Route: Manila Batangas Abra de Ilog Sablayan. Fare is roughly Php 800. Take the car ferry from Batangas to Abra de Ilog. Non-Diving 780 PHP (940 PHP FY 2020) Shark Ridge- Based on the outer reef, shallows start at 10ft before the wall drops very deep. , Things to Do in San Juan, Batangas + itinerary no, POCTOY WHITE BEACH (TORRIJOS WHITE BEACH) : DIY TRAVEL GUIDE (2023), MANIWAYA ISLAND: DIY TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET) 2023, 2023 MELAKA TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET), 2023 Kuala Lumpur Itinerary (5 Days 4 Nights) with Budget, Apo Reef National Park: At First Sight - The Pinay Solo Backpacker. It was year 2017. 1630H 1800H: Wash up in Eco-Tourism Complex Visibility can go as far as 50 meters. But not only Donsol is a whale shark hotspot, but you can also go scuba diving with manta rays at a dive site called Manta Bowl. Find your way to Balatero Port in Puerto Galera. Website: www.sablayanadventurecamp.com, Country Wood Resort And Hotel Apo Reef is a 3 hour boat ride from there. Besides, you dont have a choice anyway since there is no cell signal in Apo Reef! Ego Wall- This location is on the North West corner of Apo Island. Alternatively, you may take a bus bound forBatangas Port (2.5 hours) from Manila, Cubao, Cavite, or Alabang. For those who prefer to stay in the mainland, there are several hotels, inns, apartelles and beach resorts located there. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. The 3-day, 2-nights dive trip costs Php15000 for scuba divers and Php 4,800.00 (+ Php400 if foreigner) for Non-Scuba Diver.It includes the following:Round Trip RoRo Transfer Batangas Abra de IlogRound Trip Private Van Transfer Abra de Ilog Sablayan7 Meals (2 Lunch, 2 Dinner, 2 Breakfast, 1 Lunch)8 Boat dives + Dive Guide +Tanks and WeightsCamping TentExtras you need to pay for:Transportation to Batangas PortApo Reef Environmental Fee of Php2380 for locals and Php2940 for foreignersDive or Snorkeling Gear RentalElectric Fan Room if you do not wish to stay in a tent, Day 0- Friday09:00pm Batangas Port Assembly11:00pm RoRo Transfer to Abra de Ilog, Day 1- Saturday 3 Scuba Dives3:00AM Arrival in Abra de Ilog + Van to Sablayan5:00AM Arrival in Sablayan Breakfast (own account)7:00AM Departure to Apo Reef via Boat9:00AM Arrival in Apo Reef Set up Camp10:00AM Tour Around the Island12:30 Lunch5:30PM Sunset in Light House7:00PM Dinner + Socials / Jamming Night11:00PM Lights Off. From Metro Manila, you can take a bus or car to Batangas Port. Twin Lagoon Pass Island Kayangan Lake About Palawan Pal awan is among the provinces belonging to Region IV-B MIMAROPA (Mindoro Occidental and Oriental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) situated at Southern Luzon. There is nothing quite like the feeling to stay in Coron Bay, knowing that you have at least half a dozen huge wartime vessels lying under the water. The fare is inclusive of RORO (Roll on and Roll off) /ferry fee and terminal fee. There are 6 ways to get from Apo Reef to Manila by car ferry, bus, bus and ferry or plane. It has crystal-clear waters and, according to Lonely Planet, is home to 285 species of fish and 197 species of coral. It is important that you ask the driver to drop you off in Sablayan town proper if you are taking this route. Better yet, daily early morning flights to San Jose, two hours south of Sablayan by bus or air-con minivan, mean you can leave Manila in the morning and be diving on Apo Reef the same day. All you really need is a group. You can book your bus tickets from Manila to Batangas and vice versa below. Tourism office offers various tours, trips and packages which include trip to Island Experience, Caving, Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Museum Tour, etc. July 14, 2023 | 12:00am. You can visit the lagoon and try to spot sea creatures hidden in the mangroves. Amihan and Habagat: Diving Seasons in the Philippines Explained, Best Time To Dive in the Philippines + Monthly Guide on Where to Go, Baby Pawikan in Apo Island, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines. How to Get to there? Where to go scuba diving from Manila in the Philippines? Apo Island serves as the base for the ranger station and campsite for the tourists. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. You can catch the 3:00 or 15:00 ferry from Caticlan and arrive 3 hours later in Bulalacao. I also noticed a lot of Crown of Thorns (CoTs). Diving trip from Pandan island resort, Pandan island. Its not a cheap trip. The tourism office assigns the boat & tour guide(s) that will accompany you in Sablayan. Much of the island is wild and rugged, with some near-impenetrable hinterlands and an often desolate coastline of wide bays and basic fishing villges. This trip to Apo Reef had so many highlights! 0030H 0200H: Assembly/Buy Ticket/Board Ferry From Anilao, you need to return to Batangas Pier by taxi, so about 400 PHP (about 6-7). When not traveling, I stay at home with my cats, read books, or spend lazy afternoons in cafes. From town you can rent a boat to either Pandan Island or Apo Reef, or you can do both on the same tour. As for the boat rates, price varies depending on size & capacity. Its a paradise for snorkelers, freedivers and scuba divers. Water is abundant but its also sea water. Apo Island: a Practical Travel Guide for Diy & Budget Travelers Pandan Island Beach Resort Corporation in Pandan Island, just a short boat ride from the mainland offers accommodations and various amenities and activities. The wall is sloping down to 150+ ft, there are some ledges perfect for White tip sharks to rest. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. Day trip ok. 12 Day Tour at the Best of Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Santorini, Crete. By clicking on 'ACCEPT' or any content on this site, you agree that cookies can be placed. Ferry Fare starts at Php260. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-diverbliss_com-narrow-sky-1-0-asloaded{max-width:580px!important;max-height:400px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'diverbliss_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_15',714,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diverbliss_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); I recommend visiting the lighthouse on the island. It is located in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro Philippines. Take the bus from Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange to Batangas Port. Accommodations on Apo Island is very basic. The boat trip takes 90 minutes one way. Smart/Viber/Whatsapp: +63.998.984.0000 The buses leave every 30 minutes. But I run, I dive, I bike, I swim, I trek, I love and I blog. The ferry from Abra de Ilog to Puerto Galera leaves at noon. There are sand channels along the wall with some coral outcroppings covered in gorgonian fans. Tell the driver youll get off at Sablayan. Former president Fidel Ramos declared the entire reef as a protected natural park in 1996. Apo is so raw untouched by commercialism . How to get there Apo Reef lies around 40 kilometers (22nautical miles) west of Sablayan (Occidental Mindoro). These sites are identified to have the best corals and sightings for pelagics and turtles! Electricity is only at night so you can charge your gadgets. Travel time from Buendia to Batangas City using the ACTEX route is more or less 2 hours. The boat captain /guide was really an expert because we did'nt get lost eventhough he has no navigating tool like a compass with him. 0730H 0830H: Pasay to Home She hasnt been diving everywhere in the Philippines, but its on her list. Romblon takes macro diving to a whole new level. Whitetip sharks and sea turtles are so common that youll end up ignoring them at one point. Buy food, drinks, paper plates, plastic fork and spoons and cups at Sablayan Town since there is no store in Apo Reef Island. Can someone please clarify what are the total fees. Always the eyes. Apo Reef is a diving paradise in the Philippines that offers remarkable marine life encounters including a plethora of fish species, turtles, rays, & more. GrumpyThumper 1 yr. ago. Ultimate Buffet Guide: 10 Best Buffets in Manila, Practical Guide to Masungi Georeserve (Rizal), Beyond the Ordinary: 21 UNIQUE Places to Visit in Vietnam, Savoring Tradition: 17 BEST Batangas Delicacies to Try, 9 BEST Tagaytay Camping Sites for Sleeping Under the Stars, The Ultimate Guide to Exchanging Currency for Traveling, 13 BEST Private Resorts in Zambales for Group Vacations, Step into Foodie Haven at Public Eatery (Robinsons Magnolia), One Day Paris Itinerary Perfect for First-Time Visitors, The Cliffhouse Laguna: An Exquisite Hot Spring Resort in Laguna, Free time Snorkel, dive, explore the island (lighthouse and lagoon). In each dive, I would spot around 5-10 crown of thorns. There are also air-conditioned vans that can be rented from the airport although they cost higher at P3500 and up. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-diverbliss_com-netboard-1-0-asloaded{max-width:728px!important;max-height:400px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'diverbliss_com-netboard-1','ezslot_18',704,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diverbliss_com-netboard-1-0'); Of course, you can also book directly with Pentagon Dive Center. Apo Reef Natural Park (Sablayan) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Don't book with Sablayan ecotourism office. Required fields are marked *. It would be best to join a group to share cost for the boat. We shall not be held responsible for any loss, inconvenience or injury to any entity/party due to unintentional changes or errors inherent in the information obtained. Contact: +639214049242, Sablayan Adventure Camp Beach Resort Take the train from Doroteo Jose LRT to Baclaran LRT. Heres my experience on our 3 days trip to Apo Reef Natural Park and Pandan Island. I remember seeing a blue-spotted ribbon-tail stingray while snorkeling! No need to get back to land. Bus, car ferry, travel via Pinaglabanan / Quirino Avenue, Paraaque City, Manila 8h 31m. Staying on the island is cool, and the diving is excellent (even in low season we saw white tips and hawksbill turtles each dive, among many other sights). However, I see a direct ferry route between Manila to Sablayan Pier by looking at Google Maps. You can go to the light house take some pictures from above also have free dive and snorkeling. Dive shops charge it, but I haven't seen anyone on the island or anywhere else collecting it, so I am not even sure where it goes. The fastest way of getting to Apo Reef is by taking an airplane. Entrance fee in Apo Reef is P325 per person for Filipinos and P650 for foreigners (payable in Sabayan Tourism Office). But more than its striking scenery, both inland and underwater, Sablayan takes pride of its people with the rich culture of the indigenous Mangyans and the inborn hospitality of Sablayeos. We also saw a school of barracudas. We found shades under the trees in Apo Island and camped our tents. The shoot will be on March 5-8, 2016. It was actually a fun detour and the trail to the lagoon looked like a scary forest from a fairy tale, with tree brambles along the way, a boardwalk with queasy steps to the lagoon and the proliferation of mangroves which creates a quiet, dense ambience. One is from Sablayan and the other is from Pandan Island. Make sure to bring a powerbank. Contact: +63919-2859372, Landmanz Hotel & Restaurant Thank you. 12h 42m. You can walk the beach late at night or during sunrise to see if a mommy turtle has laid some eggs. Hiya, My name is Florine! You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. If you want to learn more about other activities in Sablayan itself you can visit their official Sablayan website. Batangas to Abra de Ilog Schedule of Ferry /RORO (Montenegro Lines) as of March 2011 : Montenegro Lines contact number: 09208775542 (Roger Guttierez). Day 3 Monday- 1 Dive5:30AM Wake up + Sunrise7:00AM Breakfast8:00AM Departure in Apo12:00NN Lunch +Arrival in Sablayan2:00PM Departure to Abra de Ilog5:00PM Arrival Abra de Ilog + RoRo to Batangas Port9:00PM End of Trip. E: [emailprotected], Hi, may CR po kaya doon and water? Apo Reef Natural Park is located in Mindoro straight, 28 kilometers (roughly 2 hours) from Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. This is considered to be the dry season in the Philippines so there are lesser chances of rain. The famous ways to go to Apo Reef, Diving trip from Busuanga island (Coron, Palawan). The pristine sand and the cool water blue, deep of it is too many creatures of different sea corals and fish. If youre staying in Apo Reef, you need to bring and cook your own food. I feel like there is so much more to see. Be respectful of the locals and the environment. Check out these places: Katherine Cortes is a 30-something freelance writer/editor. Privacy Policy. However, the operators in Sablayan are low quality. From the port, take a ferry bound for Abra de Ilog. That narrow strait might be why Puerto Galera is known for its currents and hence some pretty epic drift dives, but the strong tidal currents only happen during certain phases of the moon. You're full of surprises! From Manila to Sablayan by bus / ferry Option 1: A direct bus from Manila to Sablayan (ferry transport included) I recommend this option if you are already in central Manila . Contact: (43)7430209 / +639207013551, Emely Hotel & Restaurant So it is highly suggested you go there by groups. If like me, you are looking for ways to fly less, the Philippines is a great option to do so. Apo Reef to Manila via car ferry, bus, bus and ferry, and plane - Rome2rio The small sharks in particular could only be observed from a few meters away, since they swim away if you get too close. Its museum and parks offer a historical and recreational experience. Even hammerhead sharks and whale sharks have been spotted here on occasion. 1800H 2100H: Buy bus ticket to Batangas/Dinner/Rest Contact No: +639086315495 and +639086964803. Like you, I listened to worrying stories during my island-hopping tour of the Visayas Islands. Apo Reef and Pandan Island (Sablayan, Mindoro): Travel Guide + 3 Days Itinerary Last updated on: March 13, 2023 At the beginning of this year, my friend Peng invited me for a DIY trip to Apo Reef and Pandan Island in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. The boat departs from Balatero pier at 10:30 and will take 1 hour. 1. The links above may be affiliate links. We climbed up the lighthouse and the views were breathtaking. Otherwise, you can just pitch a tent at Apo Reef Island like we did. Most of the dives were deep and we would go beyond 30-meters trying to search for mantas, rays and sharks. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-taraletsanywhere_com-netboard-1-0-asloaded{max-width:336px!important;max-height:280px!important;}}if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'taraletsanywhere_com-netboard-1','ezslot_25',801,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-taraletsanywhere_com-netboard-1-0'); Are you into snorkeling and freediving? The most convenient way for me is to ride a Dimple Star Bus from Sablayan to Batangas for P550 (inclusive of Ro-Ro and Terminal Fee), if you decide to take Dimple Star reserve your seat ahead. Apo Reef: The Second World largest Coral Reef system By checking Rome2rio, my go-to online tool to find alternatives to flying, I found two possible itineraries, a cheap one and a fast one: Just a little bit further after Anilao, Puerto Galera is another incredible dive site in the northern Philippines. Due to its relative remoteness only a few operators offer daytrips to Apo Reef but several liveaboards organize safaris lasting 2 to 5 days. It truly is magical above and below water. Travel time to Sablayan is approximately 2-3 hours. Listed as the second biggest reef in the world I had high expectations on this reef. This is really a place to dive, not snorkel but be advised you need to have your PADI certification in order to dive here. Apo Reef Coron FAQ | Tubbataha - Scuba Diving Philippines In all my dives in Apo Reef, I think I only saw one nudibranch. Entrance Fee: Php 250 (Filipinos), Php 450 (Foreigners), Tents: Php 150 (good for 2 pax), Php 300 (good for 3-4 pax). Diving Fees: Php 1,350 (Filipinos), Php 1,750 (Foreigners). Your email address will not be published. If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to WAD Newsletter to receive the latest posts directly to your inbox. You can also hire private vans from San Jose to take you to Sablayan. Every effort has been made to make the contents of this website accurate and up-to-date. I did a bit of a background check and learned hes organized several trips in the past with Pentagon. Sablayan is located at the central part of Occidental Mindoro. Its the largest atoll-type reef in the country and the second largest in the world, next to Australias Great Reef Barrier. I did see sharks and sea turtles, but since I was only snorkeling from above the sightings would only last a few seconds before the animals would ran away. Tips for Travelling in the Philippines Is it possible to combine Taal vulcano and Mindoro Island ? Apo Reef Natural Park is located in Mindoro straight, 28 kilometers (roughly 2 hours) from Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. You ain't Acrophobic A towering 110-foot lighthouse has a view deck halfway through the top that offers a breath-taking 360-degree view of the crystal clear waters and the verdant mangrove forest, where you can enjoy a magnificent sunset and a glimpse of the Calamian group of islands. Located 40 km off the west coast of Mindoro Island, Apo Reef is much further than Anilao or Puerto Galera but still faster to reach than Donsol. The lagoon is connected to the ocean via an underground hole, although researches have yet to find where that is. Before anything else, let me give you a short bit of introduction. Alternatively, at Batangas Port, you can already ride a bus (Dimple Star) to Abra de Ilog. I wasnt very comfortable with the basic restroom and lack of fresh water as well as the humid temperature at night (it was very hard to sleep), but it was compensated with the nature attractions we saw and experienced. When we arrived at Apo Island, the first thing I noticed is the beach.
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