We've been hearing things about the unusual acts of the whalesharks here in OSlob. Having seen the whalesharks in Donsol, twice, I was so eager to see, what's so special. We paid some fees and rentals, few minutes of briefing and off we headed to the sea. It's a bit unorganized, from the registration and the briefing. The briefing was worse. You can tell the lady was having a hard time. Oslob is way, way far compared to Donsol's. Maybe because this whole thing is still new. Well, I do hope, the fees collected would go to the improvement of the place.
So, we were told we have 30 minutes interaction. A bit short compared to Donsol's, we said. From the shore, we can already see the whalesharks. It only took us a good five minutes or less to finally spot a whaleshark. This time, it was feeding. They have assigned feeders for the whalesharks. I was in awe. In Donsol, I can only see a whaleshark for what, a minute or two? But here, I can stare at him, as long as I want. I was expecting the whaleshark would suddenly go away or charge at us, or something..but it just stayed there..feeding. It was unusual to see these wild animals as pets here. SO against their nature.
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| A designated feeder feeding the whalesharks some krills |
So what do I think of how these people were treating the whalesharks?Do I agree with them?Well, not exactly. I always say, I am really not a fan of zoos. It may not actually fall into the category of caging (these whaleharks) but still, it sort of fits the bill. The locals treat them as pets. I asked one of our boatman if they do this the whole day. After 1pm, they leave the sea. No more whaleshark watching/encounter. And they say, the whalesharks never leave..they still stay near the shore. Now that is unusual. I wish the fishermen would just let them be..just let them roam the sea. Don't feed them or anything. And let people see them in their natural habitat.
We finished the whole thing for a good thirty minutes. I stopped as soon as I got a good video of them.Since we finished early, we all agreed to spend the whole afternoon at Sumilon Island. The island can be seen from the whaleshark encounter site. From there, we just walked for 10-15 minutes to the resort's shuttle port. For a daytour at the island, we were burning a good 1,500 that's why we're hesitant at first. But we're already here and since we finished early, yeah, why not. And that's the best decision we did. haha.
Sumilon Island is an exclusive resort. For an overnight stay, you have to pay 25,000, the least. thank god for the daypass.
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| One of their jacuzzis |
Lunch was served. Instead of the buffet that we all were expecting, we had a set lunch. Sayang naman. The staff said, there were only a few people that's why they werent serving buffet. Though lunch was not buffet, the food was superb. We can only think of what the buffet would have been. yum. yum.
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| How much is the soda again? Php65 b? |
After eating, we hiked to the lighthouse.
Then snorkeling. Then kayaking..
Then went to see their famous shifting sandbar.
On the way back, we saw this shark swimming on the shallow water. I think the water is just ankle deep.
And spent the last few minutes in their infinity pool.
I met this little girl named tala. I told her we have the same name and asked if we can get a picture. She doesn't want to. What a brat. Her full name is Sophia Natalie Miller. Until I met her again at the pool. She agreed this time. So cute..if not for the attitude. haha.
It was already dark when we got back. While waiting for the bus back to cebu, we had an improptu dinner. Right at the street! Isaw which costs us Php3.00 per stick. what a deal. Kuya Benard, generous as he is, treated us. Big time teh ha!
A whole day should be spent here. We haven't seen the whole island! We'd definitely come back.
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