Whale Sharks at Oslob, Cebu

Last October 2011, the otherwise idyllic and sleepy town of Oslob, Cebu was visited by its biggest guests.  And it has changed the lifestyle of the city ever since.

Oslob, Cebu, 2 hours away from Cebu City is a 4th Class Municipality, with a population of just over 20,000.  These days, maybe they get 2 times more visitors than that every week!

According to the resort owners, around 12 Whale Sharks or Butandings have been seen in the Oslob waters.  So, all of a sudden, the city that people usually just pass by going to Sumilon (the Island you see in the picture below) or to the neighboring Negros Islands has been transformed to a major tourist destination.

When we went there last Saturday, there were more than 100 tourists in that one resort.  While there were guests from Cebu, others like us were from Manila.  There was a group of tourists from the US. 

It costs 300 pesos to see the whale sharks or Butandings.  You board a banca, together with 5 other people and then whale watch.  Now you realize that Oslob is a really nice location.  The island you see below is actually the Island of Siquijor.  On the right is the Glamping island resort, Sumilon.  Further east is the grand island of Negros.  Of course you notice all of this now.

This was a few minutes after noon. So tourists brave the high sun to get a closer look at the Gentle Giant.

Wow!  take a closer and the camera actually captured the fins of the butanding.  In Dongsol, Sorsogon you really have to go further away from the beach (or sa laot) to get a closer look at the whale sharks.  Not here in Oslob.  The Butandings swim about 200 meters away from the shore!  So those on the beach can actually see them

Here is another glimpse of the Whale Shark.  This is our lucky day. 

I am delighted to report that, no you cannot  touch the whale shark.  And you have to wear the life vest all the time.  According to the resort owner, the Philippine Coast Guard has issued a warning about stricter implementation of policies.  This was brought about by unruly behaviors of tourists right after the Butandings were discovered in October 2011.

Until when the Whale Sharks stay in Oslob, no one really knows.  But until the Gentle Giants guests are there, I hope the resort owners and the tourists continue to abide by the rules.  I hope tourists continue to come, and the Whale Sharks stay in Oslob, Cebu.