Apo Reef, Mindoro

We like to travel and we like to take pictures. These didn’t change when we had a baby. So now, we like to share with the world our travels with our baby through pictures. Most of the time, we post smiley faces with scenic backgrounds and I think it may make it all look a little bit too easy for some people. The truth is, it’s a lot of work to raise a baby and it’s a lot of hard work to travel with a baby. For us, it only works because we truly co-parent. I would be so lost if I didn’t have a husband who was an equal parent in every sense of the word.

Our smiley faces on scenic backgrounds

I start off with this because our trip to Apo Reef in Mindoro was by far, the hardest travel we’ve done with Milo so far. A 3 hour drive + 3 hour ferry ride + 3 hour bus ride + 3 hour boat ride = 12 hours of travel time just to get to our destination. We couldn’t sleep most of the time because even when Milo was sleeping, one of us had to pry our eyes open to watch him and make sure he didn’t fall off whatever temporary bed we placed him in.

The Sleeping Prince

When we arrived on the island, Milo had a blast playing with the sand. He just never got tired of scooping up the sand and letting it fall through his fingers. Again and again and again. He truly is a beach baby. We camped on the island for our overnight stay. There are no resorts so this marked the 2nd time Milo slept in a tent on a beach. He must’ve been really comfortable with sleeping above sand and listening to the waves because he had a good, long sleep that night.

He wanted to go down to run and explore the lighthouse. He wasn’t scared, we were.

Mangroves Forest

Camp Out

We knew that this was going to be a snorkeling trip and there would be instances where we would have a chance to be in the water in the middle of the sea so this time, we were prepared and brought a life vest for Milo. We wanted him to be able to be in the water (safely) and not be stuck on the boat.

With his new lifevest [Photo credits: Derick Paras]

We were blessed with wonderful travel companions and beautiful scenery that made the trip worthwhile. I’m glad we went and experienced Apo Reef at its finest. It was also a good camping experience for Milo and he loves playing with the sand but the truth is, I don’t think I would do that trip a second time especially with a baby in tow.

SMCnoys & Friends

With the sea stars [Photo Credits: Derick Paras]

Just so you wouldn’t be rushing too much and have more time exploring and relaxing, Renz suggests that you take the Apo Reef Experience on a 3-day travel by staying at a resort in Pandan Island. Go to Apo Reef early morning on your second day and back at Pandan Island by sunset. Snorkeling is still best experienced at your own free time & pace rather than exploring the reef in a guided snorkeling tour. Are there snorkeling masks for 1-year olds? 🙂

Have a good one!