The Philippines

Philippines - The second-largest archipelago in the world, with over 7000 islands, the Philippines is one of the great treasures of Southeast Asia. The archipelago is a string of coral-fringed islands strewn across a vast expanse of the western Pacific. Below sea level, the Philippines boast some of the world's best diving and snorkeling.
 
SeaQuest operates in the 'Visayas Region' the central part of the archipelago; this is the part of the country that fits the cliches of tropical paradise. The beaches are white and palm fringed, the sea is a mosaic of turquoise waters and the locals are friendly and are ever so keen to meet and greet you.
 
Long poised at the centre of Southeast Asian trade, colonized by a succession of world powers, the Philippines is a vivid tapestry that reflects its varied cultural inheritance. The majority of the population upholds the Christian faith, predominantly most are Roman Catholics.
 
The Philippines is very affordable by Western standards. Basic necessities are amazingly cheap. The unit of currency in the Philippines is the Peso (PHP)
 
The Filipinos themselves are very easygoing people. The people are well known for their warmth and friendliness. Throughout the archipelago they speak about eighty different dialects and you will always be able to find somebody who speaks English.
 
If in the worst case you feel like nobody really understands you, then remember this; In the Philippines patience and a smile will get you everything you need!

How to Prepare

We would like you to come fully prepared for a care free holiday. Of course we can't pack your bag for you but we can try to inform you about some things you need to be aware of BEFORE you get on the plane.
 
Visa: To enter the Philippines your passport has to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure. Upon arrival at the airport most nationalities are issued a visa for a stay of up to 21 days. If you want to stay longer than 21 days you will need to apply for a visa extension good for 59 days, this can be done ahead at the Philippine embassy in your home country or it can be done after arrival in the Philippines, at one of the immigration offices, based in Manila, Cebu and also Tagbilaran, Bohol. Make sure you have a roundtrip airline ticket, a one way ticket could cause a problem upon arrival, If you arrive without the correct documents the immigration officers at the airport could refuse you entrance into the country.
 
Vaccinations: Please check with your local doctors and specialist about possible vaccinations for this region advised in your home country. Malaria does not occur in our area's of operation.
 
Electricity: The electric current is 220 Voltage, 60 Hertz, and uses the American shaped plugs (US-norm connection). Adaptor-plugs come in handy. At our resorts we use universal outlets, so the western European 2 prone round plugs also fit. A flashlight will come in handy during your stay; it's always good to bring one. Mosquitoes and other bugs: The mosquitoes are most active at sunset. Different sorts of repellent are available in shops here but if you have a reliable brand at home we would advice you to bring your own. Although there are other tropical bugs here there are no dangerous or venomous ones. We do have a lot of Geckos (small lizards) here in the Philippines but they also come in handy because they are natural predators of the mosquito.
 
Laundry service: There is no need to bring plenty of clothes as SeaQuest can also take care of your dirty laundry. Just leave it at the reception of your resort and it will be delivered nice and fresh smelling the next day. Unless it rains, then it might take a day longer.
 
Communication: At all resorts it is possible to make domestic and international telephone calls. In Moalboal and Alona Beach we provide free WIFI service. So bring your laptop and you can check your email as much as you like.
 
Money: Payments on the spot at the resorts or dive centers can be made in Philippine Peso cash or US Dollar cash or EURO cash. The exchange rate will be the going rate of that day. The exchange rate is set by the resort and is not negotiable. In Moalboal and Bohol we accept the following credit cards: Visa and/or Mastercard, there is no extra surcharge for payments with creditcard. Please note that other creditcards are NOT accepted. We also accept Travelers Checks in US Dollar and in Euro.
 
At the international airports you could change some money, so that you have some Philippine pesos cash at hand. If you have a transfer arranged by us you could ask the driver to assist you once you are out of the airport.
 
When visiting Malapascua Island please keep in mind that there is no bank, no ATM and no money changers here. So be sure to bring enough cash to cover all your holiday needs. You could get money from an ATM machine before leaving Cebu City. Your transfer driver can assist you with this.
 
In Alona Beach, Bohol there is an ATM-machine, a bank and moneychangers available.
 
In Moalboal there is a bank but there is no ATM available.
 
When you arrive at the airport? Look for our representative/driver waiting to pick you up. He is easily identified holding a signboard with 'the name of your party'. If in the worst case you and the driver can't find each other then please call our head office for assistance.
 
Telephone details of our main office in Cebu
Tel nos.     : +63 (32) 232.6010 / 418.1550
Mobile no. :+63 (0915) 457.9412 
 
Porters: During your transfers everywhere you will find porters. These porters want to carry your luggage for a small payment. For some people this is very convenient other people get annoyed by it. Please keep in mind that if you would like to use a porter the cost is more or less 30 - 50 Peso per item, if you want to carry yourself just tell the porters to leave you alone and they will do so.
 
Transfer rates include the transfer of the guests, but not the possible overweight cost that need to be paid at the ferry check in or the porter costs if you decide to use this service and let someone else carry your luggage to and from the boat.
 
Upon leaving the Philippines you will need to pay a terminal fee at the airport:
At present the fee is Peso 750.00 for departing passengers from Manila airport.
At present the fee is Peso 550.00 for departing passengers from Cebu airport