BANKING
SERVICES
There are NO major banks on Siargao Island. There is a WESTERN UNION SERVICE in Dapa to send and receive wire transfers. If you receive money
you will be paid in Peso currency. BACK TO TOP
BUSINESS HOURS
Hours vary but you'll find most businesses open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Many merchant stores open on Sundays. Supermarkets and
convenience stores open earlier, close later and many are open on Sunday mornings and weekends.
CREDIT CARDS – ATM MACHINES
All Major Credit Cards are accepted on Siargao Island at Patrick’s on the Beach although there are no
telephone land lines. The closest ATM machine is in Surigao City. A 2 to 3 hour boat ride. However at Patrick’s you can get cash advance on
all Major Credit Cards.
CURRENCY
The Philippine Peso is the official currency. You can change
most currencies at Patrick’s on the Beach – including US$ traveler checks.
INTERNET Patrick’s
on the Beach provides the only Internet Café on the Island. Internet is supplied via satellite and is quite good. You can hook up your
lap top as well and you can also use wireless internet at Patrick’s
TRAVEL & TICKETING SERVICES
Patrick’s on
the Beach provides complete Services from re-confirmation – bookings & purchases of travel tickets with most Philippine Airlines and shipping
Lines and Hotels. Patrick’s can also arrange personal travel assistance in Manila, Cebu and Surigao.
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DRINKING WATER
Most water comes from wells. We recommend to use bottled water for drinking. At Patrick’s you can also get natural Island Spring Mineral Water.
ELECTRICITY
The standard electric current is 220 volts. The outlets are mostly American plugs. However at Patrick’s we carry adapters that will fit any
plug. We also supply Voltage regulators for our guests who have 110 Volts accessories.BACK TO TOP
FISHING
Right in front of Patrick’s is the Pacific deep that measures 10,400 meter. Naturally plenty big fish of all types are caught here. Marlins,
Sailfish, Tuna, Dorado, etc..
HAZARDS
There are no poisonous snakes or other dangerous animals in and around Siargao Islands.
MEDICAL
There is a Hospital and a dental clinic in Dapa. Every municipality administers a clinic. For serious matters as well as modern diagnostic and
treatment facilities you have to go to Surigao or Cebu. Several pharmacies offer prescription and over-the-counter services in Dapa.
NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES
There are no publications on Siargao Island but you can buy readily the national daily news papers such as the ENQUIRER and STAR. A tourist
Magazine called “HELLO SIARGAO” is planed to be published in the later part of 2007.
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PETS
Leave your pets at home – just too much hassle to travel with.
DRESS
Bathing suits and other beachwear are considered appropriate on the beaches, at the pool or on the boat. Topless bathing and nudity on the
beach are frowned upon. In general, day and evening dress is casual. When you go to church dress conservatively. BACK
TO TOP
POST OFFICES
Every Municipality has a Post Office.
SIARGAO PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & EVENTS (including Fiestas)
Every municipality and larger Barangay celebrates a Fiesta once a year for
three days. It’s basically a big food bonanza where friends and families meet. Visitors are always welcome to join in on the the feast of
plenty pork & local dishes.
RADIO AND TELEVISION
There are NO local radio stations on Siargao. In Dapa you can receive cable TV. Patrick’s on the Beach Resort provides Satellite TV that
carries over 55 channels including most major European, Asian and American TV stations BACK
TO TOP
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
There are Catholic Churches throughout Siargao. Sunday mass starts early at 6:30AM. There is an English Sunday Mass in Dapa at 5:00PM. Other
Christian denominations are also represented; they include Seventh Day Adventists, Baptists, and various Pentecostal Churches. Ask at the
hotel's front desk for worship times.
EXPRESS MAIL
There are various shipping and courier services located in Dapa, such as LBC. Also Federal Express mail is delivered to Siargao.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Cellular telephone service is provided by SMART & GLOBE. There are also public call boxes at various locations in General Luna. Patrick’s will
assist you to make any long distance or overseas calls.
TIPPING
Most places don’t include a service charge in their billing. Filipinos are bad tippers and foreigners are loved for their generosity. 5 to 10%
tipping is well appreciated. BACK TO TOP
GOVERNMENT TAX
Up to 12% government tax is usually added to your hotel bill, as well as a 5% hotel service charge. Additional tipping is optional
TRANSPORTATION
The only AIR –Service is presently provided by Asian Spirit from Manila to Surigao City and SEAIR from Cebu to Siargao. Several Ferry boats
service Siargao from Surigao City – see our webpage “GETTING TO SIARGAO” .
BUSES - Mini and Jeepney buses travel all over the islands. Often a rough ride packed with cargo and locals even on top
of the roof. Outings are usually arranged by Patrick’s on the Beach Resort.
CAR and MOTORBIKE RENTALS: Renting a car is both economical and convenient. Patrick’s on the beach offers mini vans
and motor bikes at a very reasonable price for rental with and without driver. A valid driver's license from another country is accepted.
Driving is on the right hand side of the road..
TAXIS: Taxis are available at the airport & Dapa Pier. Many people ride with a
Habal-habal that is an extended seat motorbike.
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FERRY SERVICES: Inter-island boat services to all the surrounding islands are available
inexpensively and on short notice. There are regular daily trips to all the major islands and ports like to and from Dapa and Surigao City.
There is also a daily service by banka ferry from and to Del Carmen and Surigao City. Departure and arrival times are available at the
Patrick’s front desk.
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