Apo Island
Apo Island is a small island 30 km from the Philippines' southeast tip of Negros Island. Because of the island's rich marine biodiversity, it is best known for its dive sites and snorkeling spots.
The island has one of the world's best-known community-based underwater sanctuaries. It is home to over 650 known fish species and is believed to have over 400 corals. It's a must-dive for any extreme Philippine beach and island enthusiast.
What sets Apo Island apart is its dedication to sustainable tourism practices and marine conservation efforts. The island was also recognized for its "Zero-Waste" journey, making it the first Zero Waste Island Barangay in the Philippines. Through the establishment of marine sanctuaries and strict regulations, the local community has successfully preserved its rich ecosystem, earning its recognition.
How to get there
To reach Apo Island, you typically need to travel to Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental in the Philippines. Dumaguete can be reached easily by various modes of transportation, including domestic flights from major cities like Manila and Cebu, as well as ferry bookings from neighboring islands.
When you reach Dumaguete City, you can take a short tricycle or taxi ride to the nearby town of Dauin, which is approximately 30 minutes away. From Dauin, you can arrange for a boat transfer to Apo Island. Boat transfers are available through local operators and typically take around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on sea conditions. Another option is to book an Apo Island tour with transfers from Dumaguete so you can also visit other nearby attractions in the island.
The island is just only 3 km wide on top of the cliff, but it's hilly. After arriving via a guided tour or by renting a boat, you can walk up to the southeastern coast (through Apo village), lagoon, and coral beach. A steep staircase leads you up the hill to the lighthouse. Only follow the stairs to reach it.
Since there's one line, you can't get lost. You won't miss the sweat as the view from the top of the lighthouse is stunning.
If you want peace of mind and hassle-free travel, you can book Apo Island tours, which include transfers and side trips to nearby tourist attractions.
Best time to visit
Apo Island is an all-year-round destination, so you can pay a visit anytime. However, it is recommended to visit the island during the dry and summer seasons from December to May so the waters are calm and you can enjoy the amazing view of the island. During this time, the weather is generally favorable for outdoor activities, and underwater visibility is excellent for diving and snorkeling.
Entrance fee
Upon arrival, the island fee will be paid per tourist, even though you don't stay overnight. It's advisable to inquire about any necessary permits or fees and ensure compliance before visiting Apo Island. If you book tours to Apo Island, make sure to coordinate with your tour operator about the fees so you won't be surprised to pay them when you reach the island.
Usually, the fees will only include entrance fees or environmental fees for the maintenance of the island. The island is worth visiting, plus the locals are incredibly polite.
Apart from diving and snorkeling, visitors to Apo Island can enjoy activities such as swimming, beachcombing, hiking, and birdwatching. The island also offers opportunities for cultural experiences, such as interacting with the local community and learning about their conservation efforts.
On the contrary, Apo Reef is another natural wonder located in the Mindoro Strait, off the coast of Occidental Mindoro province. It's recognized as the largest continuous coral reef system in the Philippines and is well-known for activities like diving and snorkeling. Even though both are called "Apo," they are separate destinations located in different parts of the Philippines.
