The Philippines is known all over the world not only for having the best beaches but also for the impressive marine resources and marine parks such as the Apo Reef Natural Park (ARNP) in the middle of Mindoro Strait, the strait being one of the ten defined locations of the Coral Triangle.
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OVERVIEW
Marine Life in Apo Reef Natural Park
Not to be confused with Apo Island in Negros Oriental, Apo Reef has been recognized as the largest contiguous coral reef system in the Philippines and the second largest in the world. It is one of the most popular diving spots in the country given the quality of the flora and fauna inhabiting the area and the clarity of its water and white sand. The 34-square kilometer area shelters 10 hectare undisturbed mangrove stands, various species of terrestrial flora, algae sea grasses, and seaweeds as well as several species of reef fishes, sharks, reptiles, sharks, and corals. Common sightings include sea turtles, sea snakes, pods of dolphins, manta rays, white tip sharks, thresher sharks, barracuda, and Napoleon wrasse, and as well as an array of colorful corals that will surely make you gaze in awe.
Apo Reef Natural Park was declared a Protected Area in 1996 and is in the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Fast Facts
P780 ($15.6 USD) – Entrance and environmental fees for foreigners (Non-diving)
P120 ($2.4 USD)- Entrance and environmental fees for Sablayenos (Non-diving)
P265 ($5.3 USD)- Tour guide
P2,380 ($47.6 USD)- Diving fee for locals
P2,940 ($58.8 USD)- Diving fee for foreigners
P265 ($5.3 USD)- Dive master
P3,456 ($69.12 USD)- Filming/videotaping fee
P6,912 ($138.24)- Filming for the production of movies and commercials
P1,500 ($30 USD)- Kiosk/bed room rental
Apo Island is uninhabited and there is no electricity and phone or internet reception on the island. Bring extra batteries and power banks for your gadgets.
Fresh water is not available on the island so make sure to bring a lot. There are also no stores so bringing food and other essentials is a must.
Bring insect repellent, reef-friendly sunscreen, and appropriate gear and equipment. Diving and snorkeling equipment are available in the mainland so rent before you sail to Apo Island if you do not own one.
MAP
This attraction is located near Apo Island in Mindoro.
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NEED TO KNOW
How to Get to Apo Reef Natural Park?
By Air from Manila
- Take a plane to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Cebu Pacific has two regular flights everyday from Manila to San Jose and vice versa.
- From the airport, proceed to the bus terminal via tricycle.
- From the terminal, take a bus to the town of Sablayan. Travel time is approximately 3 hours.
- Upon arrival in Sablayan, the tour agency you booked/arranged will facilitate your trip to Apo Island.
By Land and Ferry from Manila
- Take a bus to Batangas Port.
- Take a ferry to Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro. Travel time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- From Abra de Ilog, you can either take a bus or van to Sablayan. Travel time is about 3 hours.
- Upon arrival in Sablayan, the tour agency you booked/arranged will facilitate your trip to Apo Island.
By Sea and Land from Puerto Galera
- Take a ferry from Muelle Port or Balatero Port to Abra de Ilog.
- From Abra de Ilog, you can either take a bus or van to Sablayan. Travel time is about 3 hours.
- Upon arrival in Sablayan, the tour agency you booked/arranged will facilitate your trip to Apo Island.
By Sea from Coron
- Take a ferry from Coron to San Jose. Bunso Transport sails to San Jose every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:00 AM.
- From San Jose, take a tricycle to the bus terminal. From the terminal, take a bus to the town of Sablayan. Travel time is approximately 3 hours.
- Upon arrival in Sablayan, the tour agency you booked/arranged will facilitate your trip to Apo Island.
The airport closest to Apo Reef Natural Park
San Jose Airport (SJI) in Mindoro is the closest and most commonly used airport when traveling to Apo Reef Natural Park. Francisco B. Reyes (USU) in Coron is also close.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this attraction to avoid crowds is early in the morning usually before 10:00 AM.
Closures
This attraction is always open.
Fees
Fees require payment in cash. Credit cards are not accepted at this attraction.
Food & Drink
Food and drinks are not available at this attraction.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol is not allowed at this attraction.
Pets
Pets are not allowed at this attraction.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed at this attraction.
Trash
Please dispose of your trash properly or take it with you. Don’t Trash the Philippines!
The Philippines are beautiful islands … let’s all ensure they remain this way.
WHERE TO STAY
The following are hotels and resorts nearby:
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Photos
The following are some photos of this attraction.
Videos
The following is a video of this attraction.
NEARBY
The following are other points of interest nearby:
- Malatongtong Falls
- Sablayan Parola Park
- Mounts Iglit-Baco National Park
- Calauit Island National Park
- Coron Island
READ MORE: Mindoro Island Visitors Guide
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