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Honestly the staff were lovley. I'm not sure why the other reviews say the staff were not friendly. Especially Eliza (sorry if the name is not right) the lady who is in reception. The food was tasty and you just write down your order on the white board. The room is simple but really well priced at 700 for small room we had our own bathroom and a area with chairs. It's one of the only places in Apo Island with running water and power from (6pm to 10pm) the dive team were amazing and we are new divers with under 15 dives but they really looked after us. We had Clark who took us to Rock West and to Coconut point on our first drift dive and Jed who took us for a night dive we got to switch off our torches and move and see the bio luminest algae such a cool experience and they are really passionate about the sea life. When I come back to Apo Island I would definitely say here again. There is roosters and dog noise but you will find that anywhere you stay in Apo.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I came here originally to stay one or two nights for some scuba diving, but already while heading into the bay I could tell that I would end up staying longer and ended up doing my advanced open water diver here.
Apo Island is just something else. The way the village is built into the treeline and how friendly everyone here is - you owe it to yourself to stay on the island for at least a night and not just to pass by on a boat.
As for Mario‘s - it‘s everything I could have asked for. Accomodations are clean and comfortable (though note that the entire island has limited times for electricity, it never became an issue but maybe don‘t plan on working remotely here or sth). Also, the entire Team of divemasters and Mario himself are just caring, competent and generally super likeable.
Amazing place!
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had an amazing time there, unlimited coffea at breakfast, amazing pancakes. All the staff and diving instructors are amazing. We saw turtles every day. Super for snorkeling and diving. There's a short walk around the island that's nice too. The food is basic but just what you need. Cerfew at 10pm which we apreceate. Be sure to take earplugs as there are many chickens on the island that like to wake up from 4am!
We didn't want to leave. Would definitely go back!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Everything was great, the receptionist, the food, the room, and certainly the snorkeling and diving.
The dive master (Jed) was super flexible in accommodating our wishes and took us on 2 of the best dives we had in the Philippines! One was in a amazing coral garden, the other one was an awesome drift dive.
For snorkeling you don't have to go far, the shallow water in front of the homestay is full of turtles and nice corals can be found by walking a few hundred meters.
Thank you all, we hope to come back some day!
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mario Pascobello, Owner at Mario's Scuba Diving and Homestay
Responded Feb 24, 2023
Hello, Paul! We’re so happy to know you had an amazing time on the island and that we’re a part of that experience! And we’ll let Jed know of your appreciation. You’re always welcome and looking forward to having you here again some day! Best regards, Mario’s Scuba Diving and Homestay Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mario’s diving center and Homestay on Apo Island was such a great experience. When we reached the place we directly went for a diving refresher with dive master Lindton, he is great and was very patient with us. The whole crew in the Homestay was lovely, food was nice and we felt at home right away. We met with Mario who shared his experience about marine sanctuaries and how important it is to take care of the sea life, and how he passes on his knowledge with the next generation. I could tell that the coral reefs is being well take care of and saw so many colorful fishes and will leave with beautiful memories. Would definitely try to come back to dive some more! Highly recommended
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed 5 days at Mario's and loved every minute of it. They took good care of me, prices were low and the diving was incredible! Was just me and my instructor, felt very relaxed the whole time. Would definitely recommend staying here some days, not just visit the island for a daytrip.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Ron THURPEL, Guest Services / Front Office at Mario's Scuba Diving and Homestay
Responded May 20, 2023
Hello, we are glad you liked it so much staying with us... See you next time ❤️
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Oh yes! Kick back and reconnect with nature at Mario and Mila’s hideaway on the fabulous Apo Island. This has to be a destination for real travelers, electricity only from 18-22.00 so the perfect chance to really cut off. Diving was amazing - thanks Big Mac, you are great. Snorkeling was nearly as brilliant and we met too many turtles to count! Mario is a legend and I hope you meet him. Laid back but smooth, everything works and the staff (specially Liza) quickly become family.
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Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Mario & Milas for 2 nights. We did 3 dives with smashing dive master Mac, and what a master he is! (Big Mac) It truly was great dives at 3 different sites and we saw plenty of beautiful things. The coral reef is the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen and there is lots of gorgeous turtles! We did a super drift dive with negative entry. “Apo Island Rollercoaster” - highly recommend! As for the stay, we could not have asked for more. Lovely, basic home stay with the nicest people on the planet. Elisa greeted us upon arrival and made sure we were looked after at all times. Really nice meals and a very kind and friendly vibe, which we really appreciated. Mario and Mila are such a genuine, smashing people and it was a privilege to meet you both.
The only regret we have is not diving with Master Mario and not staying longer, but we sure will next time. 👌🏻 Thanks EVERYONE including Juno for being incredible people and looking after us so well. We sure will be back!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had very nice dives with Jerry, and all the staff was friendly and helpful, we stayed for a few nights and loved our time in Apo at Marios Homestay! Food was freshly made every day and they had 3 options every time. We recommend a lot :) thank you!
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Date of stay: March 2024
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Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great home stay and diving! We stayed for 3 nights and would loved to have the time to stay even longer. Thanks to Mario and stuff, the kitchen ladies and everyone for the overall organization of everything we asked for. Especially big thanks to Jed for the amazing dives! We enjoyed a lot our time at Apo
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Apo Island area.
LOCATION
PhilippinesVisayasNegros IslandNegros OrientalDauinApo Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
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