Cebu Trip: Oslob’s Butanding Watching (up close and personal)

One of the biggest and friendliest species of whale shark will be seen in Oslob, Cebu. Its geographical position is at the south eastern part of the island and 3 hours land travel from Cebu City. Having said the location of my next destination adventure trip with my friends, we’re ready for an up close and personal experience with the famous Butanding of Oslob.

PREVIOUSLY:
I've read and seen blogs, articles, print ads and features news about the whale shark of Oslob. Since we’ll visit Cebu for 4 days and 3 nights, we've included it in our Itinerary.

GOING BACK:
Day 2 of our Cebu trip, we left our hotel at 3am in the morning, most of the blogs I've read they've recommended to travel in mid morning to skip the heavy traffic of metro Cebu as well as the Butanding usually fed early in the morning.
Up close and personal | Butanding | Oslob, Cebu
We've reached Oslob before the sunrise and immediately communicated with the locals regarding our intention to personally experience Butanding Watching. They’ve responded warmly by expressing kind words of appreciation for visiting their place as well as to see the whale sharks. Without further delays, The Manong Bangkero told us the fees, 70 pesos resort’s entrance fee, 300 pesos if you’ll just watch in the boat and 500 pesos if you’ll swim near the shark inclusive of snorkeling goggles.
Group Picture
We're ready

Everyone is excited. We’ve changed clothes and headed at the near municipal center for short briefing about the dos and don’ts about the Butanding watching.
Seminar

Ready 1 2 3
Seminar | Photo Op
Dos and Don'ts 
We're ready
After the 10 minutes talk we’re set for a 30 minutes close up encounter with the friendliest whale shark of the Philippines.
at the boat
The Butanding
Just several minutes upon reaching the whale shark spot we’ve seen three Butanding graciously following a boat near ours. The bangkero informed us that enable to attract the said shark; they need to feed it with “alamang” and minimal movement of the boat.
Huge 

So BIG!
Friendliest | Closest encounter
Up Close 
awesome
I've jumped in the water and swum four meters away from the biggest fish I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Marvelous
Huge 
To be honest, I was afraid at first when I saw its huge mouth opened. Woooooooooohhh

There’s nothing to be scared off according to our bangkero because they are not harmful creatures. From then, I’ve enjoyed the moment near the Butanding, Lucky me I’ve witnessed and experienced a once in a lifetime adventure with my friends
Cool Picture waiting for the Butanding
Edward in Motion
wooh

Arem in Action
Photo Op with the Butanding
Whale Shark | Oslob

Baron and Julius

Nemo
Happy
The 3 hours land travel and the cost of this activity paid off when the Butanding’s swim with us. Priceless  


They are sociable sea creatures and easy to love with. Speechless


Overwhelming happiness and genuine smiles has seen to our faces after leaving the spot where the butanding usually stay.
I've personally recommended to you guys to visit Oslob, Cebu.

ITINERARY:
Take the bus going to Oslob at the South Bus terminal (160 pesos fare)
Going back, ride a bus off to Cebu City (same price)

2 comments: