Is it more fun in Donsol or in Oslob?

First of all, this is not an expert comparison based on marine biology, statistics and scientific studies of the two places that has whaleshark presence. This is based on my personal experience ( year 2012) as a traveler who seeks to have more fun in the Philippines and beyond.

1. Size of whalesharks
Based on my personal experience, whalesharks in Donsol are bigger. 

2. Number of whalesharks
Case to case basis. In Donsol you can  see 4 whalesharks in a good day, in Oslob, also the same. Best days in Oslob can reach up to 10 whalesharks in a day. 

3. Distance of whalesharks from one another
Definitely Oslob. Rico and Maloy are trying very hard not to bump with each other. In Donsol, the motorized boat has to travel far and wide just to spot the whaleshark. 

3. Ease of finding the whaleshark
Oslob. Its only 150 meters away from the shoreline. You can see from the beach if the whaleshark is there or not. In Donsol, you will still need to search for the whaleshark in the blue sea and it is not yet guaranteed. 

4. Presence of marine life. 
Big plus for Oslob, but not so bad for Donsol. 
In Bgy. Tan-awan, aside from the whalesharks, there are schools of fish swimming around the shark and a turtle. This is a heaven for those who can only snorkel. Not far from Tan-awan is Sumilon reef where you can dive with hammerhead sharks, turtles and Manta ray on a good day. 

In Donsol, the whalesharks can be found in deep sea, so it can be a little scary to jump and swim with the whalesharks if you are not comfortable in the water. On our way back to the shore, we saw dolphins which is a big plus but not guaranteed. There is a Manta Bowl in the other province nearby, but to see it, you have to be an advance diver and it will be a long boat ride to the open sea. 

In Oslob, even 3 year old girl can swim with the whalesharks. Children can get a good view of the whaleshark as it is just right on top of the waters. Donsol is not so much for children. But for adults, yes it is. The grandeur of big whalesharks is incomparable. 

5. Value for money
This actually depends on where you are from. In Donsol you have to pay Php 3500 per boat. In Oslob, its Php 300 per person. I believe both are bargains for the experience. 

6. Food 
Donsol is more on Bicol food with coconut milk. Oslob is more on meat including Cebu lechon. They also grilled meat, fish and chorizo. Prices is more competitive in Oslob. Grilled banana is only Php 10.00.  Mango shake is only Php 25.00. You can never get that price in Donsol.

You will not get hungry or thirsty in Oslob because there are many small stores in the briefing area. Oslob has more of the picnic area appeal. In Donsol, mostly you can buy food and drinks in resorts, its not concentrated in one area unlike Oslob.

7. Accommodations 
Donsol has decent accommodations and homestays as it is established long time ago.
Oslob, since it has started only this Jan 7, 2012, most of it are still under construction. But there are many options in nearby Dumaguete, Sumilon Island, Santander, Alcoy and Cebu City.

8. Boatmen
Definitely Oslob. Some are dive masters before they become boatmen. In Donsol, they are fishermen before they became boatmen. In Donsol, they are serious in looking for whalesharks. In Oslob, since they don't look for it anymore, they still have a lot of energy and are very enthusiastic to introduce Rico and the rest of the gang. Before you know it, you are swimming side by side with your boatman. 

9. BIO. Butanding Information Officer.
Donsol has it. Oslob, at this time, has no trained Butanding Information officer. BIO is the main advantage of Donsol because these are trained guides that can give first hand information and look after the safety of the tourists while in the water. This is really required for Donsol because you plunged in the deep blue sea.

10. Time spent with the whalesharks 
Definitely Oslob. You have the whole 30 minutes to swim with the whalesharks. You will get tired of them already and focus your attention on the divers underwater and the schools of fish. In Donsol, it can last for 5 minutes or even less. 

11. Briefing.
Hands down, it is more informative in Donsol and they already have a facility to give a proper briefing. But we have to give a chance to the local govt of Oslob because they have just started in less than a month. If we are going to compare Donsol when it started, definitely Cebu is handling this very well.  


12. Convenience/Access.
Oslob. They have 2 gateways, Dumaguete airport and Mactan International Airport. It is more convenient for people around the world to go to Cebu than Legaspi. The frequency of flights to Cebu and Dumaguete is beyond compare to Legaspi. It is more convenient for the people of Mindanao and Luzon to go the Cebu City than Legaspi. The briefing center is along the main highway. Even if you don't have a car, it is very convenient to go there. 

13. The locals. 
Sad to say, even if I am from Sorsogon, hand downs to the people of Bgy. Tan-awan. They are very accommodating. You arrive as a tourist, you leave as family. Maybe because you are still starting, or maybe that is who they really are.

What I am hoping for? 
I am hoping that Donsol will act as partner and not as a mentor and not as a lecturer of what should Oslob learn from Donsol.

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