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A tropical, but very comfortable and compatible climate awaits you.
Protection from the sun is recommended. No inoculations are
prescribed, however we advise the standard medical precautions
for travel. In the Visayas region we have no problems with
malaria and other tropical diseases. Travelers to the more
remote regions of Palawan and Mindanao should seek medical
information and advice so as to ensure a care- free vacation. We
have doctors in Tagbilaran and for acute problems, and ambulance
in Panglao. If you would like to dive, we recommend a diving
medical check up- which is available here and very inexpensive.
Dental problems are well accommodated and solved here by high
quality, low cost dentists. Numbers of travelers here negate the
expense of their vacations by taking advantage of the low-cost
dental services. Their holiday
ensures not only spiritual refreshment but also physical
renovation. We are glad to help with any such enquiries or
desires.
Security
The
Philippines, by and large, is a safe "safe-journey"
country, kidnappings and similar events pertain almost
exclusively to muslim regions in the south of Mindanao. In the Visayas region,
where we are located, it is safer than in European cities.
Women who travel alone here are not annoyed and can feel
safe.
Filipinos are kind and helpful to the foreigners.
money
The
currency of the Philippines is the Peso. For your vacation we
recommend US$ or Euro, but other currencies are also accepted.
American Express Traveller checks are also exchanged. Credit
cards are not accepted everywhere (or with advance payment),
hence we advise you to bring a certain amount in cash. The bill
for your accommodation in our apartments
can be paid directly to us in cash or at your travel agency. Cash
is generally changed to local currency at licensed money changer- not all banks
exchange foreign currencies. For your valuables, a hotel safe is
found in each apartment.
It
is only necessary to carry small amounts of cash on your person.
Food and drinks are very low-priced and alcoholic drinks for
night fanatics are likewise extremely cheap. You can spend more,
naturally, for example if you enjoy good shopping facilities. A
stroll in one of the shopping malls in Cebu City, with their
favorable prices and diverse merchandise can be a satisfying
experience.
Besides
the national language of the Philippines, Tagalog and countless
regional dialects, English is widely spoken. With a slight
proficiency in English and a little kindness, you will have no
problem.
Power
supply is 220 volts 60 Hz. Plug adaptors can be lent
gratuitously. Occasional short power outages. (brown-outs) are
possible.
Cellular phones with GSM
standard can easily log in to the Philppine network. For
international calls however, we recommend the landline telephone
(far cheaper). In our reception there is an internet facility,
so for news and communications you can use our address or one of
the many freemail suppliers.
Clothes
T-shirts,
shorts and sandals are appropriate and some easy, light clothes
for special occasions. Cotton is the premium material.
Laundry
Do
not bring along too many clothes. Divers should save each free
kilo for the dive equipment. We offer a washing/ironing service
for a small fee.
KB
negative film are obtainable everywhere. Slides and films as
well as VHS-C, high 8, and also digital video are harder to
find. Film can be developed in Tagbilaran with 1 hour services.
Slides are sent to to Cebu and will require about 14 days.
Filipinos are not shy and generally you will find it easy to
take photographs.
Motorcycle
and motorscooters of different sizes and capacities can be
rented. Motorscooters with automatic, 3-gear transmissions,
200c.c. endures and 600c.c. choppers are available. Jeeps built
in the Philippines are also offered to rent. Some allowance for
inconvenience are unreliability should be made. Reservations and
prices can be easily negotiated. A foreign driver’s licence is
acknowledged as valid for 6 weeks
You
can visit the Philippines for 21 days without a visa. Longer
stay visas are easily arranged before traveling.
For
traveling in the Philippines. We recommend “ Philippine Travel
Guide” by Jens Peters (840 pages, 16 color pages 175 maps, 200
illustrations, e-mail directory). Check also his comprehensive
website
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