When it comes to unique vacation spots, the Philippines ranks nine out of the top ten recommended places on the list. Apo Island is one of the most special places you will visit in the Philippines, not just because of its location but because of what you can see and experience there during your stay. It’s not every day that you choose a vacation destination that is also a massive nature reserve where you can find the rarest plants and animals in their natural habitat.

Apo Island, not to be confused with Mount Apo (though it too is a stunning site located in Mindoro), is a wonderland located in Dauin, Negros Oriental. Every tourist arriving at the place awaits nothing less than paradise, a transformative experience that will make each of you properly appreciate the best that nature has to offer.

The most convenient way to get to Apo Island is by taking a flight from Manila to Dumaguete. The flight lasts about an hour and a half, so you won’t even have time to nap properly before you land. From the airport, you take a ‘jeepney’ to get to the Malatapay market (about 30 minutes’ drive). The journey continues by sailing to the main island. The boat ride costs 2000 pesos for up to 4 people.

Note: You might want to spend about two hours at the market before moving on, to sample the local delicacies. Lechon is one of the most popular pork dishes in Negros Oriental and is sold in the market at especially low prices. It’s never too early for a short food tour, especially when the selection is so juicy and crispy. It’s the perfect time for an early lunch before continuing the boat ride to the island. Additionally, the boat ride can get a bit wet since sea sprays do get inside, though in small quantities. Ensure that mobile phones, cameras, and other valuable equipment are well-wrapped in a waterproof bag to avoid getting wet.

If you’re coming from Cebu City (say you spent a few days in Bantayan Island or in Moalboal), you can take a bus that goes to Liloan. From there, take a ferry to Dumaguete City. The journey takes about 5 hours, including the bus ride and the ferry crossing. The entire trip will cost between 320 to 350 pesos.

In Apo Island, things are done a bit differently compared to other vacation spots in the Philippines. Upon your arrival, you will need to go to the customs house at Bantay Dagat to register as visitors and pay an entrance fee. The amount varies depending on where you come from (for example, if you come from Negros, Cebu, Manila, etc.). The price list is as follows:

On Apo Island, things are done a bit differently compared to other vacation spots in the Philippines. Upon your arrival, you’ll need to head to the customs house at Bantay Dagat to register as a visitor and pay an entrance fee. The fee varies depending on where you’re coming from (for example, if you’re arriving from Negros, Cebu, Manila, etc.). The price list is as follows:

Entrance Fees:

• If you’re coming from outside of Negros Oriental: 100 pesos
• If you’re coming from Negros Oriental: 25 pesos
• People with disabilities and senior citizens (over the age of 60): 5 pesos

Diving Fees:

• Diver: 250 pesos
• Additional fee for underwater photography/camera fee: 50 pesos
• Mooring fee: 250 pesos

Snorkeling Fees:

• For a professional snorkeling guide for up to 4 people: 300 pesos
• Rental for fins and mask (if you don’t have your own snorkeling equipment, you can rent it): 100 pesos
• Life jacket rental: 100 pesos

There are additional fees you might need to pay depending on the activities you choose to undertake during your stay on the island. Video shooting and other marketing materials will typically cost between 2,000 to 5,000 pesos per day. This fee usually covers landscape videography, videography inside and outside the nature reserve. Underwater videography also requires a payment of 5,000 pesos.

The purpose of these entrance fees collected from visitors is to help maintain the pristine condition of the nature reserve in particular and the island in general. The local government of Negros Oriental is passionately protective of its natural resources, including Apo Island, especially now as it gains popularity among both local and foreign tourists.

Many vacationers around the world claim that they can find the most beautiful beaches and the most diverse marine reserves. The island of Afo is different in this regard because it is still relatively untouched in the archipelago where marine life and vegetation have thrived for many years. Even the sea turtles alone are a good enough reason to visit Apo, but it doesn’t end there, and you’ll discover this when your feet step onto the island.

Two of the most popular activities on Apo are deep-sea diving and snorkeling, and there’s a good reason for that. The colorful coral garden looks like it’s taken from a painting, except for the fact that it’s so vibrant, and you can watch life unfold beneath the sea surface.

Since this is a protected marine reserve, commercial fishing is strictly prohibited in the area. However, if you are lucky, you may witness local fishermen practicing traditional fishing methods, such as spearfishing, hand nets, fish traps, and other traditional techniques. Dynamite fishing (Muro Ami) is completely forbidden, and those who violate the law are subject to penalties.

One of the things you can look forward to when you arrive at such an amazing place as Apo Island is the adrenaline that starts rushing through your entire body. However, apart from diving of any kind, you can still do other activities. For example, adventurous activities like drift diving at sites like Cogon, Coconut, and Mamsa. Drift diving is a diving style where the diver allows the currents in the sea to carry them along while diving. This is an especially incredible experience due to the rich marine biodiversity in this area. While it may require some training to do drift diving on your own, it is definitely worth the effort.

Would you like to enjoy the perfect view that money can’t buy? Try it twice, and climb all 369 steps that will lead you to the top of the tower. From there, you will be able to witness a magnificent landscape that few places in the world can boast of.

If you don’t have an underwater camera, be sure to rent one when you visit the island. Swimming with turtles is an extraordinary experience that should be documented with photos as a souvenir. Sea turtles are especially friendly creatures and tend to get closer to humans if we allow them. It is recommended not to touch the turtles, but you can photograph them if you’d like.

Some of the turtles may try to swim away (they do like to maintain their privacy), but if you’re a good swimmer, you can capture some excellent photos before you have to resurface for air or take a break.

It’s not necessarily required that your stay on Apo Island involves getting soaked in water in every activity you choose to do. There are numerous hiking tours and trekking trails that allow you to explore the island more extensively and on dry land. You can circumnavigate the stunning rock formations and marvel at the breathtaking views on your way to the marine reserve. The good news is that most of the paths on Apo are well-preserved, so you don’t need to worry about your shoes getting stuck in the mud or breaking your neck while navigating the trails. You can enjoy your time with a leisurely walk around the island.

Finding accommodation on Apo Island is not too difficult, especially considering its relative isolation. Even better, the prices are not excessively high. You can find several pleasant places to stay without worrying about breaking the bank, although you may need to lower your expectations in terms of the level of accommodation.

Apo Island Beach Resort – You can choose from six types of rooms depending on your preferences or your preferred room type. The resort offers accommodations in a cottage style with bunk beds and cottages at prices ranging from 800 to 3,400 pesos. You can also purchase diving packages at the resort and rent diving equipment if you’ve forgotten to bring your own gear.

The resort also offers airport transfers to make it easier for guests to reach the island. It’s advisable to call ahead and request shuttle service, and update them on your arrival time. This is undoubtedly the most convenient and comfortable way to start your vacation.

Mario’s Scuba Diving and Homestay – If you don’t like spending your vacation in a hotel, this can be a quite economical option worth considering. This rustic accommodation is managed by a family that offers clean and fairly spacious rooms with bunk beds and comfortable mattresses. Prices range from 300 to 1000 pesos per day, depending on the room type you choose.

In addition to the rooms at Mario’s Homestay, they also offer deep-sea diving lessons and the necessary equipment for those who didn’t bring their own gear. They charge 1100 pesos for 1-2 dives, with a discounted price of 900 pesos for 10 dives or more.

Liberty Lodge – The place offers 21 different rooms, all of which have balconies facing the ocean. One of the truly good things about this place is that it naturally uses the sea breeze to cool the rooms, instead of using air conditioning. So, you can enjoy the pleasant sea breeze without suffering from the annoying cold of air conditioning.

This photo of Liberty’s Community Lodge is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Liberty Lodge offers competitive prices and is one of the most budget-friendly places in Negros Oriental. They also provide diving lessons, starting from basic introductory courses to advanced diving techniques. Based on feedback from guests who stayed at Liberty Lodge, it is one of the more popular choices among foreign tourists who prefer simple accommodations in a natural setting.

While there are several restaurants throughout Apo Island, the hottest recommendation is to bring your own food, especially if you plan to go hiking or exploring between the islands or beaches. You can find places to eat in the village, but there’s a good chance the food won’t meet your expectations (many have complained about the mediocre taste of the food or the limited variety). When you arrive in Negros Oriental, don’t forget to purchase a sufficient amount of products that are easy to cook and prepare meals from. You can always ask the locals if they can recommend places to eat that no one has heard of yet. In Negros Oriental, there is an excellent selection of local cuisine, although Apo Island has not yet become a gastronomic destination like some other places.

While Apo Island may not offer a diverse or bustling nightlife scene, nor much daytime entertainment throughout the island, it’s not a destination where you should expect lively beach parties or waiter-carrying trays of margaritas. The compensation for the lack of entertainment on Apo Island is its radiant beauty. It’s a place where people redefine their thinking and enjoy the simplest things in life, which they often cannot do in their busy city lives and demanding workplaces. Don’t expect impressive bars or clubs on the island because there are none to be found. However, some fortunate tourists have arrived at rustic accommodations with generous hosts who not only provided them with a place to sleep but also shared good food, beers, and interesting stories about the rich local history.

Know in advance where you’ll withdraw cash, and make sure you have enough cash on hand during your stay on Apo Island. Cash is king in this place, so your credit and debit cards will be of little use. Ensure you withdraw enough cash from the ATM at Dumaguete Airport (if you’re coming from Manila, Cebu, or other places in the Philippines).

Pack appropriate clothing for the weather. It will be very hot throughout the day, so make sure you’ve packed light clothing and some hats. Bring plenty of water for drinking, as you may face the challenge of finding bottled water on the island, especially if you’re going to remote diving or trekking locations.

Bring plenty of snacks and, if possible, swimwear, diving gear, and snorkels.

If you’re craving a trip to Apo Island, you’ll find everything – clear and pristine waters, rich wildlife, excellent beaches, and all the fresh air you can get. Apart from a few additional reasons why you should start packing and head to Apo Island.

*Please note that the prices mentioned on this page are subject to change without prior notice and do not reflect prices in individual packages.