Travel Guide: Apo Reef Natural Park, PH wonder beneath the earth's surface

Apo Island

Apo reef is the world's second-largest contiguous coral reef system and the largest in the Philippines, approximately thirty four (34) square kilometers. The reef and it's surrounding waters are protected areas, means fishing or taking any marine life around the area is prohibited. The reef is administered as Apo Reef Natural Park in the town of Sablayan, province of Occidental Mindoro. Even it is a protected area, tourism is open and administered by the local government of Sablayan and local office of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Apo Island
There are three islands that serve as mark on the surface of Apo reef, one of the three islands is called Apo Island. Apo Island is uninhabited, only the assigned Task Force stays there to protect and conserve the area from illegal poachers and the like. Aside from the pristine and azure water, Apo island is blessed with  fine white sand beach. Sunset and sunrise viewing is equally charming and beautiful.  

lighthouse in Apo Island

the view from the top of the lighthouse

the patrol ship of Apo Reef Natural Park from a distance

white sand beach of Apo Island

one of the barracks of Task Force on duty in Apo Island

sunrise in Apo Island

another sunrise shot in Apo Island

Camping in Apo Island

Apo Island is where most tourists camp if they want to stay near the Apo Reef for overnight or more. There's no accommodation in the island so bring your tent or your hammock. There's also no fresh water in the island, there are several deep wells but the water comes from it is salty, just for flushing the toilet. The toilets are descent enough though. There's no electricity and network signal but there's a solar powered generator in the island.

camping area

Diving and Snorkeling
There are different diving spots around Apo Reef but scuba diving is quite expensive. For a budget traveler like me I was contented in snorkeling. Even there are parts of Apo Reef that corals aren't lively, no doubt that it's still one of the wonders of the country. Even If I was just snorkeling I saw several sharks and many other marine life. I would recommend to wear rash guard because there are lots of small jelly fish too. Good thing I was able to tolerate the stinging.

How to get to Apo Island from Manila

Getting to Apo Island is an adventure itself that requires patience.

Option 1: The easiest way is to book your flight from Manila to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. From San Jose Airport, ride a tricycle going to bus terminal then ride a bus or van going to Sablayan port for 2 hours. Boat ride from the seaport to Apo Island is up to 2.5 hours.

Option 2: For budget travelers: From Manila ride a bus bound to Batangas pier for 2.5 hours or less if no traffic, Jam bus liner fare from Buendia to Batangas fare is Php175. At Batangas pier ride a ferry (RORO) that is bound to Abra de Ilog for approximately 2.5 hours. Fare is Php260 and Php30 for terminal fee. From Abra de Ilog pier ride a bus or van going to Sablayan port for another 2 hours land travel, fare is Php220. Boat ride from the Sablayan port to Apo Island is up to 2.5 hours.

One of the shipping lines that operates going to Abra de Ilog is the Montenegro Shipping Line. Trip Schedules from Batangas pier: 2AM, 6AM, 10AM, 2PM, 6:30PM and 10PM daily. Trip Schedules from Abra de Ilog: 2AM, 6AM, 10AM, 2PM, 5PM and 10:30PM daily.

Alternatively, there's a RoRo bus company that operates directly from Manila to Sablayan, the Dimple bus. You don't need to transfer from one bus to another because the bus travels with you as a cargo in the ferry going to Abra de Ilog. Contact numbers: 09999194236 (Ali Mall Terminal) 09473412059 (Sampaloc Terminal).

Arranging your trip

Since tours are administered by the local government of Sablayan, you need to contact them prior of your trip. Email: amazingsablayan@yahoo.com or ecotourism_sablayan_occmdo@yahoo.com. The boat rental and entrance fee are to be paid at Sablayan ecotourism office. Boat rental rates are ranging from Php8,500 for 24 hours good for up to 20 persons. Apo reef environmental fee is Php325/pax The ecotourism office can also help you to pre-arranged a private yacht and your diving activities. For other details check http://www.sablayan.net/ the official website of Sablayan.

TIPS:
1. Travel with group to lessen the cost, budget for at least 12 persons in a group is around Php3500 - Php4000.
2. Bring all your camping gears, enough fresh water for drinking and cooking and don't forget to bring insect repellant.
3. There are snorkeling gear for rent at the ecotourism office but still recommended to bring your own if you have.
4. Wear aqua shoes if possible.
5. You can buy your food supplies at Sablayan Market before boarding the boat going to Apo Island.

photo credits to my friend I was with during the trip

You might also want to read:
Pandan Island Resort in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro