• On the whole there is excellent weather all year round with minimal risk of typhoons during the summer months.
• The hottest time of year is May to August, the ‘coolest’ time December to February. "High season" is traditionally late December to early May, although the area is busy at weekends throughout the year and during any Asian Holiday.
• For accommodation at Christmas, Chinese New Year and Easter, book well in advance.
• For an up to date weather report just follow this link.

• Cash Pesos or US Dollars are the preferred way to pay, but we will consider other common currencies in cash also.
• US Dollar traveler’s cheques are probably the safest way to carry money – they can be cashed at the tourist center found in the highstreet in Sabang.
• We also accept VISA & MasterCard. A 6% service charge will be added for transactions of this type.

• English is widely spoken in the Philippines. Just remember to speak slowly and clearly, smiling goes a long way in this country too!
• Puerto Galera has come a long way over the years and now has several cellphone networks as well as landlines. Internet cafes are all over the town and here in the resort we offer free wireless internet for those that bring their own laptop computers and want to stay in touch.

 Health and Medicine

• There is no malaria in the area, but innoculations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio, Tetanus and Dengue Fever are recommended, always check with your doctor before you travel to any Asian country.
• Bring high factor (SPF30) sun creams and insect repellent (both are also available locally).
• Taking Vitamin B complex during your stay is a good way to prevent mosquito bites. The best protection from mosquito-born illnesses is not to get bitten!
• It's rare that you will need to put on more than shorts and a t-shirt so repellents and sun protection are advisable.

 How to get to Puerto Galera?

• Puerto Galera is only 3 to 3.5 hour journey from Manila International Airport. Once at the airport we can arrange a private pickup for you or we can assist you in your public transfer. Click here to view the many options available.

• Visitors from most Western Countries including Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand are granted a 21-day stay on arrival. Other nationals are required to produce a tourist visa and should contact your local Philippine consulate for more details. Check the Philippine_Immigration website for up-to-date information. If you intend staying more than 21 days sometimes it is better to get a 59-day visa before you depart from your home country. It is relatively easy and inexpensive to arrange visa extensions in Batangas Bureau of Immigration however. We will be able to advise you upon your arrival.

• Big Apple Dive Resort with 28 well equipped cottages. For more info about rooms please click here

• On the whole, we have excellent weather all year round with minimal risk of typhoons. The hottest time of the year is between May and August, the coolest time between December and February. High Season is traditionally late December to early May, although the area is busy at weekends throughout the year and during any Asian Holiday.

• English is widely spoken so conversing with the locals of Sabang and Puerto Galera is easy most of the time. Just remember to speak slowly and clearly and smile :)

• Big Apple Dive Resort has their own restaurant and bar. We prepare international cuisine for our nightly buffets.

• Cash Pesos or US Dollars are the preferred way to pay, but we will consider other common currencies in cash also. US Dollar traveler´s cheques are probably the safest way to carry money – they can be cashed at the tourist center found in the highstreet in Sabang. We also accept VISA & MasterCard. A 6% service charge will be added for transactions of this type.

• You can pay what ever you like, P20 per bag is usually ok – if you do not wish to use them just say so.

• The water temperature here in Puerto Galera allows diving all year round, seven days a week, with temperatures between 22-30°C (72-86°F), with the cooler months being December to February. Visibility is usually at least 12m and can reach up to 40m on a good day. A 3mm full suit is advised with a hooded vest worn underneah in the cooler months.

• There are at least three scheduled dives a day, every day; usual times are 9am, 11am & 2pm with a choice of dive sites each time, depending on the tides and conditions. We are as flexible as we can be on those times however, unlike many other shops in the area.

• With over 30 sites all within 15 minutes of the resort suitable for all experience levels, it couldn’t be more convenient.
  
  Click here for a detailed description of the more popular sites.

• PADI is a worlds standard system of education in diving. PADI - the Professional Association of Diving Instructors - is the largest dive training organization in the world with affiliated dive centers and members in over 110 countries.

• Yes, we offer combo packages and discounts for both diving and accommodation, you may also want to check our newsletter for some great package discounts or you may create your own package based on your required number of dives and nights accommodation. Contact Neil at the dive shop with your requirements.

• To book with our website you may visit this link for reservation of your room with us, you can also choose your desired package for your vacation to enjoy great discounts.