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What lies beneath: The splendor of Apo Reef
Source: Manila Bulletin
Author: BRYAN B. GARCIA
Date: 2010-04-24
 
The boat battles the rough waters on an endless expanse of deep open space. The glare of the rising sun glistens on the ripples that turn to waves in perpetual motion. It is situated in a position where the only thing to look forward to is the horizon, a line where the sky and sea converge in contrasting shades of blue.


This can only happen once or twice — to be placed in a moment of pure awe. For this writer, submerging in an underwater haven is one of those experiences. Between the vastness of the water’s surface and the serenity of what lies underneath, there is a line that is crossed, a portal to a totally new world.


In Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, there is a sanctuary about 30 kilometers off the mainland. The atoll-like reef of the Apo Reef Natural Park is the second largest contiguous coral reef system in the world. It has been one of the major destinations for diving safaris for both local and foreign divers.


Much has been said about the splendor of this acclaimed ocean treasure, but there is still much to discover. Visiting the natural park starts off early in the morning with a two hour boat ride from the coast of Sablayan to Apo Island. The serenity of dusk at sea is broken from time to time by surfacing marine creatures like flying fishes, dolphins and sea turtles - a sampler of what the depths of the ocean has in store for the curious.


As Apo Island draws closer, there is a noticeable shift in the water’s hue - from deep blue to soft turquoise. This marks the entry to Apo Reef’s 35- square kilometer territory.


Upon docking, it seemed as though the warmth of the place and the calming sound of the crystal clear waters hitting the white shores were made to instantly soothe the senses into a stupor.


The natural beauty of the island is a mere façade for what lies underneath. Off the shore of Apo Island, there is a variety of marine wildlife thriving amongst the battered corals. But as one moves slightly farther, the biodiversity becomes richer as vibrant corals and a menagerie of fishes and other sea creatures increase.


Upon reaching the drop off, there is a transition between the open waters and the reef. A friendly introduction to the wildlife turns into a plunge into the deep abyss as a wall of corals separates the shallow waters from the deep blue sea. Here, a myriad of diverse sea creatures like moray eels, lobsters, and swarms of tropical fishes crowd the surface of this barrier. Aside from this, bigger creatures such as sea turtles, sharks and manta rays can be spotted along its expanse.


Apo Island itself serves as a welcoming refuge from the sea. Made up mostly of mangrove forests, the island is also a sanctuary for migratory birds. Amidst the lush vegetation is a lagoon, a place where coastal and marine species spawn. A bamboo walkway serves as a means to tread on to reach the opening of the lagoon in the middle of the mangrove forest. The still water hides the busy activity of aquatic wildlife below. Climbing up the lighthouse, one could see a panoramic view of the island’s breadth.


To say that the Apo Reef Natural Park is abundant with various fauna is an understatement. It is a crucial part of the ecosystem, and as such, more and more people are turning their attention towards preserving this eco-sanctuary. With the efforts of the local government of Sablay, together with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Philippines, the Apo Reef territory is now a “no-take” zone. Meaning that fishing in and around the perimeter of Apo Reef is now strictly prohibited.


With aide from private partner Cebu Pacific, steps are being undertaken to ensure that the preservation of this marine sanctuary is upheld. In just a short time, these sectors’ labors are already paying off as the preservation of the Apo Reef spills over to the communities that cocoon it. With a self sustaining marine ecology, the wildlife is beginning to thrive and local fishermen are benefitting with bountiful catches.


How to get there


There are two ways to get to Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. By sea, there is a two hour RORO cruise from Batangas Port to Abra de Ilog and a three hour land travel to Sablayan. By air, daily 45 minute flights are serviced by Cebu Pacific to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. From San Jose, another two hour land travel to get to Sablayan.
 

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