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Amazing Apo Island

Off the coast of Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental lies

 Apo Island.

This tiny paradise has a land area of only 12 hectares, circumscribed by towering cliffs of limestone. 

Apo Island is known to be a spectacular diver's destination.  The dive sites boast of astounding gardens of corals and amazing marine life.

 
* From Wikipedia

"Apo Island is one of the world's best known community-organized marine sanctuaries, and as such it has been well documented by the global science community. The project was started in 1982. It is home to over 650 documented species of fish and estimated to have over 400 species of corals."*

To get to Apo Island, my best friend Simonette and I took a plane to Dumaguete City...

... then a tricycle to a small port in Zamboangita...

...where a small  pump boat (capacity:  4 passengers) took us to Apo Island Beach Resort, one of only two resorts on the island.

There is no electricity on the island.  A generator provides electrical power from 6 in the evening til about midnight.

There is no running water on the island either.  Fresh (tap) water has to be transported from mainland Dumaguete in these gallons and brought to each room by Manong each day.    Needless to say, Manong got a huge tip when we left, and he deserved every centavo of it.

The village is just a short walk from the resort. The scenery is both beautiful and surreal as you walk beside these amazing limestone cliffs while the seawater laps against your feet (during low tide, that is).

Low tide allows one to go underneath the limestones too...

 

... but the more adventurous will prefer high tide...

...for the opportunity to jump off the cliffs (!!!)

I am a low-tide person :)

The charm of Apo Island lies not only it its fantastic dive sites and amazing terrains, but also in its very hospitable residents, who have worked together since 1982 to protect the reefs and and keep the marine sanctuaries clean and in good condition. 

Their efforts have made Apo Island among the top ten diver's destinations in the world, and a favorite in MY vacation list :)

 
Monette & Me. Best friends since we were 12 years old :)

Apo Island.

July 22-25, 2009.
COMMENTS
Merja-zerga said at 12:40 p.m. on Oct 22, 2009:
Un petit paradis terrestre, un paysage de rêve et une amitiéfidèle et de longue date...
Merci et bravo pour ces belles images.
ThierryKarine
Chaitiamma said at 1:26 p.m. on Oct 22, 2009:
This is out of the world !!! Great Tab. !!!
MakeArt67 said at 1:32 p.m. on Oct 22, 2009:
Stunning Scenery. Love the first shot. Keep them coming.
NeusinhaGedoz said at 2:11 p.m. on Oct 22, 2009:
Myles, thanks for the wonderful trip. We were rather nice and full of beauty. Following the great person is playing in the water. Majestic landscapes. Congratulations to you and your friend. A wonderful tabblo.
Ira said at 2:18 p.m. on Oct 22, 2009:
Paradise. Magic photos! A delightful nature and perfect people.
Wildthing said at 2:21 p.m. on Oct 22, 2009:
Apo Island looks to be an awesome place to visit. Terrific photos, myles.
Moabjeeper said at 2:40 p.m. on Oct 22, 2009:
Awesome photos with your notations.
Moorlerche said at 5:16 p.m. on Oct 22, 2009:
No Myles, you are definetly a high tide person - photographing jumping maniacs is your sport, I am sure. Phantastic photos, great scenery, high quality in colours and sharpness and first and foremost in the choice of motives - the eye of a born photographer. And moreover added by a most interesting storyline. Thanks for sharing this gorgeousness. Of all I have seen today, this must become the TOD. It is an exceptional work and will be added to my favourites.
Tishfish said at 6:12 p.m. on Oct 22, 2009:
Absolutely stunning shots Myles ! !
kharen_abat@***.com said at 7:55 p.m. on Oct 22, 2009:
sobrang ganda!!! made me teary-eyed.
bidayc@***.com said at 8:48 p.m. on Oct 22, 2009:
Amazing...and now we await Amazing Cebu...
Noe said at 10:58 p.m. on Oct 22, 2009:
Gorgeous place Myles, beautiful! And fantastic shots... great set!! :o)
Kodakero said at 2:33 a.m. on Oct 23, 2009:
What else can I say? Your works are always great!!! John
DocEna said at 4:10 a.m. on Oct 23, 2009:
Simply mind blowing..this is a perfect dream come true...your pics are fabulous indeed.
Andre. said at 4:52 a.m. on Oct 23, 2009:
That would be my favored destination as well. Great imagery, Myles. Welcome to paradise.
Charlespop said at 5:47 a.m. on Oct 23, 2009:
Fabulous as always ! Salamat !
Mrsfabulous said at 7:29 a.m. on Oct 23, 2009:
:)))))

Thank you for your comments, everyone! I have to come back and thank you individually. I will, in a few hours!
Eduardo.affonso said at 5:54 p.m. on Oct 23, 2009:
Are you sure this island is real? Isn't it a virtual place, or some kind of special effect?? I will do my best to include it in my dreams, oops, my plans for next April. Salamat, dear Myles! Can't wait to feel my feet inside this clear water, and to enjoy the people`s hospitality. See you!
Mionagan said at 6:09 p.m. on Oct 23, 2009:
Gandaah! 5 stars ! I should see and visit this place ! Thank you Myles for sharing.
naldzfavila@***.com said at 8:24 p.m. on Oct 23, 2009:
myles, apo island will be included in my list. Thanks for posting! :)
Mrsfabulous said at 9:18 p.m. on Oct 23, 2009:
Finally, I get to sit down and respond to your comments!

THIERRY & KARINE: I'm glad you are enjoying these photos, thank you!

DAVID: That's exactly what I was thinking while taking these photos... everything felt so unreal, much too beautiful...

KEVIN: The first shot is my favorite too in this set. Had to climb some rocks and press my face against that rough surface, but it was all worth it! Salamat!

NEUSINHA: I am glad that you enjoy taking these trips with me ;)

IRA: I wish I had taken more pictures of the people! I wish I had an underwater camera with me so I could take pictures of my snorkeling guide -- he was amazing, was just treading in the water the whole time, without a life vest, and diving deep into the water to pick up any debris he spotted.

MIKE: Most of the visitors to the island are divers, but even for people like me who don't dive (yet), it is a wonderful place to visit. It's a real paradise.

ROBERT: Thank you! I hope you found the info useful, and you can find more about the place in the link on Pic #17 :)

ANKE: Thank you, that is such a generous comment. And yeah, maybe I am a high-tide person in some ways that I still don't know about :)

DOREEN: Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed my tabblo :)
Mrsfabulous said at 9:29 p.m. on Oct 23, 2009:
KAREN: Sooobrang ganda talaga ng lugar! You guys must go there sometime.... anniversary destination? :)

BIDAY: Pressure! Pressure! I don't have a lot of Cebu scenery, so Amazing Cebu will have to be called "Amazing People in Cebu"... or better yet, "Camwhoring in Cebu." LOL!

NOE: Thank you :) Everytime I visit some place I get so excited to take pictures and share them here!

JOHN: Salamat! :)

DOC ENALDO: It is a perfect destination for someone who really wants to get away from it all... no electricity, no running water... just these beautiful sights.

ANDRE: It's already on my "Must Visit Again" list -- and this time I'm not going back without an underwater camera. I had the best snorkeling experience ever!!

CHARLES: Salamat din!!
Mrsfabulous said at 9:36 p.m. on Oct 23, 2009:
EDUARDO: For a few days after my friend and I left Apo Island, I still couldn't believe I'd been to such a beautiful place, but then I had some scratches on my arms and knees (PLUS a gorgeous tan, hahaha!) to remind myself that I'd actually been there. Oh, and these pictures of course :) Yes, you must try and visit Dumaguete and Apo Island... because it's also just one boat ride away from Cebu and from Siquijor (!!!)... errrr, how long are you staying again? LOL

MIONAGAN: Doc!!! Maraming salamat! Dapat nga mag-bakasyon kayo dito! I have to warn you though, baka hindi mo na pansinin ang mga kasama mo dahil magpi-pictorial ka na lang mag-isa! Haha!

NALDZ: i just knew you'd enjoy this because you love the beach! Would you jump off the cliff? I'm thinking that if I ever get to visit again, I just might! Hehehe!
AdSR said at 12:57 p.m. on Oct 24, 2009:
Great light, rich colors, warm climate. Just what I needed when it's almost winter here.
FoguinhoFoto said at 5:30 p.m. on Oct 24, 2009:
WONDERFUL.BEAUTIFUL TABBLO PICTURES BEAUTIFUL CONGRATULATIONS.
Sirnicolay said at 4:33 a.m. on Oct 25, 2009:
Ang saaarrrraaaapppp tumalooooon!!!! :D Punta rin ako dyan someday. Hahaha!
Candlepower said at 3:20 p.m. on Oct 26, 2009:
Really Gorgeous Wish I was there right now!
Mrsfabulous said at 3:29 p.m. on Oct 27, 2009:
ARTUR: Don't you wish we could instantly transport ourselves into these pictures? The place is soooo beautiful, everytime I look at these pictures I wanna go back ASAP! :)

FOGUINHO: Thank you. Glad you like them.

JAMES: Pagpunta mo dun, tatalon ka ba? I wish I had the guts to jump from that height!

PAT: Thank you! If you ever visit the Philippines you must make this place one of your destinations!!!
Jesusgoz said at 9:19 p.m. on Oct 27, 2009:
Muy bien hecho.
Chilla said at 3:51 a.m. on Oct 28, 2009:
Myles is this a wonderful tabblo! What an amazing and beautiful place this is and how wonderful that its Natural history is being preserved. Your harrative makes this so interesting but you pictures are superb!
PhotoPop said at 10:48 a.m. on Oct 28, 2009:
Stunning scene, I wish I could dive. Well done.
Snooway said at 7:33 p.m. on Oct 28, 2009:
wow, great shots of a stunning paradise. nice :)
Mrsfabulous said at 1:09 p.m. on Oct 29, 2009:
JESUS, CELIA, PHOTOPOP & SUE: Thank you! Gracias! Salamat!
Gams said at 8:28 p.m. on Oct 29, 2009:
Ang ganda ganda Myles! Parang gusto ko rin tumalon ;-)
Mrsfabulous said at 12:50 p.m. on Oct 30, 2009:
Thank you, GAMS. Sigh... parang nagsisisi tuloy ako na di ako tumalon, hahaha! The climb alone is already a big enough challenge! Pero kakayanin ko if I get the chance to go back some day :)
Debdog said at 1:11 a.m. on Nov 6, 2009:
you said it! surreal!!!! cool coastlines!
Piapia said at 1:43 a.m. on Nov 9, 2009:
great place!! =) inggit mode ako =)... that's why i love the Philippines!!! your captions do give me an idea how life's going on in that place =)
Mrsfabulous said at 12:55 p.m. on Nov 9, 2009:
Thank you, DEB! Yeah, cool coastlines indeed, and this is just one side of the island! I wonder what the other coastlines look like.

PIA: I looooove the Philippines too!! And I'm glad you appreciate the info :)
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