In The Know: Apo Island, the ultimate dive destination

6:03 am | Thursday, September 27th, 2012

Apo Island PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY JAY AGOO

Apo Island, located off the coast of Negros Oriental, covers approximately 70 hectares and hosts 106 ha of coral reef.

A renowned diving site, the island was established as a marine sanctuary in 1982. In 1994, the reserve became part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ protected landscape and seascape.

Home to 650 documented fish species and 400 kinds of corals, Apo Island was included in a 2008 list of the world’s “ultimate dive destinations” compiled by the UK-based Sport Diver magazine.

The official publication of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors described the island as replete with a continuous chain of underwater life with hard and soft corals attracting reef fish like snappers, surgeonfish, damselfish, parrotfish, anemone fish and wrasse, which in turn invite large species like barracuda, tuna, white tip and blacktip, turtles and manta rays.

Falling under the municipality of Dauin, Apo Island has 918 residents based on the 2010 Census. Inquirer Research

Sources: Inquirer Archives, Coral Reef Alliance, NSCB, NSO

Recent Stories:

Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines.

Tags: Apo Island , Diving , Environment , Lifestyle , Negros Oriental , Travel

AFPako

May kantil itong lugar kaya mag ingat talaga. ANg lakas ng underwater current.
dequis

credit to silliman university marine biology for many years in the 80s no taking of marine life in the island was allowed.
Tausog51

I salute the Siliman University ,r. Angel Alcala , and the people of Apo Island as well as the local public officials of that municipality for for their painstaking efforts to protect , preserve, and conserve the marine resources of that island. I wish people in the DENR and in the BFAR could emulate these spirits and determinations.
http://www.facebook.com/alexander.aamproz Alexander Aamproz

When you see the Barangay Mansion by the pier, you will know at once, it’s a Racket Island. The pamboat transportation monopoly is more than hazardous by strong wind, with abusive fares rates. The day before in Siquijor i was victimize by a resort and dive shop, as I already did more than 400 dives in the Philippines, U turn to enjoy Dumagete city.
SumJuan

Nice, nice, nice but have we all looked at the pockets of all those foreign diving centers? Most of them are present in every watersport or diving exhibits/shows around the world booking customers for their next divingtours. Have you considered how much these divers pay in those foreign countries? Ang mahal! Question: at magkano ang binabayad sa philippine base para magfit sa ”phil. tax obligation” nila. Ang baba…Are they also active in the development of those provinces where those beautiful dive sites are located? Fat pockets!Malay nyo pa may state support pa yang mga yan kasi malamang registered as unemployed sila sa homeland nila. Ay ay ay gatasan nlang parate ang pinas. Kahit kelan, kawawa nlang tayo parate.

CmdrAdobo

I agree, gatasan lang. this is what im saying in other thread. too much tourists/foreigners can increase the prices and the locals cannot afford.
Guest

I agree, gatasan lang. this is what im saying in other thread. too much tourists/foreigners can increase the prices and the locals cannot afford.

http://profile.yahoo.com/X5KSTZ4OQLSHFPYOZM7R3BNEXY EINSKAK

LIHOK DAUIN
http://profile.yahoo.com/X5KSTZ4OQLSHFPYOZM7R3BNEXY EINSKAK

CREDIT TO MAYOR NEIL CREDO AND BM RODRIGO ALANANO

In The Know: Apo Island, the ultimate dive destination

News

Sports

Lifestyle

Entertainment

Business

Technology

Opinion

Global Nation