When to go
Due to the flight connections from Europe, most itineraries require a stopover in Manila on the outward journey.
Getting there
There are daily flights to Manila with a number of airlines via their respective hub. The total flight time from London is about 15 hours, excluding the connection time in the respective hub cities. From the domestic terminal at Manila airport you need to catch a 1-hour flight to Busuanga, where you will be met by a representative of Sangat Island Reseve. Following a 45 min. drive through the Busuanga Island forest to Coron Bay, a private boat will take you on a 45 min. crossing to Sangat Island. Entry Requirements
For stays of up to 21 days, most European community nationals require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of arrival, as well as a return ticket.
Local Airport Tax
The international departure tax is P750, payable at Manila airport.
Baggage Allowance
20kg per person, but we can request additional 10kg for dive equipment on most airlines if required.
Language
The national language is Filipino, which is based on the language of Tagalog, and there are at least one or two dialects spoken in every region. The Philippines is currently the third-largest English speaking country in the world and English is both spoken and understood throughout the country.
Money
The official currency is the Philippine Peso. Most foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorised foreign exchange dealers. Traveller's cheques are widely accepted, as are all major credit cards. However, outside of Manila and apart from credit cards, the Philippine Peso is the preferred and recommended form of payment. Sangat Island Reserve does accept major credit cards, as well as major currencies such as Euro or US Dollar.
Health
There are no vaccinations required to enter the Philippines. Even though the Philippines is a tropical country with some of the usual tropical diseases, it is unlikely that with a few basic precautions you will experience anymore than maybe jetlag, an upset stomach or a sunburn.
The climate around Sangat Island, and in fact most of the Philippines, is tropical with an average water temperature of 26șC. From April to June it is generally hot and dry (30-37șC), the coolest but generally dry season runs from October till March (25șC), while July to September is considered the wet season with the chance of monsoonal rain and typhoons.
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