Apo Island Travel Guide

Having Malay ancestors have gifted me the just-right, sun-kissed tan that lasts forever :) but in Apo Island Beach resort Caucasians can bask all they want in the sun without being disturbed but the local vendors.

The nightlife on Apo is nothing to be compared with. Remember that electric power lasts until midnight only. After which, one will see sights that are normally taken for granted. I haven't seen so much stars in the sky that dances with the music of the soft ocean waves meeting the shore. I think i saw space clouds too. Much more are the twinkling little things at the shore, that i have yet to determine what they are. My friend thinks these are luminuous algae but i see nothing when i use a flashlight. Can any of my VT friends help me on this baffling situation?

Dress Code: as you are ... :)

From the airport, hire a trike to take you to the Ceres bus station. Cost around P50 for the trip. Board the bus bound for Bayawan, usually leaving the station every 15 minutes. Request the bus conductor to be let down at Malatapay, about 30 minutes from the station. Bus fare is about P35.00/person for non-aircon bus. Malatapay is a marketplace every Wednesday but clear like a dead town on the other days. Walk to the port to get a boat to Apo Island.

I suggest to make prior arrangements to be brought to and back from the island by boat, cost around P1600. Getting back from the island to the airport may be a little tricky. So plan your trip ahead with enough time for bus-trike transfers.

Once you arrive on Apo Island, you have to go to the registration office on the beach there where you register your party and pay the Apo Island Sanctuary fees, these fees are going to the local people on Apo island to help them keep the island interesting for tourists, both for cleaning up the place and keeping everything on the island working but also for supporting the people that can not make a living fishing because of the sanctuary status.

Other Do's and Don'ts
- Remember you are not allowed to bring any stones, shells, coral pieces or the like from Apo Island.
- You are not allowed to wear gloves while diving or snorkeling.
- Take care of the beautiful nature on the island, so bring your trash back to the mainland and dispose of it properly.
- Support the local economy and buy your drinks and food on the island.
- Make sure you are back by the boat taking you back to Negros so you can leave the island at 4pm, the boats taking passengers back and forth are not allowed to leave Apo later than 4pm. to make sure they get back to Zamboanguita before the sun sets.

(click Apo Island sign to read the details on fees)