2012 |
Dive with the Whale Shark Fees
Entrance Fee
- Php 300.00 – for non-Oslob residents (inclusive boat riding)
- Php 100.00 – additional for tourists bringing video cameras
- Php 30.00 – for Oslob residents (adults)
- Php 15.00 – for Oslob residents (children below 12 years old)
- Snorkel –
Php 100.00 (complete set)
- Php 75
–Life vest, parking and cottage
The
visitor’s fee (300 Php) collected by the local government of which Php 180.00
goes to the boatmen who feed the whale sharks and take visitors to get up
close, Php90.00 goes to the municipality of Oslob and Php30.00 goes to the
barangay of Tan-awan
Anyways, from the shore, we could already
see the whale sharks appearing from the surface. We are so excited!
There
is a briefing session before splurging into the water.
- Only the
whale shark feeders (there were 5 of them that day are allowed to feed the whale sharks
- No touching of whale sharks by hand,
foot or camera;
- No blocking of the whale sharks path
leading to the feeders boat;
- No flash lights or strobe lights;
- Keep at least 3m from the whale shark.
And now, we’re
ready!
Took 2 bangka
(fisherman’s boat in Bisaya) and headed to the area where the gentle giants are
waiting. *Big smile*
 |
| (L-R tita belen, uncle bot, tito ed, tita can, tita g) |
“There are 5 whale
sharks today”, says the boatman/guide.
I wasn’t supposed
to go into the water; the reason is I can’t swim. But I got excited and the
life jacket is useful, indeed. I admit, I was a bit scared and excited as well
when they came inches close. I could touch them if no one watched. Haha! It was
incredible and fun.
 |
| L-R Luke and me |
 |
| Kandle, Karlo, Me, Kit, Luke |
 |
| I was looking for the whale shark, only to realize its in front of me .. *panic mode* |
I was telling my guide that I couldn’t see them anymore. I just can’t go underwater. Haha! Such a loser. So one of the fishermen who feeds them offered to take me in his Bangka to see these butanding up close. “di pwede na mo uli ka na dili mka kita ug klaro sa tuki”, says the super-nice fisherman. “salamat kaau, Manong.” Thats why I got these shots.
(Will upload video the soonest)
After 30 minutes or
so, we finished our swim and headed back to shore. I was so overwhelmed, so as
my family. I can see their big smile.
 |
| thank you, Lord for the great weather.. |
How To Get There in Tan-awan Oslob
- For travelers that does not have
service vehicles, go to the South Bus Terminal located along N. Bacalso
St. Cebu City. Travelers with service vehicles can go directly bound to
south of Cebu. See Oslob location info.
- Take a Ceres or Sunrays Bus via Oslob.
It takes 2.5-3 hours trip going to Brgy.
Tan-awan Oslob. Fare will be:
-Regular buses – Php 149.00
-Air-conditioned buses –Php 154.00 - Tell the bus conductor to drop you off
at the Tan-awan Barangay Hall. If you can spot the gate on the left
side, ask the bus driver to stop the bus.
