How do I go to Adventure Camp?
The common and economical way of traveling to Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro is via Batangas City Port via Montenegro Lines, a ferry ship that transport passengers and vehicles across Mindoro strait. (2.5 hour trip) To contact Montenegro Lines: Call (046) 723-8294
Upon arrival in the town of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro, air-conditioned van or ordinary buses await passengers for the 2 hour land trip to Sablayan.
You may wish to take the airplane to San Jose Occidental Mindoro dowm south of Sablayan. The plane leaves early morning daily. Manila-San Jose via Asian Spirit Iv: 5:45 am Ar:6:40 am San Jose-Manila via Asian Spirit Iv:7:10 am Ar:8:05 am
Land trip from San Jose Occidental Mindoro to Sablayan takes 2.5 hours. Air Con Van: Php 3,500.00 (8 pax) Ordinary Bus: Php 113.00 per pax
How is the climate in Mindoro Occidental?
Typically tropical. There is a cool dry season from December to March and a hot dry season from April to July. The rainy season usually starts from July until October. From June to December, there may be typhoons. Average temperature is 27 C ( 80 F ). Don't forget to bring sweater against the aircon on airplanes, buses and ferries.
The US Dollar is the most common foreign currency. Money can be changed by either banks or official moneychangers, who give a slightly better rate. Some moneychangers are open 24 hours in Manila. Avoid changing in the streets, if you do not like to be shortchanged! Away from the big tourist centers like Manila, Cebu, Boracay and Puerto Galera, it is often difficult or impossible to encash credit cards, traveler checks or dollars. In Sablayan, only Philippine Pesos and US Dollars (often at a very bad rate) are accepted.
How is immigration in the Philippines?
A 21-day visa is given automatically upon arrival which can easily be extended up to 59 days. For longer stays, extensions have to be applied for at the Immigration Office in Intramuros, Manila or at one of its branches in the bigger cities. Normally a stay up to one year is possible for tourists.
Any health-related concerns I should be aware of prior
to travelling to the Philippines?
No vaccinations are needed to travel to the Philippines. The risk of Malaria is very small unless you are planning to travel to Palawan. If you intend to do a dive course it is advisable to get a medical certificate from your doctor. Tampons are almost impossible to buy in the Philippines.
How are the domestic airports in the Philippines?
The domestic airport is usually very crowded. Make sure you get there early enough, at least 90 mins before departure.
How far is the nearest airport from Sablayan?
The airport of San Jose is about 3 km's outside of town. To get to the bus station, take a tricycle from the airport (20 Philippine Pesos). The buses for Sablayan leave every hour and cost around 75 Philippine Pesos. The trip to Sablayan from the airport takes about 3 hours.
What are the business hours of the common establishments
in the Philippines?
Normal business hours are from 9 to 12 am and 1 to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. Banks are open from 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Embassies are open from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday. Department stores in big cities are open from 10am to 9pm daily.