Apo Reef, Occidental Mindoro Travel Guide

Apo Reef, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines — *Being the second largest coral reef system in the world next to Great Barrier, Apo Reef is undoubtedly a marine paradise.*

🇵🇭APO REEF ADVENTURE PRIMER🇵🇭

🏄🏝🚴 How to get to Apo Reef, Occidental Mindoro:
⏺ Ride a bus from Metro Manila to Batangas Port (e.g. Jam Liner in LRT-Taft Buendia; travel time is 1.5 – 2 hours depending on traffic condition).
⏺ Take the RORO ferry bound for Abra de Ilog Port in Occidental Mindoro (travel time: 1.5 – 2 hours depending on sea condition).
⏺ Ride a bus to the town of Sablayan (travel time: 2 – 3 hours).
⏺ Alternatively, you can fly via Cebu Pacific from Manila to San Jose Airport then ride a van bound for Sablayan.
⏺ Upon arriving in Sablayan, make your way to the tourism office and charter a boat to get to Apo Reef (travel time: 2 – 4 hours depending on sea condition).

⏰⏳ SAMPLE ITINERARY:

DAY 1
12:00 AM Assembly
1:00 AM ETD for Batangas Port
3:00 AM ETD for Abra de Ilog
5:00 AM ETD for Sablayan
8:00 AM ETA Sablayan Tourism Office / breakfast / buy supplies
9:00 AM ETD for Apo Reef
12:00 PM ETA Apo Island
1:00 PM Snorkeling
5:00 PM Mangrove forest/lagoon/lighthouse
7:00 PM Dinner

DAY 2
6:00 AM Wake-up call / breakfast
7:00 AM ETD for Pandan Island (side trip) / snorkeling along the way
10:00 AM ETA Pandan Island
1:00 PM ETD for Sablayan
2:00 PM Wash up
3:00 PM ETD for Manila

💰💶 ESTIMATED BUDGET (for a solo joiner of an organized travel event): Php 5,000 – Php 6,000 (inclusive of event fee + food)
***Expenses may vary depending on personal consumption of food and other necessities.

📜✏️ Tips/Reminders:
📌Bring your camping gears as there are no accommodations in Apo Island.
📌There is no electricity supply and cellular signal in the island.
📌Please note that the boat rental and island hopping fees would be expensive if you are traveling alone. It is advisable to join organized travel events online to cut on costs.
📌Expect rain and rough sea condition during monsoon season (June-February). Always check the weather first since you will be sailing in the West Philippine Sea to get to Apo Reef.
📌Always observe the LNT principles.