Dear Santa Clause,

Since the world did not end on the 21^st of December and if I could have my hearts wish, I would like to travel a little more for the year 2013.  I see a lot of travel bloggers who get paid for doing the thing they love most write and travel.  It would be nice if someone or a company can sponsor me to grant my wish.  Yes, I might be pushing the limit here but who knows. This wish list to Santa Dearest will be a series of posts as their will be other parts of the Philippines and other places overseas I would like to see as well.   

For this post, first stop is Bicol.

I listed 3 big tourist attractions in this post that I have not seen yet but there are lesser known places in Bicol that I, Jenny, needs to visit.

1)      Check out Caramoan Island and stay in Gotta Beach

Out of the 7000 islands in the Philippines, Caramoan is probably known for its international exposure.  Caramoan has been the favorite site for international franchise – Survivor. The place has hosted the Serbian, Israel, Bulgarian, Swedish, India and lastly, US Survivor versions. Popular tourist destinations are the Caramoan National Park, the Centro, and Gota Beach, and popular activities include diving, swimming, snorkeling and spelunking.

Please check them out for rates and travel info @: Caramoan Island

2)      Check out Misibis Bay Resort, Cagraray Island– the luxury island playground!

Misibis Bay is a private tropical hideaway built on a pristine stretch of beach along the southern tip of Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay. Misibis Bay Resort is a wonderful place to visit for its relaxing atmosphere, the surroundings looks so fantastic and beautiful, and a haven afar the crowded and polluted cities elsewhere. However, looking at the prices of foods, drinks and room rates are pretty steep compared to other similar places and 5-star hotels in the big cities, nonetheless, it still does not stop me from wishing to visit Misibis Bay Resort one day.

Please check them out for rates and travel info @: Misibis Bay

3)      Donsol, Sorsogon to see Butanding, Whale Shark

I visited Sorsogon once but only came there for a bit for my Pili Oil Blog but did not have the time to check Donsol out. 

When you are coming from Albay, it is one hour drive south of Sorsogon. Donsol is a host to one of the highest concentration of Whale Sharks in the world. These creatures have been frequenting the waters off Donsol, Sorsogon for many generations.

 Although Whale Sharks, or “Butanding” as they are locally known, are enormous in size and power, reaching lengths greater than 15 meters, they are remarkably gentle and docile enough that it is generally safe to swim among them. Swimming among the whale sharks is a captivating experience. Generally, the whale sharks at Donsol swim very close to the surface of the water. I am not a daring person but I don’t mind doing basic snorkeling in order to get closer to the gentle giant. My biggest wish!

The Lonely Planet Guidebook describes the Donsol experience as the “quintessential Philippine adventure.” The Time Magazine called swimming with whale sharks the “Best Animal Encounter in Asia,” in one of their issues in year 2004.

Genie, in the bottle! Please grant all my wishes……….