• Use the Grab app (Southeast Asia’s Uber) for transport within Manila, Cebu, and other major cities. It’s cheap, convenient, safer, and hassle-free. You can find a Grab booth at the airport if you don’t have a data-capable phone with you when you arrive.
• Daily, weekly, and monthly scooter rentals are available at U-Ride Bike Rental in Dauin. They also have a secure self-storage facility (U-Lock) and a business center for computer rental, wifi, and printing needs.
• Do bring a flashlight for when you are out after dark, mosquito repellent for early mornings and around sunset time when the mozzies are most active, sunscreen so you don’t get roasted, cool sunglasses, and a beach towel, of course!
• There are 3 ATMs in Dauin, but they are not always reliable. It is advisable to withdraw some cash in Dumaguete or elsewhere before arriving.
• Although our location is ideal for freediving for much of the year, do bring your wetsuit, neoprene hood, socks, and gloves to better protect you from the elements if you have them. Weather and water conditions are never guaranteed anywhere. Weather patterns may bring stronger winds, rainfall, colder water temperature, increased planktons, and possibly jellyfish.
• Some toilets in the region are flushed manually using a bucket of water. If you’ve not used or flushed one before, YouTube it!
• Dauin has a gentle and slow-paced attitude. People are genuinely friendly so let your guard down a little. But as anywhere, be aware of your important belongings.
• Yes, everyone understands English although some may be shy speaking it.
• Like in a lot of Asian countries, it feels like the air conditioning unit in long-distance buses and overnight ferries can’t be regulated. Best to bring something to keep you warm on board. Wearing long pants, socks, a jacket, and even a scarf when taking these forms of transportation is recommended.
• Your body might not be used to the country’s tap water. Always drink filtered water. While bottled water is available at most stores and restaurants, we recommend refilling your bottle to limit plastic waste. Most restaurants and tourist establishments should be able to do this.
• 1 US Dollar is equivalent to roughly 55 Philippine Pesos. 1 Euro = 56 Philippine Pesos.
• Clark International Airport is not Manila Airport. It is in Pampanga and is 2 to 3 hours away from Manila International Airport (NAIA). There are regularly scheduled buses from Trinoma Shopping Mall in Manila to Clark Airport and back. Check www.clarkairport.com for more information.
• Most foreign nationals are admitted for 30 days without a visa. For those intending to stay longer than 30 days, we suggest obtaining a 2-month visa before entering the country so you won’t have to trouble yourself with an extension while enjoying your holiday. Extensions may be obtained from several immigration offices. For detailed visa information, please visit http://www.immigration.gov.ph.