- Published on
Going to Apo island
When you get visitors all the way from Sweden, what can be better than show them the little pearl of the Visayas, Apo island. Apo island is probably most famous for its sea turtles. Wednesdays is a good day to go there because it's market day at the Malatapay market just near the port for Apo island. There will be many locals going back and forth Apo island and the market so it will be easy to get seats on a boat. Facts about how to get there, fees etc see here >>>
Apo Island is known for its many sea turtles.
It was empty at the Rollin Pin today where I had my breakfast.
They have everything at Malatapay market...
Dried fish
Here the livestock market. 5 PHP to go in there.
The fisherman with his catch
A short clip showing the lively livestock market
Never sit under a coconut tree!
Instead of hiring a boat we had arranged a transfer through Liberty lodge where we were going to stay. We shared the boat with two other tourists and some locals. We were waiting over an hour for the boat to show up and get ready for the trip back. When we patiently were sitting there waiting we suddenly heard big THUMP! A big vicious coconut had fall from the palm tree and hit the woman in the striped t-shirt. She was very lucky since she wasn't hit in the head. The woman fainted by the shock and was carried away by some helpful people. Obviously she missed the boat but I guess, at least she survived the incident with just the fright and some minor bruises.
A few minutes after this pic was taken the woman in the striped t-shirt was attacked by the coconut!
Unloading and loading our boat.
Finally on our way and I managed not to get sea sick!
Liberty lodge and our room was at the very top of the building.
We had to climb many stairs to get to the Top 1 room.
Our view from the room was not bad. We paid 3700 PHP for one night with the extra bed included.
We were lucky, we swam with the sea turtles
We arrived at lunch time so we had the afternoon for snorkeling with the famous sea turtles. At first we didn't see any of them but later on we were lucky. That time of the day it was relatively many tourists and the snorkeling guides were busy towing around tourists who were not able to swim and snorkel by themselves.
A video clip showing the sea turtles
Life is wonderful
In the afternoon most of the tourists went back to mainland and only those who would stay over night were still on Apo island. After dinner we went up to the lighthouse at the top of the island and enjoyed the sunset. At 10 PM the electricity was shut down in order to conserve energy and the whole island got totally quiet. It was an almost surreal feeling to sit there on our balcony star gazing and contemplate about the all the wonderful things in life.
350 steps something and 600-700 m to walk to the lighthouse.
The lighthouse and the new construction at the top of Apo island.
The view from here was very rewarding.
Sunset at Apo island.
A compilation of pictures from our trip
Don't expect to sleep long in the morning
At roughly 4 AM the first rooster was calling good morning. Even the dogs were still sleeping at that time. 30 minutes later all roosters on the whole of Apo island were calling good morning together with the dogs which were barking. I guess they were also awakened by the roosters. 6 AM the boatsmen started up their boats. The good thing was that we took an early breakfast and plunged in the sea snorkeling before all the tourists were coming from the mainland. Time goes fast when you enjoy so already at 1 PM it was time to take to boat back again.
After 24 hours on this beautiful island we were heading back to mainland.
The budget
The budget for us on this trip was:
A double room with an extra bed at the Liberty lodge 3700 PHP with three meals included.
600 PHP per head back and forth with the boat, ask Liberty for the transfer.
100 PHP an environmental fee upon arriving to Apo island.
28 PHP with bus from South Terminal in Dumaguete going there.
20 PHP with jeepney going back to Dumaguete.
Not included in our budget, but available if you need it: Rent of life vests (when snorkeling), renting a table ( to put your stuff), snorkeling gear and snorkeling guides.
A double room with an extra bed at the Liberty lodge 3700 PHP with three meals included.
600 PHP per head back and forth with the boat, ask Liberty for the transfer.
100 PHP an environmental fee upon arriving to Apo island.
28 PHP with bus from South Terminal in Dumaguete going there.
20 PHP with jeepney going back to Dumaguete.
Not included in our budget, but available if you need it: Rent of life vests (when snorkeling), renting a table ( to put your stuff), snorkeling gear and snorkeling guides.
Going there:
Take a jeepney from Dumaguete city centre, around 20 PHP. Tell the driver to let you off at the Malatapay Market in the town of Zamboanguita, around 40 min from Dumaguete. Go down to the shore and rent a motorized boat that will take you to Apo island. The round-trip boat ride costs 2500 PHP (good for 4 passengers), 3000 (good for 6 passengers) or 3500 PHP (good for 8 passengers). Solo travelers may join other groups, and share the costs for the boat rental.
Or you can let the lodge arrange with the transfer as we did on this trip.
Or you can let the lodge arrange with the transfer as we did on this trip.
Related links:
Outing with the girls
Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin
Road trip to Sipalay
A day of exercise
The fine art of eating an ice cream
Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete
Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete
Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete
The Christmas House in Dumaguete
Tarbush, a story of love
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Outing with the girls
Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin
Road trip to Sipalay
A day of exercise
The fine art of eating an ice cream
Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete
Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete
Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete
The Christmas House in Dumaguete
Tarbush, a story of love
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
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An afternoon at Sans Rival in Dumaguete
At a Sunday afternoon, what can be better than taking the girls for an outing. Bonding, having a nice time and relaxing... oups maybe someone will not agree about the last statement hehe. Well check out the short video clip at the end and you will see what I mean...
The beautiful ceiling in Sans Rival
The cookie monster
Cutie overload
Someone gets lot's of attention
The mothers helping hands are always there
Sometimes the attention can be too much for someone
Related links:
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas
Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin
Road trip to Sipalay
A day of exercise
The fine art of eating an ice cream
Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete
Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete
Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete
The Christmas House in Dumaguete
Tarbush, a story of love
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas
Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin
Road trip to Sipalay
A day of exercise
The fine art of eating an ice cream
Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete
Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete
Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete
The Christmas House in Dumaguete
Tarbush, a story of love
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
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We came and they went. Btw this was the pool which was not suitable for bath.
The unknown pearl
This is one of the more unknown hot sulphur springs in the area around Dumaguete. The place is located remotely in the rainforest so expect no shops, changing rooms or comfort rooms here. The hot spring basically consists of five pools where one of the pools is not suitable for bathing due to no maintenance. So that leaves us four pools, where another one is by far too hot, more suitable for boiling egg. So what remains are three pools with hot, medium and a little bit cooler water. The water is not clear but I guess it depends on the minerals... hey this water is volcanic and comes directly out from the mountain after all! The area is quiet and peaceful and if you are resonable fit and are not dependent of shops and changing rooms this is the place for you!
In some places the water was so hot so you burned your feet when stepping in it!
The water was not clear but I guess it was due to the minerals from the mountain.
The pools from upper left clockwise: far too warm, medium warm, luke warm and warm.
The medium warm pool suited me perfect. The water had a small scent of sulphur.
Going down to the hot springs. Indeed we saw many people at the turnback, but they were there for cock fights not for the hot springs.
Going there
The sulphur Baslay hot springs are accessed along a bumpy road 10 km off the main highway, best accessed by motorcycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi). When you drive south from Dumaguete, pass Dauin proper and when you see the Blue Pearl Minimart you turn the next available road to the right. Then go the bumpy road 10 km until it ends in a turnback. From there follow a cemented path with steep stairs down to the river for about additional 10 min. Expect it to be steep and slippery at some points.
Related links:
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas
Outing with the girls
Road trip to Sipalay
A day of exercise
The fine art of eating an ice cream
Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete
Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete
Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete
The Christmas House in Dumaguete
Tarbush, a story of love
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas
Outing with the girls
Road trip to Sipalay
A day of exercise
The fine art of eating an ice cream
Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete
Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete
Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete
The Christmas House in Dumaguete
Tarbush, a story of love
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
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Sipalay is famous for beach resorts with astonishing views and the mythical Sugar Beach.
Going by scooter to Sipalay
We decided to make a road trip on the scooter to Sipalay. The distance is roughly 180 km from Dumaguete to Sipalay one way. Either you can go along the coast which is a little bit longer and with more traffic or you can take the way through the mountains and Pamplona. We decided for traversing the mountains. The road was in very good condition, incredible beautiful and not much traffic.
Well equipped with shades, helmets and face masks we were ready to go.
We traversed the mountains and passed Pamplona.
The mirror is the girls best friend.
Sometimes we needed to ask for directions.
The video shows the first stretch going from Dumaguete to Bayawan. We ended up having a huge barbecue dinner at Maricel's place.
We stayed in Bayawan, coming halfway
On our way we were surprised by heavy rainfall so we decided to stay overnight in Bayawan. We arrived like drenched cats at the sleepy little C & L Top View Inn centrally located. It was a nice budget hotel with a simple filipino breakfast included.
Quick stop for a quick bite!
Yes I never eat ice cream... Huh?
The way to a woman's heart goes through her stomach...
Hey! Noo picture now... I haven't had my breakfast yet!!!
The video shows glimpses on our way to Sipalay and from the Jamont hotel. We also tried to get to the Sugar Beach but instead we ended up in the beach next to it.
Sipalay
We stayed at Jamont hotel downtown. It was near to the market and near to the beach. We had a nice spacious room and they served good coffee in the restaurant. Later we went out to look for the Sugar Beach that we heard so much about. The road going there was a little bit tricky so eventually we ended up at the beach next to the Sugar Beach. It turned out we had to take a boat the last bit to get there. But time was late and it was beginning to be dark so we skipped it, for this time.
We stayed at the very nice Jamont hotel.
You could buy all basic ingredients for Filipino cooking of this lady.
Sniffing on shrimp paste, smells bad but tastes good in cooking!
New Sipalay Government Center, the building was impressive but they had forgot to asphalt the road going there...
Sunsets are for free in Sipalay.
Small smiling faces
Someone is eager to have her dinner...
Our search for the Sugar Beach ended here...
Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and Perth Beach Resort
The next day we went on beach resorts safari. First we visited Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and then Perth Beach Resort. Both are located south of Sipalay, easy accessible if you have a scooter. Perth Beach Resort is famous for its pool with an incredible beautiful view overlooking the archipelago of islands. Both of these resort offer nice and simple accommodation to very reasonable rates.
The hanging bridge going to Tinagong Dagat Island Resort.
View from the observation deck at Tinagong Dagat Island Resort.
Nice views everywhere
We met the smiling beer man on the bridge.
The breathtaking view from the pool at Perth Beach Resort
The video shows our beach resorts safari with clips from the beautiful Tinagong Dagat Island Resort and from the pool of Perth Beach Resort with the totally astonishing view (!) overlooking the whole archipelago of islands.
Downtown Sipalay. The Sugar Beach is located north and the resorts we visited are located south of downtown.
Related links:
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas
Outing with the girls
Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin
A day of exercise
The fine art of eating an ice cream
Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete
Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete
Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete
The Christmas House in Dumaguete
Tarbush, a story of love
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines
Apo island the pearl of the Visayas
Outing with the girls
Baslay Hot Spring in Dauin
A day of exercise
The fine art of eating an ice cream
Review of GK Coffee shop in Dumaguete
Review of The Tres Bistro in Dumaguete
Review of Chapters Café in Dumaguete
The Christmas House in Dumaguete
Tarbush, a story of love
The boulevard in Dumaguete
Review of 2Story kitchen in Dumaguete, Negros
Review of Gabby's Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Fish 153 Korean Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Mooon Café Robinsons Place (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Café Mafioso (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Atong Kamalig Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of San Rival Bistro (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Review of Sta Teresa Restaurant (Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines)
Tierra Alta Residential Resort, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines