A Quick Visit to Apo Island
I can now finally confirm that Apo Island is not for the budget traveler.
Or maybe not for the traveler who wants to make sure that they are not being treated as a tourist with endless supplies of cash and every step is being charged.
My friends and I went to Negros Oriental and Siquijor one long weekend and, since we were already in Dauin to attend the town fiesta, we decided to grab the opportunity to visit the famous Apo Island and its sea turtles.
I have been to Dauin for most of my childhood, as it is my mom’s hometown, but I have never set foot in the nearby Apo Island for all (nearly) 26 years of my existence. We had the chance so after having our fill by lunchtime, we set off to Malatapay, which is where the boats going to Apo Island are docked.
Our haggling skills were immediately put to the test (I have none). There were no jeepneys or buses passing by the highway so we had to find a way to bring all five of us (and a toddler) to our destination. One of my friends looked like a Korean and we had our share of laughs after one driver tried to sell him a tour package. Haha!
In the end, we were able to haggle with a tricycle driver who drove us to Malatapay, many kilometers away, for just P10 each.
When we got there, we were slightly sad to know that the only available boats were good for six people. We could have gotten a smaller boat then paid for the extra person (we are obviously very stingy) but apparently our little one was charged full. Thankfully, my friends agreed to share the expenses between the five of us. Whew. Paying for three will give a huge dent in our pocket.
So off we went.
I had no idea the boat ride would take that long. It was probably around 30 minutes in rough seas. You should never go to Apo Island expecting that you will never get wet because you will. Be sure to have all your electronics waterproofed or you’ll be sorry.
We also got the chance to see some dolphins about three-quarters of the journey. Our inner kids were squealing in delight.
We finally reached the fame island and, boy, was it beautiful.
And also uninviting, at least for the non-swimmer. The boat drivers would not allow us to bring along their lifevests (I was dying to take a dip; my bladder was about to burst) despite us paying ₱2,500 for the ride. We had to rent out the lifevests for ₱100 each. Huhuhuhu.
We had no choice but to brave the waves. Did I mention that three out of five in our group were non-swimmers? Haha.
We first had ourselves registered at ₱100 each. Ugh. I can hear the cash register again.
Locals were charged only ₱10 each. We told them first that we were from Dauin (my mom is) but because we spoke a different Cebuano and could not present a valid ID, we were declared tourists. We let it pass because there was no way we could get through that test.
We then headed off to where the guides were. To swim with the turtles, we had to get a guide for around ₱300 for a group of four. Since we were non-swimmers, we also had to get ourselves a lifejacket for ₱100 each. A snorkeling mask costs ₱100 each (you need it because how else will you see the turtles ugh) and a pair of aqua shoes means yet another ₱100 (because there are sea urchins around and — this part is true — the rocks are sharp and the waves are strong).
All those charges made us take a few steps backward little by little. How annoying. Perhaps if they had placed into a neat little package with “everything that we need”, we could have taken the bait. But we didn’t because we’re stingy like that.
So we decided to go a little far away from the tourists and enjoy the island on our own. It was hot out and there was no place for a shade except under the rocks. The waves were very strong so it was hard to actually enjoy just dipping and there were lots of rocks on the seafloor. Ugh.
I decided to just carry our daughter while I sit on the sand (and sleep) while the rest took pictures of the beautiful rock formations.
We got out of the island about 2-3 hours after we arrived. They were very strict about getting back to the mainland by 1 or 2pm because the rough seas make it hard for the boats to navigate in.
So much for having a good time in Apo Island. Perhaps we’ll come back here when we have more money to spare. We probably should be better equipped, too. (Think snorkelling gear, aqua shoes, waterproof cameras, diving gears hahaha the list is endless.) I think I would like to stay overnight at one of the resorts here, too.
For now we had to be content with what our little budget could give us.
Quick Expenses Summary:
- Tricycle from Dauin to Malatapay – ₱10 each
- Boat to Apo Island (good for 4) – ₱2,500
- Registration at Apo Island – ₱100 each
- Tricycle from Malatapay to Dauin – ₱10 each
Detailed expenses + quick itinerary in this post.
Check out Bisaya Traveler’s Apo Island post for a more detailed guide.
About the Author
Pam is an outdoors-loving millennial momma who loves to hike, trek and camp in the beaches and mountains with her partner and their 3-year-old daughter. When not exploring the great outdoors, she moonlights as a freelance writer specializing in the travel, parenting, personal finance and digital marketing niches. You can also follow her via social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest!
I have been there once and it was good thing that my parents were with me because I don’t think I could afford the prices they offer. Pang tourist gyud silag price. 😢
Hoping its not as commercialized as Boracay.
Appreciate the detailed expense, I’ll add this to by bucket list.
Wow thanks for this post Pam. This is so timely and a heads up for me and a deciding factor if I will grab the opportunity for a free tour including Apo Island.
Thinking about the possible expenses if it will be with my own expense made me think harder. Trekking club duties or Apo Island 😭
Wow! Whatta experience. The place looks good. And I think it would be best if you go there by group. 🙂 Nice photos by the way Pam!.
Been wanting to go there for the nth time! Nice din mag watch sa malayo at mag-isip na malalim. Would love to stay in the shade and do that. Then meet the turtles too of course!
Love,
http://www.channelmarie.com
A great island like apo island is a great place to have a relaxing rest.
I want to there but will definitely check the expenses first para dili ma-short. Maygad, nakaka-stress ang gasto! 🙁 Thanks for this, Pam!
I am from Negros but never tried going to Apo Island because mother tells me that strong and large currents you’ll meet as you approach the island. Haha. But if i have gained a lot of courage, I will visit Apo Island! Probably summer!
Naaah. It wasn’t all that bad. You’ll have to take note, I don’t know how to swim and we had a toddler with us, too. Haha. Go there early in the morning when the seas are calmer — let’s you maximize your stay, too.
We were planning to visit Apo Island when we went to Manjuyod, although the weather’s not cooperating so we decided to visit Dauin’s Bahura resort. I’m don’t know how to swim too and it was a bit of a rip off..so I guess visiting Bahura instead of Apo was not a bad choice after all. 🙂
I wanted to go to Apo Island! I’ve been to Dumaguete more than once but didn’t get a chance to go there! Hopefully I do in the future 🙂 Also, mahala sa tanan diha oy!
To be honest, the downsides you listed make it sound a bit discouraging, I don’t like being looked at and treated like a walking money bag as much as anyone. But I do bet the beauty of the island itself makes up for it. I guess you really just have to be in the right mindset and prepare for it. Haha.
I was laughing while reading your post because it somehow convinced me not to visit Apo Island because I’m very particular with my budget. Haha! But you gave me a second thought because of the stunning photos and awesome tips! I’ll surely visit soooooonnnnnn! 😀
I’ve heard a lot about apo island, and I really wanna go there. My cousins have been there already and they said it was really worth it. Hoping to get to see the island soon 🙂
Do you have spots to blog there? hehehe. Well, how much do you actually need (money) to really have an awesome Apo Island adventure? Do you have an idea? What else will you want to change if you have a “do over” trip?
Hahaha. I wanted to ask if you have posts about blogging in your blog. 😛
A few hundreds more than we paid and the willingness to let go of your money to experience a slightly luxurious trip than you are used to. Hahaha. I would definitely want to stay there overnight the next time — and swim with the turtles, of course. So that will probably cost me around five days’ worth of expenses (for our family) in a backpacker’s inn or transient house plus meals.
You know that I’ve attempted to visit the APO Island for 4 times already and always didn’t adhere? Exactly two weeks ago, everything has been already ready and I’m about to leave Cebu goes to APO Island, but there were unseen adversities that make us not able to get there. Anyway, I like how you write, the travel experiences that you’re straining to convey has played a bigger part for me as a reader, because it seemed to be like I’m traveling with you. I desire we can travel together soon Pam.
Thank you, Lai. Hoping to see you on the trails soon pud. But first I have to get back in shape. Hahahaha. Then maybe we can plan more laag pud. 😀
I’ve heard so much about Apo Island. Looking at the photos, it’s really beautiful and I’d say quite untouched? I just hope that the money they collect from tourists will be used to improve the lives of the locals or will be put to good use. Can’t wait to visit and thanks for the honest post. At least we know what to expect. 🙂
It’s not as untouched, really. I think there are a few residents there and also a handful or resorts; I just didn’t take a picture of them. We stayed on a side of the island that didn’t have a lot of people. But although they are collecting *too much* money from us, it is still worth it. Maybe we were just put off by the way they asked for it, in the same way that you are being asked for a terminal fee twice when you get out of Bantayan Island. Hahah!
I was supposed to go to Apo Island and Siquijor last summer, but damn sige lang ug dli madayun. Thanks for the info. I hope I’d finally be able to visit this island soon. 🙂
I enjoyed reading this post! Haha. Though nahasol gamay, I believe nindot man gihapon ang place. Can’t wait to visit Apo Island soon!
Yes, Kat. But make sure you bring lots of cash and not be stingy like us. Bahahahaha.
And just when I was about to add this to my bucket list for summer. 🙁 I just hope it’s worth the money. 🙂
Haha. It’s beautiful, though, Totem. Just a little discouraging (for us) when a place is made too business-y. Pretty much like how Boracay is (though I’ve never been there).