
Whale Shark "Butanding" Crazy Experience
From the Mactan-Cebu International Airport:
You can take a cab to go to the South bus terminal. The estimated fare is 250 PHP – 350 PHP, depending on traffic. Or you can take it straight to Barangay ("Brgy" for short) Tan-awan in Oslob, but we try for the cheapest travel method, which is by bus.
Alternatively, if you're familiar with Uber and/or Lyft, then you can download and use the mobile app, Grab, to book your transportation.
Alternatively, if you're familiar with Uber and/or Lyft, then you can download and use the mobile app, Grab, to book your transportation.
Travel time from Airport to South Bus Terminal: 1 hour (depending on traffic)
From Cebu City:
Take a cab or jeepney to South Bus Terminal which is a few meters away from Elizabeth Mall. The terminal is clean and organized. Buy your ticket at the counter and make sure to read the board signs placed in front of the windshield mirror before hopping inside the bus.
From the South bus terminal: take the Ceres Bus
Buses Operate from 1 AM – 9 PM
Bus Fare: 150 PHP – 180 PHP
Bus Route: Bato via Liloan to Oslob
Drop-Off: Brgy. Tan-awan in Oslob
Travel Time (bus/private car): 3-4 hours
Buses Operate from 1 AM – 9 PM
Bus Fare: 150 PHP – 180 PHP
Bus Route: Bato via Liloan to Oslob
Drop-Off: Brgy. Tan-awan in Oslob
Travel Time (bus/private car): 3-4 hours
Prices may have changed.
Another alternative if you're around these two towns:
From Bato to Oslob:
Bus Fare: 40 PHP – 60 PHP
Travel Time: 20 – 30 minutes
From Moalboal to Oslob:
Bus Fare: 100 PHP – 150 PHP
Travel Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes – 2 hours (1 hour+ to the town of Bato plus another 20 minutes)
Tips
- Power outlets: are commonly type A, with standard voltage 220 V and frequency 60 Hz. Be sure to bring a universal plug adapter!
- Money matters: We recommend getting your currency exchanged via Western Union (WU) since you'll get a better rate than at the airport. You can send your travel budget to yourself and pick up the exchanged amount at the local WU.
- Convenient phone apps: Grab for transportation.
Survival Terms
- CR is the term for the toilet
- Salamat means "thank you"
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My friend just came from abroad for a vacation; she'd been asking me for so long for her Butanding Bonanza and I couldn't help but say yes to adventure. I was extremely fearful of this trip but also excited to add this to my checklist.
The wooden boat was weak and vulnerable to any predators. The boatman paddled until we were about 24-feet deep and our 30-minute timer started. We were hesitant to leave the boat; only 3 of us paid to snorkel with the whale sharks while the others stayed safe watching the whale sharks swim around us. It took great courage to touch the water with my toes especially when I saw the whale shark's famous triangle fin making its way to our boat. I made sure it was far away from the boat when I'd plunge in the water — I was that scared.
I was clinging to the side of the boat like it was the last piece of land on Earth (one look from that picture and surely you can guess where I am)!
The whale shark was fed by the fishermen, their mouths like vacuum cleaners taking all that was feed to them. They passed by our boat and we started screaming. During orientation, they said we were supposed to maintain a 4-meter distance away. But then they were so freakin' close to us like you could almost touch them. We were also advised to avoid moving our feet to keep the water free from bubbles as it would be mistaken as food by the whale shark — perfect!
There was a moment when I felt it was already at my back and that was way more frightening compared when it was just beneath us. My friends felt chills in their spine and we immediately jumped — or more like flew — right back onto the boat for safety. It was crazy and I was surprised to find myself laughing like a lunatic. The guys knew about our situation and started feeding the whale sharks more. They were teasing us like kids and even fed them more to stay alongside our boat. We were surrounded by more than three whale sharks. I couldn't hide the huge smile — or fear! — from my face even when I tried to see the whale shark go underwater again and again.
They were breathtakingly gigantic. It was my first time to see such enormous marine creatures and I couldn't believe what I was missing all this time as I clung to the boat. We didn't get a chance to get good shots with the Butanding as I refused to bring my camera with me. The underwater camera rental was not available during that time. A great thing our new friends were kind enough to share their pictures of our backs Better than nothing. I guess their camera was set-up at the wrong time. Anyway, I was deeply thankful for the pictures; shout-out to the German gentleman and his Filipina wife. They've been living in Germany for so long and took a one-month vacation in the Philippines, along with two of their outgoing relatives. These people were really kind and they showed sweet concerns for us. We were like their kids who had gone wild and they had to keep an eye on us all the time.
(All pictures with the Wrong Time Frame are from our friendly companions, thank you for sharing the pictures with us.)
Snorkeling with whale sharks was an experience of a lifetime; it's a must-try! I can't guarantee it's safe because we never know what these gentle giants might be thinking at any time. As long as we follow the guidelines and continue respecting the ocean, that should send a good signal to the Butanding to not take a bite on you. I hope nothing will post a threat to these whale sharks as that will provoke them to change.
Back to the City or Sidetrip
Two options:
1. If you're in a hurry or need to catch your flight or a boat ride then better get back to the city early as the traffic is unpredictable. Just wait for the Ceres Bus to pass by the road and make sure before hopping in it that it has the sign going back to Cebu City.
2. Check out Tumalog Waterfalls. There are parked motorcycles nearby the briefing area. These guys will you take you to the Tumalog Falls. Entrance Fee: 20 PHP
If you still have ample time then you can drop by Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion Church, one of the oldest churches in Cebu.
Explore more:
- PART 1: How to get there: Whale Shark Watching Butanding, Oslob Cebu, Philippines
- PART 2: Whale Shark "Butanding" Crazy Experience
- After Whale Watching visit: Tumalog Waterfalls
- Check out My Favorite Travel Gears
Check out my travel resources: This Is How I Travel On A Budget
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Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
If you still have one more day to spare why not go to Sumilon Island and have a relaxing weekend by the beach.
Where am I going next?
Where am I going next?
Hi! May ask if when did you go to oslob? a friend of mine said whale watching in cebu is banned now a days? is it true? I am planning to go there this April.. thanks -mia
ReplyDeleteHello there, I've been there last month February 2013. As what I've seen there the management is open for whale watching. Be reminded of their schedule, from 8am-1pm only for the said activity. If you want the best experience be there before 8am when only a few tourist have arrived. Have fun! and don't forget to bring your own googles for hygienic purposes. ^__^
Deleteit's still open, my cousin just got back from their family vacation at Dumaguete and he drove his family there. We saw the videos just last night. will be going there next weekend for sure!
DeleteIt's true the activity is still available. However, they are issues going on about shutting down the operation. Some organizations believe this kind of activity is not good for the whales.
DeleteOn the other hand, it was such an amazing experience and I hope you can visit the place before its closed down.
Astig 'to.. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteTry mo din yan pgmy time ka.. Cheers ulit!
DeleteHI,
ReplyDeleteWe are gong to be there this month (June 2014) to experience the gigantic water creature, may we know if you have any contacts (local people in Oslob) you can share to us, to whom we can rent an underwater camera. Thank you so much in advance. God bless.
Hello Dean,
DeleteLast time I check I think they have available cameras there for rent. Prices are as follows: Waterproof Camera Rent: 500 php (without memory card) 550 php (with memory card).
Make sure to be there as early 6am ,less crowded. Enjoy your trip!
Thank you so much. God bless.
DeleteIt's my pleasure Dean. Godbless too. Safe trip for you guys!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteQuestion po... how about lunch? are there nearby restaurant/canteen po? and how far is it going to Tumalog Falls?
Thank you.
/Mai
Hello Mai,
DeleteThe last time I was there no restaurants nearby, only local eateries or our so-called "carinderias" , and they're just situated inside the area.
The travel time going to the falls is aprroximately 15-20 minutes by van/motorbike.
Have a safe trip. Enjoy!
Hi great blog! How about for the transportation from oslob going back to cebu city proper? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHello Lily,
DeleteThere are a lot of buses heading to the city in the area. You can take the Ceres airconditioned buses for comfort and safety.
Thanks for dropping by.
Enjoy your trip! 😆
ANADALE BOAT RENTAL SERVICES & ANADALE FOODHAUS would like to offer a package for you while your here in Oslob after whale watching like FOODS, ACCOMODATION & TRANSPORTATION going to your side trip to Sumilon Island, Siquijor Island, Panglao, Bohol & Apo Island...... and also going to Tumalog Falls, Aguinid Falls & Kawasan Falls for canyonering.
ReplyDeleteIf you want my help just contact 0932-737-5972/ 0908-944-9491(anne)
Island Hopping? after whale watching in Tan-awan Oslob Cebu?
ReplyDeleteWe have a boat duly registered by the MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY and authorized to ply to Sumilon Island, Siquijor, Panglao Island, Apo Island and Dumaguete City.
We also have our own Food House to cater you here in tan-awan or to prepare a pack lunch if you want to eat your food in Sumilon Island.
For more information please text or call 0932 737 5972 (Anne).
thanks.
arvin
Hello Anadale Service Team,
DeleteDo you have an email address? I have some inquiries about the Canyoneering activity.
Thanks for checking out my post.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Cheers!
My e-mail add is arvindesign2014@gmail.com maam....
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ReplyDelete