Guidelines for tourist

Code of conduct

"Embrace the essence of conservation: tread lightly, leave only footprints, and let the whispers of Apo Reef Natural Park guide your every step."

No single use of plastic

CODE OF CONDUCT IN THE PA
YOU ARE A LUCKY PARTNER IN PROTECTING AND CONSERVING THE APO REEF NATURAL PARKS’ RESOURCES; ENVIRONMENT, HABITAT AND BIODIVERSITY, IF YOU:

  1. Confine your activities only within the designated areas allowed to visitors;
  2. Enjoy viewing the coral reef habitat without touching or standing on corals to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem;
  3. Enjoy viewing the islands’ living resources (e.g., birds, trees and plants) and non-living environment without touching or straying from the walking trails or walk boards to avoid damaging the fragile terrestrial ecosystem;
  4. Refrain from collecting living or dead shells, sea stars, corals or any other inhabitants of the reef;
  5. Refrain from collecting living or dead plants, wildlife or any other inhabitants of the islands including eggs of birds and turtles;
  6. Refrain from feeding the wildlife. These animals are wild and capable of feeding themselves;
  7. Refrain from disposing any materials either in the sea or land as it can suffocate and harm wildlife and pollute the environment;
  8. Bring with you in your departure all accumulated garbages/wastes during your stay at Apo Reef;
  9. Participate in island or coastal clean up before leaving the protected area;
  10. Voluntary pay the corresponding fees and charges imposed for entrance at Apo Reef Natural Park and use of resources and facilities inside the protected area. All fees collected at Apo Reef will be used for the maintenance, protection and administration of the protected area.
“THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND ENJOY THIS SCENIC WONDERS WITH CONFINED ACTIVITIES IN HARMONY WITH NATURE.” “TAKE ONLY MEMORIES AND PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE PROTECTED AREA.”
HOUSE RULES

  1. Maintain Cleanliness. In all facilities at Apo Island like the Nipa Hut, Ranger Station, Pavilion, Lighthouse Tower and surroundings including cabins, dining rooms, comfort rooms, etc.
  2. Conserve Water. Be sure to fill the plastic containers inside the toilets/comfort rooms and at the lavatory. (a) Use seawater in cleansing toilets/CR’s, and washing kitchenwares. (b) Use fresh water for final rinsing of kitchenwares and for body rinsing after swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA Diving.
  3. Keep Silence. Your noise may disturb other visitors, PA Staff and TF MARLEN members resting and sleeping, and frighten species of wildlife living and nesting within the habitats (e.g., mangrove, sandy beach, beach forest) surrounds you.
  4. Keep your money, jewelries, personal belongings and other valuables in proper place. The DENR-ARNP Protected Area Office is not liable for any loss or damage of your personal properties/belongings.
  5. Prepare/cook your own food and wash kitchen wares, etc., you have used. The Protected Area Office has limited staff detailed and hired mainly for the Biodiversity Protection and Law Enforcement Activities. All visitors are required to bring/cook their food and provide for themselves all necessary materials and supplies for cooking, drinking, washing, rinsing, etc.
  6. Drinking liquor is allowed only in moderation. Visitors are allowed only to see and enjoy the protected area for appreciation of the natural beauty and peaceful environment. Apo Reef is a precious gift of God and a recommended place to unwind and not a place for trouble.
  7. Be courteous to all Protected Area (PA) Staff. Follow instructions and ask permission from the PA Staff for any activity you want to do in the protected area.