Beneath the deep blue waters of Donsol, Sorsogon, a small town in the southernmost tip of Luzon, Philippines lives the world’s largest fish, the whale shark or what is locally known as the butanding.

The Philippine Department of Tourism officially declared the town of Donsol as the sanctuary for these large marine species—a butanding can grow as much as 50 feet—as the biggest number of whale sharks in the world can be found here. The fish is usually colored grey with yellowish spots in its body.

Since the coastal town of Donsol became famous for these sea creatures, local and foreign tourists began to flock to the town to witness amazing sight of the butanding swimming on the surface of the calm and azure waters of Donsol (as if they’re purposely entertaining their guests).

Sure, you can swim with the butandings, too! While the whale sharks are literally enormous, they are so friendly that you can safely swim with them and gently touch their body. All you need are simple snorkeling gears as butandings typically swim close to the surface.

And oh, yes—don’t forget you camera! I bet you don’t want to miss the opportunity of capturing such an extraordinary moment.

By Khristine