Apo Reef Natural Park is the largest atoll-like reef in Asia. Its tropical waters house an abundant variety of marine species from schools of jacks, snappers, stingrays, manta rays, barracudas, and sharks. Dolphins, who also thrive the territory, could be seen racing against your boat while visiting the island.

Located at the western part of Sablayan province of Occidental Mindoro, it also has a lot of areas to explore – from the hidden lagoon, the high rise lighthouse, to an enchanting mangrove habitat.

An underwater paradise and center of marine biodiversity, perfect for an adventure of a lifetime.

Take Nothing but Pictures. Bring Nothing but Memories. Kill Nothing but TIme. Leave Nothing but Footprints.

Upon arrival at Sablayan Tourism Office, you could make arrangements with the tourism staff on your venture to the island. The only way to reach the island is to rent a boat either provided by the tourism or arrangement with the locals. There is no scheduled trip to the island.

For any inquiries, you could contact Sablayan Tourism at numbers: 09294280431/09159953895 or visit their website: www.amazing.sablayan.net

You could arrange your tour on the tourism office. These would include boat rental, scuba gears, oxygen tanks, guide fee, and other fees. Below are the prices as of posted date:

Scuba Diving and Snorkling

With its promising beauty undersea, its irresistable to go scuba diving.

From the moment you immerse yourself in its clear waters, you would immediately be overwhelmed with the abundant species and colorful corals below. Its a scenery that’s so different compared to the land we walk in. One could say its in another dimension. (Just imagine that the world is 75% water and most of it is still unknown to man.)

When lucky, you could get close to a Hawksbill and Green-sea Turtle (They’re quite friendly and does not mind humans much). On a side note, finding a shark is the most thrilling and exciting experience you could have. (It lies on the dark side of the reefs!)

Explore the vast ocean below and discover a new world of wonder.

Dolphins running around our boat!

Exploration

You could also tour the island and discover its hidden wonders like the lustrous mangrove trees around the magestic lagoon. Enjoy riding a raft while exploring the mangrove-lagoon forest (Its a unique experience indeed!).

Navigating the mangrove forest…

A good way to end your afternoon would be climbing the lighthouse. Being the highest point on the island, you could take a 360 degree view of it. You could see how the lagoon stretches inside the island and see the coral reefs surrounding the island.  (Just take note to tighten your guts since the wind up here is strong and you won’t like it falling many stories down would you.lol)

Apo Reef’s watch tower.

Those who love to play “I-found-a-cool-stone-to-bring-home” would definitely enjoy walking along the shoreline. By any means, you could look for holes in which crabs take shelter. It’s really difficult to spot these crabs since they have the same white-sand coloration and have stone-like features.(Ahhh, lessons from playing like a child – ‘You only think of enjoying life and still expect enjoying another tomorrow.’)

Bird Watching

A paradise to many is what it may seem when looking at migratory birds that land here. Unfortunately some of them die here – losing all their strength from where they came from. It’s hard to get a shot with these birds especially if you don’t have a telephoto lens so I resorted to videos (like a boss!) and just taking a shot while they’re on land..(lame…)

Camping

It’s a must in the island. At night, you would only hear the waves crashing on the shores. (I swear it’s like thunderstorms in your head). In this deserted place, the rangers suit up and wonder the dark territories to patrol the area. You could stay awake and ask help from your guide on spotting turtles that lay eggs at night. When lucky, you would even see turtles breaking their shells and crawl to the ocean. (Basically I’m not lucky..)

Do note that the place is very cold at night with almost no visibility. Bonfires are good but the rangers limit it. So it’s just the moon and the stars that light your way. Be careful not to wander along the shores.

Hermit crabs are abundant at night! (Remember those shell creatures we buy in our elementary years, and die in just a few days.lol). You could find all shapes and sizes. You could even have a hermit crab race! Or just let them bite your skin and tear it just to feel closer with them. Seriously, you’ll love it better than playing with your phones. In a place where electricity is not always available, these simple things are the joy of the people here.

Enjoy the Breeze

Swings! Wooden benches! Flat areas on trees! A perfect place to find your inspiration and be one with mother nature. It’s good to have a long rest after trekking the lagoon and up to the lighthouse. Well played especially while eating a bountiful meal. You’ll learn to appreciate how people on this island keep the peace and guard the area. I know it’s their job and all and they get paid for it, but they also know it’s worth protecting.

Many things to do here, better just let you go yourselves and find out. What’s exciting about traveling if you can just read all about them right?

Relax…

Not only does Sablayan house the most prolific coral reefs in the Philippines, its town is also full of history and places to stroll around.

Unlike modern cities, the town has a very limited business district. There are times when electricity is not available in the area (scheduled) so night life is not a common option in the area. Despite these, one could see a very different view of how people live here. The natural beauty of the area gives a very good sense of relief to everyone.

The good thing about strolling around town is that it is very light on the pocket. The main mode of transportation here is the tricycle and will only charge you 8 pesos per person to one destination. The people are very kind and respectful to boost.

The Libuao Lake

A lake not known and hidden to many, the Libuao Lake is a vast area of wonder where water lilies thrive in abundance.

Located at the northern part of Sablayan province of Occidental Mindoro, and past the popular Penal Farm – the lake would astonish ones eyes with its array of water lilies and capture one’s breath with its galore.

It has a large 2-storey cottage where you could rest or take your merienda while overlooking the whole lake. It also houses a wooden bridge where one can almost be at the middle of the lake and enjoy the silence and peaceful nature of the area. You can also ask for a paddle boat to take a your tour around the lake.

Tips:

Before going to Libuao Lake, be guided by the following: