APO ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE | How To Get There, Places To See, & More

Protected Marine Sanctuary.

Unfortunately the Marine Sanctuary was closed for visitors when we visited, TS Pablo just hit the Visayas region and destroyed the marine environment with it’s pounding strong waves. We did get to spend time along it’s shores, and beach late at night, and in the early morning.

Butterfly Park

Just around the bend along the path going to the marine sanctuary is the Butterfly Park. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to check this and the lighthouse during our visit.

Dayhike & the Lighthouse

We did not get the chance to take the hike up the hill and inland to see the lighthouse. We were told that you can take an afternoon walk, and see the sunset from there.

Water Activities

Apo Island, and it’s surrounding waters is a protected area. If you want the best out of this experience — snorkel if you won’t swim; swim if you won’t dive; you can also get a PADI certification, if you’re not a diver yet. Under waters surfaces is the best place to be at when you’re here. We just swam, and did snorkeling ofcourse, and a really bad sea urchin incident after.

Accommodations & Where to Stay in Apo Island

We stayed at the H-H Rooms For Rent. It’s the cheapest lodging house of the four accommodations you will find in the island. Most accommodations offer to cook meals for you for an additional rate. The resort also welcomes guest for meals, and drinks at their open dining area, and bar even if you’re not staying with them. There are also sari-sari stores, and you can see locals selling around snacks in the village. For the list of Apo Island accommodations and hotels with their rates.

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Apo Island is known for its protected seascapes, you can frolic in the sea to your hearts content but can still never get enough of it. For sea activities, it is best you travel to Apo Island during the summer months when the sea is calm and you can enjoying swimming, snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving.

Apo Island is accessible via Dumguaguete City or any point in Negros Oriental. There are daily flight to Dumaguete City or Cebu City and you can easily make your way to Apo Iand. Here is a helpful and detailed Transportation Guide from Dumaguete to Apo Island. There is not much of a public transportation in Apo Island besides the outrigger boats to and from the island and to the mainland Negros Island. The island is roughly around 12 hectares, and only a fraction of it is inhabited, and the large part is protected landscape. They do not have any means of public transportation because everything is accessible by foot. The village is small that one could go around it for only 20-30 minutes, with some short stops buying food at the local sari-sari store, and some short chats with the locals.

• • Support  to local community by buying your food, and drinks in the island.
  • Apo Island is a community-based tourism destination that encourages visitors to support them through services, and/or products they offer, and sell.

• • Visitors are not allowed to put up tents on the beach, or anywhere in the island to sleep in.
  • Apo Island has a swamp area, and mosquitoes can come in brutal. Lodging houses offers mosquito nets, but carry with you insect repellents.Electricity is only available at 6AM – 9PM, the house caretaker left our group flashlights to use. You can can ask if you can borrow one if you don’t have flashlight with you.
  • There are no ATM or banks in Apo Island, best if you carry just enough cash with you.