Apo Island
Apo Island /ˈæpoʊ/ is a volcanic island covering 74 hectares in land area, 7 kilometers off the southeastern tip of Negros Island and 30 kilometers south of the Negros Oriental capital of Dumaguete in the Philippines. The name "Apo" means "elder" or "respected ancestor" in the Visayan languages.
Apo Island | |
|---|---|
View of Apo Island from the west | |
Map of Negros Oriental showing the location of Apo Island. | |
| Coordinates: 9°4′N 123°16′E | |
| Country | Philippines |
| Island group | Visayas |
| Region | Central Visayas |
| Province | Negros Oriental |
| Municipality | Dauin |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.74 km2 (0.29 sq mi) |
| Population (2007) | |
| • Total | 745 |
| • Density | 1,000/km2 (2,600/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+8 (PST) |
| Zip code | 6217 |
| Area code | 35 |
The marine habitat around the island is a marine reserve, protected by the National Integrated Protected Area Act (NIPA) and under the jurisdiction of the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). It has become a popular dive site and snorkeling destination with tourists. There are two resorts on Apo Island, each with a dive center: Apo Island Beach Resort and Liberty's Lodge. There is also a ranger station and a lighthouse.
The island is under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Dauin, Negros Oriental, and is one of the municipality's 23 barangays. As of the 2010 census, the island has a population of 918.