Boat tripping to the next island, found ourselves on a bumpy rough ride and I got entirely soaked as we headed to the teeny dot of an island called Apo Island.
The population on the exotic island is around 900 people and electricity is provided by a generator that cuts out by 9pm. Cocks and chicks round around the town and we were greeted by friendly locals as we strolled through the pathways. Instantly we loved the friendly community atmosphere.
After a quick change out of my dripping clothes we went and explored the little island.
Waded through the sea to get to the other side of the cove and admired another picturesque sunset.
We headed off to bed nice and early in preparation for our big day ahead. The next morning as we admired our view, we tucked into a huge helping of banana pancakes and made our way down to the dive shop. Trish and I began our first day of open water scuba diving training. Whilst we were getting our beginner classes underway Stef got stuck into his advanced course.
We were lucky enough to not only be taught on an island that is a protected ecosystem, but also by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team of divers that we felt we’d known forever. Mario and his family/team made us all feel very welcome, comfortable and able to enjoy the incredible experience that laid ahead.
If you ever find yourself in Apo Island, you cannot leave without a dive or two with Mario Scuba Diving and Homestay.
Piled up with our scuba gear we carried our tanks through the town, locals wished us a happy dive as we passed by. We spent the next few days, learning all the practical elements required for becoming a diver. We learnt how to set up our gear and experienced some of the most incredible dives I could have ever imagined.
The list of beautiful creatures we saw under the sea was endless…
Ranging from turtles as large as a metre long, sea snakes, trumpet fish, clown fish (Nemo) Bat fish, parrot fish, trigger fish, butterfly fish, box fish, schools of black and white snapper fish.
The most unusual looking ‘sea slugs’ called Heron Ardeadoris that were bright UV colours. We spotted turtles swimming closely by us and then disappearing to the surface as we watched them from below. We spotted beautiful starfish in different shades of red, blue and orange. Parrot fish chased each other; puffer fish swam alongside as we gazed at the magical corals in any colour imaginable.
Stef joined us on our last fun dive, which was great us all being able to experience diving together.
Darling it’s better, down where it’s wetter, take it from me.
Up on the shore they work all day, out in the sun they slave away.
While we devotin’, full time to floatin’, under the sea…
Sorry I couldn’t resist breaking into some lyrics from Little Mermaid.
Seven dives later we passed our open water course (despite the odd hiccup here and there) and instantly felt keen to plan our next dive.
We arrived back to our hotel to find a huge party underway for the owner’s birthday. The friendly staff insisted we joined in the celebrations, and piled our plates high with lots of food including Mungo Bean Soup one of our favourite dishes and helpings of spit roasted pork.
The journey to our next destination began with a jeepney that crammed over 40 people into a really tight space; Trish and I sat on a tiny wooden stool plank in the centre. Full of people carrying anything you can imagine, including a man casually travelling around with his axe.
As we waited for our overnight boat in Dumaguette we sipped pina coladas and listened to some amusing attempts on the karaoke.
Trish joked about wanting a balloon from one of the sellers outside and Stef returned with one for both of us ladies. We headed into the distance with Mickey and Minnie tied to our backpacks.
