Palawan Travel Tips

Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, Monday to Saturday; some open on Sundays

Visitors heading for the Philippines should be aware of the low-level threat of terrorism in the southernmost reaches of the archipelago. Mindanao, in particular, is a known hideout for an Islamic separatist group. The last major instance of terrorism in Palawan took place in 2001 and involved tourists staying at Honda Bay.

Recognising the need for a safe, international environment, the Filipino government has stepped up protection for its citizens as well as tourists. A proven safety record has emerged and today's visitors find that Palawan is a wonderful place to safely pass a holiday.

Corruption has consistently plagued the legal system along with government agencies. Tourists who end up in trouble with the law often find themselves beyond the reach of their home embassy. With this in mind, it's important to carefully observe Filipino laws which include a firm, zero-tolerance stance toward illicit drugs. Penalties for drug possession include the death penalty.

As with any vacation spot, petty theft is an annoyance. It is a good precaution to carry as little cash as possible. If you're forced to carry a large sum of money, try concealing it as close to your body as possible. Keep flashy accessories to the bare minimum.

Be wary of overly-friendly strangers, as confidence tricks and clever scams consistently crop up in areas that see large crowds of tourists. Beware of accepting drinks from strangers in late-night clubs, as this is a notorious way to drug and rob unsuspecting tourists.

Electricity: 220 volts, 60 hertz

Medical facilities in the Philippines are usually modern, especially those close to major cities. However, when travelling in less populated areas like those in Palawan, it is in the visitor's best interest to seek medical attention from the numerous private clinics that operate here. While medical services cost more at these clinics, the quality of care is far superior to that found in government run hospitals.

In Palawan's most rural quarters, mosquito-borne illnesses - especially malaria - becomes an issue for locals and visitors alike. The best way to defend yourself from these illnesses is to apply generous amounts of mosquito repellent and use mosquito nets when applicable. Your home physician can also prescribe preventative anti-malarial medication.

Tap water is reported to be drinkable in larger cities, though it's best to stick to bottled water while travelling in Palawan. Purchase sealed bottles from reputable vendors to avoid unwittingly drinking rebottled tap water.

Typically, tourists in Palawan spend an immense amount of time soaking up the sun along the island's many miles of coastline. Sunburn can occur quite quickly, even on overcast days, so it's important to remember to apply sunscreen. It isn't a bad idea to bring insect repellent to the beach either, as tiny sand fleas can sometimes be a nuisance.

There are several dialects spoken on Palawan and throughout the surrounding islands including Palawanun, Batak, Cuyunon and Tausug. Tagalog is the official language throughout the Philippines and is widely spoken in public. Beyond this, English is understood to varying degrees by a significant portion of the population, especially within the tourism industry.

The Philippines' official currency is the peso (also spelled piso). Banknotes come in increments of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 pesos. Beyond this, the peso itself is divided into 100 centavos. In some cases, you may find that the smaller banknotes have a counterpart in coin.

Many shop owners demand exact change for small purchases and do not deal with larger bills. Whenever possible, try to hang on to small change for purchases at small shops off the beaten path. The best banking facilities are found in Puerto Princesa.

ATMs in the Philippines are notoriously unreliable, and while they're easily found, they aren't guaranteed to work. Private moneychangers offer the best exchange rates, and your hotel can help you locate a reliable changer in town. It helps to carry a cash reserve in US dollars, which are widely accepted in Palawan. Credit cards are accepted at prominent venues and can be used for cash advances from many banks.

The following items are restricted from import and export: firearms, illegal drugs and pornography. Tourists are also not allowed to carry certain natural artefacts out of the Philippines, including coral, snake skin, orchids, mussels and turtle shells. Restrictions on foreign currency are minimal; the only requirement being that the amount carried out doesn’t exceed the amount brought in.

Before entering the Philippines, visitors must fill out a customs declaration form indicating any goods brought into the country. The following may be carried into the Philippines duty free: two litres of spirits or other alcohol, sundry personal affects and 200 cigarettes (or two tins of tobacco products).

The Filipino culture is warm and hospitable, with many subtle touches that may altogether escape the short-term visitor. All the same, an eye for small details and a desire to connect with locals will go a great distance towards strengthening your cross-cultural interactions, ultimately boosting the quality of your holiday.

Generally, aggression in any form is best avoided in the Philippines. In addition, there is a cultural aversion to anything that hints at greediness or an otherwise overzealous attitude. Even the Filipino handshake (a standard greeting) is much limper than many Western tourists are accustomed to. This is not to say that Filipinos are unenthusiastic; on the contrary, excitement just registers in different ways.

Some of the basic body-language cues in the Philippines differ from their Western counterparts. It's insulting to beckon someone with a curling index finger. Instead, beckon with an out-stretched, down-facing palm by raking the fingers toward yourself. Anyone standing with their hands on their hips may be perceived as being angry or impatient.

Another tricky subject is indicating 'yes' and 'no'. Indicate 'yes' by jerking the head in an upward direction. Rather than nodding, this is a single jerking motion. On the other hand, 'no' is indicated by jerking the chin downwards one time. The real confusion steps in when a local indicates 'no' but actually says 'yes'. This confusing signal should not be misunderstood. Saying 'yes' is only meant to soften the negative response.

When in doubt, a little dose of kind laughter generally heals all wounds in the Philippines. Beyond outright humorous situations, laughter is good for easing awkward or embarrassing moments.

Dining Etiquette
The Filipino zeal for life has drawn on the same sources as the Latin cultures that so famously embrace food, friendship and music. It is very likely that you'll be invited to dine with a local family at some point while visiting Palawan. If, on the other hand, you choose to do the entertaining, be sure to reinforce the invitation with a second and third time.

One of the best ways to dine like the locals is to enjoy the ubiquitous turo turo ('point-point') found in every town and stopover. These aptly-named cafeteria-style restaurants only require that you point at your selection. No knowledge of food names is necessary; this is authentic local cuisine at its best.

When dining in public places, it is polite to keep your hands above the table at all times. Distaste for greedy appetites prompts Filipinos to leave a small amount of food on the plate. To reinforce that you've finished eating, place both your fork and spoon parallel on the plate.

If someone invites you to joint their group or share a meal, it is standard practice to politely decline the first invitation. However, if your potential host insists by offering again then feel free to join in. Whether offering or receiving dinner invitations, keep in mind that the person who invites always pays.

The fluid state of visa regulations in the Philippines means tourists are wise to enquire with their local Philippine embassy or consulate before finalising travel plans.

Citizens of most countries are not required to arrange a visa before travelling to the Philippines. A standard visa on arrival allows for a stay of up to 21 days and can be extended to a total of 59 days validity. Long-stay visas can be arranged at Philippines embassies worldwide. In the event that you have a 59-day visa, be sure to point this out to customs at the airport before your passport is stamped with the more common 21-day visa.

Applications for visa extensions can be made at the Bureau of Immigration next-door to the Palawan Hotel. Extensions fall into two categories: standard and express. The latter is almost always preferred and the modest surcharge is well worth the quick 30-minute processing time.

The main office for the Philippine Tourism Authority can be found in Manila inside the DOT building located on Kalaw street. Phone: +63 2 524 7141; website: www.philtourism.com.

There is a tourist office on Fernandez street in Puerto Princesa (phone: +63 48 433 2968) as well as an additional office at the local airport (phone: +63 48 433 2983).