Apo Island Dumaguete Travel Guide, Tour Itinerary, Resorts

APO ISLAND DUMAGUETE TRAVEL GUIDE | TOUR ITINERARY, BUDGET, LIST OF RESORTS

 Apo Island is one of the most popular snorkeling and diving site in the country can be found in Dumaguete, particularly in the Negros Oriental. The island is actually a volcanic island which is a 12-hectare land. “Apo” is a Filipino word which means “old man”. Lovely corals and fascinating sea creatures are also the reason why a lot of visitors are attracted to this gorgeous island.

How to get to Apo Island Dumaguete

From Manila, you need to travel by air to Dumaguete City and then take a bus ride to Zamboanguita – which is 7 kilometers away from the island.

On the other hand, if coming from Cebu, you need to travel for 3 hours by land (via bus) all the way to Liloan, Santander. From there, travel via ferry to Sibulan port and then a jeepney ride going to Ceres Bus terminal. Then, another bus ride going to Bayawan City and tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Malatapay Market.

Lastly, a motorized boat for rent will take you to the island itself. If you want to skip the hassle of many vehicles transfer, you can travel via bus all the way to Dumaguete City (for those coming from Cebu only).

Some tourists opt to have just a day tour in Apo Island and would stay to some resorts in Zamboangita. Most of these resorts offer trips for their guests to Apo Island. Please see the list of resorts in Zamboangita, Dumaguete.

Apo Island Budget 

There is an entrance fee of 100php per person which is actually used for the maintenance of and preservation of this island. Other expenses will be a tour (together with a guide) to witness and swim together with the sea turtles of the island; this will cost 300php for a group of 4 people. You can rent snorkeling gear and a life vest for 100php each, but you can also bring your own if you have one. The action camera can also be rented for those who don’t have any, this will cost around 1,200php.

 

Things to do | Apo Island Tourist Spots

To protect the marine sanctuary of the island, only the traditional method of fishing is allowed. These methods are the hook and line, gill nets, bamboo traps, and other methods that will not be of harm to the sanctuary. What makes the place a wonderful scuba diving site is its magnificent coral reef that has around 450 species, fish of around 650 species and the sea turtles / pawikans. Apo Island is supervised by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and is protected by the National Integrated Protected Area Act (NIPA).

You can enjoy your visit to Apo Island by doing any of the following:

Dive

Apo Island is one of the Philippines’ popular dive sites. 650 species of fish and 400 species of corals have been found and document at the place. There are dive shops on the island which can cater to any diving aficionados visiting the place.

Snorkel / Sea Turtles

For those who are not into diving, you can opt to snorkel around the area and see the beautiful underwater life of the Island.

Green turtles are often seen around the area. Snorkeling gears are available for rent at the shops

Trek

For those who love trekking, the island also has several trails which can be enjoyed on a varied level of difficulty.

Laze at the Beach

The beachfront in Apo island is relatively small but not crowded. It would be nice to just simply relax at the beach to free your mind while having your vacation.

Visit the Lighthouse

In order to reach the tallest area on the island, you must trek for about 40 minutes all the way to the lighthouse. It’s not a simple trek having concrete steps and muddy paths. This area has a lighthouse that is abandoned (with chambers of the lighthouse keeper and old fresnel lens) and a powered lighthouse that is modern solar.

Tourist Spots Near Apo Island

Apo Island Dumaguete Travel Guide, Tour Itinerary, Resorts

Dumaguete City 

For guests visiting Apo Island, a trip to some destinations would be very possible. The nearest place which you should explore when visiting Apo Island is the City of the Gentle People, Dumaguete.

Dumaguete City has several tourist attractions which any guest will surely enjoy. Listed below are Travel Guides which can help you draft your own itinerary:

• Dumaguete City Travel Guide
• Sidlakang Negros Village
• Lake Balinsasayao
• Sandurot Festival
• Painitan sa Dumaguete City

Siquijor 

The Mystical Siquijor Island

Just a few minutes from Dumaguete City is the beautiful Island of Siquijor. The island is loaded with attractions that can make your vacation even more exciting. Listed below are some tourist guides and reviews to help you decide should you visit the island:

• Siquijor Travel Guide
• List of Resorts in Siquijor
• Cambugahay Falls in Siquijor
• San Isidro Labrador Church
• Calipay Spring
•  Dumaguete-Siquijor Itinerary

Bacolod City

The City of Smile, Bacolod City is just a few hours away from Apo Island, Dumaguete City. Bacolod City is one place which can make your visit to this part of the country more enjoyable. Listed below are some guides which aimed at helping any tourists:

• Bacolod City Travel Guide
• 3-Day Bacolod City Trip/Itinerary
• List of Hotels in Bacolod City
• List of Restaurants in Bacolod City
• Masskara Festival
• Bacolaodiat Festival

Apo Island Dumaguete Travel Guide, Tour Itinerary, Resorts

Where to Stay in Apo Island | Resorts

Liberty Lodge and Apo Island Beach Resort

There are two accommodations in the area, the Liberty Lodge, and the Apo Island Beach Resort. The former has 7 types of accommodation that are all-inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While the latter has nine cottages, a beachside restaurant, and a bar that allows you to prepare your food on the open area, under the starry night. There are also Homestays that accept guests on Apo Island.

List of Resorts Near Apo Island

Most tourists choose to stay in the mainland because of the limitation of electricity on the Island. I listed below resorts found on Apo Island. You can also book your stay in any of these resorts by clicking the link (name of the resorts) below:

Bahura Beach Resort. Apo Island Dumaguete Travel Guide, Tour Itinerary, Resorts

Dauin, Dumaguete

Bahura Resort and Spa
Dauin Km 19/20 Maayong Tubig, Dauin, Dumaguete, Philippines

Bongo Bongo Divers
J. Basa Street, Poblacion 1, Dauin, Dumaguete, Philippines, 6217

J & P Family Beach House
Masaplod Norte, Dauin, Dumaguete, Philippines, 6217

Sea Dream Resorts
Sea Dream Drive, Masaplod Sur, Negros Oriental, Dauin, Dumaguete, Philippines, 6217

Stanford Yard Beach House Private villa
Dauin, Dumaguete, Philippines

Villa in Blue
KM 18.5 Masaplod Sur, Dauin, Dumaguete, Philippines, 6217

Villa del Mare
Sea Dream Drive, Masaplod Sur, Dauin, Dumaguete, Philippines, 6217

Thalatta Resort. Apo Island Dumaguete Travel Guide, Tour Itinerary, Resorts

Zamboanguita, Dumaguete

Acqua Dive Resort
Maluay, Zamboanguita, Dumaguete, Philippines, 6218

Greenland Residence House Guesthouse/bed and breakfast
Maluay, Dumaguete, Zamboanguita, Dumaguete, Philippines, 6200

Thalatta Resort
Maluay, Zamboanguita, Dumaguete, Philippines, 6218

Wellbeach Dive Resort
Maluay, Zamboanguita, Dumaguete, Philippines, 6218

White Chocolate Hills Resort
Magallanes Street. Barangay Poblacion, Zamboanguita, Dumaguete, Philippines, 6218

Travel Guides