Here we will show you all the useful information you need to start your adventure on our island. We will provide you with all the necessary support and information for your journey to the Philippines.
Airport
Departure from your home airport. It is important to note that flight options may vary depending on the season and airlines. There are departures to the Philippines from all major European cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam...
Arrival
International flights from Spain and the rest of Europe to the Philippines generally arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, which is the capital of the Philippines. From Manila, you can take a domestic flight to Dumaguete Airport, which is the closest airport to Siquijor.
Transfer to Larena or Siquijor
Once in Dumaguete, you'll need to take land transport to one of the ports (Dumaguete or Sibulan) and then board a ferry to Siquijor. Ferries usually arrive at the ports of Larena or Siquijor, which are the main arrival points on the island. Ferries connect Dumaguete with Siquijor and the sea journey usually takes about an hour, depending on sea conditions and the specific route.
Arrival in Siquijor
You have arrived in Siquijor. Here we will be waiting for you with open arms to start this adventure.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Immigration office for visa extension and special study permit
The Immigration Office is open daily from Monday to Friday. The tourist visa is issued free of charge on arrival and is valid for 30 days. It must then be extended to 2 months and every 60 days thereafter for up to 1 year. All students from the Philippines must obtain a SPECIAL STUDY PERMIT (SSP). This costs approximately $140 USD. This permit allows students to study for a short term in the Philippines. Our office will provide them with all the necessary documents and assist them in the process. There is an immigration office in Dumaguete. Visitors staying longer than 60 days must also obtain an I-Card, which is valid for one year and costs approximately $175 USD.
Please note that it is the responsibility of each student to ensure that they have proper and valid visas and documentation during their stay at the school. If in doubt, please consult the office for advice.
Siquijor is a tropical island. The island has a friendly, English-speaking environment where you will feel very safe and well looked after so you can study English in the Philippines in the best possible way.
For sun worshippers Siquijor is paradise, with all the elements of a tropical paradise: crystal clear blue waters, white sand, tropical palm trees and healthy marine life beneath the seas. Not surprisingly, the culinary variety in Siquijor is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors.
Siquijor Beaches
The island has many beaches, some still to be discovered, COME AND BE THE FIRST.
These three are the most popular:
– Paliton Beach
– Little Paliton Beach
– Secret Beach
Weather
From June onwards the weather is cool at night and warm during the day, with some moderate rainfall. North-easterly winds bring clean, calm waters on the beach and temperatures range between 25 and 32°C (77-90°F).
March and April are the hottest and mostly dry months with trade winds from the east to southeast and temperatures ranging from 28-38°C (82-100°F).
Winds from May/June to September/October come from the southwest, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall and temperatures ranging from 25-32°C (77-90°F).
A cooler breeze is experienced in the -BRE months, and in January and February.
Getting to Siquijor
With several daily flights from Manila, it is fairly easy to fly to Dumaguete. Upon arrival in Dumaguete, a short 15-minute tricycle ride will get you to the port and then head to Siquijor on a boat ride.
Moving around Siquijor
The tricycle is the most popular means of transport. It can carry approximately 5 passengers. The minimum fare is 10 pesos and increases with distance and shared use. Fares are usually posted inside the tricycle, but they often try to charge foreigners more money. Chartered tricycles (you rent all the seats for your exclusive use) charge 100 pesos and more, depending on the distance. Note that if you get on an empty tricycle they may try to charge the special chartered rate.
What to bring
You need very little clothing. You can buy towels/beach wear on the island. Sweatshirts and sweatpants can be useful during the cooler months as temperatures drop slightly at night. Remember to bring your sunglasses, a hat, a torch, a good pair of beach sandals and your camera.
Money
The currency of the Philippines is the peso (PhP or P) and the centavo (¢). 100 centavos = P1. The denominations of the coins are: 1 ¢, 5 ¢, 10 ¢, 25 ¢, P1, P5 and P10. And the banknotes are: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 pesos. Change some money at Manila Nino and Aquino International Airport, where the rates are better. Credit cards are accepted at some establishments in Siquijor. There are many ATMs on the island that accept credit and debit cards from foreign banks, but most will charge a fee.
ATM machines
Philippine National Bank
Metrobank
BDO
Development Bank of the Philippines
Land Bank
Before your arrival, we recommend that you check with your local bank whether and where you can use your ATM cards in the Philippines.
Shopping
1. Gorospe Grocery Store
2. Quick Silver
3. Dui Marketing
4. Prince Warehouse
5. A variety of boutiques along the Main Road.
Hours of operation
Most shops are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Banks are open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. When transacting with banks, bring your passport for identification. Commercial establishments, especially restaurants, bars and spas are open daily.
Language
English is one of the country’s official languages. Most locals understand and speak English, which gives you plenty of opportunities to practice your new English skills and ensures little or no English communication challenges. Take the opportunity to study English in the Philippines with the local Filipinos themselves.
Health concerns
There are several medical clinics on the island. The office can offer advice on which clinic to go to if you need medical assistance.
The tap water on Siquijor is not safe to drink. Most shops have bottled drinking water, the school also offers water dispensers on campus and in the dormitory.
Prepaid mobile phone lines
If your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local system, you can use it by purchasing a local prepaid SIM card, as well as prepaid charges that will allow you to call or text. The 2 main operators are Smart Communications and Globe Telecom.
Emergency numbers
Ambulance/Fire/Police landline: 288-3066 or 166
SLAcademy: +63 9279707007
Siquijor Restrictions
1. No smoking on the beach
2. No littering
3. No urinating or defecating anywhere on the beach.