Getting Here
Sandbar Divers
Our team friendly dive masters and highly skilled SCUBA guru’s can guide you to any or all of more that 30 magnificent dive sites in our custom dive boats. PADI courses from beginner to any level. Seasoned divers return often to us, knowing it’s the best scuba diving in Asia! If you don’t dive here you will miss a truly wonderful experience.
A 40ft Luxury catamaran is also available for day/ night charter.
To facilitate an effortless transfer we can arrange airport and Manila pick-up upon request.
Witness glorious sunrises and spectacular sunsets right here at Sandbar Divers
Where else would you rather be?
How to get here From Manila:
SI-Kat Bus/ Ferry (02)521-33-44 Leaves Manila to Batangas 08.00am, Arrive in Puerto Galera Pier: 12noon. Call Sandbar Divers 10 minutes before the ferry arrives and we will transfer you direct to the Sandbar.If you arrive at Batangas by other means there are several smaller boats (and bancas) servicing various beaches in Puerto Galera throughout the day. Taking your vehicle to Puerto Galera is possible via Star Light Ferry from Terminal 1, Batangas Pier. Have Copies of Certificate of Registration and LTO Official Receipt Fees for cars are in three categories: (Prices are one way) P 880.- for L300, 1,023 for closed four-wheel drives, 1,230.- for luxury cars. One driver is included, passengers are P100per. Prices may vary. Batangas Private Parking Private parking called D & D, is on the left side before entering Terminal III (between Landbank and Shell)
Travel Notes:
Visa: Valid passport (has to be valid for at least 6 months at the date of entry) for a 21-day stay. Tourist visas from 21 to 59 days are available at consulates and embassies. Visas can be extended at the Commission on Immigration in Manila or here in Puerto Galera. You have to have a valid return or onward ticket.
Currency Philippine Peso; 1 US$ = approx. 46 Pesos. (current exchange rate) We accept payments in any major currency as well as in Philppine Peso.
Language:
English is widely spoken in the Philippines. Sandbar Divers has Tagalog and German-speaking staff.
Electricity 220 Volt AC, 60Hz, US type outlet, You will need an adapter for European appliances
Vaccinations No mandatory vaccinations. (With the exception of yellow fever if you are coming from an infected area) Malaria prophylaxis is recommended only for a few islands (Palawan).
Traveler’s Checks:
Can be changed at Banks and “Money Changers” or in large hotels and resorts.
Exchange rates for traveler’s checks are usually 1-2 Pesos below the regular cash rate!
Credit Cards
VISA, Master cards and American Express are accepted only in large Resort and Hotels and in Tourist areas. Surcharges of up to 10% on credit card transactions are normal due to the lack of banking facilities in the rural areas. Some banks in Manila will give you cash advances on credit cards without surcharge. (Equitable Bank). Don’t rely on your credit card too much when traveling off the beaten track in the Philippines. Restaurants and small hotels will usually accept cash only! We do not accept any credit cards or checks. However there are places at the beach where money can be obtained by using credit cards or Travelers checks.
Weather:
Generally the weather is good year round. It is dry from December until mid-July, the rainy season from mid July to the end of August. Summer is from April to August. If you come here for the Diving, a 3mm suit will do from April to early December (28 degree water). In ‘Winter’ time (December to March), consider bringing a 5mm, or hooded vest under a 3mm suit (22-25 degree water).(current weather)
Seasons:
High season is traditionally late December to early May, although the area is busy at weekends throughout the year and during any Asian Holiday. The traditional low season, May and June, September and October often has the best weather and diving conditions. If you are considering a vacation during the major public holidays: Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Easter, book several weeks in advance for confirmation.
What to Bring:
Leave your winter clothes at home! The same thing holds true for formal wear (unless you plan to visit some fine dining restaurants in Manila. Beachwear is cheap and can be found virtually everywhere.
Bargain Buys Local handicraft items, clothing (You will find bargains on Brand Names in Manila up to 50% cheaper! )
Diving:See our Dive Center Page
Medical Facilities:
This is a brief overview of facilities and services available to you if you were taken sick or injured whilst on holiday.
Puerto Galera is full of adventure and fun, but it is a remote destination in terms of comprehensive medical care.
We have a full Emergency Assistance Plan in our resort that covers communication with other resorts, local hospitals and chambers. It also covers evacuation by sea and Air Force Helicopter.
We have a full O2 kit and first aid kits.
In Sabang:
There is one local doctor and most stores stock basic first aid supplies only. In Puerto Galera (5km from Sabang): There is one ‘lying in clinic’. This is a basic doctor’s surgery equipped with more comprehensive supplies & drugs than Sabang. Puerto Galera also has two pharmacies. In Batangas (30km from Sabang): Batangas is about one hour 30 minutes from Sabang by boat and does have at least one reasonable hospital ‘St. Patrick’s’ that is equipped with a full pharmacy, life support equipment and operating theatre.
In Manila (120km from Sabang):
Comprehensive medical care is available at St Lukes, Medical City, ‘Makati Medical Centre’ and ‘V. Luna Hospital’ / Chamber. This would be the most likely destination in the event of serious illness or injury. The hospitals provide ‘European standard’ of care.
Manila is about 3 hours by boat and ambulance or about 40 minutes by helicopter (allow 50 minutes for the helicopter to reach Sabang).
In Subic Bay (200km from Sabang):
The main operational re-compression chamber for the Philippines. Accessible by road, seaplane or helicopter. Allow a minimum of two hours from the moment of notification to reach the chamber.
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