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 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 issue a visa for a stay up to 31 days. If you want to stay longer than 31 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 at arrival in the Philippines at one of the immigration offices based in Manila an Cebu.
Make sure you have a round trip airline ticket. A one way ticket may cause a problem with immigration upon arrival.
If you arrive without the correct documents the immigration officers at the airport will refuse your entrance into the country.
Vaccinations
Please check with your local doctors and specialist for possible vaccinations for this region advised in your home country. Malaria does not occur in our areas of operation.
Electricity
The electric current is 220 Voltage, 60 Hertz, and uses the American shaped plugs (US-norm connection). Adapter-plugs come in handy. In our resorts we use universal outlets so that the western European 2 prone round plugs will also fit. A flashlight will come in handy during your stay; it’s always good to bring one.
Mosquitos 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 advise you to bring those. 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 because Malapascu Legend Resort and most other resorts can take care of your dirty laundry. Just leave it at the front desk and it will be delivered nice and fresh smelling the same or next day.
Communication
At all resorts it is possible to make domestic and international telephone calls. In the dive shop we provide free Wi-Fi service. So bring your laptop or android phone and you can check your e-mail as much as you like while relaxing in one of our many beanbags or lounge seats.
Money
On Malapascua island there are no banks and no ATM Machines! Most establishments will accept credit cards but usually charge an additional percentage %.
Most places appreciate it if you could pay cash on the spot. Most resorts or dive centers accept Philippine Peso cash or US Dollar cash or EURO cash. The exchange rate will be the going rate of that day less 5%. The exchange rate is set by the resort and is not negotiable. We also accept the following credit cards: Visa and/or MasterCard. There is an additional surcharge of 5% for payments with credit card. Please note that other credit cards are NOT accepted.
At the International airport there are money changers. You could change some foreign cash there so that you have some Philippine pesos cash at hand.
At the airport you can also use the ATM-Machines available there. The ATM machines can be found at the arrival hall, just after customs. And as a second option there are also ATM machines at the Departure area of the airport. That’s one level up from the arrival area. It could be a good idea to check with your bank at home to inquire about how much cash you can take out per day and what bank gives out the highest amount to your ATM card. If You have arranged a transfer pick up by us or by yourself you could also ask the driver to pass by an ATM on the way to Maya pier.
Arriving at the airport and onward to Malapascua
Upon arriving in at the airport in Cebu after immigration and picking up of the luggage you walk out of the arrival hall. Once outside, there is a fenced area and behind the fences are the representatives waiting to pick up their guests. Also the Devocean Divers representative will be there bearing a signage with your name on it. Once you have met the representative he/she shall call the car that is parked in the designated waiting area. It might take a few more minutes for the car/van to arrive. So just be patient, it can be very hectic there but rest assure there is a car/van coming!
If in the worst case, you and the representative or you can’t find each other than please proceed to call us on the numbers mentioned below for further assistance.
When the car/van arrives to pick you up the driver will assist you with your luggage. Be aware there are always people very quick and willing to assist you. Be warned! as all these helpful people will expect a cash tip if you let them assist you. it’s better to ask them to leave you alone and just wait with your bags on your trolley until the driver is there.
Once you are in the car and start driving you can request the driver to stop at an ATM in needed or at a mini market/petrol station or even a ‘fast-food’ restaurant for some snacks or a quick bite to eat. The drive will take more or less 3 hours depending on traffic on the road so don’t delay too much. There is also options to stop and eat half way in Bogo town. There is also ATM’s and a Mac Donald’s there.
The driver is at your service so if you want to stop for a break or anything else just ask him. What’s also very important! – the air conditioner. Please instruct the driver to adjust the temperature to your preference. Be careful not to catch an air conditioner cold. That could potentially keep you out of the water! let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.
The Maya warf/pier, is actually a small ‘man made’ beach with big boulders and rocks on it. This is where you will transfer to the outrigger boat. Depending on the tide, you will have to make use of a small wooden boot that brings you and your luggage to the bigger outrigger boat. Attention! .. you might have to get your feet wet when getting onto the boat.
When arriving at Malapascua island if the tide is low you need to transfer from the outrigger boat to a smaller speedboat that will ferry you ashore. Also here you might get wet feet when getting of the speedboat onto the beach.
Should you encounter any difficulty during your transfer to your destination and if there is anything we can do for you?
Please reach us on the following telephone number.
(+63) 9173225161 Secretary
(+63) 9062557391 Manager
Upon arriving on the beach of Malapascua somebody from Devocean Divers will be there to greet you and escort you to the resort. See you in Malapascua!
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 others get annoyed by it. Please keep in mind that if you would like to use a porter the cost is more or less 20 peso per item. If you want to carry it by yourself just tell the porters to leave you alone and they will do so.
Transfers
Transfer rates include the transfer of the guest 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 porter services and let someone else carry your luggage at the airport then you need to pay that yourself.
Terminal fee
Airport: Upon leaving the Philippines you will need to pay a terminal fee at the airport. At present the fee is Peso 750.00 per person for departing passengers from Manila and Cebu Airport.
