Visa:
In order for travel to the Philippines, you need a valid current passport.  You can remain here for a 21 day visit.  Your stay may be extended up to 2 months at a time using a local travel agent or the immigration office.  A travel agent requires 1 to 2 weeks to process your paperwork, the immigration office is the same day service.

Health:
Immunizations are not required to enter the Philippines.  It is recommended that current vacines to include Hepitatus A, Typhoid, and Tetanus be taken prior to your travel.

Money:
The main currency in the Philippines is the Peso.  United States dollars and US travelers checks as well as the Euro are also accepted.  It is advisable to carry pesos with you for payment of items like a taxi cab, food bill, or small purchases you may obtain.  There is now an ATM machine here in Sipalay but only for local bank cards. The nearest ATM machine that you can withdraw funds from using your credit card VISA and MASTER CARD is the BDO and the PNB bank in Kabankalan.
But here at ARTISTIC DIVING, we do also accept credit cards.

Shopping:
Sipalay has a large outdoor shopping market, a meat and seafood market and a fresh vegetable market.  It is advisable to bring any special items that you may need with you.  Examples are batteries for your cell phone, camera, camcorder, and dive light.  The larger cities have department stores, movies, and malls.

Communication:
Sipalay has capibilities of GSM mobile phones for telecommunications and text.  In order to use your mobile phone, you must install the International Roaming service through your own telecommunication provider.  Currently there are facilities for internet and GSM  communication right at our resort.

Electricial:
The electricial power supply is 220 volts AC with a 60 Hertz cycle.  If you do not have the correct charger for your equipment, you may encounter problems with charging.

Climate:
From November through June is the ideal time to schedule your vacation.  The average tempreature ranges from 72*F to 85*F during this timeframe.  October through July begins the rainy season accompined by high winds.

Diving:
There are over 40 excellent dive sights located just minutes by boat from the Resort.  Special dive safari trips to Turtle or Danjugan Island can be arranged.  These Islands are marine reserves and offer outstanding marine life and beautiful photography opportunities.

Emergency Plan:
Sipalay has local doctor’s offices that can handle medical emergencies and routine medicine.  Ambulance service is available 24 hours a day for transportation to Riverside hospital in Bacolod.  The nearest decompression chamber is located in Cebu.

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