About The Philippines, Vacation and Travel Tips

Malapascua Island's

For some of the best diving in The Philippines

The Philippines

Travel Tips Safety

During your Philippine holiday you will discover one of the most beautiful and friendly countries in the world. There are very few tourists so you can enjoy this amazing country without the crowds. Everywhere you go, locals will be smiling, laughing and genuinely wanting to be your friend. It really is the undiscovered jewel of South-East Asia.

History

Spain first laid claim to the 7,100 islands of the Philippines in 1511 and named them for King Philip II of Spain. England briefly occupied the islands from 1762-3, and the US laid claim in 1898. Japan took over during WWII, and independence was finally granted in 1946. It has been a politically turbulent country ever since.

US occupation left the legacy of the English tongue, Marlboro cigarettes and basketball. English is widely spoken throughout the country although the main language of Malapascua is Visayan (Cebuano).

Is it safe?

The Philippines has received a lot of bad publicity over the years and some people think it is unsafe to visit. This image is based on only a few isolated events and does not reflect the whole country. Filipinos are mostly devout Catholics due to the Spanish influence and Muslims are a small minority, the extremists smaller still.

The Philippines is generally very safe and the only place to avoid is Mindanao in the far south - an isolated area far away from Malapascua. Cebu itself is populated by very Catholic, very friendly, Filipinos. You will have much more chance of coming across danger in any major Western city. We can assure you that Cebu is one of the safest places we have ever traveled and even the taxi driver are (mostly) honest. (Quick tip: Make sure you ask them for "Meter" to avoid any problems.)

As with anywhere, keep your belongings and money in a secure place, although theft is not a big problem in Cebu. Tourists are not a target for the thieves in the way they are, for instance, in Thailand. Nevertheless, use hotel safes, and be careful when leaving money and cameras in your room. Do not leave anything outside your room at night.

Find out about Malapascua.

Travel Tips: What you should know before coming

Money

The currency of the Philippines is the peso. The rate is around 42 pesos to the US dollar, 90 pesos to the pound and 60 pesos to the euro. There are several places to change money on Malapascua including Thresher Shark Divers. However, none of us are licensed money changers, so we are not guaranteed to have pesos especially in low season. The rate of exchange in Malapascua is poor and it can be difficult to change travelers checks. You may have trouble using travelers checks and credit cards outside the main cities. When in doubt, always take enough cash. US$ will usually be okay. Transaction fees for credit cards and travelers' checks are very high in the Philippines and it is usual for the businesses to pass on their costs to you.

Cash: US$ cash is easiest to change on the island. However, it is best to get pesos in Cebu. You can change money at some banks (PCI Equitable and Metrobank),or money changers in the shopping malls (SM, Ayala or Robinson's). You can also withdraw cash through an ATM bank machine. There is one at the airport. If you are getting a taxi or transfer to Malapascua, just ask your driver to stop at an ATM machine. Citibank and HSBC right outside Ayala will let you draw out P15-20,000 at a time, but they are in the opposite direction from the airport if you are coming directly. At other banks each allowed withdrawal may be much less and you will have to make multiple withdrawals paying multiple transaction fees. There are no ATMs in Malapascua. The nearest ATM is in Bogo, over an hour away. If you are worried about bringing a lot of cash, you can leave it in our safe.

Travelers checks: Travelers' checks can be difficult to change in the Philippines. There is an American Express office at the Ayala shopping mall in Cebu City. Anywhere else, the exchange rate may be high. The PCI Equitable Bank near SM shopping mall will change $200 of travelers checks per day. Travelers checks are more difficult to change on Malapascua although you may be able to use them in payment.

Credit cards: Be prepared for very high transaction charges - up to 10% and more.

Living costs are very low on Malapascua. Accommodation ranges from $7 to $100+ a day - average is $25 for a room with private bathroom and fan. Food on Malapascua is fantastic and fairly inexpensive. You will probably spend $4 - $10+ a day for food. Beer costs 50 pesos (US$1.20), and the local alcoholic hard stuff is Tanduay Rum and Coke which costs around the same.

Thresher Shark Divers Payment: We accept payment in Pesos, US$, Euros, Pound Sterling, and other major currencies. We also take credit cards, travelers checks and internet bank transfer. You can pay in advance using bank transfer. Another option is to make a credit card ATM withdrawal on departure. Transaction fees will be charged for travelers checks and credit cards. We offer limited money changing services.

Visas

A free 21 day tourist visa is standard on arrival in the Philippines for most nationalities. It is possible to get a 2 month visa at a Philippine embassy abroad before coming, or to extend your 21 day stay to two months at immigration in Cebu, Manila, or Tagbilaran. After 2 months you can extend your visa every two months for up to a year.

Get more information from the Philippine government web site and Columbus World Travel Guide.

Health

There are few health related problems on Malapascua among tourists. Bottled drinking water is available everywhere on the island and we provide cheap refills to cut down on the environmental impact of plastic bottles.

There is no malaria on Malapascua. The mosquito borne disease dengue fever is around, but it is rarely caught by tourists. Even so, it wise to avoid mosquito bites and cover up or use repellant. We have found, apart from the more poisonous DEET-based products, that Jungle Juice, Avon Skin-so-Soft and plain antiseptic soap work well. A tiny pot of Tiger Balm is great to take away that itch if you do get bitten.

There is no doctor on Malapascua. Basic medications, including antibiotics, are usually available although it is always a good idea to carry a basic first aid kit. Of course we have a first aid kit in the dive shop and on the boat.

The nearest hospital is in Daan Bantayan, which is on the mainland and takes about an hour to reach. The nearest recompression chamber is in Cebu and helicopter evacuation is available if necessary. Read more about your diving safety at Thresher Shark Divers.

If you are thinking of taking a PADI diving course and have any pre-existing medical conditions, please click here.

Communication

Cell phone: SIM cards are widely available in Cebu for mobile phones. Globe is best for Malapascua. You can place local and international phone calls at Thresher Shark Divers.

Internet: Thresher Shark Divers plans to offer internet access soon.

Electricity

The Philippines uses USA style plugs - flat, vertical two pin plugs. Its voltage is different from the US - 220v at 60Hz. Be sure to bring an adapter if one isn't built into your appliance. We have voltage converters at Thresher Shark Divers, so if you have strobes, torches, camera batteries etc. that need charging, you can do this in the dive shop.

Women Travelers

The Philippines is very safe for women travelers, although of course you should always use a reasonable degree of caution. As with most other places in South-East Asia, it is best to cover up when not on the beach.

There is rarely toilet tissue or water in public toilets so take your own. Tampons are very hard to find, so bring a sufficient supply. You may be able to find them at some of the pharmacies in the bigger shopping malls in Cebu (Rose Pharmacy is best).

Find out

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