Donsol

Donsol is in Sorsogon, Philippines.

Butanding Interaction Officer looking for whale shark shadows. - Butanding Interaction Officer looking for whale sharks.|600px

Donsol Halal Travel Guide

There are 2 main areas in Donsol - what is called the town center, with small shops and food stalls, home stays hotels and Dancalan, which is situated around the beach about 2 kilometers west of the downtown.

Donsol town is a small rural town of a few thousand people. Before the arrival of tourists the local economy was based on fishing, Rice farming and copra (dried coconut meat). With the arrival of tourists to see the whale sharks there has been an injection of money into the area which has meant better infrastructure. The town has a nice church, wet market and near the quay side are a fishing community and fish dealers.

About 2 kilometers out of town is Baran Dancalan. In Dancalan you will find the Visitor Center, most dive shops and beach resorts. Most resorts do not accept credit cards.

Most Resorts and hotels in Donsol are open only during the whaleshark season (December to May), with two exceptions listed below. The number of visitors have been declining as of recently with 2018 showing a new low. Locals seem to connect this to the similarly declining numbers of whaleshark sightings in the area.

There are no landlines in Donsol and internet access is only in the town center, with the exception of most resorts.

Muslim Friendly Travel TO Donsol

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Donsol

You can fly from MNL|Manila or CEB|Cebu to Legazpi City and then take a public minivan to Donsol.

By minivan

Public minivans to/from the terminal in Legazpi city cost ₱98 per person. Private vans cost from ₱1,500-P2,000 per van, and you can get them outside the airport when you arrive. They have A/C and will drop you directly at your hotel.

To get to the Public Minivan Terminal in Legazpi you have to take a tricycle from the airport to the Van Terminal and then wait for the van to be full (12 people). It costs ₱98 per person, and the driver will drop you at the Donsol Bus Station in the downtown.

Buses also are available from Manila direct to Donsol (daily) or via Legazpi.

How to get around in Donsol

Rice fields in Donsol. - Rice fields in Donsol.|300px}}

There are lots of tricycles in Donsol that will get you wherever you want. To go from the downtown to Dancalan the price is ₱50 for 2 people.

What to see in Donsol

A floating restaurant on a Donsol beach. - A floating restaurant on a Donsol beach.|300px

• Whale Sharks. Whale sharks, locally known as butanding, used to gather in the area six to nine months a year (November - June), with the numbers peaking from February to early May. However and they have now become almost non-existent and can mostly only be experienced while scuba-diving. The largest fish in the world can grow up to 12 meters in length, and weigh many tons. They're considered a vulnerable species, and are protected in the Philippines. The first recorded sightings of baby whalesharks (underinches 24 worldwide were recorded in 2009 in Donsol.
• Fireflies. One of the few places in the world that holds night time firefly tour. Fireflies light up entire trees, giving off a serene scene. This can be done at the Donsol River or at the Ogod River. The tours are done via small river boats that fit 4 - 6 people.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Donsol

Most of the hotels can organize the activities for you, including transportation. However some of them tend to add a fee on top of the usual price.

• Whale Shark Interaction - . Swimming with whale sharks. Register at the Visitor's Center located at Baran Dancalan. Shark watchers are assigned a Butanding Interaction Officer and have to follow strict guidelines. All whale shark tour boats are provided by the center inclusive of an interaction guide called a Butanding Interaction Officer or BIO. Some resorts can do pre-booking for a minimal service fee. Price is ₱300 (₱100 for Filipinos and local residents with ACR card) for the registration (valid for 5 days), and ₱3500 per boat (up to 6 people). There is no guarantee of seeing a whale shark the chance of seeing them have now (March 2023) become almost zero. Boat operators will take you out even if no Butanding have been sighted for weeks and they will not tell you of this beforehand. No refunds or credits. Avoiding weekends and booking multiple days increases your chances of success.

• Frontier Whale Shark Tours | ☎ +63 917 540 8410 - Leads guided whale shark tours every year from February to May with experienced naturalists as guides. The guides enter the water with the group and are experts at maintaining a safe approach to the sharks. Tours start in Manila and include domestic flights, all transfers, resort lodging and full meals.

• Scuba diving is a popular activity here, and there are a handful of operators available:

• Bicol Dive Center ☎ +63 917 9002464, +63 906 8016852 - Dive center is just across from the tourist center. Offers Dive course & day trips to San Miguel Island and Manta Bowl, island hopping and snorkeling and the price is ₱4500 for 3 dives (minimum of 4 divers)and give special rates for big groups. Gear is in good condition and the boat is spacious and the people are really friendly. Accepts cash payments only. Dive shop is open year round.

• Frontier Scuba - Leads guided whale shark tours every year from February to May with experienced naturalists as guides. Tours start in Manila and include domestic flights, resort lodging and meals.

• Giddy's Place PADI Dive Resort Clemente Street ☎ +63 917 848-8881 - Open year round. It is the only PADI accredited facility in Donsol and the only one with Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving (PCSSD) accreditation. Has the only dive training swimmingpool in Donsol and the surrounding towns. Has Donsol's only resident dive instructor and has Grade A Air. Has the lowest rate for the solo diver. Accepts credit cards (Visa, MC, Amex, JCB) without extra charge.

• D'Spa | The only full service spa in Donsol and the surrounding towns and is attached to Giddy's Place. You have a lot of options including scrubs, body, foot and stone massages.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Donsol

It is difficult to change money, so cash up before heading to Donsol. To exchange euros or US dollars, ask at Amor Resort or Hernandez Guest House, but the rate can be more than 10% less than the official one (teling you false numbers on rates in Legaspi). Alternatively in a pinch you can purchase meals and avail of lodgings and activities at Giddy's Place PADI Dive Resort using a credit card.

Except for the payment for the rooms, Casa Bianca accepts U.S. dollars and euros for the meals, strictly following the exact exchange rates in Legazpi.

• ATMs - There are two ATMs in Donsal which take Master Card and Visa Card

Halal Restaurants

Most of the resorts along the beach have their own restaurant where you can eat even if you are not staying in the resort.

• Butanding Cafe & Restaurant | Clemente StAttached to Giddy's place - Opening Hours: Open until 1AM Popular for its icy cold mixed drinks, good food and seafood, good music and well-stocked and separate video karaoke area. One of the few places to eat past early dinner time. Free WiFi. Try the local dish "Crispy Pata" or deep fried Beef leg which is a Philippine specialty. Accepts credit cards.

• Sadtong Panawn Restaurant | 500 m after the Visitor Center going east, houses few antique collections, including an old piano, pre-World War II bicycle and chair, 300-year-old vases, antique televisions and so on. The restaurant serves fresh seafoods like squid sisig and grilled squid in sweet Sauces. and before leaving Donsol, try their signature flaming Chicken inasal. The restaurant has free WiFi and has shows and events every Friday, Saturday and Sunday featuring Bettina Bexina and company.

• BARacuda Dancalan 500m after the Visitor center going west ☎ +63 9266400863 Opening Hours: 5PM Monday - late ₱1000-1800 The owner, Juliet, goes fishing in the day to offer you fresh fish at night. You can choose your own fish from the day's catch and they will cook it for you. They also serve cocktails. The bar is alongside the beach on a terrace, overlooking the sea. Really friendly place, Juliet will come and chat with you if you are alone. She also tends to bring at the end of dinner, for free. Note that the prices are quite high, especially for Philippine standards.

• AGM Beachfront Resort Restaurant | Brgy. Dancalan inside AGM Beachfront Resort ☎ +63 9196882264 Opening Hours: 6AM Monday - 11PM Serves freshly caught fish, crabs, shrimps and other seafood, and also d Meat and fresh vegetables sourced from nearby farms. Chinese, Filipino, and Continental foods are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant also caters.

• Amor Farm Beach Resort - Dancalan ☎ +63 9095181150 - The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with both Western and Filipino food. At dinner time ask what fish arrived that day as fishermen arrive daily in their boats to sell their catch directly to the restaurant. They will cook it any way you like. They also have a and a great atmosphere.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Donsol

Donsol - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Donsol, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Donsol. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Donsol and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Donsol. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Donsol. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Donsol: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Donsol.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Donsol: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Donsol, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Donsol.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Donsol, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Donsol, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Donsol and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Donsol, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Donsol, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Donsol without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Donsol is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Donsol.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Donsol is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Donsol, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Donsol Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Donsol

eHalal Group Donsol is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Donsol. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Donsol.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Donsol ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Donsol. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Donsol, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Donsol are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Amor Farm Beach Resort - Dancalan ☎ +63 909-5181150 Air-conditioned rooms (king-size bed, en suite toilet and bath) - ₱1,500. Fan room (1 single bed and 1 double bed, en-suite toilet and bath) - ₱1,000. Amor Farm Beach Resort has a nicely landscaped garden and is on the beach. There is a good restaurant serving both local and Western menus. Along the beach there are plenty of nice places to have a drink - on the beach, in one of the many gazebos, or at the beach café. It is walking distance from the outstanding visitor's center.

• Donsol Bay Resort Gimagaan ☎ +63 935 965 7840 - Rooms are twin/triple, air-conditioned with individual bathrooms and hot shower. All rooms are beach view. Standard rooms (₱1,500- 2,000), All rates inclusive of breakfast for two person. Facilities are: bar & restaurant, swimming pool, wide beach front, free parking area, free shuttle service to Butanding Interaction Center. Thit is about 5 minutes ride away from the tourist center by vehicle and 10 minutes ride away from the town center. Also provide tour packages.

• Hernandez Guest House | ₱400 In the downtown, thit is a budget option with basic rooms (shared bath and toilet) close to a busy street. You can get to the Visitors' Center in 5 minutes/₱15 per head tricycle ride.

• Vitton & Woodland Resort Dancalan ☎ +63 9279126313, +63 9216904399, +63 921 929 3811 - Room rates ₱2000-3200, all rooms are airconditioned with individual bathrooms and hot shower. They have 2 restaurants inside: Mommy Nems Resto & Vitton Cafe, wide swimming pool, Dive Center (Bicol Dive Center). They offer kayak tours, firefly watching, and van transfer. Directly next to the Butanding center. Considered to be the nearest place to stay in the area near the jump-off point for whale shark interaction. As of March 2018 they seem to have a serious problem with bruised and sick street dogs roaming around the resort and especially in the restaurant area, begging for food. Bear this in mind if you have reservations about personal hygiene and safety.

• Casa Bianca Beach Resort Dancalan ☎ +63 906 309-9372 - Room rates: ₱800 fan room with bathroom with hot & cold shower (for 2 persons); ₱1,000 for 3 persons. Air-con rooms cost ₱1,500-2,000 with Restaurant inside that serves fresh seafood, and an array of local and international dishes, only resort in Dancalan Donsol with Wifi. 5-10 min walking distance to the tourist center. The resto and bar has always an activity every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. So prepare yourself to the stretch of party. (Party cuts off at 10PM for other guests' rest.)

• Elysia Beach Resort Pangpang 5 minutes walk from the visitor center going west, at the beach front ☎ +63 917-547-4466 - They have a swimming swimmingpool with wooden deck and an international restaurant and cocktail bar, coffee shop (espresso and brewed coffee). Also you can use beach bed. All the rooms are beach view.

• Victoria's Guest House Dancalan 12.9103221, 123.5878969 ☎ +63 9065560697 - The place is accessible by the local road on the left side of the TOP (Tourist-Oriented Police) Cop Police Station, 15 minutes' walk to the Butanding Interaction Office. They have private ecological beach cottages being shared with small group of travellers who prefer quite place in a rural setting. En suite bathrooms with hot shower. The small kitchen offers fresh sea foods and vegetables. Firefly watching nearby.

• Santiago Homestay Corner of SanJose street & Tres Marias Dr ☎ +63 93-93108756 Check-in: noon / Check-out: noon ₱500 Fan double room shared bathroom.

• Giddys Place Homestay 54 Clemente Street ☎ +63 9178488881 Check-in: noon / Check-out: noon ₱600 Backpackers' fan double rooms with shared bathroom.

More Muslim Friendly Destinations from Donsol

• Legazpi City
• Metro Cebu via Masbate
• Sorsogon

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.