Kawayan Holiday Resort

Travel Tips

Shortly before your departure we would like to give you some useful hints for your arrival to us and about your stay at the Kawayan Holiday Resort. The information given here is based on experience and is subject to change at any time. Information provided without any guarantee.

Getting Here

You travel to the Philippines via either Manila or Cebu airport.

FROM CEBU: For the direct onward journey to Siquijor we recommend our charter flight which will take you directly to Siquijor in just 45 minutes. Siquijor has a small airport suitable for small planes. We are happy to organize the charter for you.

If you prefer to take a fast ferry to Siquijor, that too is possible. Ocean Jet travels once a day via Tagbilaran to Larena Siquijor. But this journey takes about 5 to 6 hours.

Another option is to travel by public bus (Ceres Liner) or by a van organized by us. The transfer time in this case is about 6 hours. This transfer we do use very rarely used and is organized only on request.

Hotel Tip: Book our charter flight. In 45 minutes directly to Siquijor.

FROM MANILA: From Manila, it is best to book a flight with either Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific Airline directly to Dumaguete. We recommend that you pre-book the flight on the Internet. The earlier you book the cheaper you can usually buy the tickets.

Hotel Tip: The Philippine Airlines or Cebu Paci fi c airline asking good money for excess baggage. Book the additional weight or additional luggage on the Internet. There it is much cheaper and so you do not incur high additional costs. The airlines are knitted.

Attention: Depending on the arrival time of the international flights, you may need to schedule one night in Manila or Cebu. In this case, organize a transport to the airport early enough. Your hotel will surely help you. Note your departure times the next day.

Climate

You travel to a country with a tropical climate. On average, the temperatures are in the pleasant range between 25 degrees at night and 35 degrees during the day.

A rainy season does not exist in this sense. It does not rain more and not less between June and October than from November to May. Only the wind direction changes in June from southwest to northeast until about the end of September.

From October to the end of May, the wind will then come from the northeast to the southwest. Accordingly, there is simply wind on the respective side of the island. In our case, the sea is almost like a big swimming pool and usually there is a slight cooling wind.

Water

In general, it is not recommended to drink the water in the Philippines directly from the faucet. Buy bottled water (NO PLASTIC).

Our resort is PLASTIC FREE since 2014. You will receive from us an aluminum bottle which you can refill at anytime, anywhere with fresh water. You can take the bottle home if you want.

Transportation

FROM AIRPORT: If you have booked your transfer through us, then we expect you in Dumaguete already at the exit of the airport building. We bring you safely and quickly to the pier with our van – travel time about 15 (fifteen) minutes. We will arrange for you tickets for the ferry to Siquijor.

If you organize your own transfer, you can either take a taxi or a tricycle for transport to Dumagute Pier. The estimated travel time is about 15 (fifteen) minutes.

Attention: Drivers usually charge usurious prices for arriving and unknowing tourists. Negotiate! Usually the transport to the pier costs a maximum of 100 (one hundred) pesos per person. It may happen that you are simply left behind by the quite arrogant tricycle driver if you do not want to pay the price they want. Tricycle drivers will play you wherever they have a chance – watch out!

FROM PIER: At the pier you have to buy the tickets for the ferry in the harbor building and then pay the harbor fee of 15 (fifteen) pesos. The most used ferries to Siquijor are Ocean Jet, GL Express 1 or 2, Jaylaan, Jaziel, Aleson or Montenegro.

Attention: On Saturdays no GL Express 1 and 2, all Jaylaan and Jaziel. You have to drive either with Ocean Jet, Aleson or Montenegro.

AB SIQUIJOR: The ferries usually take about 50 to 90 minutes to reach Siquijor. If you have booked a transfer, we expect you with our van at the exit of the port terminal. We will bring you directly to the Kawayan Holiday Resort. Travel time about 30 (thirty) minutes.

Without existing transfer booking, you can take a tricycle or a van at the pier to take you to the resort. Or simply rent a motorbike and drive to the resort.

Money

CASH: We recommend taking smaller notes with you. These can easily be exchanged locally in the local currency PH Pesos. Generally speaking, changing money in Manila, Cebu or Dumaguete is also possible with any other currency.

Attention: not recommended in Siquijor. Bad rate and poor availability.

We recommend:

Change a smaller amount as soon as possible so that you are ready for porter. They also charge around 20 (twenty) pesos per piece of luggage (porters try to pull you over the table whenever they can).

CARDS: Most ATM’s accept European debit, post and credit cards – especially in Manila, Cebu or Dumaguete. The cheapest is the use of the EC or Postcard. In any case, fees will be charged by the bank. For each time you can receive a maximum of 10’000 pesos. You can, however, refer several times – depending on the card you use.
Attention: In Siquijor there are two ATM’s that allow international cards (sometimes out of order). One can be found in the center of Siquijor and the others can be found in Larena.

CREDIT CARDS: Kawayan Holiday Resort accepts PayPal and the following credit cards: MasterCard and Visa.

Attention: The bank commission fee for payment with PayPal is 4%, credit card is 5%. Credit card under 10’000 pesos 7%.

BANK TRANSFER: Another payment option is the direct online transfer. Please bring with you the necessary data, numbers, cards, PIN’s. So you can do the transfer on the in the resort. Currencies: PESO, EURO, USD or CHF.
Attention: This payment option is only valid for transfers on site or in advance from home.

EXTRAS: For divers, government fees apply to Marine Protected Areas. They have to be paid in cash and in pesos directly from us. These fees must be forwarded to the appropriate organization.

At Kawayan Holiday Resort itself, you do not need cash during your stay. Consumption will be charged to you bill which you need to pay at the reception the evening before your departure. The hotel bill can be paid in cash in PESO, EURO, USD or CHF.

Currency

The Philippine Peso is the currency of Philippines. The currency code for Pesos is PHP, and the currency symbol is ₱. It is best to bring USD and then switch to Philippine Peso. Please use official sources like banks or exchange offices for this. Only if you are familiar with money changers on the street and you know the current exchange rate you can also use this source. With the necessary caution!

Mail Services

There are post office’s existing in the Philippines. However, it is not recommended to use them. In general, nothing works, even if you send something registered. Except that you pay more for it happens nothing.

For example: from Negros to Siquijor, registered letters take between 2 weeks and 3 months. For comparison, the boat has 45 minutes.

The same applies to delivery services. They are more reliable but slow. Their service is completely overpaid when considering how long the delivery takes.

Electricity Philippines

In the Philippines the standard voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances the voltage if is in between 220 – 240 V.

If the frequency 60 Hz differs from the one in your country, it is not advised to use your appliances. But if there is no voltage difference, you could (at your own risk) try to use the appliance for a short time.

Everywhere in the resort we have installed international power plugs and socket. Even two and three pins. Therefore you do not need an adapter. Except you use something that does not belong to the standard.

Clothing

We recommend you to bring light cotton clothes and comfortable open shoes “Slippers“. After a rain shower, it can feel a bit cooler (never below 25 degrees), maybe take a rain jacket and / or a light jacket for the evening.

Be Flexible

We always plan for delays and try not to get upset when things inevitably go wrong. Patience is extremely important when traveling!

Learn Common Phrases of the Local Language

A simple “Please,” “Thank you,” and “I’m sorry” in the local language goes a long way. I also like to learn the word for beer, but that’s just me.

Make a List

About a week or so before each trip, I make a mental list of items I don’t want to forget — which I WILL forget if I don’t write them down. I’ve learned that when I think of something, I need to write it down.

Don’t Forget an Extra Camera Battery (or Two)

Have you ever gotten to that epic sunset photo spot and realized your camera battery is dead and you don’t have a back up? I try to bring at least three camera batteries on all of our trips so that we don’t miss out on that perfect shot.

Always Buy Travel Insurance

A medical emergency can wipe out your savings — or even worse. We use and trust World Nomads for travel insurance.

Make Photocopies of Important Documents

Whenever possible, make a copy of your passport or other important travel documents before traveling. Important: keep them in a separate bag, away from your actual documents. Also very helpful are additional passport photos. It is even better if you secure the whole thing electronically on your mobile phone.

Pack Extra Underwear

Undies are small and it’s always a good idea to have a few extra pairs in case of emergencies. Another option is to pack these quick-dry underwear so you can easily wash them on the road.

Pre-plan Your Outfits

You are a lazy last minute packer? You have spent too many trips in black or gray outfits because you did not plan your outfits before packing? Should you then look at your photos taken during the holidays and wish that you would have put more effort into packing. Not only that. Of course, planning also helps to save space.

Bring Lotion in Your Carry-on

Fill both sides of the contact lens container with moisturizing lens agent. This is rarely offered in aircraft toilets. Aircraft cabins are exceptionally dry.

Put Your Room Number & Hotel Address in Your Phone

Even if you are the only one who can not remember the hotel room number? There must be others who are similar.

Ask The Locals

If you are on the road and you do not know exactly where you want to go. Please ask locals. They are very willing to give you information.

Let Someone at Home Know Your Plans

This is especially important when traveling alone. Surely it’s still a good idea if several people traveling together, no matter how many in your travel group