🐋 Top 5 Places to See Whale Sharks in Southeast Asia (and One to Avoid)
A whale shark in the open ocean showing just how massive they are
Where to meet the ocean’s gentle giants — the right way
There are few encounters underwater that stay with you quite like meeting a whale shark. Despite their size — growing up to 12 metres long — these slow-moving filter feeders are the true gentle giants of the ocean. With wide mouths designed to scoop up plankton, krill, and small fish, they glide peacefully through tropical seas, completely indifferent to divers and snorkellers watching in awe.
Scientifically known as Rhincodon typus, whale sharks are the largest fish species in the world, yet one of the most mysterious. They can live for over 70 years, migrate vast distances across ocean basins, and often dive to depths beyond 1,000 metres. Despite their calm nature, whale sharks remain classified as endangered by the IUCN, with populations declining due to overfishing, bycatch, and unregulated tourism in some regions.
For divers, encountering a whale shark is a reminder of how small we really are in the vastness of the ocean — and why responsible tourism matters more than ever. Each sighting helps raise awareness and contributes to local economies that value conservation over exploitation.
Southeast Asia, sitting at the heart of the Coral Triangle, offers some of the best opportunities anywhere on Earth to meet these incredible animals. From the remote waters of West Papua to the friendly coastlines of the Philippines and Malaysia, this region combines warm seas, rich biodiversity, and a long tradition of community-based eco-tourism — making it a dream destination for ethical whale shark encounters.
Below, we explore five of the best places to see whale sharks in Southeast Asia — and one location where you should think twice before visiting.
While whale sharks can be found in tropical oceans around the world, Southeast Asia stands out as one of the best regions to encounter them. Warm waters, rich plankton blooms, and diverse coastal ecosystems create ideal conditions for these gentle giants to feed and migrate. What makes this part of the world truly special, though, is the variety of experiences available — from the deep, remote bays of Indonesia to easily accessible islands in Thailand and the Philippines.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver chasing that perfect photo or a snorkeller hoping for your first glimpse of a spotted tail disappearing into the blue, there’s a place here for you. And while not every site guarantees sightings, each destination offers its own unique charm, character, and connection to the ocean.
So, where should you go for a chance to swim alongside the world’s biggest fish — and do it responsibly? Let’s dive in. 🌊
A Whale Shark feeding at the surface
🇮🇩 1. Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia – The Whale Shark Capital
Tucked away on the northern coast of West Papua, Indonesia, Cenderawasih Bay is one of the most extraordinary places in the world to dive with whale sharks. This massive, protected bay is part of the Teluk Cenderawasih National Park, a marine area the size of Bali that shelters pristine reefs, WWII wrecks, and an incredible diversity of marine life — but it’s the whale sharks that make this destination truly legendary.
Here, the relationship between humans and whale sharks is something unique. Local fishermen work from floating wooden platforms known as bagans, using lights at night to attract anchovies and small baitfish. Over time, the whale sharks learned to feed on the tiny fish that spill through the nets — creating a natural yet reliable feeding ground that allows for unusually long and calm encounters.
Unlike most places where sightings are fleeting, divers in Cenderawasih Bay can spend an entire dive alongside multiple whale sharks, often swimming in slow circles beneath the platforms. It’s a photographer’s dream: crystal-clear blue water, soft shafts of light, and these enormous, spotted silhouettes drifting gracefully below.
Encounters here are year-round, and unlike many feeding sites elsewhere, this behaviour developed naturally and is managed with community oversight to limit stress on the animals. Local dive operators and park rangers work closely together to ensure tourism remains low-impact and beneficial for conservation.
Beyond the whale sharks, the bay offers much more: vibrant reefs, war relics from the Second World War, and the sense that you’re exploring one of diving’s last frontiers. For many divers, it’s not just the best place in Southeast Asia to see whale sharks — it’s one of the best in the world.
🗓️ Best time: Year-round
💡 Why it’s special: Consistent sightings, calm interactions, unique human–shark relationship
🌱 Ethics: Community-led management and natural feeding behaviour; not artificially baited
🇵🇭 2. Donsol, Philippines – The Original Ethical Encounter
Before “swimming with whale sharks” became a social media trend, there was Donsol — a quiet fishing village in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines that became one of the first places in the world where people could encounter whale sharks responsibly and sustainably.
In the late 1990s, locals began noticing large, spotted shapes appearing in the bay each summer. When the news spread, Donsol quickly transformed into the Philippines’ whale shark capital, but instead of allowing unregulated mass tourism, the community — with support from WWF Philippines — created one of the most successful models of eco-tourism in Asia.
Each year between February and April, plankton blooms fill the bay, drawing dozens of whale sharks to feed near the surface. Encounters here are completely natural — no feeding, no baiting, and no scuba diving. Instead, visitors head out in small groups on traditional boats, slipping quietly into the water to snorkel beside free-swimming whale sharks.
There’s something profoundly humbling about seeing a creature the size of a bus glide effortlessly past in the green-blue water, its spotted skin dappled by the sunlight. The strict regulations mean every interaction is brief and respectful — a quick look into another world before the shark drifts away, unbothered.
Donsol’s approach has become a global benchmark for sustainable wildlife tourism, showing that it’s possible to support local livelihoods while protecting the very animals that draw people in. The village remains warm and welcoming, with simple guesthouses, homestays, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels far removed from commercial resorts.
🗓️ Best time: February – April
💡 Why it’s special: Wild, unscripted encounters with strong conservation ethics
🌱 Ethics: WWF-supported model — no feeding, no diving, limited visitor numbers
A whale shark swimming near the surface
🇮🇩 3. Triton Bay, Indonesia – Whale Sharks in the Wild
If Cenderawasih Bay is the reliable, year-round home of whale sharks, then Triton Bay is their wilder, more unpredictable cousin — a place where encounters feel like pure magic.
Located on the remote southern coast of West Papua, in Indonesia, Triton Bay sits within the Bird’s Head Seascape, one of the most biodiverse marine regions on the planet. Its reefs are carpeted in soft corals, swarmed by glassfish, and framed by towering limestone islands that give every dive an otherworldly backdrop. It’s one of those rare places where every descent feels like a first exploration.
Whale sharks here are occasional visitors, often seen near the local fishing platforms (also called bagans), much like those in Cenderawasih Bay. However, the interactions in Triton Bay are fewer — which makes them all the more special. Divers might spend several days exploring lush coral gardens, walls, and pinnacles before, suddenly, a whale shark appears from the blue. The moment is fleeting but unforgettable: a slow, deliberate glide beneath the surface light, its enormous body flanked by curious trevallies.
This isn’t the place for guaranteed encounters, but it’s the kind of destination where every dive feels meaningful, whether or not a whale shark arrives. And when they do, you’ll likely be one of only a handful of divers in the entire bay — no crowds, no engines, no shouting from boats.
Triton Bay’s remoteness is part of its magic. Reaching it requires a flight to Kaimana and a transfer to one of the area’s small eco-lodges or liveaboards. But the effort pays off in spades — with reefs that feel untouched, coral bommies bursting with colour, and the ever-present chance of crossing paths with one of the ocean’s greatest wanderers.
🗓️ Best time: October – April
💡 Why it’s special: Remote, pristine, and ideal for divers seeking solitude and wild encounters
🌱 Ethics: No feeding; community-managed tourism keeps human impact minimal
🇹🇭 4. Koh Tao & Sail Rock, Thailand – Surprise Encounters in the Gulf
In a region famous for dramatic dive destinations like Komodo and Sipadan, Koh Tao and nearby Sail Rock hold a special kind of magic. These sites in the Gulf of Thailand are proof that you don’t have to go far off the map to experience something truly extraordinary.
Between March and May, as the warm currents bring plankton-rich water into the Gulf, whale sharks occasionally cruise through the area — making surprise appearances at dive sites that, on most days, are known more for their schooling barracuda and colourful coral bommies. When a whale shark appears, everything changes. One moment you’re scanning the reef for nudibranchs, and the next, a six-metre silhouette drifts into view, spotted tail flicking lazily in the blue.
Encounters here are completely wild and unpredictable, and that’s what makes them so special. Divers training for their Open Water certification have been known to look up from their first descent to find a whale shark passing right overhead — a story they’ll tell for the rest of their lives. Others might go years diving the same sites before finally being in the right place at the right time.
The island of Koh Tao itself is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular places to learn scuba diving, with warm water, easy conditions, and a friendly dive community. Just a short boat ride away, Sail Rock is the Gulf’s premier deep site — a submerged pinnacle rising from 30 metres to just below the surface, famous for its chimney swim-through and swirling schools of fish.
For underwater photographers and divers alike, spotting a whale shark here feels like winning the ocean’s lottery. It’s not a guaranteed sighting, but that’s part of the appeal — when it happens, it’s pure magic.
🗓️ Best time: March – May
💡 Why it’s special: Easy access, natural encounters, and the thrill of the unexpected
🌱 Ethics: 100% wild migration — no feeding or conditioning
I saw my first whale shark at Tenggol, Malaysia - this very grainy photo was all I managed to get
🇲🇾 5. Tenggol Island, Malaysia – A Hidden East Coast Gem
Quiet, calm, and beautifully under-rated — Tenggol Island is one of Malaysia’s best-kept secrets. Nestled just off the east coast in the South China Sea, this small island is a world away from the busier tourist hubs of Tioman and Redang. With no large resorts or crowds, Tenggol feels more like diving back in time: simple beach chalets, clear blue water, and reef systems that remain remarkably healthy.
From April to June, as plankton blooms drift through the area, whale sharks are occasionally sighted cruising along the island’s outer reefs. The encounters are rare, but that makes them even more thrilling — a brief, heart-stopping moment when a giant shadow emerges from the blue before slipping silently back into the deep. For divers who dream of an encounter without the crowds, Tenggol offers that pure, unspoiled experience.
The diving here is excellent even without a whale shark. Tenggol’s reefs are covered in vibrant hard corals, teeming with reef fish, turtles, and the occasional eagle ray. The island is also known for its relaxed drift dives and mild currents, making it ideal for intermediate divers who want adventure without the intensity of destinations like Komodo or Sipadan.
Because Tenggol has stayed low-key, it has avoided the kind of over-tourism that can harm fragile marine ecosystems. Dive operations are small and locally run, with a strong emphasis on protecting the environment. When the whale sharks pass through, it’s a natural migration — not an attraction.
For those who prefer their adventures quiet and authentic, Tenggol Island delivers. It’s a place to unwind, log a few serene dives, and maybe, just maybe, cross paths with the ocean’s gentle giant.
🗓️ Best time: April – June
💡 Why it’s special: Peaceful, uncrowded reefs with a chance of whale sharks and great visibility
🌱 Ethics: Entirely natural encounters; small-scale, community-based tourism
🚫 A Place to Avoid: Oslob, Philippines – When Close Encounters Go Too Far
No list of whale shark destinations in Southeast Asia would be complete without mentioning Oslob, on the island of Cebu. It’s one of the most famous — and controversial — whale shark tourism sites in the world.
At first glance, Oslob seems like a dream come true. You’re almost guaranteed to see multiple whale sharks just a few metres from the shore, surrounded by crystal-clear water. But behind those picture-perfect encounters lies a practice that has deeply divided the marine community.
For over a decade, fishermen here have been hand-feeding whale sharks with small shrimp to keep them close for tourists. While this might sound harmless, it has serious consequences for the animals’ health and behaviour. Research shows that whale sharks in Oslob are now dependent on daily feeding, spending far more time near the surface than they should. This exposes them to boat strikes, sunburn, and nutritional imbalance, and disrupts their natural migration patterns across the region.
The feeding also encourages unnatural behaviour. Whale sharks have been observed approaching boats and humans in other regions, expecting food — a dangerous habit for a species that migrates thousands of kilometres across fishing zones.
The tragedy is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Just a few hundred kilometres north, in Donsol, visitors experience the same magic responsibly — observing wild whale sharks in their natural feeding grounds, with strict limits on numbers and no feeding whatsoever.
Choosing ethical destinations sends a clear message: we value wildlife that stays wild. Supporting places like Donsol, Cenderawasih Bay, and Triton Bay helps local communities earn livelihoods from conservation — not exploitation.
💡 Tip: If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, skip Oslob and head to Donsol instead. You’ll get the same sense of awe, minus the harm.
🌱 Why it matters: Sustainable tourism ensures whale sharks remain wild, migratory, and free — just as nature intended.
🌊 How to Dive and Swim with Whale Sharks Responsibly
Seeing a whale shark underwater is an unforgettable experience — but how we interact with them can make the difference between a moment that helps conservation and one that harms it. These animals are slow to reproduce, highly migratory, and increasingly vulnerable to human activity. Every diver and snorkeller has a role to play in ensuring that our awe doesn’t come at their expense.
Here’s how to make your encounter both magical and mindful:
🫧 1. Keep Your Distance
Stay at least 3 metres from the head and 4 metres from the tail. Whale sharks may seem calm and tolerant, but approaching too closely can stress them or change their natural behaviour. Always let the shark control the distance, not you.
💡 2. Never Touch or Ride Them
Even gentle contact can remove the protective mucus layer on a whale shark’s skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection. Touching or attempting to hold onto one is never acceptable — and in many countries, it’s illegal.
📸 3. Skip the Flash and Strobes
Bright flashes can startle whale sharks and disturb feeding. Use natural light where possible, or set your camera for ambient exposure. The best images come from patience, not proximity.
🐢 4. Move Slowly and Stay Calm
Avoid splashing or kicking aggressively when swimming near whale sharks. Sudden movements can cause them to dive deeper or swim away. Keep your body horizontal and your breathing steady — it’s not just respectful, it’s better for buoyancy and your photos.
🚤 5. Choose Responsible Operators
Before booking a tour, ask if the operator feeds the whale sharks or controls guest numbers. If they do, walk away. Ethical operators focus on education, safety, and natural encounters — supporting them helps keep the industry sustainable.
🐋 Why It Matters: Whale Shark Conservation
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Populations are estimated to have declined by more than 50% in the last 75 years, largely due to bycatch, vessel strikes, and unregulated tourism. Because they roam across vast ocean ranges — from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific — protecting them requires international cooperation and local responsibility.
By respecting whale sharks in the water, divers become part of the solution. Every responsible encounter supports eco-tourism that gives these animals more value alive than dead, creating incentives for coastal communities to protect rather than exploit them.
It’s simple: when we dive with respect, we help ensure that future generations of divers will still have the chance to look into the calm, curious eye of a whale shark and feel that same sense of awe.
🌏 Final Thoughts – Wonder, Respect, and the Ocean We Share
It’s hard to describe what it feels like to swim alongside a whale shark until you’ve done it. The first moment you see that vast, speckled shape glide silently from the blue, everything else fades — the sound of your bubbles, the weight of your gear, even your own heartbeat. For a few precious seconds, you’re just part of the ocean, moving in rhythm with one of its oldest and most magnificent inhabitants.
That sense of connection — fleeting but unforgettable — is what drives so many of us to the sea. But it’s also a reminder of how fragile that connection really is. Whale sharks have been roaming the oceans for more than 60 million years, yet in just a few human generations, we’ve put their future at risk. Overfishing, plastic pollution, climate change, and careless tourism have all left their mark. These giants now depend on us to make better choices.
The good news is that every diver, traveller, and storyteller can make a difference. By choosing ethical encounters, supporting community-based tourism, and sharing knowledge about conservation, we become part of a new kind of movement — one that values experience over exploitation and respect over spectacle.
In Southeast Asia, where biodiversity is as rich as the cultures that surround it, we have a unique opportunity. We can show that tourism and conservation can coexist, that the oceans we explore can be protected through awareness and collaboration. Every time we hover quietly beside a whale shark instead of chasing it, every time we choose a dive operator that puts nature first, we help shape that future.
So, whether you’re drifting beneath a bagan in Cenderawasih Bay, scanning the green waters of Donsol, or peering into the blue off Koh Tao, remember — the ocean gives us moments of pure wonder, but it asks for our respect in return.
Dive lightly. Share stories that inspire protection. And always leave the ocean better than you found it. 🌊
❓ Whale Shark FAQ – Everything You Need to Know Before You Dive
🐋 Are whale sharks dangerous?
Not at all. Despite their enormous size, whale sharks are completely harmless to humans. They’re gentle filter feeders that eat plankton, krill, and small fish. If you stay calm and respect their space, you can safely share the water with them — no cages, no fear, just awe.
🌊 When is the best time to see whale sharks in Southeast Asia?
Whale sharks migrate seasonally, following plankton blooms. The best times vary by region:
Cenderawasih Bay, Indonesia: Year-round sightings
Donsol, Philippines: February–April
Triton Bay, Indonesia: October–April
Koh Tao & Sail Rock, Thailand: March–May
Tenggol Island, Malaysia: April–June
Planning your trip around these windows gives you the best chance of an encounter — though with wildlife, there are never guarantees.
📍 Where is the best place in Southeast Asia to see whale sharks?
If you want reliability, Cenderawasih Bay is unbeatable — it’s one of the few places in the world with near year-round sightings. For ethical, wild encounters, Donsol is the gold standard. For untouched beauty and true adventure, head to Triton Bay. Each destination offers something different depending on your diving style and sense of adventure.
📸 Can I take photos or videos of whale sharks?
Yes — but do it responsibly. Avoid using flash or strobes, stay at least 3–4 metres away, and never chase or block the shark’s path for a photo. The best images come from patience and respect. If you’re shooting video, consider wide-angle settings and natural light for more authentic footage.
🚫 Why should I avoid Oslob, Philippines?
Whale sharks in Oslob are artificially fed to keep them close to shore, which changes their natural behaviour and migration patterns. It also exposes them to boat injuries and poor nutrition. Instead, choose destinations like Donsol or Cenderawasih Bay, where encounters are completely natural and support long-term conservation.
🧭 Do I need to be an experienced diver to see whale sharks?
Not necessarily! Many whale shark encounters in places like Donsol or Koh Tao are snorkel-only or suitable for beginner divers. Sites like Cenderawasih Bay or Triton Bay are better suited for experienced divers due to remoteness and logistics. Either way, there’s an option for everyone — from first-timers to seasoned photographers.
🌱 How can I help protect whale sharks?
Support eco-conscious dive operators, avoid feeding sites, and share awareness about responsible wildlife tourism. You can also report sightings to citizen science projects like Wildbook for Whale Sharks, which helps researchers track individuals across the world through photo identification.