"Apo Island, underwater paradise" Apo Island by arni_ph075

Apo Island Travel Guide: 21 reviews and 72 photos

Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental

Apo Island is internationally acclaim for its dive sites. Apo is only a 72 hectares volcanic rock island in the Mindanao sea, with population of around 700 and growing who are mostly fisherman and employee of the govt that help protect the Apo Island sanctuary.

There is a church, an elementary school and several sari sari stores for basic needs. There is no nighlife to speak off , I like it that way, no blaring karaoke machines singing "My Way" on the middle of the night.

Water is scarce, and expensive too, all drinking water are still coming from the mainland. The people are very friendly, and can speak conversational English, probably because of the foreign divers that frequent visit the place.

I truly admire the friendliness of the people of Apo and their willingness to help, people know as well when you arrive and what resort you are staying, hmm... that really shows how small the island is, local knows all new guests . The vendors are all interested to know when are you going home... why? for them to sell their "only in Apo" tshirt.

Marine Reserve

its me, exploring the rocks at sunset

The island boast of spectacular coral gardens and diverse marine life, prompting the government of the Philippines to declare it as a marine reserve.

Guidelines from the local govt ...

1. Entire island being a marine reserve, 500meters offshore from high tide mark, is protected from all fishing methods. Friendly reminder for divers, spear fishing is not allowed on this area.

2. For the coral reef "fish sanctuary" on the south east of the island, fishing is prohibited year round and it is highly encourages for snorkelers , not to step on the coral reefs, as its the habitat of small fishes. Once destroyed, its very hard for it to grow and be place for the fish.

Exciting island experience on the fish sanctuary area ..

1.There is a Clownfish city, for those fans of Nemo this is the place to go..spectacular, indeed a city.

2. A school of jack fish is a bonus to all divers and snorkelers. It is frightening at first, as I fear that a single bite from each of the jackfish, 2 seconds you are gone. That is just from my hyperactive imagination, jackfish didnt bite me, but they circle around for few moments, before it swim away.

Going to Apo Island

the resort

Cebu Pacific flies daily from Manila to Dumaguete City.

From Dumaguete, arrange for a transfer from your resort in Apo.
Else, ride a jeep to the town of Zamboangita, from its jeepney terminal, ride another jeep to Malatapay Market.

Then walk towards the beach around 600 meters, you will find several boats, there is a regular schedule, last trip is around 3:30pm.

The current is very strong going to Apo Island, and 99% of the time you will be drench with the waves, so be careful. The boat ride takes only 30 minutes.

Approaching Apo, this is the first view of the island, the Apo Island Beach Resort, lovely isnt it.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Clowfish City, fish sanctuary, friendly people
Cons:I cannot think of any
In a nutshell:A piece of paradise

Last visit to Apo Island: Feb 2005
Intro Updated Nov 22, 2005
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Reviews (6)

One of South East Asia best diving... Sports & Outdoors (1)

Diving and snorkeling are the main reason for the visits to the island.. Around the island there are 11 dive... more travel advice

Visit the Clownfish District Things to Do (3)

Apo Island is known on having a clownfish city, hundreds of clownfish on soft corals. It is one of the pleasant treat... more travel advice

Sun bathing / Read a book Things to Do (3)

If you grow tired of underwater adventures like diving and snorkeling, the resort got very inviting lounge chair... more travel advice

Conserve Water Warnings and Dangers (1)

One problem that you might face is water shortage. Water is very precious in Apo Island. The water for drinking and... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Most beautiful resort in Apo Island

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Comments (7)

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moonlighting Apr 1, 2008 at 9:46 PM

Hi. Nice pages. We're going to Dumaguete to dive!
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victorwkf Jan 20, 2008 at 2:32 AM

Apo Island is indeed a tropical paradise, hope I can go there and relax one day! Btw, I have updated my corregidor island page, do drop by and have a look :)
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shintarojon May 25, 2006 at 1:34 AM

maganga pala dyan sa apo island nayan...sana mapuntahan din...greetings from tondo
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Juds Jan 13, 2006 at 7:28 PM

Hey Arni, I envy u coz u stayed overnight in Apo. Our group only spent 4 hrs on the island though we really wished to stay longer. We're planning to go back and thanks to ur Apo page, I got some very informative and useful tips to remember! :-)
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bike_packer Jan 11, 2006 at 5:36 AM

arni, have heard a lot about the wonderful marine life of apo. i am only into snorkeling, no scuba. would i enjoy the place? the comment about strong water current scares me. would probaly check the place when we do dumaguete this summer.
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high_d Oct 24, 2005 at 10:02 PM

I guess Apo Island is where one can finally find Nemo ; p Good tips here Arnie and awesome pics...this is my kind of get-away (esp. right now in chilly Virginia:(
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himalia11 Oct 1, 2005 at 6:48 AM

Looks like a very beautiful place, perfect to relax! And I'd love to go snorkeling right now!