Packing, Travel, Resort Info, and Diving Tips
for the ScubaBoard SURGE 2024 to the Philippines
Well, we are getting closer to the SB SURGE 2024 to the Philippines!!!!!
I'm sharing some ideas and info
you’ll need to prepare for this adventure.
If you have great tips to share, feel free to add them to the thread below.
Any newly updated info will be added in GREEN to these 1st initial posts.
So you won't need to search for changing information!
General Travel Infofor the ScubaBoard SURGE 2024 to the Philippines
Well, we are getting closer to the SB SURGE 2024 to the Philippines!!!!!
I'm sharing some ideas and info
you’ll need to prepare for this adventure.
If you have great tips to share, feel free to add them to the thread below.
Any newly updated info will be added in GREEN to these 1st initial posts.
So you won't need to search for changing information!
Anytime you are traveling outside of your normal area and country.
For our Canadian Crew, please follow through with your country's resources.
Resources for US citizens.
CDC Destinations/Travelers Health Info
STEP Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
Add this info to your phone or papers in case of an emergency.
US Embassy Info
U.S. Embassy Manila
1201 Roxas Boulevard
Manila, Philippines 1000
Telephone+(63) 2 5301-2000 Emergency+(63) 2 5301-2000 Fax+(63) 2 5301-2017 Email ACSInfoManila@state.gov
Website U.S. Embassy Manila
If you have any health or medication questions concerning travel or destinations, please check with your doctor. Don't rely on anyone else's opinion.
Interesting Links on The Philippines
Philippines Tourism
A History of the Philippines
Maps of The Philippines
Travel Checklist
I have a travel checklist that I keep on file and print out for each trip. Create your own master list, save it and you'll always have a packing list to print out and check off for all your future trips.
It's also a good thing to start thinking about packing early, in case anything needs to be serviced, repaired, or ordered before you go.
Essential Items
Passports (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry-on)
Driver’s License or if you don’t have one, some other form of picture ID.
Diving Certification Cards (I also make a copy of it and put it in my carry-on)
DAN, Diving, and Health Insurance Cards
All Resort Accommodations, Inter-island Airfare, and Itinerary confirmations have been emailed out from the resort. Please make a paper copy in addition to the email to keep with you.
ScubaBoard Waiver, All waivers have been emailed out for E signatures.
Cell Phone Service
Check with your provider for available services on your mobile plan.
Alternate ways to call home.
Facebook and Instagram, you can voice or video chat through the messenger.
Skype to Skype is free or Skype to a toll-free number is free, or you can add money to your account like a calling card to call.
Zoom
and WhatsApp is still widely used outside of the US.
Credit Cards, ATMs, and Cash
The local currency is the Philippines Peso (Php) and Atlantis accepts cash, both US and PHP, VISA, MASTERCARD, or AMERICAN EXPRESS. Personal charges, resort gift shops, rentals, spas, and excursion purchases are billed in pesos. Payments can be made using either cash or credit cards. All major currencies are accepted (based on the daily exchange rate), but the change due will be given in pesos only. They do not offer foreign exchange services at the resorts. There are no resort charges for using credit cards for services and/or purchases, though your credit card may charge a foreign transaction fee.
Please note: We cannot provide cash advances on credit cards and we cannot process tips/gratuities by credit card. (TIPS are Cash only) USD cash may be accepted at some local establishments.
As of today, 10/21/23
1.00 US Dollar = 56.750181 Philippine Pesos
1 PHP = 0.0176211 USD
Visit www.xe.com for current exchange rates.
Prescription Medication (always keep it in the prescription bottle it came in along with your name on it) Bring a few days extra supply in case you have travel delays along the way.
Over-the-counter medications and first aid items that you may need.
Please keep in mind, that many items are not readily available.
Especially allergy medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction. I have a med pack for traveling with items such as band aides, sports wraps, Benadryl, Imodium, Advil, bug bite cream, etc. No aerosols.
N-19 Masks and Hand Sanitizer COVID-19, RSV, and the FLU are still with us and you should always have protection when needed.
Refillable Water Bottles for each person in your party
Tap water in the rooms is not safe for drinking or brushing your teeth.
It's also a good rule to avoid ice as it can be prone to bacteria. Always wipe the water or moisture from the tops of cans and bottles before opening.
Sunscreen (Try to use products if possible for the coral reefs' health)
I found this wonderful line of reef-safe products Stream2Sea | EcoConscious & Biodegradable Sunscreen. They also have a line of mask defog, shampoo, body wash, etc.
Sunglasses and an extra cheap pair for the boat (polarized are better for gazing into the water)
Hats
Bug spray (Insect repellent is recommended.) FYI, They do have some available in the gift shops.
Near sunset and sunrise are the worst times for mosquitoes and no-see-ums. Here are a few products. Here's a comparison of the Best Insect Repellants for Noseeums. Also, keep in mind, that Noseeums are attracted to darker clothing.
Always remember not to leave your room door open or you may invite them into your room.
FYI Gardeners Tip, Did you know that if you put soap on a bite right away, leave it on, and don't rub or scratch it, many times it will alleviate the itch and swelling? So, I usually carry a small handy bottle with me.
Woolite or those all-in-one washer sheets if you plan on washing the funk off your clothes or dive wear in the sink/tub. Don't forget some close pins and lightweight rope too. They help when hanging items up for drying. There’s also laundry service at both resorts.
A light jacket, it goes on the plane with me as well. (Many of the airports and sometimes the planes can be very cold.)
Tennis Shoes if you're planning on going on inland Island excursions and also great to protect your feet from injury while traveling.