Experience Donsol

HOW TO GO?
  • Take the Alps Bus to Legaspi. Board at the Alimall Station in Cubao. It’s better to reserve your tickets beforehand. Upon arriving in Legaspi, board a van to Donsol. The van station is located at the parking lot of SM Supermarket.
  • Travel time (bus and van, respectively): 10 hours + 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • Perks of choosing Alps: Their staff are organized. Their TV is in good quality. Wide leg-room for long-legged people. You can actually block off the aircon if you’re feeling really cold (this is problematic in most buses I’ve ridden). They offer free medicine (anti headache, anti tummy sickness) for their passengers too. Free Wifi.
  • Fee: P800 one way for the bus, P70 one way for the van
  • Visit http://www.alpsthebus.com for contact numbers and other information
WHAT TO DO?

Swim with the whale sharks


Thanks to Corey DeCaire for this photo.
  • Fee: P3500 per boat (The boat is good for 6 people. If you’re less than 6, look for someone who might want to share the boat and split the cost with you.)
  • Additional fee: P150 for the mask and another P150 for the fins if you’re renting


Go firefly watching at night at the Donsol River
  • Fee: Standard rate is P1500 per boat
Eat Bicol Express at Villa JoLee
  • The best I've ever tasted
Stay at Villa JoLee (clean rooms!)


  • Kuya Ronnel (Villa Jolee's caretaker) is the best. He is very accommodating and he sees to it that all your needs are met - your breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc! He went the extra mile for us by finding us a cheap boat to San Miguel Island because we desperately needed one (due to major budget constraints). Hands down to you, Kuya Ronnel.
  • You may check out their website here:
    • http://www.facebook.com/pages/Villa-JoLee-in-Donsol/234044642819
  • Fee: P1500 or P1200 per room, good for four people. Rates may vary, so do your best to ask for a discount. ;)
Visit San Miguel Island in Ticao




  • It is a MUST to go snorkeling. Dive if you have a license as the area is a proclaimed dive spot.
  • Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (Yes, it’s far. But it’s WORTH IT.)
  • Fee: Standard rate is P7000 per boat, but do your best to ask for a discount. We paid less than that, of course. Big boats good for around 7-10 people may cost P4500 or P5000 or more.
  • Tip: Haggle. And be wise! Get to know the locals and the “how-things-go” in Donsol first to get your way around.
  • Another tip: Bring food! It’s nice to eat lunch in the boat/by the sea. It’s better to bring extra food for the locals you might meet in the island. :)
  • Last tip: When on the boat to San Miguel or back to Donsol, take time to observe the sea. You might see dolphins and flying fishes, like we did!
BEST TIME TO GO THERE?
  • February-April, when the whale sharks are plentiful! Take note, though, that a lot of visitors and tourists will be there as well.
WHAT NOT TO FORGET?
  • Cash. They have an ATM in town but it’s closed on Sundays. The nearest ATM then would be in another town (Pilar).
  • Your snorkeling gear (if you have)
HAVE FUN!!!!!

The Travel Archives

7 comments:

  1. Hi! thanks for posting pictures of San Miguel island :) been looking for photos of it because it's included in our itinerary for Donsol trip this March.

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  2. Sure, no problem :) It's a really serene place :)

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  3. Hi! I'm here again hehe. Hinde na namin napuntahan San Miguel Island baka next time pag bumalik kami Donsol. Try niyo rin Matnog beaches and Juag Fish Sanctuary =)

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  4. Matnog beaches? Okay sige will do try that and the Fish Sanctuary next time. Thanks Mavic! :)

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  5. Dear Traveller,

    Next Visit in Bicol Area please find out the accredited establishment in Bicol Region V.

    for Scuba diving you may contact
    BICOL DIVE CENTER
    a dive establshment accredited, endorse by Department of Tourism Bicol.
    websites: www.bicoldivecenter.com
    email: bicoldivecenter@yahoo.com
    mobile no: +63906 8016852
    contact person: Mr. Rodel Lita - PADI Scuba Diver Instructor

    for the snorkling tour activity speciality in Donsol-Ticao san miguel-pilar.
    contact : WHALESHARK ADVENTURE & TOURS
    websites: www.donsolwhaleshark.net
    email: reservations_donsol@yahoo.com
    mobile no: +63921 929 3811
    contact person: She Salinas - Tour Coordinator

    cheerz!! :-)

    The Traveller

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