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Voykit pocket guide · Philippines
Apo Island
Spend 1–2 days diving and snorkeling; skip if you dislike boat trips or want only beach time.
Apo Island is a 3 km‑wide marine sanctuary known for diving, sea turtles and extensive reefs. Most visitors stay one night to dive, with a second day for extra dives or relaxation.
- Country
- Philippines
- Best months
- Dec–May
- Avoid
- Jun–Nov (rainy season)
- Stay
- 1 night
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PHP
- Money
- Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.
- Daily spend
- Budget PHP 1,500–2,500 excl. bed · Mid PHP 2,500–4,000 excl. bed · High PHP 4,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Globe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.
- Emergency
- Police / General emergency 911 · Fire and ambulance 911
- Plugs
- Types A, B, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US flat pins common; check your devices for 220 V.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge.; Grab / taxi: Round up.; Boat crew: ₱100–200 per tour.; Massage: ₱50–100.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.
- Toilets
- Called 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Boat rental (small, ≤5 pax) | PHP 2,000–3,000 |
| Dive (full gear, boat, divemaster) | USD 25 ≈ PHP 1,250 |
| Conservation tax (inside sanctuary) | PHP 300 |
| Meal at lodge restaurant | PHP 200–350 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- DGT · Dumaguete Airport
- Fly into Dumaguete, then take a boat to Apo Island (≈30 km (19 mi)).Fly into Dumaguete, then take a boat to Apo Island (≈19 mi (30 km)).
Typical fares
- Boat from Zamboanguita to Apo Island
- PHP 2,000–3,000 for small boat, 15 min
- Jeepney Dumaguete → Zamboanguita
- ≈ PHP 50–80
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Language, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
The island is only 3 km (1.9 mi) around; walk everywhere.The island is only 1.9 mi (3 km) around; walk everywhere.
See and do
Known for
- Diving and snorkeling
- Sea turtles
- Community‑run marine sanctuary
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dumaguete | Boat from Zamboanguita (≈30 min) then jeepney to Dumaguete | ≈2 h total |
| Zamboanguita | Boat from island (≈15 min) | ≈30 min |
Sleep
- Liberty Community Lodge
- Larger lodge, private and dorm rooms, on‑site restaurant.
- Apo Island Beach Resort
- Secluded cove, earth‑mix cottages, walkable from Liberty.
Language
English is an official language and the language of business, schools and signs, so travel is easy. Filipino (Tagalog) is the national language; Cebuano (Bisaya) dominates the Visayas and Mindanao. Taglish mixes both.
- 'Salamat' (thank you), 'po' for politeness, 'magkano?' (how much?).
- Facebook Messenger is how businesses and boats are booked.
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Smile, handshake; 'po' to elders; avoid: Loud confrontation
- Beckoning: Palm down, wave; avoid: Palm up (used for animals)
- Invitations: Accept food offered or decline politely; avoid: Refusing bluntly
- Time: Expect 'Filipino time' socially; avoid: Lateness for flights and boats
- Churches: Covered clothes; avoid: Loud tours during Mass
Scams and watch-outs
- Boat rides can be rough; wear sunglasses and bring water.
- Conservation tax PHP 300 for dives inside the sanctuary.
- Limited shops – bring personal items and medication.
Apo Island is low‑risk; main concerns are boat safety and sun exposure – use sunscreen and stay hydrated.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Apo Island yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Diving and snorkeling
- Sea turtles
- Community‑run marine sanctuary
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikidata – Apo Island coordinates: www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123456
- Philippines tourism board: www.tourism.gov.ph/
- Wikivoyage: Apo Island, revision 4468289 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=4468289
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/apo-island). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.