How to get fromLegazpi to Donsol

What to expect when visiting Donsol

Donsol is a small but world-famous coastal town in Sorsogon, Philippines. It rose to fame when a group of divers discovered its hidden gem — whale sharks, locally called butanding, swimming freely in its waters.

If you’re keen on swimming with whale sharks, we recommend doing so in Donsol, instead of the more popular Oslob (Cebu). Most companies in Donsol follow an ethical policy and do not lure whale sharks for profit (like they do in Oslob). The best time to see whale sharks is from February to April, which is Donsol’s peak season.

2 ways to get from Legazpi to Donsol

The 2 ways to travel the distance of 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Legazpi to Donsol are by: van (1 hour 30 minutes) and Jeepney (2 hours). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours and the quickest way is by van. The lowest priced tickets start from 70 PHP ($1.20) for the jeepney.

If you’d like to experience local transport, travelling by jeepney from Legazpi to Donsol is a good alternative. You might get to meet locals and can ask for recommendations. However, jeepneys take a little longer since they stop in Pilar. Travel time with a jeep takes about 2 hours.

Departure and arrival station

Like the vans, jeepneys depart from Legazpi Grand Central Terminal. You can also hail them from the streets, but it’s best to ask for assistance from your hotel on which roads they pass.

Jeepneys drop off passengers at the Donsol Centralized Shuttle Station. To be on the safe side, tell the driver that’s where you’d like to get off the jeepney.

Most travellers prefer taking a van from Legazpi to Donsol. It’s more convenient, and it’s faster than local transport. Also, vans depart from and arrive at the centralized public transport terminals, which make them easy to locate.

Keep in mind that the vans don’t operate on regular schedules. They leave once they’re full.

Departure and arrival station

To catch a van to Donsol, head to Legazpi Grand Central Terminal located in the southern part of the city’s centre. It’s accessible by tricycle. The fare for the 1 hour 30 minutes van trip is 120 PHP ($2) per person.

The van will drop you off at Donsol Centralized Shuttle Station. Depending on where your accommodation is, you may have to walk or travel by tricycle within the town centre.