Dumaguete - Apo Island for 2 Days and 1 Night (Part 2)

APO ISLAND

How long have I wanted to swim with the sea turtles! Finally, I was able to experience it!

Chasin' turtles be like

Apo Island is located south eastern tip of Negros Island and 30 kilometers south of the Negros Oriental capital of Dumaguete in the Philippines. I wouldn't want to miss my chance. The best thing about group travel is to share cost of the pump boat that can take you to island which is PHP2,500 good for four and of course it is not pratical if you go on solo for that amount. Good thing that the place I stayed at has a joiner offer of PHP1,000 per individual. It is kind of pricey than group sharing but that amount already covers the transportation to and from Dauin, breakfast, lunch, boat, snorkel gear and the guide. You need to be at the hostel at 6:45AM and because I stayed there, it was convenient for me. You will be asked to sign a waiver and also just next to the hostel is the dive shop where the equipments are handed out.

Swimming away

It was past 7AM when we headed off to Dauin. Most of the people I went the trip with were Chinese and Koreans, there were Filipinos and I wanted to talk to them but I just didn't have the voice - I actually don't know what to talk about after the initial greetings. It was a good thing there was also another person in solo travel and I took the chance to talk to him and become his companion that day. That made me very happy! I got to meet someone new and I was able to meet two more when we were grouped together for the dive.

One side of the Island

The package includes three dive spots because we have divers with us. One thing to note though is that you will not be taken TO the island but the boat will just be navigating around it as there is an additional fee. If you want to have your feet touch the sand and be on the island as well as check out the lighthouse, this package is not for you. Also, most of the sea turtles are feeding in the shallow waters near the beach so the dives/snorkels  you will be having with the package does not assure a turtle encounter but it has 80% chance you will have one as what I have experienced. None the less, you will have a great time! It was on the third dive that we encountered turtles and our group was lucky to be the only ones there. We had the turtle all for ourselves! Even if the first two dives were turtle-less (is that even a word?), the island is a marine sanctuary and the corals and sea is full of life! The water is also clear, even if it is deep, you can see the sea bed. You are scheduled 1 hour snorkel for each dive spot, two are done before lunch and last one after as you need to be back on shore by 3PM as the waves gets high that time.  The overall experience was fun and I highly recommend joining the tour!

Here is the breakdown of my expenses:

Note: It could have been lesser if I have booked in advanced as well as I am a foodie so I do spend on food. (peace)

What I want you to know:

1. If you only have the weekends to visit Dumaguete and go to Apo Island, I would recommend you catching the 1AM schedule to Lilo-an Port from Cebu's South Bus Terminal. You will arrive at 4 or 4:30AM which is the first scheduled trip for the ferry. It only takes 30-45 minutes to Sibulan. You have time to catch up with the Apo Island tour (provided that they are not fully booked which is less likely).
2. The lunch including in the package is kinda like a "snack". We were just only served pancit though I was expecting a full meal. You may need to bring your own lunch if it is not enough. There is unlimited coffee/milk, bread and bananas though (at least that's what I have observed).
3. I really do advice to have Apo Island be your first day activity because it will be a three hour swimming under the blazing sun and it will exhaust you. Of course, it will be entirely up to you.
4. As you need to get wet in boarding the boat, be in clothes that you don't mind getting wet in.

That about sums it up with my first solo travel adventure! I can't wait to explore again! Hit me up if you plan to visit my place. I would love to suggest places and things to do for you :)