Apo Reef

Apo Reef Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro

Apo Reef  is a protected National Park situated in Occidental Mindoro. Its a series of coral reefs encompassing 34 square kilometers within the waters of Occidental Mindoro. It is the world's second largest contigious coral reef system (great barrier reef in australia being the largest) and largest in the Philippines. The local government of Sablayan was appointed as the caretaker/administrator of the Apo Reef Natural Park Project. Moreover, Apo Reef was declared as a special "Tourism Zone and Marine Reserve" meaning it is open to tourists but fishing of any form within the reef is banned. All funds generated from the visiting tourists would provide alternative livelihood for fishermen in the area.

We would like to thank the tourism office of Sablayan Occidental Mindoro for the assistance they've extended to us. Considering it was Holy Week in the Philippines and most of the government offices are closed, enthusiastic staff happily orients us with the trip. We were to be joined by four divers and one dive master to share the cost of the boat. One tour guide will be assigned to four of us since we are not going to dive. Tour guide is supposed to guide, cook our food, bring us fresh water (for bathing), and help us with anything we need during our overnight stay in the island. 

We did not realized the importance of our guide until we reached Apo Reef. It dawned on us that the place has no electricity, no fresh water, a single water pump is present which is to be shared by the tourists (water coming out is salty water) , bathroom amenities is very basic (there are only 2. one for male and female), no accomodations (our guide has to pitch our tents), and no store (so you have to buy all food supply/necessities from town). 

Oh how we were thankful that we have our guide. Our stay was made more pleasant with the extra handy man around.

Our able bodied Tour Guide in Apo Reef

Besides snorkeling , diving and swimming in its pristine waters, popular activity in this beautiful place is Mangrove Tour. You will be taken for a ride on a bamboo raft across the mangrove forest and a slight trek to the lighthouse afterwards . A 10minute climb to the top of the lighthouse is a breathtaking view of the mangrove forest and the reef. The panoramic view from atop is spectacular.

Bamboo walkway leading to mngrove lake

Mangrove Forest Tour in Apo Reef

Please someone lend me a comb?

View from the top of the lighthouse. Overlooking Apo Reef

The next day was reserved for a half day of snorkeling . To best view the underwater beauty of Apo reef, your boatman will tour you around its waters by dragging you while you hold on to a nylon rope tied to its outrigger.  The "dragging" will last for around 1hour for a feastful sightings of the underwater world. This way of snorkeling is kinda tiring and exhausting but pleasing to the eyes. We saw manta rays and different colored fishes big and small , their names we do not know. Too bad we do not have an underwater camera to capture its underwater allure but we promised to go back .

Things to do in Apo Reef:
* Diving or Learn to Dive (introductory to scuba dive)
* Snorkeling
* Read a book
* Mangrove Tour
* Lighthouse Viewdeck
* Laze around in a hammock (be sure to bring one)
* Sea Turtles egg laying (during season)
* Swimming in its pristine waters
* Bamboo Raft Ride across the mangrove waters
* Beach Sports such as volleyball, frisbee etc
* Play basketball with the marine park rangers
* Play a round of poker with the rangers
* Yoga by the beach
* Learn how to pitch a tent (and disassembling it)
* Sleep all day long

 For inquiries, you can reach the Sablayan Tourism Office at:
Contact No.: 09284659585
Email: amazingsablayan@yahoo.com
Website: www.sablayan.net