It was just a few years ago when these gentle giants were spotted near the shores of Oslob, Cebu. Back then, you had to visit Donsol in Sorsogon to see the whale sharks and swim with them. Locally called as Butanding, these whale sharks feed on uyop (baby shrimp or something that looks like it) and the local community, together with the government, has exerted efforts to protecting these creatures, at the same time, giving people a chance to see them and even swim with them.

After more than three hours drive from Cebu City (with only 2 hours of sleep from Sinulog), we arrived in Oslob’s Whale Shark viewing area (you need to go past the town center), where there were several resorts that offered Whale Shark watching packages. We picked the one called MB (I forgot the entire name), and we had to pay 500 pesos for a 30-minute encounter with the whale sharks (including snorkel gear). By the way, whale shark viewing is only until 12 noon so you need to go there early (and count in the commute time). I guess this is to allow the whale sharks to live normally and hunt for food on their own…or to rest from eating! Anyway, there is a short briefing before they let you near the whale sharks to ensure that the experience will both be safe and enjoyable for both the people and the whale sharks. Here are the general rules:

1. You are not allowed to wear sunscreen/sunblock (because of the chemicals). 
2. You are not allowed to touch the whale sharks. There is a 4m rule for whale shark viewing, although this one’s a little hard to follow because the whale shark is so big and if you happen to be in the way between its food, you are bound to collide if you don’t swim away.
3. You are allowed to take as much pictures as you can, as long as you don’t use flash.

And off we go!

This was very memorable for me. The feeling of seeing these amazing creatures right in front of you cannot be put into words. I’m just grateful that somehow, we are able to experience this. It makes me realize that we aren’t the only ones living in this planet – but we are burdened with the task and responsibility to take care of it, not just for our own sake, but for the sake of the other amazing creatures that live with us as well. If you’re in Cebu, I really recommend that you visit the whale sharks! They’re not being abused by the townspeople by displaying them to the public. Yes, they are being fed “unnaturally” within the time that you are allowed to see them (morning until 12 noon), but for the rest of the time, they are allowed to go on hunt for food on their own and live their lives normally. So it’s a win-win situation for everyone. That’s my opinion.