Apo Island, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

Apo Island is one of the islands in Apo Reef Natural Park. In fact, it is the largest island in the Apo Reef. There are other islands near the Apo Island but all of them are just small islands. The Apo Island is a protected area and it is being managed by the government. Police, Bantay Dagat, Navy and the municipal government protects the island and serves as the security and caretaker of Apo Reef Natural Park. Apo Island is known for diving due to the vastness of coral reefs around the island. There’s an abundance of marine life around the island. There is also a mangrove forest and a lighthouse in the island. There is no resort in Apo Island but there are several cottages and a large function hall that can be rented by visiting guests. Fresh water is not available in the island. An electric generator provides electricity for Apo Island. One thing that you’ll need to do before going to Apo Island/Apo Reef is to secure a permit from the Municipal Government of Sablayan.

one of the coves in Apo Island

How to get there:

Option 1

From Manila, ride a bus bound for Batangas port. From Batangas port, ride a ferry boat bound for Abra de Ilog. From Abra de Ilog port, ride a van or a bus bound for San Jose and get off at Sablayan town proper. From the town proper, go to the port and rent a boat to Apo Island.

Option 2

From Cubao, Quezon City, there are buses that are bound directly to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Ride the bus bound for San Jose and be sure to get off at Sablayan town. The bus will ride the ferry boat in Batangas port going to Abra de Ilog port. In Sablayan town proper, go to the port and rent a boat to Apo Island.

Option 3

From Manila, ride a plane bound for San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. From San Jose Airport, ride a tricycle going to the bus and van terminal and then ride a bus or a van bound for Sablayan town. From Sablayan, you need to go to the port and rent a boat to Apo Island.

Travel time:

Option 1

Manila to Batangas port - 2 to 3 hours

Batangas port to Abra de Ilog port - 2 to 3 hours

Abra de Ilog to Sablayan - 2 to 3 hours

Sablayan port to Apo Island - 2 to 3 hours

Option 2

Cubao, Quezon City to Sablayan - 7 to 9 hours

Sablayan port to Apo Island - 2 to 3 hours

Option 3

Manila to San Jose Airport - 45 minutes to 1 hour

San Jose Airport to bus/van terminal - 5 to 10 minutes

San Jose to Sablayan - 2 to 3 hours

Sablayan port to Apo Island - 2 to 3 hours