Where to my friend, I gently asked This mighty turtle swimming past Off to the shallows or down the deep Oh, how life flourished in this reef Where to my friends I gently asked These corals and her residents Little sea months and clown fish spawning Clams and frogfish lie-in-waiting Where to my friends I gently asked This school of fish, scooting fast Dancing slivers in rows of grey Oh, how diverse sea creatures may Where is this place, so I was asked Where marine life flourished free It is Apo Island, of which I speak Visit soon and dive with me Marine santuary, fountain of inspiration Apo Island Dauin, Negros Oriental © Gian Jubela pearl in coral shell lost her mother in the sand – father sea follows Flora and fauna abound Aside from the Pawikans, a plethora of © Angelo Cariño creatures have made the island their home as well. Cruising through Apo Island is known as one of the country’s well-kept marine sanctuaries. © Angelo Cariño Calmness and serenity Tourists and residents alike are welcomed © Isla Snapshots Just keep swimming A diver accompanied by a school of fish in © Ola Welin Pictured here is its sanctuary’s most famous resident, the Pawikan. by a view that promises a calm and relaxing stay in the island. his exploration of the island’s waters. 8 PwC Philippines VisMin’s Philippine Gems 9 Coconut Reef Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental, Visayas N Olo Reef Lighthouse Largahan Reef Geography and people Mamsa Reef Apo Island is part of Dauin town, province of Negros Occidental, Apo Island Balay Reef Visayas region. Land area: 5,402.3 km2 Traditional dwellers: Negritos Cebu Dialect: Cebuano, English, Hiligaynon, Kan Oran Reefs Dumaguete Tagalog The Chapel Reef Negros Oriental Points of interest Siquijor Dauin Apo Island Marine Zamboanguita • Apo Island Marine Reserve Katipanan Reef Sanctuary • Apo Island View Deck • Apo Island Lighthouse Apo Island • Lagoon Trail • Steps of a Thousand Names Rock West • David’s Trek • Witchy’s Trail Taking the journey What to bring Accomodation Glimmering The best way to end a day in paradise is to appreciate 1. Plane Daily flights are available Visitors are advised to bring money its existence while watching the sunset. from Manila to Dumaguete City for the entrance fee, flippers (1 hour and 20 minutes). and aqua shoes. You may also Food choices • Boat Daily ferries direct to Dumaguete bring snacks and bottled water, as City are also available for guests travelling resources on the island are scarce. from Cebu. Transportation 2. Van From Dumaguete City, a van can take Don’t miss you to Malatapay Dauin for 30 minutes. 3. Boat From Malatapay, a boat will take • Stroll around Rizal Boulevard you directly to Apo Island. The boat ride in Dumaguete City and enjoy See how we rate it on page 81. to Apo Island takes only about 30-40 the bay view minutes depending on sea condition. Be • Silvanas and Sans Rival cakes reminded to leave the island by 3.00pm to from Dumaguete Building better Apo Island avoid rough waves late in the afternoon. • Dumaguete express Installation of Telecommunication tower; • Budbod Kabog dessert Additional ‘green’ accommodation Best time to visit Playtime The island’s children finding time for recreation. © Isla Snapshots establishments; Floating dock where boat can Explore further temporarily park; Tourist center and view deck Watch baby Pawikan turtles hatch on Apo Island from eggs, crawl into the sand and The town of Dauin is home to a swim into the seas in the months of number of good restaurants owned October and November. by retired foreigners, locals and Contacts divers. These restaurants offer a variety of The island is under the jurisdiction of the both local and international cuisines. You municipality of Dauin, Negros Oriental. Getting ready for the day The island’s residents are preparing for © Isla Snapshots can also explore the waterfalls in Dauin. their daily haul along the shore. 10 PwC Philippines VisMin’s Philippine Gems 11 .