Giving up on Sanya, this place is too amazing
1. Visa and Entry Policies
1. Visa-Free Policy
- Chinese citizens holding valid US, Japan, Australia, Canada, or Schengen visas can enter visa-free for 7 days, extendable up to 21 days.
- Those without the above visas need to apply for a 30-day Philippine tourist visa (requires an interview) or choose a group visa (minimum 3 people, no interview required, 30-day stay, non-renewable).
2. Document Preparation
- Passport must be valid for more than 6 months; it is recommended to print round-trip tickets and hotel booking confirmations as backup.
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2. Transportation Guide
1. International Transportation
- Direct Flights: Chengdu to Tagbilaran Panglao Airport (4.5 hours); other cities require transfer via Manila (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai).
- Transfer Tips: Flights from Manila to Tagbilaran are frequent, with a flight time of about 1.5 hours.
2. Island Transportation
- Airport to Alona Beach: Bus (30 PHP/10 minutes), tricycle (150-200 PHP), resort shuttle (recommended).
- Car/Motorbike Rental: For land sightseeing spots (e.g., Chocolate Hills), car rental is recommended (about 2000 PHP/day); motorbike rental costs 400-600 PHP/day.
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3. Must-Visit Attractions and Experiences
1. Natural Wonders
- Chocolate Hills: 1,268 conical hills that turn chocolate-colored during the dry season (February to May); brooms can be rented at the top for Harry Potter-style photos.
- Loboc River Cruise: Drift through tropical rainforest, enjoy a Filipino buffet, and watch folk performances along the way (about 1 hour).
- Virgin Island: Crescent-shaped sandbar appears at low tide, with clear layered waters; be careful to distinguish the real Virgin Island (advance booking recommended).
2. Culture and Ecology
- Tarsier Sanctuary: Observe the world’s smallest primates up close; they may hide during rainy weather.
- Baclayon Church: Asia’s oldest coral stone church, built using millions of eggs as adhesive; the museum houses religious artifacts.
- Bee Farm: Experience organic food and handicrafts; honey ice cream and flower salad are highly recommended.
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4. Diving and Water Activities
1. Top Dive Sites Recommendations
- Balicasag: One of the Philippines’ top ten dive spots, featuring a large drop-off, jackfish storms, and sea turtle groups (OW certification required, daily limit of 300 divers, advance booking needed).
- Pamilacan: Known for whale shark sightings and large flocks of hornbills.
- Alona Beach: Beginner-friendly, sandy bottom and cliffs suitable for dive training.
2. Island Hopping Day Tour
- Early morning dolphin watching → snorkeling at Balicasag → Virgin Island white sand beach (includes lunch, about 2000 PHP/person).
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5. Special Activities and Experiences
1. Thrilling Experiences
- ATV Off-road: Ride through the jungle with panoramic views of the Chocolate Hills.
- Hot Air Balloon/Zipline: View the hills from above or zipline through the valley Superman-style.
- Live Ammunition Shooting: Shooting range experience with pistols and rifles (about 2000 PHP/10 bullets).
2. Relaxation
- SPA Massage: Recommended shops near Alona Beach, about 500 PHP/hour per person.
- Firefly Night Tour: Rainforest around Loboc River, night boat ride to watch fireflies.
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6. Accommodation and Food Recommendations
1. Accommodation Areas
- Alona Beach: Tourist hub, recommended Henann Resort (sea view pool), South Palm Resort (private beach).
- Tagbilaran City: Cost-effective, suitable for transit (e.g., Bellevue Hotel).
2. Must-Try Foods
- Lechon (Roast Pig Leg): Crispy skin served with garlic rice.
- Seafood BBQ: Freshly selected and grilled at Alona Beach night market, about 100 RMB per person.
- Mango Smoothie: Local mangoes are very sweet; the smoothie is refreshing and cooling.
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7. Budget and Money-Saving Tips
1. Reference Budget
- Budget Travel: 5,000-8,000 RMB per person (including airfare, hostels, shared rides).
- Comfortable Travel: 10,000-15,000 RMB (car rental, four-star hotels, including diving).
2. Money-Saving Tips
- Travel in the off-season: July to October rainy season hotels are 30% cheaper but avoid typhoons.
- Book in advance: Dive shop packages (including accommodation + diving) are more cost-effective than booking separately.
- Local Payments: Some merchants accept RMB to avoid multiple currency exchanges.
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8. Practical Tips
1. Communication and Internet
- Buy a Globe SIM card (more stable signal), 50 PHP blank card + recharge packages (Alipay “Fei Su Chong” supports online top-up).
2. Safety and Culture
- Tipping customs: 20-50 PHP for porters/drivers; avoid giving coins directly (considered disrespectful).
- Scam Alert: Beware of low-priced day tours (e.g., fake Virgin Island); choose reputable travel agencies.
3. Packing List
- Essentials: High SPF sunscreen, jellyfish suit, waterproof phone case, mosquito repellent.
- Optional: Snorkeling gear (can be rented locally), GoPro (for underwater filming).