How to get fromManila 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 Manila to Donsol

The 2 ways to travel the distance of 510 kilometers (317 miles) from Manila to Donsol are by: bus and flight. The journey takes between 3 hours 5 minutes to 15 hours and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 1,160 PHP ($20) for the bus.

Philtranco Lines used to offer one trip daily from Manila to Donsol. The bus departs at 17:00 from the Philtranco Bus Terminal in Pasay City, at EDSA cor. Apelo Cruz Street.

They charge 1,020 PHP ($17.60) per person for a one-way trip. To buy your ticket, you can go to their website. The journey takes 14 hours and the bus drops you off at the bus terminal in Donsol.

Alternatively, you can also take an indirect route via Legazpi. This indirect option allows more bus options and schedules. With a VIP or sleeper bus, you can enjoy more luxury for the first leg of the journey from Manila to Legazpi. Combined travel costs start at 1,470 PHP ($25) and the total journey will take around 15 hours.

*IMPORTANT UPDATE: The last time we checked (May 2022), the direct buses between Manila to Donsol were unavailable. The only way to travel overland by bus from Manila to Donsol is via Legazpi.

You can choose from 3 types of buses when travelling from Manila to Legazpi. The standard tourist is the cheapest at 980 PHP ($17), but we don’t recommend them because they provide regular seats that can be a bit cramped for such a long journey.

The DLTBCo VIP bus will definitely provide you with more comfort with its “lazyboy seating”.

There also used to be a sleeper bus operated by Bicol Isarog, but the last time we checked (May 2022), this bus hasn’t resumed operations.

Departure and arrival station

• Departure: The buses depart from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal in Manila
• Arrival: Buses arrive at the Legazpi Grand Central Terminal (GCT)

Minivans heading to Donsol are stationed at the Legazpi GCT. They depart as soon as they fill up. Expect to pay 120 PHP ($2.10) for the 1.5-hour van ride.

Another option is to take a jeepney going to Donsol. Keep in mind that the last trip for both minivans and jeepneys is at 17:00. Read more on how to go from Legazpi to Donsol.

The fastest way to go from Manila to Donsol is to book a flight to Legazpi. From there, you can take a minivan to Donsol.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Cebu Pacific, CebGo, and Philippine Airlines (PAL) operate several daily flights from Manila to Legazpi.

The least expensive tickets are from Cebu Pacific or CebGo. Flights from Philippine Airlines (PAL) emit 36% less CO₂ than other airlines but are also the most expensive.

The flight takes about 1h 20min. Tickets cost normally cost between 1,000 PHP ($17.30) and 4,000 PHP ($69), but they can get cheaper during promotions.

If you book several months in advance, flight tickets can even get as cheap as 1,000 PHP ($17.30). During promo periods, airlines slash future ticket prices to Legazpi for as low as 200 PHP ($3.50).

Tip: Cebu Pacific offers regular discounts on advanced seat sales annually. Keep an eye out for these promotions so you can book a cheaper flight for this route!

From Legazpi Airport, you can take a tricycle or jeepney to Legazpi’s Grand Central Terminal (GCT) near Ibalong Centrum for Recreation. A tricycle ride should cost you about 50 PHP ($0.90), although some drivers may charge slightly more. The tricycle ride only takes about 15 minutes.

Minivans bound for Donsol are parked at the Legazpi GCT. They don’t have specific schedules, but they leave once they’re full. Expect to pay 120 PHP ($2.10) for the 1.5-hour van ride.

Another option is to take a jeepney going to Donsol. Note that the last trip for both minivans and jeepneys departs at 17:00. Read more on how to go from Legazpi to Donsol.