PADI Philippines Trip!

[Coll]

Hi all!

My girlfriend and I are doing the PADI Travel trip to Dumaguette in a couple weeks and we can't wait!! I was wondering if anyone could give me any inside tips? What size wet suit should I bring for 4-5 dives a day? Should I carry US dollars or exchange? We're also spending two nights in Manila due to our flight schedule, are there any must sees there?

Thanks, any info would be greatly appreciated!!

~Coll

 

[FT]

Depends -- what have you worn in other very warm water? Shorties? 3 mm full suit? Not much more than that I would imagine if you are used to California waters, although some of the thin-blooded types who've done all their diving in the Phils start wearing vests and hoods to get through 4-5 dives a day.

You will need to use Philippine pesos for cash transactions. While in Manila, be sure to visit one of the few precious HSBC locations to take advantage of their generous fee-free ATM withdrawal limit (P40,000). Presuming you have told your bank you are travelling, verified what their foreign withdrawal fees and daily limits are. Check with your dive outfit whether they are going to apply a surcharge if you pay them by credit card. Several places won't say no to US cash, but it's random chance.

"Must sees" are personal and subjective so YMMV. Wandering Intramuros (independently or with a Carlos Celdran walking tour "Walk This Way") would be near the top of my list. I find the American War Cemetery moving. Loved shopping Greenhills and Tiendesitas.

 

[bvarn1]

Change money at the casino next to the airport in Manila. Resort World Manila casino gives you a good exchange rate.

 

[drbill]

When I was in Anilao last year, I dove with an old 3/2mm full suit and hooded vest. Bottom temperatures were between 84-88 F there. We were doing four dives a day with the longest dives over two hours each. I never felt cold.

I learned that one does NOT take traveler's checks to the PI. Cash or credit cards (preferably ones with no foreign transaction fees) are the way to go.

 

[Atlantis Dive Resorts]

Hi Coll,
We are looking forward to you and the rest of the PADI group staying with us.

If you'd like to send me an email I'll be happy to forward along our FAQ sheet and a tour flyer for Dumaguete. I'll double check with the DM's and see what the actually temps are right now. We average 74-79F between Jan and March usually.

Sharon
sharon.connor@atlantishotel.com