THE ULTIMATE APO REEF ADVENTURE

Nestled in the middle of Mindoro Strait in the waters of Occidental Mindoro is a Diver’s Paradise, the Philippines’ best coral reef system and the world’s second, next to Great Barrier Reef. The Apo Reef Natural Park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Center, and that is something to be thankful and proud of.

The Apo Reef is a complex coral system. It encompasses three islands namely Apo menor: Binangaan and Cayos del Bajo Tinangkapang, which are the small islands that are mainly rocky lime stones and coralline formations that are not suitable for humans to set foot to. The other one is the Apo Reef Island (not to confuse with Apo Island) which harbors beach trees, mangrove forest, a lagoon and other structures like lighthouse and DENR concrete base houses and will serve as the home island for visitors.

Let's Go!

Everybody for once in a while, if not often, wants to get out of the stress that life casually provides. This will be a perfect trip for you. Apo Reef is a way different experience from the modern human life. Tour provider itineraries usually last for 3 days. And mind you, there won’t be any network signal, completely isolating you off the technological world. No internet, no social media, no calls, no emails, no texts for 72 hours. For this time, all gadgets are only used for photography, music, light source, and for some non internet-based functions.

Challenging? We still haven’t arrived to the good part.

The island doesn’t have freshwater. But don’t worry, there is a filtered water source for bathing and other stuffs but the water still is salty. The tour provider will only provide freshwater for drinking and not for bathing. You won’t be needing any cash because there aren’t any convenience stores available.

What to Bring:

Tent or Hammock with Tarp
Torch or any portable light source
Sunscreen
Hydration kit
Extra food
Insect repellents
First aid kit
Clothing
Dive gears

Explore Apo Reef

The first thing you’ll notice from afar and the signal that says you are getting closer to paradise is the Apo Reef Lighthouse. It is the most iconic building on the island. It is the welcome arc of the reef system.

The Lighthouse

A lighthouse visit during daytime is a must. Don’t forget to take an awesome groufie. For those who are acrophobic, going up to the mid platform of the lighthouse would be a challenge, for the staircases are very narrow and steep. What more on your way down? So as they say, Face your fears.

When its night time and all you see is darkness, the lighthouse illuminates the place spectacularly with the moon and the stars.

There is also this story that whenever you visit the lighthouse during the night, you will most likely feel the presence of the lady of the lighthouse. You’ll be very lucky if you’d be able to witness her beauty. Don’t forget to bring a torch!

The Lagoon and Mangrove Forest

The Apo Reef Island is not your typical island where you can explore it’s entirity by just walking. Half of the island isn’t accessible by foot. There is a big lagoon surrounded by sharp lime stones and a lush watery mangrove forest that serves as the dead end of the island foot path.

There is a line traversing the lagoon from one end to the other. You can use that to pull your group into the lagoon using a floating platform made by the locals. But still, you won’t be able to set foot on the other side because the mangrove forest continues on the other side and majority of of the floor bed are sharp lime stones.

These areas play a vital role in the ecosystem. The mangrove forest serves as the nursery for marine life and the lime stone area serves as the nesting grounds for migratory birds that are the dominant residents of the islands of Apo Reef.

The Shipwreck

At the southern area of the reef is the freedivers’ favorite place, the shipwreck. It has been an awesome for divers due to its unbothered features like it’s pretty much a ship just sitting on the white sand. Beautiful corals have grown all over the ship. It is 8-13 meters deep depending on the tide. It has a clean inner area that can be penetrated so as to increase the challenge for divers. And it is the perfect place to take underwater photos.

Here are some nice shots from the shipwreck. Shoutout to these awesome freedivers! Kuya Zac @zacpascua and Kuya Erwin.

Apo Reef Marine Life and Biodiversity

Since Apo is one heck of a reef, marine life and biodiversity is infinite. It’s natural beauty is astonishing. From the shallow corals to the deeper ones, you’ll be mesmerized. I actually cannot totally put into words the way I saw it, just wow wow wow. There’s only one way to find out. You should go check it yourself.

The Apo Reef Gang

They say no journey is too boring with good company. That is so true. You will be isolated for three days out of everything. You need to entertain yourselves with great things. In our trip, during day time, it’s all about freediving or swimming, food trips, photoshoots, and powernaps, with good talks in between, in our very cozy hammocks and tents. At night, fun life starts! Drinks suddenly appear very deep from the backpacks of the people, well they brought a few bottles of tequila, just to keep everyone sane, with the funny cards that made the session more interesting. For some reasons, it felt like I have known them for quite a while, even if for some I haven’t totally met before. Trying to immerse yourself with other people will give you more understanding in life because every individual is unique, just like you.

How To Get There

As far as it sounds, yes it really is. There are no other options to get there but by the combination of land drives and boat rides, both plural.

From Manila, you need to drive 3-4 hours to Batangas Port. Then book a ferry ticket bound for Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, which costs around Php350 that will take another 3-4 hours. Upon arriving at Abra de Ilog Port, the tour provider will fetch you up and will be having another 3 hour drive to Sablayan Port with the awaiting boat, which will be your service provider for three days, and will be bringing you to Apo Reef for another 3-4 hours.

I know it sounds complicated but I assure you it’s totally worth it. But them you haven’t heard mine. I am from Ilocos Sur and I started my journey at home so it took me way more hours to get there. But it was fun.

There is only a hand full of Apo Reef tour providers and Explore Occidental Mindoro Travel & Tours is a great choice. Great food, humble crew, and awesome service.

Special thanks to SHUI for organizing the trip.