Apo Island

Apo Island – a protected sanctuary for both its terrestrial and marine inhabitants, it is one of the most beautiful and rich diving spots in the Philippines! Not only do you get to swim with green-sea turtles by your side, you also get to enjoy the crystal clear waters and the beautiful reefs along the way!

Located at the municipality Dauin, Negros Oriental, it’s only a little over 40 minutes from Dumaguete (the region’s capital) via car and another 30 minute boat ride from Malatapay Port to the island.

HOW TO GET THERE

Public Transport (Option 1)

1. From Dumaguete City, take a tricycle to Ceres bus terminal and find a bus going to Zamboaguita.
2. Drop of at Malatapay and walk a little towards the Port.
3. Rent a boat going to Apo Island (Rates and schedules will be posted in the next section)

Public Transport (Option 2)

1. From Dumaguete City, you could directly take a tricycle to Malatapay Port
2. Rent a boat going to Apo Island (Rates and schedules will be posted in the next section)

Private Transport

1. From Dumaguete City, ride your car south to Malatapay. You could leave your car near the port as they have a decent amount of parking space here.
2. Rent a boat going to Apo Island (Rates and schedules will be posted in the next section)

Transfer Arrangements

1. If you are staying on hotels in the island (Liberty Resort or Apo Island Resort) or any nearby hotels on the port, you could ask them to arrange your transportation as well. They will handle airport transfers, Dumaguete to Malatapay vans, and also the boat rental.

THE BUDGET

• Dumaguete to Malatapay – 20ph ea (via bus), 25php ea (via jeepney), 500php (via trike)
• Malatapay Port to Apo Island
  • Medium Boat (4 Passengers) – 2000php
  • Big Boat (8 Passengers) – 3000php
    • 250php ea person additional in excess of the max capacity in each boat
    • If you would be checking in the island, you would need to add an additional 200php (for medium boat) or 400php (for big boat) to cover the fuel consumption for the pick-up date.
• Environmental Fee – 100php ea
• Guide Fee (snorkling/free-diving at the turtle areas) – 300php (whole day for 4 people)
• Liberty Resort Accomodation – 2650php ea night (good for 2 pax with full board meals)

WHERE TO STAY & WHOM TO CALL

• (Option 1) You could check-in on the resorts at Apo Island itself. There are two main resorts here namely, Apo Island Resort and Liberty Lodge and Dive Resort (09972172672).
• (Option 2) You could also have your accommodations near Malatapay Port. There are a lot of hotels near here and mostly have tarpaulins printed along side. If you chose this option, then you could just make Apo Island a daytrip (or if you want to revenge the next day is up to you.haha)
• (Option 3) Home stay at Apo Island. If you’re on a budget or just want to feel the cozy homes of the locals then there are a lot of houses here that offer you home stays. You could just ask around the area and you’ll find one in no time. If you are in need of a local contact/guide, here is Kuya Rogelio Jr.’s number: 09974917689

TOURING APO ISLAND

In touring one of the best dive spots and marine sanctuary here in the Philippines, one must remember to keep a close watch on the reefs and never to touch marine life and corals around. Also please keep your own trash or pick up trash you see along the way. Before, the Philippines did not need these maritime laws for protection of the seascapes, now we only have a few left even with these laws. These laws are not the problem, it’s the discipline of everyone. And now that we are reminded, let’s enjoy and rediscover the surreal terrain and seascape of Apo Island!

And what better way to start than introduce the main attractions of the island!

This guy is going up for a little gasp of air.

Now how bout we get a groupie for a moment…

Green-sea turtles are really a majestic sight in however you want to look at them.

Having a little fun free diving in the beautiful reefs with these majestic turtles!

Please don’t run, just another groupie will do! Haha!

And when you think there are only turtles…you’re wrong!

Now this will literally be a pain in the neck when you get down there!

The seascape is filled with healthy corals filled with a mayhem of marine life!

And I almost forgot to show you the crystal clear surface!

And how about a tour along the coastline during low tides?

Strolling by the beach…

And of course there will always be a lighthouse somewhere on an island right?