Tourists are once again drawn to the waters of Sorsogon province this summer to watch and interact with the butanding (whale shark), which is considered the largest fish in the world.

Sporting silvery polka dots all over its huge body, the butanding feeds only on plankton and krill, making it harmless to children and adults alike. These animals usually converge on the waters of Donsol from February to May.

"It's very big and beautiful. I've seen it five times," said Eva Camila, a tourist who came all the way from Poland.

Nitz Pedragosa, tourism officer in Donsol, said about 20 butandings have moved to Donsol due to the dry spell caused by the El Nino phenomenon, making their town a huge hit this summer.

Since January, some 4,733 tourists have flocked to Donsol, which is dubbed by many as the "Whale Shark Capital of the World."

Here are some guidelines on butanding interaction provided by sorsogontourism.com:

• Do not touch or ride the butanding.
• Do not restrict the movement of the butanding or impede its natural path.
• Maintain a distance of at least 3 meters from the head or the body of the butanding, and 4 meters from its tail.
• Do not use flash photography.
• Do not use scuba gear, scooters, jet skis or any other motorized underwater propulsion machines.
• A maximum of 6 swimmers (or one boat) is allowed for every butanding.
• Do not throw waste around as this will drive the butanding away.