Malatapay Diving Resort

Explore Apo Islands underwater wonders at Malatapay Diving Resort...

Protected Landscape & Seascape

Apo Island is a protected landscape & seascape..let us cooperate...

Information Center

..going to Apo Island is easy...help is always available at Malatapay Terminal & Information center..

Shops & Artwork

..the Island is not just about the beach, shops and artworks are also around...enjoy!!

Hike to the Lighthouse

...the Island is not just for swimmers and divers, hikers will also enjoy the trek up to the lighthouse....

Apo Model

Apo Island’s true beauty lies on the success of its community-organized marine sanctuaries. It is one of the world's best and often referred to as the ‘Apo Model’. It has become an inspiration to the creation of hundreds of other marine sanctuaries in the Philippines.

Apo Island's History

Decades ago, this Island paradise is not as enchanting as it is today. Years of dynamite fishing had destroyed its ornate coral reef causing a declining population of marine species in the Island. In order to restore the balance of nature, concerned marine biologists from Silliman University Marine Lab struggled to find a solution to this worsening problem. Dr. Angel Alcala, a pioneering scientist from the Marine Lab, introduced to the community the idea of creating a marine sanctuary. In 1982, community leaders agreed to establish one of the first marine sanctuaries in the Philippines. After some years, school of fish started to return to the Island as more coral found the Island a better place for living.

To date, hundreds of different species of fish, marine life and species of corals have returned to the Island. And 28 years since the establishment of the marine sanctuary, the health of the ecosystem has improved immensely. The community is now reaping the fruits of their hardwork and discipline as the Island is now known to be a tourist destination for its underwater wonders and scenic view.

Images of Saints at The Island

...a collection of Images of Saints at the Island's Church...

Church at Apo Island

the Church at Apo Island: a reflection of faith

About Apo Island: Boat Ride

... well-maintained boats will give you an amazing boat ride to Apo Island...

Nature-friendly Community

Apo Island's nature-friendly community: an image of serenity

Where You Will Register

upon arrival at Apo Island, you have to register and pay P100 per adult in support to the Island's marine sanctuary

About Apo Island: Souvenir Shop

treat yourselves with these delightful Island souvenirs available at the Malatapay Terminal...

About Apo Island: Things To Do

Things To Do:
• Swim and snorkel: discover more fish than any aquarium can hold.
• Scuba Diving: fully equipped dive shop, dive gear and dive masters are available who are familiar with the island’s dive sites and ever-changing currents.
• Hiking: reach the highest point of the island where a lighthouse proudly stands and witness the amazing view of the island atop.
• Live with nature and enjoy the difference the island offers: nonexistence of motorized vehicles and traffic, take a break from your computers and TV sets since electricity is available only from 6am to 9pm, be comforted with the cool ocean breeze of the wind at night, appreciate the luxury of time for yourself under the starlit night.
• Experience community life: peaceful environment, warm and nature-loving village people, strong family ties.
• Enjoy homey accommodations and fresh food from the 2 hotels in the area: Apo Island Beach Resort and Liberty’s Lodge.

How to Get There

Going to Apo Island is easy. For visitors coming from Manila, daily flights are available from Manila to Dumaguete. From Cebu, daily ferries travel directly to Dumaguete.

From Dumaguete City, you may take the public bus going to Zamboanguita. The public bus’ route is as far as Bayawan City, so be sure to inform the bus driver to drop you off at the Malatapay Market, Zamboanguita. You can also hire vans, just negotiate for a good price.

From Malatapay Terminal, you can rent boats going to Apo Island. Be ready to get wet for a 45-minute boat ride. For a small group, medium-sized banca is available at P1,700 for a round-trip day service. Rental fee for a big boat is at P2,700.

Upon arrival at the Island, you have to register and pay a fee in support to the Apo Island Sanctuary. For non-Dauin resident, registration fee per adult is worth P100 and P10 for minors.

About Apo Island

Apo Island is actually a volcanic island with a land area of approximately 74 hectares. It is located off the southeastern tip of Negros Island, 7 km from the town of Zamboanguita, and 25 km south of the Negros Oriental capital Dumaguete City.

The Island is a source of pride for Filipinos being one of the top 100 divespots in the world. But the real source of prestige for this Island is the international recognition given to the community-organized marine sanctuaries established in 1982.

The Island’s mystic is an array of diverse underwater species and colorful coral reefs, rock formations showing nature’s unique architecture, the smooth white sand, the hiking trail reaching the highest peak of the island with a view of an old lighthouse, the calming view of the sunset and the nature-friendly Apo community.