The Great Apo Island Experience
2:36 PM
On the southern tip of Negros Island, a hidden paradise is awaiting its discovery. From majestic rock formations to rich marine life. Everyone should include this in their lists!
The island boasts several marine treasures. This marine reserve is quite popular to scuba enthusiast and snorkeling fans.
How to Get There?
From Robinsons Dumaguete City:
- Ride a Jeepney bound for Zamboanguita at Bread Camp across the old Caltex Gas Station. Fare is Php 20
- Remind the driver to drop you off at the corner of Zamboanguita port
- You can either walk to the port or hail a tricycle going to the port. Tricycle fare is Php 8
- Upon reaching the port, you need to fill out a few documents before you can hop into your wavy adventure. A tourism officer will assist you with all those stuff.
- You need to pay the boat fee (standard fee) which starts from Php 2,500. But, I highly recommend that you get the bigger boats because the waves are challenging.
Standard Boat Rental Fee
1 - 4 capacity - Php 2500
5 - 6 capacity - Php 3000
7 - 8 capacity - Php 3500
9 - 10 capacity - Php 4000
11 - 12 capacity - Php 4500
13 - 14 capacity - Php 5000
15 - 16 capacity - Php 7000
17 - 21 capacity - Php 8000
Where to Stay?
There are a lot of homestays across the island. We stayed at Roners behind the school. We paid Php 150 each for the night. They usually put signages with prices. But if you have great haggling skills you can get a cheaper price.
I really can't recommend our homestay for the reason that it's located behind a school - not beach front. You can get a beachfront location at Liberty Lodge for Php 250 a night.
For Cheap Dumaguete City Accommodations, check out the link below
Agoda's Top Recommendation
Travelbook's Top Recommendation
Where to eat?
If you're into cooking your own food, you can bring your own portable stove and cook. You can also ask the in-charge of your homestay to do the cooking. The usual charge is Php 50 - 100 depending on complexity. Just remember to bring your own ingredients because items are a little bit costly on the island.
Alternatively, you can avail of Liberty Lodge's accommodation with full board meals for Php 800 a night.
How much will I spend?
If you're from Cebu, for a group of 5+, you can bring around Php 1700 - 2500 each all in and that's good for 2 days and 1 night. I've also noticed that they have several fees. Below are some fees
Dock Fee - Php 300 per boat
Island Entrance Fee - Php 100
Guide Fee - Php 300 per guide
Snorkel gear Rental Fee - Php 100
Life Vest Rental Fee - Php 100
What to do?
Obviously, you need to dive, snorkel, swim, and repeat. Aside from that, you can also trek for about 20 mins to the lighthouse. From there, you'll see a glimpse of the island.
You can also immerse yourself in the community. Observe their activities. Talk to a local. Ask questions. Explore.
And oh, one thing you need to remember. The island runs on a generator so electricity is only available for 3-4 hours a day; from 6 pm to 9-10 pm.
So gather all your friends and explore this hidden gem.
For Cheap Dumaguete City Accommodations, check out the link below
Agoda's Top Recommendation
Travelbook's Top Recommendation
For Cheap Dumaguete City Accommodations, check out the link below
Agoda's Top Recommendation
Travelbook's Top Recommendation
2 comments
Thanks for a great article. I can't wait to bring all my Australian friends to the place when we visit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by, Charlie. Yeah! bring all your mates from the great outback!
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