ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO EL NIDO, PALAWAN
TAKE 2 MINUTES TO LEARN A LITTLE BIT WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN GOING TO EL NIDO, PALAWAN, FOR SCUBA DIVING. ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, SAFETY - IT's GOOD TO BE PREPARED.
ARE THERE ANY HEALTH CONCERNS WHEN GOING TO EL NIDO?
YES THERE ARE SOME MAYOR CONCERNS
- "Stomach-flu" is a major problem
- It can be e-coli bacteria, Noro-Virus or even parasites
- 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
DIVING 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 student and certified 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.
WHAT IS DANGEROUS WHEN TRAVELLING IN PALAWAN?
CAREFUL ON THE ROADS
- Accidents do happen
- Wear helmets and boots
- Tell van drivers to slow down
- Expect the unexpected at day and night
DENGUE CAN BE AN ISSUE IN RAINY SEASON
- Use mosquito repellant + nets if available
THERE IS NO HIGHER RISK OF GETTING ROBBED OR IN A DISPUTE THAN IN ANY OTHER PLACE
HOW TO PAY AND GET MONEY IN EL NIDO, PALAWAN?
- THE CASH PROBLEM IS SOLVED
- There are more than 10 ATMs available nowadays
- 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
Tabanka Scuba Diving Inc
Lugadia Beach, Brgy Corong Corong
5313 El Nido - Palawan - Philippines
+63 (0) 905 2253464 + info@tabanka-divers.com