You have many options to get to our resort from Manila. When you make your reservations with us, please specify which option you prefer, and we’ll help you. Below are additional details.
Don’t forget to do your eTravel registration 72 hours prior to your arrival to the Philippines: https://etravel.gov.ph/
This is the quickest and most convenient way to reach us in Puerto Galera. Transfer from hotel or private residence in Manila. Just let us know when and where you wish to be picked up from. If you wish to be collected from a hotel in Manila we need the hotel name, phone number & your room number. From a private residence we need the full address and if possible directions to assist the driver as well as a contact phone number.
It’s a 2 hour air-con car/van ride from Manila to the pier, followed by about 40 minute boat ride directly to El Galleon Pier. Total journey time usually 2.5 to 3 hours.
The water taxi can only cross in daylight hours so please plan to arrive in Manila no later than 13:00 if your arriving at the airport.
We STRONGLY recommend that you read through the directions carefully and PRINT THEM OUT to bring with you. We are constantly trying to update and improve the service we provide, so recommend that you print the details even if you have done the journey before.
Private transfers:
We accept cash, Gcash, bank transfer and can now accept all major credit cards for payments in the resort.
Php15,000/USD$300 is the cost for the water taxi for one way. However, if paid by cash, Gcash, or bank transfer the rate is only Php10,000/USD$210 for the water taxi (max 10 pax plus additional USD$10.00 for extra person above 10 if paid through cash, Gcash, or bank transfer ) each way. We will collect water taxi payment upon arrival at the resort.
Php6,750/USD$135 is the cost for the van for one way. However, if paid by cash to the driver directly the rate is only Php4,500/USD$90.00 for the car/van (max 5-6 pax/depends on amount of luggage) each way.
Contact us for pricing information and booking. We will let you know pricing based on your group size. email:admin@asiadivers.com
Extra fees:
The porters can be a bit aggressive at Beberabe port and we are not allowed to have our staff or the water taxi staff interfere with the handling of luggage.
We would prefer to handle all of this to make it easier for your group. We can add directly to your bill here.
You can count on one large bag at $1 (50 peso) per person. This will need to be paid at Beberabe port upon arrival and departure as well
USD3.00-port fee – this is a onetime fee upon arrival at Beberabe port for each person. No need to pay it on the way out.
USD3.00 -EUF fee-This is a onetime government imposed for entry to Puerto Galera. The “Environmental User fee” applicable to all tourists . It will be paid upon arrival in Sabang port. No need to pay it on the way out.
Keep in mind that these fees can change
Please call one of the following numbers In the event of any problems you might encounter so we can advise you.
+63 43-287-3205
El Galleon Resort front desk land line. Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
+63 917-814-5107
El Galleon Resort front desk cell phone. Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Rhuby Soderstrom, Resort Manger +63 917-839-8530
Sherly Dizon, Booking Coordinator +63 928-503-3314
Ashley Maranan, Booking Assistant +63 906-321-5571
Please follow AIRPORT PICK UP INSTRUCTIONS for your transfer from the terminal number you have arrived at. Your driver will be wearing an Asia Divers white T-shirt and carrying a sign with your name on it.
If you require any further information about the airport itself, you can visit the website at https://www.mnl-airport.com/
Due to on-going construction at Terminal 1, we have updated the pick-up location and procedure. Please follow these NEW steps to ensure a smooth pick-up:
Step 1
After collecting your luggage, proceed through the customs area and exit the airport. DO NOT cross the road.
Step 2
Turn left and look for the designated pick-up location labelled “A1.” Please call your driver and inform him that you are there. We will provide you with his contact details prior to your arrival.
Step 3
Your driver will drive to you to pick you up. He will be wearing a white Asia Divers T-shirt.
Step 1
Once you have your entire luggage, walk through the customs area and go outside the airport.
Step 2
Proceed to the arrival’s access area, turn right and find BAY #20
Step 3
Look across the street for someone wearing an Asia Divers white T-shirt and carrying a sign with your name on it.
Step 1
Once you have your entire luggage, walk through the customs area.
Step 2
Meet your driver in front of Burger King. Do not got outside of the terminal.
Step 3
Our driver will be wearing an Asia Divers white T-shirt and carrying a sign with your name will be there.
There are of course options with using public transportation or perhaps even using a private car and a public boat. Keep in mind that of course things don’t run as smoothly using public transportation and there can be delays. Please email us directly and we can help you to organize this.
Scheduled water taxi service:
A good value option is to combine a private pick up in Manila hotel/home or Airport with this shared water taxi service. We can also try to help you share the van with other guests who want to travel on the same trip. Price of p4500 will be shared by all in the van (Max 5-6 pax). Please pay in cash directly to the driver. Pick up in Manila is scheduled at 10:30 a.m. and will bring you directly to Beberabe Port.
This daily water taxi service departs from Beberabe port at 13:30 every day (weather permitting) and drop off is at Sabang Pier. We must pre-book the non-refundable/non-
Extra fees (cash only):
Php130 per person entrance fee in Berberabe port
Php100 charge per vehicle. If you’re in our transport, the driver will pay the car entrance fee, but you will need to pay the port fee of Php 130 per person.
Php160 Environmental User Fee (EUF) payment per person. Pay this upon arrival in Sabang port
Php50 Porter fee per bag if needed
Public Bus and Public Ferry Information
The public transportation is a relatively inexpensive way to travel to us. However, this option is only recommended for the seasoned traveller who is traveling without much luggage.
The best way to get to El Galleon/Asia Divers by public transport is to take a bus from Manila directly to Batangas pier.
Take a taxi to PITX terminal in Manila. See https://www.phbus.com/pitx-
From Balatero Port it’s a 30 minute drive to Sabang than a 10 minute walk along the beach to our resort. We can organize a tricycle to pick you up at the port for 350 peso. Please just message us when your on the ferry and we can have someone meet you in Sabang to assist you with your luggage.
Payment
We accept cash, Gcash, bank transfer and can now accept all major credit cards for payments in the resort.
If you plan on using your credit card please inform your credit card issuing bank that you will be traveling to the Philippines for smooth transactions.
To make payment by MASTERCARD or VISA you will need to scan a QR Code at the hotel and then complete a form on your phone. You should then receive an OTP to authorize your payment, so your phone will need to accept “roaming sms messages”. El Galleon makes no surcharge for using credit card except for transportation.
Passports and Visas
Non-residents of The Philippines require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Visitors can enter the Philippines without a visa for an initial period of 30 days. If you are intending to stay longer, it is possible to obtain a tourist visa from the Philippine Embassy before you travel, which will allow an initial 59 day stay. This can be extended at any local Immigration office around the country. The nearest Immigration office is in Calapan and another in Batangas. Be sure to wear a T-Shirt and long pants to guarantee entry to the facility. Please note that you will need a return ticket or onward flight in order to board your plane to the Philippines.
Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.
E-travel Pass
You must complete an eTravel process with the Philippines government prior to your arrival. This process must be done within 72 hours of your departure for Manila, i.e. it can’t be done yet; it must wait until the 72-hour period prior to departure. You will need to create an account on the Philippines government’s eTravel web portal, which you then use to submit your arrival details. You can set up the account now, then go back to the portal within the 72-hour period to submit your arrival details.
When you’ve done that, you’ll receive a QR code which you may need to show prior to boarding your aircraft departure from your home, and which you will need on arrival in Manila. This process costs nothing. Here is the link to undergo that process etravel.gov.ph
Currency
US Dollar / Peso cash are preferred (obviously and the best way!) We accept other major currencies as payment; please check with us before you arrive. Credit cards are accepted; VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX.
El Galleon and Asia Divers accepts bank transfers, G-Cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay. Contact us if you would like to use one of these to pay before you arrive
Puerto Galera has three ATM’s and there are three in Sabang. In Puerto Galera they are: PNB Allied Bank, Rural Bank of Puerto Galera, Card Bank near ORMECO office. Please do keep in mind that these bank machines are not always working so it’s always a good idea to have cash. There are also places to exchange money to peso but the bills must be new, clean with no marks, rips or tears on them.
WeChat Pay
We accept WeChat Pay.
Alipay
We accept Alipay.
QR Code
WeChat Pay QR code.
Medical Information & Insurance
There is no malaria in the area, but inoculations for Hep A, Typhoid, Polio, and Tetanus are recommended, always check with your doctor.
Bring high-factor sun creams and insect repellent if you are prone to that type of thing, it’s a rare occasion that you will need to put on more than shorts and a t-shirt.
We strongly advise all divers and students to purchase dive accident insurance and will ask any diver not covered to sign a Disclaimer acknowledging that the Facility, management, and staff will not be held responsible for any costs incurred in the event of any evacuation or medical treatment being required.
We can however assist you with a policy through Diveassure with Basic ( Philippines only ) or Platinum ( Worldwide ) coverage at the following rates:
DAN Insurance
For scuba divers worldwide, DAN means safety, health and peace of mind. Committed to improving the safety of diving for all divers, we are Your Buddy in Dive Safety.
DAN is a global network of not-for-profit, member-based organizations and DAN Asia-Pacific has a region of responsibility that extends throughout Asia and the Pacific region.
Wherever members live or dive around the world they have peace of mind knowing that DAN is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to assist in the event of an accident. Guests can register with DAN for Short Term Dive Accident Insurance in the dive shop or https://apps.dan.org/short-term/?token=~d1g12dW03s3sB1u2bygu0570G044hWk7aj7gJ03z7110F1WE9j7o96, or visit the DAN website for annual coverage.
All of our entry level students will be able to avail of free DAN insurance while they are doing their training at Asia Divers.
What the Student Receives:
The student will be covered for injuries sustained during their entry-level training. DAN World’s Student Medical Coverage helps ensure medical bills get paid — whether they’re from a broken foot due to a dropped tank, ear problems or more serious dive-related injuries.
• Provides up to $25,000 in coverage for medical expenses for injuries that may occur during training.
• Coverage is valid for up to 180 days after enrolment or upon completion of the last certifying dive, whichever comes first.
• Covers dive-related injuries that occur both in and out of the water.
• Covers entry-level scuba and breath-hold diving.
How to be enrolled:
Step 1: Asia Divers will sign you up before you start your training if you choose to avail of this. Just let us know if your interested.
Step 2: Your information will be added to the system.
Step 3: Students will receive confirmation via email, with a digital Student Membership Card.
Reasons to Enrolled:
• The program is 100% subsidized by DAN so there is no charge to the student.
• The registration process is quick, and coverage is immediate.
