Apo Island: Swimming with Turtles
10:21 PM
I was browsing the internet and saw the picture-perfect view of Apo Island posted by my friend Nica. On that day, I told myself to visit that place. Months passed by, my boyfriend asked me to plan an itinerary for our Visayas escapade; without any hesitation, I included Apo Island.
Day 4 of our escapade and we stayed at my boyfriend's aunt in Dumaguete (Thanks, Tita Pacita for the free accommodation!). From Dumaguete, we took a jeepney and head off to Malatapay, Zamboanguita. It is just a 30-minute drive from Dumaguete and a 5-minute walk from Malatapay market towards the port. There, you can see the Tourist Information Center and charter a boat going to the island.
We joined with the other tourists in a boat for only 300 PHP per person. Typically, the round-trip boat ride costs 2,000 PHP (good for 4 passengers), 2,500 (good for 6 passengers), or 3,000 PHP (good for 8 passengers). For you to save money, join the other tourists to split the cost of the boat.
 |
| A boat ride with the other tourists. |
After a 20-minute boat ride, we arrived safe and sound at the island. We were very wet due to the waves that were crashing into the boat. (Tip: wear slippers and bring a dry bag to keep your things from getting wet. Also, travel early because the sea can be wavy and rough). We went directly to the tourism office and have our names registered; we paid the sanctuary fee, rented snorkeling gears and hired a tour guide (Php300 – good for up to 4 people).
 |
This is where the boats dock! Say hello to our friendly boat driver. |
 |
| Fees and Charges! |
 |
| Taking selfie having Apo Island as our background. |
Turtle watching activity is just a walk from the shoreline. We geared up as we started our activity and listened to some of the instructions told by our tour guide. Our guide signaled us to follow him as he looked for sea turtles which are just about everywhere in the waters. Not long after we jumped into the waters, we had a close encounter with the sea turtles. We weren’t allowed to touch it and was advised to keep our distance. There were also areas that were off limits as it is only designated for feeding the turtles. Swimming with green turtles and watching few other marine life species was an unforgettable experience, we enjoyed it a lot. Thanks to our guide who took us so many underwater shots since he’s a good diver.
 |
| Swimming with the pawikan. |
It was a great experience to finally set foot on this beautiful island! It is much more beautiful than in pictures. Apo Island is undeniably among the popular dive and snorkel sites in the Philippines. It’s hard not to fall in love with it because it is one-of-a-kind.
How to get to Apo Island:
Fly from either Manila, Cebu, or Davao to Dumaguete airport.
- The easiest route to take is to fly to Dumaguete from (Manila, Cebu, or Davao) via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific.
BUS coming from Cebu City
- Take a bus south to Liloan (3-4 hours, around P250).
- From Liloan, take a ferry to Dumaguete (30 minutes, P62).
- From Dumaguete terminal (Ceres Bus Terminal), ride the bus or jeepney to Bayawan and make sure it will pass by Zamboangita. Tell the conductor or driver to drop you off at Malatapay Market.
- From Malatapay market, walk for about 8 minutes going to the port.
- From the port, ride a boat going to the Apo Island.
Tips:
- Wear slippers and bring a dry bag to keep your things from getting wet. Also, travel early because the sea can be wavy and rough
- For you to save money, join the other tourists to split the cost of the boat.
- Bring food and water. (The food on the island is quite expensive)
Please follow me on INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE and like my FB FAGE for more travel blogs!
You may also read my Canyoneering, Tumalog Falls, Siquijor and Oslob Whale Shark Watching blog posts, if you find this blog informative.
I hope this helps!
Travel and turn your dreams into reality!
Rothessa
3 comments
It looks like you had such a fun time! I love the photos of the turtles.
ReplyDeleteNice!
ReplyDeleteThis looks super beautiful and fun! Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDelete