Travel information for the Philippines
Flights
The Philippines are reached easilty. There are daily flights to and from Manila
from most countries. Most big airlines, can get you to Manila. In general, your
allowed to take about 20 or 30 kilos of check in luggage. This depends on per
airline. Upon request, we can arrange a transfer from Manila airport to Triton
Divers for a small fee.
Visa
People from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the European
Union, can get a visa on arrival which will be valid for 21 days. Upon
arrival in the Philippines, you will have to show your ticket as proof
you will be leaving the Philippines within 21 days. If you wish to stay
longer, you have to apply for an extended visa which is valid for 59
days. It is best to contact the Filipino embassy in your home country to
inquire which documents you have to bring. In both cases, your passport
should still be at least 6 months valid.
Electric current
The electric currrent is 220 volt. You might need an adapter. The
current drops often, which causes a difference in voltage. It is
recommended to bring a safety plug. We have a big generator at our
resort, which can provide power in case of a brown out.
Clothes
Don't bring too much. There are plenty of stalls selling low priced
summer clothes. (Although finding your size is not always easy). In case
you have too much luggage, the airline might charge you for this. So
don't bring too much.
Health
Vaccinations are not compulsory but a Diphteria, Tetanus and Polio vaccinations
are highly recommended. Check with your doctor. There is no risk of getting
malaria at our isle. It is no longe existent. It only still exists in some laid
back areas. Drinking tapwater is not advisable but one can buy bottled water
everywhere. Your minibar also has bottled water. Medication, also foreign
brands, are easy to get and cheap.
Food and drinks
The Philippines has good food. Breakfast is most of the time simple but our
small restaurant can surely prepare you a nice breakfast. Next to our resort,
there are several nice restaurants where you can have a cheap and good
breakfast, lunch or dinner. In general, prices for food are low.
Weather
In general, the temperature is in between 27° and 35° Celsius. Because
of the favourable location of our beach, there are no extreme
temperature differences like on some other isles.
Wind
There is always a nice breeze. But make sure you bring some good suncreen! It is
rare that we cannot go diving because of the wind. There are few waves. Ideal
for diving!
Rain
Like in any other Asian country, there is a rainseason. At that time, there will
be a heavy but short rain. Persistant rainfall is rare. Rain in the tropics can
be nice and refreshing! The inconvenience of the heavy rains, differ from place
to place in the Philippines. One province has more troubles evacuating the water
than others. The dry season at Sabang Beach, Puerto Galera is November till May,
which doesn't mean it will not rain at all.
Water temperature
The water has a very nice temperature, always between 25° and 30° Celsius also
in deeper parts. Great for diving!! So you can use a thin wetsuit or shorts. We
have new diving suits if you don't have your own.
With such a nice temperature, you can go diving the whole year around and you
are of course always welcome in our resort.
Money
The local currencly in the Philippines is the "Philippine Peso". You might get a
better rate for your money at money changers than at the bank. There are plenty
of ATM's which accept foreign card in the bigger cities, however there is no ATM
on Sabang Beach. Check if with your bank if you are not sure.
Credit cards are accepted but there usually is a fee for this which is in
between 5 and 10%. It is better to pay in pesos.
You can also cash American express dollars cheques [but no Thomas Cook
Cheques].
Filipino's have a low salary and tips are always very much appreciated. Some
restaurants add a 10% service charge. This is tax and a tip, but the staff
rarely gets the tip really. A little extra tip is always welcome.
Please visit also this
Philippine
Travel page for many relevant links. |