By David Loh Tan-awan, Philippines (Reuters) – Tan-awan, in the southern Philippines island of Cebu, used to be a sleepy village that never saw tourists unless they were lost or in transit. Yet now they flock there by the hundreds – to swim with whale sharks, the world’s largest fish. Whale sharks are lured to the Tan-awan coastline of the
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), is conducting a three-month study of the behavior of whale shark (Rhincodon typus), more popularly known as “butanding,” frequenting the coastlines of Oslob and other coastal towns of Cebu, which has spawned a whale-shark feeding enterprise in these areas. The joint
For her stand to allow the whale shark feeding activity to continue, the fishermen’s association in Barangay Tan-awan, Oslob surprised Governor Gwendolyn Garcia with a gesture of thanksgiving during her visit to the town last September 15. Garcia was scheduled to watch and observe the whale sharks, locally known as “tuki,” while being fed by the fishermen. On her way
Amidst pleas by a marine biologist to stop it, the whale shark feeding activities in the town of Oslob will continue. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7 and the Department of Environment of Natural Resources (DENR), in coordination with the local government of Oslob, will jointly monitor the feeding activities for the next three months, to validate the claims
Whale shark watching is still going on as usual despite of the DENR order to stop whale shark feeding. Fees Watching Php 300.00 – Local guest (inclusive boat ride) Php 500.00 – Foreign guest (inclusive boat ride) Snorkeling Php 500.00 – Local guest Php 1, 000. 00 – Foreign guest Scuba Diving Php 600.00 – Local guest Php 1, 500.
We would like to inform you that the Island Trek Tours office will be closed on December 25, 2025 (Wednesday).
During this time, online chat inquiries and phone calls will not be available. However, email support will remain open to assist with any urgent needs or concerns related to ongoing tours. Please expect minor delays in response.
Bookings made through our website for December 26, 2025 will still be accepted and arranged accordingly.
Thank you for your understanding.