Travel Tips

The tropical climate of the Philippines is characterized by high humidity and year-round warm temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees. While it can be a bit drier inland, the coasts have a typical island climate. Depending on the region and time of year you can experience everything from refreshing sea breezes to short, intense showers.

Our climate is characterized by remarkable consistency. There is no distinct rainy season and temperatures also fluctuate only slightly. The only significant change is the wind direction, which reverses twice a year. From June to September, when there is more rain, the wind blows from the southwest, while from October to May, when it is drier, it comes from the northeast. These winds hardly affect the weather, but simply provide a pleasant breeze on the respective side of the island.

Due to low rainfall from December to June, our island may experience limited water supply. We kindly request that you reduce your water consumption during your stay. Every drop counts, whether it's while showering, brushing your teeth, or washing dishes.

Our resort has its own water supply to ensure a certain degree of independence even during dry months. However, it may happen that the garden or lawn grows less luxuriantly during these times.

Drinking Water:
For health reasons, we recommend that you do not drink tap water. Instead, we are happy to provide you with fresh drinking water in our aluminum bottles at any time, free of charge. You can refill these as often as you like during your stay and even take them home with you.

Plastic-Free:
Our resort has been consistently plastic-free since 2014. With this initiative, we want to make a contribution to environmental protection and conserve our island's valuable resources. We ask you to support us in this and to avoid purchasing single-use plastic bottles.

From the Airport:

Comfortable Transfer: Have you booked a transfer with us? Our driver will be waiting for you at the exit with a nameplate and take you to the pier in our air-conditioned minivan (approx. 20 - 30 minutes). We will also arrange your ferry tickets.

Flexible Travel: Are you organizing your own transfer? Taxis and tricycles are available at the airport. The journey to the pier takes about 20 - 30 minutes.

Beware of Overcharging! Unfortunately, tourists are often targets for scams. Tricycle drivers, in particular, often charge exorbitant prices, especially in busy places like piers.Be sure to negotiate! A fair price for a ride to the pier is usually no more than 100-120 Pesos per person.Stay calm: Don't let arrogant drivers pressure you. If they don't accept your fair price, simply switch to another tricycle.Document everything: Take a photo of the tricycle license number in case you are cheated. With this information, you can file a complaint with the relevant authorities.

From the Pier: Once you arrive at the pier, please go to the port building. There you can purchase your ferry tickets. Afterwards, a port fee of 15 Pesos must be paid at a separate counter.Our recommendation: For a quick and comfortable crossing to Siquijor, we recommend the Ocean Jet fast ferry. The journey takes only about 40 minutes.Other ferry connections: In addition to Ocean Jet, other ferry companies such as Aleson and Montenegro are also available.

From Siquijor: The crossing to Siquijor usually takes between 40-90 minutes. With our transfer service, we will pick you up at the port and take you directly to the Kawayan Holiday Resort (approx. 30 minutes drive).Without a transfer: At the port, you can rent a tricycle, motorbike, or van.

Cash:

Recommendation: Bring smaller US dollar bills. These can be exchanged locally for the Philippine Peso (PHP).
Money Exchange: Numerous exchange offices can be found in larger cities like Manila, Cebu, and Dumaguete.
Siquijor: Avoid exchanging money in Siquijor. Poor rates and limited availability are the norm.
Arrival: Exchange a smaller amount immediately after your arrival to be prepared for airport transfers or porters.
Porters: Expect to pay around 20 PHP per piece of luggage. Be cautious, as some may try to charge more.

Cash Withdrawals in the Philippines:

Card Acceptance: Most ATMs in the Philippines, especially in larger cities like Manila, Cebu, and Dumaguete, accept common European EC, post, and credit cards for cash withdrawals. Using your EC or post card is usually the most cost-effective.Fees: Please note that your bank typically charges a fee for each withdrawal. Please inquire about the current terms and conditions with your bank in advance.
Withdrawal Amount: The maximum cash amount per withdrawal is usually 10,000 Pesos. Depending on your card and bank, you may be able to withdraw multiple times per day.
Siquijor: There are only a few ATMs on the island of Siquijor that accept international cards. These are located in Siquijor, San Juan and Larena. Please note that these ATMs may occasionally be out of order.

Additional Information:

Marine Conservation Fees:
For divers, additional government fees between 100 and 300 Pesos apply.
Please pay in cash in PESO on site.
These fees are forwarded directly to the responsible authority.

Payment Options in the Resort:

Cashless during your stay: Post your expenses during your stay to your room bill.
Settlement: Settle your total bill 24 hrs. before check out.
Cash Accepted currencies: PESO, EURO, USD, CHF
Advance Transfer: Transfer an certain amount conveniently from home to your personal wallet. Please contact us for the account details.
Immediate Bank Transfer: Bank transfer 24 hours before your check-out.
Wise: Bank transfer 24 hours before your check-out or Wise to Wise.
Revolut: Bank transfer 24 hours before your check-out or Revolut to Revolut.
PayPal: PayPal to PayPal
Credit Card: Credit card payment is only possible online via PayPal, which accepts all major credit cards.

The Philippine peso is the national currency of the Philippines. The currency code for pesos is PHP, and the currency symbol is ₱. It's best to bring USD with you and then exchange it for Philippine pesos on site. Please use official sources such as banks or exchange offices. Only if you are familiar with money changers on the street and know the current exchange rate can you use this source. With the necessary caution!

Unfortunately, the postal service in the Philippines is anything but reliable. Even for registered letters, it's common to pay a lot, receive little, and often with extremely long delays. Whether within the Philippines or abroad, delivery can take weeks to months.

Example: A simple registered letter from Dumaguete to Siquijor often takes two to three weeks. This is absurd when you consider that the ferry ride is only 45 minutes and a car ride from Siquijor to us takes a maximum of 30 minutes.

Private delivery services, while somewhat more reliable, are still significantly too slow and overpriced for the service offered.

Conclusion: If you want to send something quickly and reliably in the Philippines, it's best to avoid the postal service or private delivery services. Alternative solutions like personal delivery or couriers are often the better choice.

In the Philippines, the standard voltage is 220V with a frequency of 60Hz. Most European devices designed for a voltage range of 220-240V can be used here without any issues.

Please note: The different frequency (60Hz instead of 50Hz in Europe) may lead to reduced performance or faster wear and tear in some devices. Therefore, we recommend checking if your device is suitable for such a frequency range before your trip.

Good news: In our resort, you will find a variety of international power outlets, so you usually won't need an additional adapter.

Power Outages: Unfortunately, power outages are common in the Philippines, especially on Siquijor. However, we have our own backup generator and a solar system that is constantly being expanded, to ensure that you have power at all times.

Additional Notes:

Special Devices: For special or older devices, we still recommend using a voltage converter or a travel adapter with surge protection.
Valuable Devices: Especially sensitive or valuable devices should not be left connected during a power outage.
Device Information: The exact voltage and frequency requirements can be found in your device's user manual.

Dress code: Enjoy your stay in a casual-elegant atmosphere. Swimwear is only permitted at the pool or diving center. In all other areas, we kindly request that you wear appropriate attire. Light clothing is preferred, especially in the restaurant and bar, particularly during meal times.

Weather tips: Our tropical climate will treat you to warm temperatures. Pack light cotton clothing and comfortable open-toed shoes. After a brief shower, it can become slightly cooler (never below 25 degrees Celsius). A light jacket or rain jacket is therefore recommended. A gentle breeze also provides pleasant cooling. During calm periods, we recommend seeking shade or the pool.