Monarch Sands Beach Resort

2012-02-20T06:05:00.000-08:00

2012-01-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

There are days at Monarch Sands Beach Resort when just laying around in the sun makes for that perfect day.

Contact us at http://www.monarchsands.com to reserve your perfect day.

Apo Island Turtles

2011-11-24T04:41:00.001-08:00

Experience the thrill of swimming with the Apo Island sea turtles when you scuba dive with the Monarch Sands Beach Resort's dive team. visit our web site, http://www.monarchsands.com for rates, dive schedules and packages. Join the hundreds of past guests who have found the vacation of their dreams at Monarch Sands Beach Resort.

Native Beach Cottages at Monarch Sands Beach Resor

2011-11-16T17:36:00.001-08:00

Construction of Filipino Beach Cottages at Monarch Sands Beach Resort is done in the time honored tradition handeddown from generation to generation. Thenative all around tool is the Bolo or Sundang. Used to chop, cut, pound, pryand scrape the bamboo. The Sundang comes in various shapes and sizes. Thetypical sundang is a 10 inch blade that is fitted to a 6 inch wooden handle.The blade it self is curved outward like a half moon axe. Fitted with a wooden sheath and tied to the waist by a thin rope. Every farmer,tradesman and fisherman carries one around his waist and no household iswithout one. Lasting for years, thehandle becomes polished and fitted to the owners hand. A man's most prized possession his the Sundang that his grandfather carried and used to build theBeach Cottages that the call home.

The bamboo used to build the Beach cottage atMonarch Sands Beach Resort is cut from local stands of Bamboo. Using the Sundang, the bamboo is cut into17-20 foot pieces and carried to the building site. The Sundang is used as a scrapper to cleanthe bamboo by scrapping off the skin and the new growth notches cut off till thebamboo is a smooth cylinder shaped log. The pieces are then placed in the sun or near the sea to dry and cure.This evaporation of liquid in the bamboo hardens it.

The pieces are then separated by theirstraightness and thickness. Curved orbent sections are removed.

Using a short piece of bamboo as a hammer. TheSundang is used as a chisel to split the bamboo into strips and chopped intolengths. Pieces will be selected to build the floor, of the beach cottages andto complete the beach cottages roof. Slates are placed on top of the roof tresses to tie the Nipa roofingshingles to. Cut in half pieces will be used for decorative inside walling.

Finally, a finish is applied to combat termite infestation and varnish is added to make ever thin polished.

Monarch Sands Beach Resort cottages take advantage of the cool sea breeze at night. Along with the sounds of the ocean, you have a very enjoyable island paradise vacation.

Let the party begin!

2011-11-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

Celebrate your next birthday at
Monarch Sands Beach Resort

Learn to Scuba Dive, your adventure starts today.

2011-08-17T23:27:00.001-07:00

Monarch Sands Dive resortStart the Adventure Today. Learn to Scuba Dive. We teach you in 4 short days. PADI certified. http://www.monarchsands.com

GREAT DIVE RESORT

2011-08-17T23:19:00.001-07:00

Hope you can vacation here soon. The diving is great, the sand hot and the water sooo blue.

GREAT DAY TO DIVE

2011-08-14T02:05:00.001-07:00

Great Day to dive at Monarch Sands Beach. Call us for reservation. 09174162670 or email us at monarchsands@gmail.com

Time to plan your 2012 vacation

2011-08-13T18:55:00.001-07:00

Time to plan your 2012 vacation. Monarch Sands Resort offers Scuba Diving lessons. Special rates for one day Adventure class. contact us to schedule you lesson today. Make a reservation today,

Sailing, hiking, horse back riding, swimming or just relaxing under the coconut trees

Monarch Sands Beach Resort

2011-07-26T19:49:00.001-07:00

The sun is out, the water is calming. This weekend will be a Great time to relax on the beach and build a sand castle. Come and help make it.

2011-07-25T21:03:00.001-07:00

To travel with a map is just another trip. But, to travel without a map....THAT'S an adventure. At Monarch Sands Beach Resort we believe that life should be an Adventure everyday. The staff and management will go out of their way to make your adventure the best possible ever. Visit our web site at http://www.monarchsands.com and make a reservation today.

2011-07-25T03:32:00.001-07:00

The most fun you can have with your cloths on.

Monarch Sands Beach Resort

2011-07-25T02:49:00.001-07:00

Time to plan your 2012 adventure vacation or looking for that quiet place away from everything. visit Monarch Sands Beach Resort. This exciting Philippine dive and beach resort offers native cottages directly on the beach. Snorkel, Scuba Dive, Hike or just plain relax. Monarch Sands Beach Resort
has the vacation that you are looking for.

What a wonderful world

2011-07-24T18:06:00.001-07:00

"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” YOUR adventure starts today.http://www.monarchsands.com

2011-07-24T01:42:00.001-07:00

Sunday would be a great day to be on the beach.....now all I need is some sun, water, and uuuuuh SAND!

http://www.monarchsands.com

Holiday in the Philippines.

2011-07-24T01:26:00.000-07:00

Holiday in the Philippines

When you think of a scuba diving Holiday in the Philippines images of massive resorts, long sandy beaches filled with hundreds of tourists, numerous dive shops and the horizon filled with dozens of banka boats. Scuba Diving in the Philippines isn't like this at Monarch Sands Beach Resort. This Dumaguete Resort is located 1 hour south on the airport on a secluded bay near the sleepy fishing village of Siaton. Specializing in personal service, this Dive resort shows it's guests some of the best scuba diving in the Philippines. Wether it's at Apo Island or Muck dives at the house reef. Our dive masters will guide you on an exciting dive adventure of a lifetime.

Monarch Sands Beach Resort employs the best dive masters we can find. Lead Guide and Instructor, Gary Fenney has over 7,000 dives and has instructed over 500 students. His love for the sport and knowledge of the area is unsurpassed. Richard is from Holland and Dex is a local Apo Island resident. Between them they are in the water daily, exploring, guiding and honing their skills to perfection. Each guide is committed to making your Holiday in the Philippines an exciting.

Your day starts with a great breakfast of fruit crepes or American style eggs bacon and potatos. While you are getting mentally ready the resort staff is checking your equipment and loading it for transportation to the Malatapay pier, where you will board a 60 foot banka boat for a short trip to Apo Island. Gary or Dex will start the dive briefing on conditions, expectations and dive depths and after a short 25 minute boat ride you will be starting Dive #1. Scuba Diving in the Philippines is indeed like visiting Disneyland. Filled with wonders, excitement and a day of fun. Lunch on the shores of Apo island is provided by the chefs of Monarch Sands Resort. Fruits, nuts, sweets and sandwiches to replenish your energy for Dive #2.

During your hour breaks on the boat, instructor Gary is available to answer any diving questions that you may have. With over 7,000 dives and a PADI certified instructor, he is a gold mine of information on techniques and Marine life in the Philippines. When you have completed Dive #3, the banka will return to the Matalapay pier for pick up and return to our Philippine beach resort. Arrival at the resort is around 4:30 pm.where our staff is on hand to clean and care for your equipment and to help prepare for a fantastic dinner on the beach.

Relax, watch the sunset and get ready....tomorrow is another adventure.

Holiday in the Philippines

2011-07-18T03:17:00.000-07:00

Make your next holiday a truly fantastic one. Visit Monarch Sands beach Resort

Holiday in the Philippines

2011-06-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

Trip Adviser rates Monarch Sands Resort #1

2011-01-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all our customers who have posted such great reviews. Because of you we are rated the MOST POPULAR place in Dumaguete to spend your vacation. Click on the link below and see what everyone is raving about.

Trip Adviser Reviews

Apo Island Dive packages

2010-10-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

Monarch Sands Resort specializes in Apo Island Dive and snorkeling trips.

Several packages are available. From 2 divers to 12 diver packages

8 - 12 DIVER PACKAGE

Inclusions:

Six nights in Premium beach cottages
12 dives at Apo Island - 4 days at 3 dives a day
Dive Boat (65 foot luxury trimaran)
Hot water showers
Private Airport transportation
Free WiFi
Dive guides
Tanks and weights
Free daily breakfasts
Pack lunches on dives
Sanctuary Fees and Taxes
Roasted Pig buffet dinner (night 4)

Package rate: $465.00* per diver.
Note: This is a Dive Group package. 8 divers min are required to avail this package. All cottages are double occupancy. * Needed equipment is extra.

The Barcalona Dive Club

2010-08-17T21:45:00.001-07:00

While this is the unofficial name that we gave to our last group of guests. We have to say that Officially they were some of the nicest people that we have met. Their warmth, generosity and humor touched every member of the Monarch Sands Resort Staff. Viva Spain.

WHY THERE IS HIGH TIDE DURING FULL MOON

2010-08-04T18:08:00.001-07:00

Ibanag: WHY THERE IS HIGH TIDE DURING FULL MOON

Long, long ago only gods lived in this world. The earth, the sea, and the sky were ruled by three different powerful gods.
The sun god who ruled the sky had a very beautiful daughter, Luna, the moon. Luna enjoyed going around the heavens in her golden chariot. One day she found herself taking another path which led her outside her kingdom. She wandered on until she reached the place where the sky met the sea. Beautiful and unusual sights greeted her eyes. As she was admiring the beautiful things around, a voice startled her. It asked, Where has thou come from, most beautiful one?”

Turning around she saw a young man who looked much like her father though fairer. She wanted to run away but when she looked at him again, she saw that he was smiling at her. Taking courage she answered, I am Luna, daughter of the sun god.”
The young man smiled at her and answered, “I am Mar, the son of the sea god. Welcome to our kingdom.” Soon the two became good friends. They had many interesting stories to tell each other. When it was time for Luna to go, they promised to see each other as often as they could for they had many more tales to tell. They continued meeting at the same spot until they realized that they were in love with each other.
One day after one of their secret meetings, Luna went back to the heavens full of joy. She was so happy that she told her secret to one of ha cousins. The cousin, jealous of her beauty and her happiness, reported the affair to the sun god. The sun god was angered at his daughter’s disobedience to the Immortal Laws. He shut her in their garden and did not allow her to get out. Then he sent a messenger to the sea god informing hi n that his son Mar has disobeyed the Immortal Laws. The sea god, when was also angered by his son’s disobedience, imprisoned him in one of his sea caves.
Luna stayed in the garden for sometime. She was very sad at not being able to see Mar. She longed to be with him again. Feeling very restless one day, she escaped from the garden. She took her golden chariot and rushed to their meeting place. Mar, who was imprisoned in the sea cave, saw her reflection on the water. He wanted to get out to meet her. He tried hard to get out of the cave, but he could not. He struggled so hard that he shook the walls of his cave causing unrest in the sea. Luna waited for Mar to appear, but he did not come. Then she went back home very sad. Each time she remembered Mar she would rush out in her golden chariot to the meeting place in the hope of seeing him again.
The fishermen out in the sea believe that each time Luna, the moon, appears, the sea gets troubled. “It is Mar trying to escape from his cave,” they say.

Monarch Sands Resort Offers Free lessons

2010-07-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

Monarch Sands Beach Resort is offering FREE Snorkeling Lessons

Monarch Sands Beach resort is offering free Snorkeling lessons to interested individuals who wish to avail themselves to the promo. Lessons will be held daily, weather permitting. All equipment is provided at minimal fee. A small boat fee will be charged for advanced classes who take trips to Marine Reserves. Join the fun at our Philippine Dive Resort. http://www.monarchsands.com

former guests

2010-07-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

It is always fun to go back through our photo albums and see pictures of former guests.

Monarch Sands A Paradise reviewed

2010-07-15T23:02:00.000-07:00

“Paradise Monarch Sands”

Monarch Sands Beach Resort

Feb 28, 2010 | Trip type: Friends getaway

person found this review helpful

Hello,

I was already 2 times at monarch sands close to siaton city.
I traveled already many times around the world in my life, but at Januar 2009 i found really the paradies. I was traveling with a friend around the Philippines, then we got a flyer in dumaguete city, its on the Island of Negros Oriental. Then we went by bus to siaton, then by taxi to MONARCH SANDS, its only 5 km close to the City Siaton. After that we been shure to find the PARADIES. The owner Ron from Chicago and his famely are very, very friendly. If you like to go snorkling, diving, make motorbike-trip ect. he oranize it for you or you only like to relax in Paradies, everything is possible very easy. I was shure I have to go back this year to this perfect place and I did. Ron pict me and my friend up at the airport in dumaguete, the sevice for pic up is including the price. If you are looking to fiend a place like paradies you have to go there. If you dont like it, nobody can help you!!!!
If you are speak german or english languege and have some questions about, iam glad to help you, please contakt me. My email is schwarz.wolfi@gmx.de

My ratings for this hotel is 5 STAR

Monarch Sands Beach Resort review

2010-07-14T23:13:00.001-07:00

“Hidden gem”

Monarch Sands Beach Resort

Radbrave 5 contributions

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Jun 5, 2010 | Trip type: Couples

We stayed here for 3 nights and 4 days and were spoilt from the start. We were picked up from the ferry terminal in a mini van; the resort is a little further than some of the others but it was worth the extra 15mins drive as when we got there we discovered that the resort has its own private bay (let along beach) with no other resort for miles. The owner (Ron) instantly welcomed us and made us some much needed food after our long journey and then we were shown to our accommodation; a deluxe beach cottage with a stunning view out over the ocean.
The owner had arranged some diving for us which we really enjoyed; especially because the dive master was a real character.
One thing we really enjoyed doing was walking along the beach at night watching hermit crabs scuttling along the beach in there random shaped shells.
The thing that i must highlight beyond all else was the food. It was outstanding. We had several meals there; both local and western dishes, and they were always delicious.

Date of stay May 2010
Visit was for Leisure
Traveled with With Spouse/Partner
Age group 25-34
Member since June 19, 2007

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes

We Love our Guest

2010-07-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

The most fun of having a resort is the guests, whether they need to relax, swim with their kids or just have fun. It's all about the Smiles.....

Apo Island Dive Sites

2010-07-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

Apo Island Negros Oriental Dive Sites

The Chapel
The Chapel dive site was named after the Roman Catholic Church in Apo Island dedicated to San Vicente Ferrer, the patron Saint of Fishermen. It is A perfect dive site for those taking PADI courses and is teeming with a variety of marine life whether diving during the day or night time. By day, divers can catch a glimpse of butterfly fishes, wrasses, garden eels, flounders, and sometimes a Marbled Snake Eel. At night, Decorators, Anemones, Hermit Crabs, phosphorescent plankton and Seapens are a breathtaking site.
Boluarte
The Boluarte dive site takes its name from a huge solitary rock jutting out into the sea from the island’s west side. Boluarte means mystery dive. Bluefin Trevallies, Red Snappers, stonefish and Cardinalfish can be seen in the area along with mushroom corals and gorgonian fans.
Largahan
This dive site has very little current and majority of the dive is spent between six and 14 meters deep. There is a high diversity of coral species, Black and White Snappers, Pyramid Butterflyfish and Fusiliers.
Rock Point
This site is at the southern tip of Apo Island, pointing toward Mindanao. There are huge schools of Redtooth Triggerfish, Schooling Bannerfish, unicornfish and surgeons. There are also Banded Sea Kraits and Hawksbill and Green turtles.
Marine Sanctuary
The Sanctuary dive site is on the east coast of the island and comprises a large plateau area. There are large fields of staghorn coral in the area. This dive site is also considered a Clownfish City. A group of half a dozen very large corals with anemones is home to large numbers of Tomato Anemonefish. There are also wrasses and Bigmouth Mackerels in the area.
Mamsa Point
A variety of fishes hang out at Mamsa Point like Humpback Snappers and Bluelined Groupers. There are also Bignose Unicornfish there and a variety of hard corals.
Kan-uran
This dive site on the east site of Apo Island is between the Sanctuary and Cogon dive sites. It was named after one of the original inhabitants, Uran. This is where divers find the deepest wall on the island. There are Staghorn corals, trumpet fish and groupers. Divers can also find Pyjama Cardinalfish and Scorpion fishes.
Coconut Point
The beauty of the Coconut dive site depends on the time of the year, the tides and the moon. From November to May, the currents are often strong, creating a washing machine effect. Great Barracudas, angelfish and schools of Bigeye Jacks, Batfish and turtles can be seen in the area. Early mornings or late afternoons are perfect times to get the most out of the Coconut Point when the reef is alive with fish competing for a place to stay or looking for a meal.
Cogon
The Cogon dive site is named after Cogon Village. Cogon is a type of grass. The area sometimes has a strong current but for most of the year, it is good for a moderate paced, drift dive. There are Scribbled File fish, Mappa Puffers, Mangrove Jacks and Angelfish in the area.

Dauin Dive Sites

House Reef
House Reef is five to 30 meters deep and ideal for beginners as well as advanced divers. The sandy bottom has different corals blocks, sponges and sea anemones. The site is ideal from training, night dives and macro photography.
Sarah’s Reef
Just five minutes by boat from the El Dorado Beach Resort is a nice coral reef and a big artificial reef teeming with coral fishes, scorpion fishes and stingrays. There are also different kinds of colorful nudibranches.
Masaplod Norte
Masaplod Norte is a beautiful marine sanctuary which can be reached by a 10-minute boat ride from the beach front. There are schools of snappers, swelters, stingrays and scorpion fishes in the area.
Dumaguete Coco Oil Mill Pier
The Pier is a special dive site accessible by a 10-minute boat ride and is for advanced divers. Access to the place is limited only when ships are not in port. Schools of batfishes, Ghost Pipe fishes corals and sponges can be found in the area.

Siaton Dive Site

Antulang Beach
The Antulang Beach is a strip of white pebble beach located between Zamboanguita and Siaton. There is an interesting rock formation in the area and the water is ideal for snorkeling.

Zamboanguita Dive Site

Mina’s Undersea World
Some 200 yards from the beach is a marine garden for snorkeling and swimming. White Sea turtles and other marine creatures are found in the area.

Visit our home: Siaton, Negros Oriental

2010-07-08T19:14:00.001-07:00

Visit our home: Siaton, Negros Oriental.

2010-07-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

New Promotional Program

2010-07-07T21:15:00.000-07:00

Monarch sands Beach resort announces it's new "Visit Our Home....Siaton" pictorial gallery of Pictures taken by local Siaton, Negros Oriental, Philippine resident Jaysie Tayko. Pictures can be seen on http://www.monarchsands.com and Facebook pages; Monarch Sands Beach Resort and Siaton Puro.

Rice Harvest. A family affair. Siaton Puro.

2010-07-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

Visit our home. http://www.monarchsands.com

Monarch Sands Beach Resort: When you need your house moved, ask a neighbor. Siaton Puro

2010-07-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

Monarch Sands Beach Resort: When you need your house moved, ask a neighbor. Siaton Puro

When you need your house moved, ask a neighbor. Siaton Puro

2010-07-06T18:38:00.000-07:00

Photos taken by Puro Siaton. Visit our home http://www.monarchsands.com

Discover Eco Philippines

2010-07-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

If you are a nature lover and the ways of the wild appeal to you, then Philippines holds special charm for you. The Eco and Wildlife in Philippines, we think, is a must in your tour itinerary. You will experience here rare and exotic wildlife apart from rich bio diversity. Monarch Sands Dive Resort offers several hiking tours.
There are several wildlife parks and nature centers in Philippines which have been created with the aim of conserving the flora and fauna along with the purpose of promoting tourism. The Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center boasts of about 38 species of trees and shrubs, representing 2,443 trees commonly found in Philippine forests. The Pacem Eco-Park, famous as a haven for butterflies, houses various lumber trees, fruit trees, orchids, and flowering plants. View a collection of our flowers on our web site www.monarchsands.com
The game preserve and wildlife sanctuary on Calauit Island is a must visit. Apart from several species of endangered Philippine animals, there are a good number of African species too which have been transported here. It is also home to the man-eating Philippine crocodile and the endangered ‘dugong’ or sea cow.
Visit Bohol and spot the Tarsier, midget monkey of the Philippines and the smallest monkey in the world. The Albay Park and Wildlife features 347 animals belonging to 75 species. Crocodile Park in Ma-a is the habitat of crocodiles as well as various breeds of birds ranging from the Philippine sea eagle to kakatoe and Indonesian parrots
The avian world is no less fascinating. Olango Island or The Bird Island of Central Philippines is a stopover of up to 50,000 migrating water birds flying the East Asian migratory flyway. Pacem Eco-Park is a haven of over 80 of the country’s 1,600 species of butterflies and a number of native and foreign birds including mynahs, owls, eagles, and parrots.Monarch Sands Resort offers eco tours to Canaway Forest.

The marine life makes the Philippines wildlife scene more interesting. The Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park teems with 300 coral species, 46 coral genera, 7 sea grass species, 71 algae species, large marine life, dolphins, marine turtles and seabirds. The Turtle Islands are South East Asia's only remaining major green turtle breeding ground and a vital nesting ground for the hawksbill turtle. Donsol is home to the huge, gentle whale sharks. http://www.monarchsands.com

Apo Dive Package

2010-07-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

Monarch Sands Continues to wow guests with fantastic Dives at Apo island. http:www.monarchsands.com.

Apo Island is one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Group packages available for 6 - 9 -12 dives. Price reduced if you dive with buddies Contact us for rates and schedules....http://www.monarchsands.com

APO ISLAND a true success story

2010-07-01T03:12:00.000-07:00

In a remote fishing village in the Philippine archipelago, coastal fishers responded to falling fish stocks by working harder to catch them. The combination of dynamite, longer workdays, and more advanced gear caused stocks to fall faster. On the edge of crisis, this small community decided to create a no-take marine sanctuary on 10% of its coral-reef fishing grounds. This initiative sparked a renaissance of not only their fishery, but also their cherished way of life.
Apo Island provides a relatively simple but very real case study for exploring how EcoTipping Points work in practice. Apo is a small island (78 hectares), 9 kilometers from the coast of Negros in the Philippine archipelago. The island has 145 households and a resident population of 710 people. Almost all the men on the island are fishermen. The main fishing grounds are in the area surrounding the island to a distance of roughly 500 meters, an area with extensive coral reefs and reaching a water depth of about 60 meters. Fishermen use small, paddle-driven outrigger canoes, though a few fishermen (particularly younger ones) have outboard motors on their canoes. The main fishing methods are hook and line, gill nets, and bamboo fish traps.
Apo Island’s “negative tip” started about forty years ago. Before then, there was a stable fishery with ample harvest to support fishermen and their families. During the years following World War II the growing human population and increasing fishing pressure made the fishery increasingly vulnerable to unsustainable fishing. The “negative tip” came with the introduction of four destructive fishing methods to the Philippines:

Dynamite fishing, which started with explosives left over from World War II and gained momentum by the 1960s;
Muro-ami (from Japan). Fish are chased into nets by pounding on coral with rocks.
Cyanide, introduced during the 1970s for the aquarium fish trade. Aquarium fish are no longer collected in this region, but cyanide remained.
Small-mesh nets. Worldwide marketing of newly developed nylon nets brought small-mesh beach seines and other small-mesh nets to the region in the 1970s.

Dynamite, cyanide, muro-ami, and small-mesh nets are more effective than traditional Filipino fishing methods, but they are seriously detrimental to the sustainability of the fishery. Not only do they make overfishing and immature fish harvesting easier, they also damage fishing habitat. These fishing methods have been illegal since regulations were imposed in the early 1980s. The Philippine Coast Guard and National Police are responsible for enforcing fishing regulations, but their vast areas of jurisdiction have made it virtually impossible for these agencies to stop destructive fishing.
The introduction of destructive fishing methods set in motion a vicious cycle of declining fish stocks and greater use of destructive methods to compensate for deteriorating fishing conditions. Damage to the coral reef habitat is now extensive throughout much of the Philippines, and fish stocks are generally low.
Fish stocks in the most degraded areas are down to 5-10% of what they were 50 years ago. Though catches in degraded areas are not sufficient to support a fisherman full-time, the fishery continues to be depressed by a large number of fishermen, many of them part-time and many using illegal fishing methods that they consider the only practical way to catch fish under these conditions. The problem is exacerbated by illegal encroachment of larger commercial fishing boats with gear such as purse seines and ring nets wherever enforcement is lax and nearshore fishing conditions are good enough to make encroachment worthwhile.
The prelude to the positive tip for Apo Island began in 1974 when Dr. Angel Alcala (director of the marine laboratory at Silliman University in Dumaguete City) and Oslob municipality (Cebu) initiated a small marine sanctuary, the region's first, at uninhabited Sumilon Island (about 50 km from Apo). Dr. Alcala and some of his colleagues at Silliman University visited Apo Island In 1979 to explain how a marine sanctuary could help to reverse the decline in their fishery, a decline that had become obvious to everyone. By that time, fish stocks on the Apo Island fishing grounds had declined so much that fishermen were compelled to spend much of their time traveling as far as 10 km from the island to seek more favorable fishing conditions.
Dr. Alcala took some of the fishermen to see the marine sanctuary at Sumilon Island, which by then was teeming with fish. They were able to see how the sanctuary could serve as a nursery to stock the surrounding area, but they were not completely convinced. Marine sanctuaries were not part of Philippine fisheries tradition. After three years of dialogue between Silliman University staff and Apo Island fishermen, 14 families decided to establish a no-fishing marine sanctuary on the island. A minority of families was able to do it because the barangay captain (local government leader) supported the idea.
The positive tip for Apo Island came with actual establishment of a marine sanctuary in 1982. The fishermen selected an area along 450 meters of shoreline and extending 500 meters from shore as the sanctuary site - slightly less than 10% of the fishing grounds around the island. The sanctuary area had high quality coral but few fish. It required only one person watching from the beach to ensure that no one fished inside the sanctuary, guard duty rotating among the participating families. Fish numbers and sizes started to increase in the sanctuary, and "spillover" of fish from the sanctuary to the surrounding marine ecosystem led to higher fish catches around the periphery, eventually to a distance of several hundred meters. In 1985 all island families decided to support the sanctuary and make it legally binding through the local municipal government.
When the fishermen saw what happened in and around the sanctuary, they concluded that fishing restrictions over the island's entire fishing grounds should be able to increase fish numbers there as well. With technical support from a coastal resource management organization, the fishermen set up a Marine Management Committee and formulated regulations against destructive fishing and encroachment of fishermen from other areas on their fishing grounds. They established a local "marine guard" (bantay dagat) consisting of village volunteers to police the fishing grounds. It was no longer necessary to guard the sanctuary per se because everyone accepted its status as a no-fishing zone. The main task of the marine guards today is to check boats that enter their fishing grounds from other areas. They do not seem to worry about Apo Island fishermen because sustainable fishing has become an integral part of the island culture.
Although available data do not allow a precise comparison of current fish stocks and catches on the Apo Island fishing grounds with fish stocks and catches when the sanctuary was established, the data indicate that catch-per-unit-effort more than tripled by the mid-1990s and has not changed much since then (Russ et al. 2004). The larger and commercially more valuable fish (e.g., surgeon fish and jacks) increased more slowly and are in fact still increasing. This scenario is confirmed by the fishermen's subjective impression of what has happened.
Interestingly, the total catch by island fishermen is about the same as 23 years ago when the sanctuary began. This is because the fishermen have responded to the increase in fish stocks by reducing their effort instead of catching more fish. Fishermen no longer must travel long distances to fish elsewhere. Fishing is good enough right around the island. A few hours of work each day provides food for the family and enough cash income for necessities. The fishermen worked long hours before. Now they enjoy more leisure time. If they wish, they can use some of the extra time for other income generating activities such as transporting materials or people between the island and the mainland. The most prominent reason for earning extra money is to fund higher education for their children.
The striking abundance and diversity of fish and other marine animals (e.g., turtles and sea snakes) around the island have attracted coral reef tourism (Cadiz and Calumpong 2000). The island has two small hotels and a dive shop, which employ several dozen island residents. In addition, diving tour boats come daily from the nearby mainland. A few island households take tourists as boarders, and some of the women have tourist related jobs such as catering for the hotels or hawking Apo Island T-shirts. The island government collects a snorkeling/diving fee, which has been used to finance a diesel generator that supplies electricity to every house in the island's main village during the evening. The tourist fees have also financed substantial improvements for the island's elementary school, garbage collection for disposal at a landfill on the mainland, and improvements in water supply.
Tourist revenue has also provided family income and "scholarships" (from one of the island hotel owners) to finance more than half the island's children to attend high school on the adjacent mainland, and many continue to university. Almost all university graduates and many high school graduates stay on the mainland with a job that allows them to send money to their family back on the island. A few return for professional work on the island such as elementary school teacher, and some aspire to return to contribute to the island's health services, governance, or marine ecosystem management. Remittances from family members living off-island are used mainly for private infrastructure such as house improvements. Many people who live away from the island live close enough for frequent visits to their family on the island.
Apo Island has served as a model for fishing communities on the adjacent mainlands of Negros and Cebu. The head of Apo Island's local government visits other fishing villages to explain the sanctuary, and people from other villages visit Apo to see what it's all about. In 1994 the Apo Island example, and the fact that Dr. Alcala was Minister of Natural Resources, stimulated the Philippine government to establish a national marine sanctuary program that now has about 400 sanctuaries nationwide. Not all are functioning as well as they should, but many seem to be on the same path as Apo.
The Apo Island story is not a fairy tale. I visited Apo Island, I talked to island residents, and everyone told me the same story. They firmly believe that the sanctuary saved their island. The story is documented by scientific publications that include 25 years of monitoring the island fishery and ecological conditions in the sanctuary. The following publications provide an overview: Russ and Alcala (1996), Russ and Alcala (1998), Russ and Alcala (1999), Alcala (2001, p. 73-84), Maypa et al. (2002), Raymundo and Maypa (2003), Russ and Alcala (2004), Russ et al. (2004), Alcala et al. (2005), Raymundo and White (2005).
Apo Island is not perfect. There are personal conflicts, political factions, complaints about government, and many other things typical of human society around the world. People on the island are not particularly affluent. Houses do not have piped water; residents must collect water from faucets strategically placed around the village. Medical services on the island are limited, though doctors can be reached with a half-hour boat ride to the mainland. Many feel that the economic benefits of tourism, which go mainly to the hotel owners, should be distributed more evenly. While participation in the national sanctuary program has reinforced the status of the Apo Island sanctuary and provided networking benefits, it also means island fishermen no longer have complete control of sanctuary management or funds that come from diving and snorkeling fees.
As tourism has increased, concern has grown about the impact of snorkeling and diving on the sanctuary and the fishery (Reboton and Calumpong 2003). The island government has instituted restrictions on the number of tourists in the sanctuary to limit damage to coral there. Fishermen have complained that divers scare fish away from where they are fishing and sometimes damage their fish traps or release fish from the traps. As a consequence, divers are not allowed to swim within 50 meters of fishing activities and the prime fishing area is completely off limits to divers. Some island inhabitants are not satisfied with enforcement of these restrictions, and dialogue continues about what should be done to protect the marine ecosystem from damage by tourism.
But overall, there is a conspicuous atmosphere of well being and satisfaction with quality of life on the island. This is not because the island inhabitants are ignorant or inertial. They value their quality of life and the quality of the island's marine ecosystem, and they want to keep it that way. Their experience with the sanctuary has taught them an important lesson. It is necessary to change some things by community action in order to keep other very important things the same.
Twenty years ago the island inhabitants changed the way they managed their fishing activities. Now they need to make some changes in the size of their families. Everyone agrees that the island's increasing human population is a serious threat to its future. A family planning program was initiated two years ago, and contraceptives are readily available at a small community-operated family planning center. Most families are using them. Young people, even elementary school children, readily express their intention to have a small family. Immigration of people who are not descended from Apo Island families is not allowed.
The sanctuary has changed the way that people on the island view their world. The fishermen say that before the sanctuary their strategy was to fish a place with destructive methods until it was no longer worth fishing and then move to a new place that was not yet degraded. Now they are committed to keeping one place, their island's fishing grounds, sustainable. Before, they expected government agencies responsible for enforcing fishing regulations to do so and complained when it didn't happen. Now they enforce their own regulations themselves. This spirit of local initiative has extended to developing the island's infrastructure and assuring that island children get the education they need for a decent future. Organization for fisheries management has stimulated the community to organize in other ways as well - particularly women's groups. The island has a locally operated women's credit union and a women's association for selling souvenirs to tourists.

PRESS RELEASE: Monarch Sands Beach Resort joins Expedia

2010-06-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

Monarch Sands Beach and Dive resort has joined with Expedia to market the resort worldwide. Expedia is an Internet-based travel reservation website, and a part of the Expedia, Inc. based in the US with localized sites for 18 countries. It books airline tickets, hotel reservations, car rentals, cruises, vacation packages, and various attractions and services via the World Wide Web and telephone travel agents. The site uses multiple global distribution systems like Amadeus or the Sabre reservation systems for flights and for hotels, Worldspan, and Pegasus, along with their own hotel reservation system for their contracted bulk rate reservations. This last is shared with other Expedia, Inc. sites.^[1]

NEW Dive packages

2010-06-24T16:57:00.001-07:00

Monarch Sands Beach Resort Now Offering Dive Packages for Groups

Dive with friends and avail of the affordable packages packed with freebies.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Jun 24, 2010 – Dumaguete, Philippines – Monarch Sands Beach Resort is now offering dive packages for its guests. Enjoy Apo Island, one of the world’s top ten dive sites, through the promo packages offered by this Dumaguete beach resort.

The Three Dive Package includes three nights’ stay at the resort, three dives at Apo Island, airport transfers, complimentary wireless Internet connection, breakfast, and sack lunch for the dive.

The Six Dive Package consists of a four nights’ stay at Monarch Sands Beach Resort, three dives at Apo Island, three dives at local marine reserve, free private airport transfer, wireless Internet connection, breakfast, and sack lunch for the dive.

The Twelve Dive Package includes six nights’ accommodation with two days at Apo Island, and two days of local dives with a total of twelve dives for seven days.

All packages can be availed on a discounted rate if one diver brings three of his friends. Rates start for as low as Php20,000.

Monarch Sands Beach Resort is located on the cliffs of Siaton. Each cottage has its own private bathroom, large porch, and electric fans. The view from the windows is breathtaking, so guests will have a relaxing time at the end of a very tiring day spent diving.

Relaxing amenities are also provided for the comfort of guests lounging in the living areas of the cottages. Magazines and books can be found in each cottage, fresh towels are provided daily, and free shuttle services until Kilometer Marker 47 are among the services that Monarch Sands offers.

For more information about Monarch Sands Beach Resort, visit them at http://www.monarchsands.com/.

About Monarch Sands Beach Resort

Monarch Sands Beach Resort is a beach resort in Dumaguete located North of the town of Siaton. The resort is found in a local area home to hundreds of species of birds, and near the popular forest destinations such as Canaway Forest.

Contact Information

Monarch Sands Beach Resort
Dumaguete City Philippines
Phone #: +639174162670
Website: http://www.monarchsands.com

Snorkel Monarch Sands

2010-03-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a Great outdoor exercise. View a world that you have never seen before. Explore the wonders of the ocean from the top. Relaxation is the key to enjoying your experience. As you become more confident your relaxation becomes easier.
Take our 1/2 day Snorkle trip.. Our pump boat, the KenKen 1, leaves at 9 AM on a 30 minute cruise to a secluded beach where you can see thousands of colorful fish and untouched coral. Return to the Resort for a free lunch prepared by our excellent staff. Underwater Cameras available at gift shop.
Monarch Sands Activity Schedule
Package includes:

Transportation
Snorkel Equipment
Bottled Water
Local Guide
Free lunch

Cost: Php500.00 per person

How to Snorkeling

FIRST) • Be sure the mask fits your face. Hold the snorkel mask up to your face holding the strap from your face. Breath in through your nose. The mask should seal perfectly and stay on, without holding it, for as long as you breath in. If any air leaks in, water will also.

The strap should only fit firmly at the widest part of your head, towards the top of the back of your head. If it's at the base of your skull, water may seep in. If water does start seeping in while snorkeling, reach back and see if your strap has slipped down. Don't tighten the strap beyond "snug," being too tight causes leaking, as the seal can be broken. The pressure of the water will help seal the mask to your face. The snorkel should rest in front of your ear.

SECOND) • Choose fins that are snug but not too tight. If they hurt or curl your toes especially, you may develop cramps while snorkeling. If they slip off your heels, they're too big. Better a little big than too small. Remember they will slip on easier when your feet are wet.

THIRD) • Practice breathing through the snorkel with your head out of the water before the real thing. Put the mask on your head (wear your strap slightly high on the back of your head and not too tight!), suck it into your face, breathe through the tube. Don’t bite, just rest your teeth on the bite thingies - or your jaw will get really sore.

Masks should remain reasonably dry on the inside, but they can accidentally fill with water. This usually happens when the strap has slipped down to far. A flooded mask can be easily cleared by raising the head, pulling the lower edge away from the mouth, and simply letting the water drain out. I like to leave a little water in my mask, where it can be swished around for an instant defog.

LAST) • To use your fins correctly, kick from the hip and keep your knees and ankles relaxed to prevent your leg muscles from cramping. Fins remain below the water line, always. AVOID using a bicycling type kick, but instead think of your fin (especially the tip) as a beautiful flowing mermaid tail. Once you are proficient in this skill, you will notice that your fins propel you through the water. You will hardly need to use your arms and can let them rest easily at your side, or fold your hands over your lower back. Point your toes in the opposite direction from where you want to travel.

Monarch Sands Beach Resort
Dumaguete City Philippines
Phone #: +639174162670
Copyright 2008 All Rights ved

Visit the Philippines

2010-03-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

When you first arrive in the Philippines. Your senses will be overloaded by the culture. Sight, sound, and Smell is the first three to get overwhelmed. There are a lot of people in the large cities that you will be arriving at. The fact that you are arriving at an International airport only increases the number of people around you. On the streets there are open air barbeque stands everywhere. Their coconut charcoal smoke adds to the charm and the pollution. Colorful Jeepneys, Trikes and Pedicabs scurry every where. Beggars are common, and you may be approached often. Public urination is common and a site that you will see every where.

As you continue to move through the country, you will enjoy the friendliness of those that you meet along the way. Do not be afraid to ask for assistance as you travel. However, the common reply to any question about direction is, “Over There” followed by a wave of the arm. It is futile to try to get additional information. The best you can hope for is a landmark which will put you near your destination.

After arriving you will fly to Dumaguete, a smaller size city of 100,000. Located in Negroes Oriental. You will notice that unlike the larger cities. There are NO traffic rules here. Except for the smaller vehicle moves out of the way of a larger one. And everyone moves out of the way of a Ceres Bus! You will be met at the small terminal by a representative from Monarch Sands to take you to the resort. Our expert drivers will deliver you safely, do not fear. Sit back and observe the country and the cities that you pass through. We will pass Bamboo, Nipa plants , Coconut trees, Banana trees, Mango trees and Papaya trees. Cows, Horses, Chickens and Caribou.

The Resort is located approximately 1.5 hours south of Dumaguete. The country side will change rapidly from bustle of p

eople and traffic to small villages, banana tress, mountain ranges and rice paddies. Just before you get to the Resort you will pass a breath taking view of mountains and rice paddies on your right. Around Kilometer marker 42. Ask the driver to stop at take some pictures and stretch your legs . But if not we can always return another day.

The Philippines is a very religious country and you will notice hundreds of small open air churches along the countryside. If you would like to attend a Sunday service, please request upon your arrival and we will arrange it. If you visit any of the large shopping malls in the Philippines, you will notice that at 3:00pm and 6:00pm everyday. Everyone will stop and pray. Hail Mary will be broadcast over the loudspeakers. Please be respectful and pause.

You will be greeted along the way by hundreds of children along the roads that will wave and call out greetings.

The Malapalay Market is a bustle of activity every Wednesday morning. Barter for hand made souvenirs and taste local cuisine Monarch Sands offers a tour of Markets weekly. Ask at the front desk about time schedule.

Cock fighting is the favorite past time of the Filipino male. Large arenas are built in almost ever city. Betting is done by hand signs between members of the crowd. Fingers indicate the number of pesos bet, pointing up, side ways, or down ads zeros to the number. Just as when you go to an auction, caution should be used with your hand gestures. Tours of local Cock fights and training is available at the Front desk.

Dogs are every where. Most are very sickly looking scraggly dogs. If approached treat with caution. Most will beat a hasty retreat if you hiss at them or raise a threatening hand.

When interacting with the local population, men are called, DONG, women are called DI. All will speak a degree of English. Smiles and hand gestures are common. A Filipino goes out of their way to be friendly, and a negative answer to any question will be avoided. Another common phrase when you request a price or the cost of a service. Is; “UP TO YOU.”… You will know if you paid too much if they start to smile and their eyes get wide. Conversely, a sad face and a frown and you know you are paying way to small amount.

There is with all this friendliness what is called a LONG NOSE TAX. This is the fact that you will pay as much as double what a local will pay for the same item. The perception is that you HAVE more money, so, the price is higher just because YOU can afford it. If you think the price is higher then what you want to pay, offer a lower amount. This may work, but, not all the time. There is a ingrained pricing system. If an item cost 3 pesos to buy. It will be sold for 5 pesos in every little store. No store will sell at a discount. Even if the product will spoil tomorrow. It is hopeless to try and explain that half price today is better then none tomorrow. The price is the price.

Service, tipping and billing; Service in general is horrid. Urgency is never a factor. There is ALWAYS tomorrow here in the Philippines. Any Tip that you give will be greatly appreciated, but not required. Make sure you check your bills for accuracy. When ordering meals, make sure that your order is repeated back to you. Do not expect that all the items on the menu will be available. Living on Islands has advantages and disadvantages. Restaurants try hard to keep high quality fresh products on hand. But, storms, shipping and wholesalers often run out of key ingredients cause problems. If our menu lacks an item, our excellent staff will offer you a specialty item that they will design just for the occasion. Their talent at cooking always amazes me.

Monarch Sands Resort (http://www.monarchsands.com) is situated on a secluded cove, located North of the sleepy town of Siaton. Native style cottages made of Nipa, Bamboo and local materials face the blue waters of the Bohol sea. Each cottage has a large porch to watch the local fishermen sail their small Bangka boats out for the nightly catch. The string of a hundred lights fill the horizon as they cast their nets.

Snorkel our scenic cove, Dive Apo island, or feed our pet monkeys with bananas from local banana trees. Sip coconut coolers after a relaxing massage on our large sand beach.

Shelling provides the material for our craft classes, and the local fishermen provide the daily catch for your Filipino cooking lessons.

Tour Dumaguete or watch Caribou plowing local rice paddies or tour waterfalls straight out of Jurassic Park.

Monarch Sands has free WIFI at each cottage. Hot water showers in some cottages and Satellite TV in the restaurant. We offer Package trips to Apo island and instructional Scuba classes.

Our Sand bar provides the refreshments as our cooks devise ways to thrill your palate. Snorkeling, Diving, Hiking, Fishing, Large sand beach, all await you at our fantastic dive resort.

Ronondo Rico

Moanarch Sands: The Sunset Resort

2010-03-11T20:54:00.000-08:00

Dive Monarch Sands

2010-03-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.monarchsands.com

Monarch Sands Dive and Beach Resort

2010-03-09T03:59:00.000-08:00

Monarch Sands Dive and Beach Resort is located just North of Siaton, Negros Oriental,Philippines.

Situated on a small and secluded fishing bay. The resort is a favorite for International travelers and Dumaguete residents.

Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing and Hiking are the major activities at the resort.