Meet the clown fish Nemo's neighborhood in Apo Island
- Maya del Aire
- Feb 15, 2019
- 5 min read
This is your day five of your ultimate 8 day trip that starts in Cebu old city. This itinerary includes: Cebu city, Bohol Island, Siquijor island, Apo island, Oslob whale shark watching and Kawasan falls canyoneering. This particular post will give you an idea of how to explore Apo island, and give you important tips and tricks you need to know before you go. The day itinerary includes all relevant information that you need to have a smooth vacation, so just get ready and follow my lead.
Click below to to check out the rest of your 8 day itinerary in the Philippines
Day 6 Meet the clown fish Nemo's neighborhood in Apo Island
I bet you watched famous animation movie “Finding Nemo”. I’m convinced that you were mesmerized by its marine world, colors and magnificent corals. Well guess what? You can witness all of that yourself with just a snorkeling mask in the waters surrounding Apo Island. Charming marine turtles are very common to spot here, including famous Dory, Bubbles, Gill and many other characters of this famous movie. Despite my not so impressive experience with the tour agency, I have had the time of my life. I am a humble snorkeler and probably was not able to see the entire beauty of the marine life that divers could, however I was enjoying every second of it. If you have not done much snorkeling, this island will definitely mesmerize you with its magnificent grandiose coral reefs. You will feel how small you are comparing to them. Marine life is so reach that you will spot so many different species wherever you turn. Unfortunately, I didn't have the best camera, and was too afraid to dive to capture the marine life from the right angle, but I believe that you will, and that you will share it with me. I suggest you now to read this post and inform yourself in order to be prepared for a memorable experience at Apo Island.
About
Apo Island is a volcanic Island, located just 30 km south of Dumaguete city. Because of its rich surrounding marine habitat, it is considered as a marine preserve and it is a very popular among divers and snorkelers. It is easy to reach so you can organize it yourself, also many tours are organized to bring you to this magnificent island.
The Island has a small community of Dauin municipality, and area of 12 hectares. If you want to stay at the island bear in mind that Wi-Fi connection is very limited, the electricity runs only 3 hours per day, from 19:00-22:00, and rain water is used as tap water.
How to get there?
From Dumaguete
If you are on a budget, you can take a jeepney to Malatapay. Every 15 minutes there is jeepney that takes you there. You can also take a bus, which is a bit faster way, heading to Bayawan. Get off at the Malatapay Market in Zamboanguita. In this market, you may find all sorts of seafood including famous Philippino delicacy, roasted pork called "lechon", therefore you may want to plan to stay there for some time before you go to Apo.
There is a tourism office in Zamboanguita which is quite helpful in organizing the trip.
You will have to walk until you reach the shore where you will take a public boat. First public bus departs at 08:00, and it cost 300 php.
OR
Reach the island with banka, pumping boat. The banka boatman will take you the island and make the return trip for around 2000 php, depending on your haggling skills. Make sure you arrive early and come back early as the water can be very rough during the afternoon hours.
Zamboanguita tourism office
How to explore?
On a budget
Once you have reached the island you will have to pay for the entrance 100 php at the moment. If you would like to take a guide who will show you where the turtles are, that will cost around 300php for four people, and the snorkeling gear and life-vest another 100php if you don’t have your own.
With the tour agency
You can also hire an agency to organize trip for you, there are many who are doing that especially from Dumaguete. I have paid for the tour at Harold’s Mansion agency, therefore I will give you more information how that went.
You will have to meet early in the morning, around 06:00, at the Harold’s Mansion hostel, where you will sign the papers, pay, and try out your snorkeling gears.
You will be picked up in a van truck that will take you on a bumpy road for approximately 45 minutes, until you reach the shore in Zamboanguita.
The boat will wait for you and other people to arrive, after you will get an introduction from guides that will explain you dos and don'ts on the tour.
The boat stops at three spots where you will have enough time to explore the surroundings.
The tour was pretty much focused on divers; therefore, we needed to wait at the boat for a while in between stops as divers need breaks in between their dives.
Points of interest
If you are coming only for scuba diving, on your own, there are any diving points that you will be able to visit. Depending on your experience and time available, you may choose from over 10 diving points.
Check out links below to find out more.
https://www.sea-explorers.com/apo-island-philippines-dive-sites/
If you have time to explore this tiny island, you may walk up to the light house, which may not be the most impressive, but the track up to it will be interesting. Also, you may do some trekking up to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy the sunset.
For more convenient visit, you may book a stay at Coco Grove Beach Resort that does different kind of tours around the island.
What to bring?
- Lots and lots of coral friendly sunscreen which you have to apply constantly, especially after you come out of the water. I had a nice burn on my bottom :) even though we had many clouds and not a lot of sun. I couldn’t sit in the van on my way back home. It was very hard to even find the cooling cream in Dumaguete, as I believe locals don’t go out on a sun, so they don’t really happen to burn burn often.
- Changing clothes, towel, and reef shoes. This also includes long sleeve shirt and shorts, or even better surf clothing so you can avoid getting burned.
- High in protein and fiber snacks will be essential, because you will easily get tired. Also, if you happen to visit the actual island, bear in mind that at the restaurants over there are not known to have the best food.
- Bring a dry bag because your clothes might get wet, especially if you go with banka boat.
- Snorkeling gear is recommended to have, unless you want to rent it at the island.
- Bring your water proof camera, it would be shame to miss capturing this kind of experience.
- Keep yourself hydrated, bring lots of water.
Be responsible traveler
-Follow the instructions of your guides.
-Please be respectful towards the nature, wear coral friendly sunscreen.
-Corals have been there for million years, although they take a long time to grow even longer to recover, try not to touch them. We have to protect what we have in order to enjoy it more.
-It is not allowed to take any corals, shells, stones from the island, please respect that.
-Dispose your waste properly.
More about Apo Island
https://www.sea-explorers.com/apo-island-philippines-dive-sites/
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