MUST KNOW BEFORE GOING TO PALAWAN

Useful tips about your safety, health and how to pay in EL Nido


KEEP IN MIND WHEN GOING TO EL NIDO

  • "Stomach-flu" is a very common problem
  • It can be caused by e-coli bacteria, Noro-Virus or Amoeba
  • SO DON'T drink tap-water, ice-cubes, careful with wet dishes...
  • WASH YOUR HANDS especially at airports, hostels, restaurants
  • Careful with strong AC when travelling in Vans
  • Pharmacy is in walking distance to Tabanka Divers

THERE IS ONLY BASIC MEDICAL SUPPORT IN EL NIDO

  • Serious conditions require evacuation
  • Nearest Hospital is in Puerto Princesa (6 hours!)
  • There is NO MALARIA reported in El Nido but southern Palawan
  • Be aware of Dengue Fever especially in rainy season
  • Use Mosquito repellant
  • Hold a dive accident insurance or travel insurance that covers recreational  scuba diving
  • The nearest recompression chamber is in Manila


WHAT IS DANGEROUS IN PALAWAN?

ROADS

  • Accidents do happen
  • Wear helmets and boots
  • Tell your van driver to slow down
  • Expect the unexpected at day and night

DENGUE & INSECTS

  • Use mosquito repellant, long pants at sunset time + nets
  • Dengue is mostly an issue in rainy season (June - December)
  • NicNic (Sandflies) can disturb you at Nacpan, Dulie and also Lio beach

SNAKES

  • King Cobra are are rarely seen near town

JELLY FISH,  STONE FISH, SEA URGENT

  • Yes, they do live in the sea and you should be aware of them when walking in shallow water

HOW TO PAY?

  • There are more than 10 ATMs available nowadays
  • Avoid EURONET ATM, those are scam mashines
  • We recommend using official Banks like BPI (near Bus Terminal and in town) or Metrobank (at Vanilla Beach and in Town) to avoid hidden ATM fees
  • There are several money changer also near Tabanka Divers
  • There are several branches of Palawan Pawn Shops and MLHullier
  • There is also Western Union available at MLHullier

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS

  • Not many restaurants or tour operators accept card payments
  • Often there are additional fees around 6% for card payments

HOW MUCH CASH SHOULD WE BRING?

  • Enough to pay your diving hahaha
  • We accept all foreign currencies - no problem
  • Travelling is as safe as in any other country - just use common sense
  • Exchange rates at Manila Airport are usually better than in rural areas

GET WISE OR REVOLUT FOR INTERNATIONAL BANK TRANSFER FOR LOWEST FEES


DIVE INSURANCE

A Dive and Travel insurance is not mandatory in the Philippines. But remember: as a diver you are not automatically covered by your Instructors or Dive Shops' Policy. We recommend every diver: check if your travel insurance covers recreational scuba diving. If not: look into DAN or DiveAssure beside other insurance plans. It's worth it.


Tabanka Scuba Diving Inc

Lugadia Beach, Brgy Corong Corong

5313 El Nido - Palawan - Philippines

+63 (0) 905 2253464 + info@tabanka-divers.com