Malapascua

Evolution Dive Centre

At Evolution Dive Resort’s dive centre, divers will find everything they need to enhance their underwater experiences. The on-site dive centre is staffed by experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about the local dive sites and cater to divers of various skill levels. From recreational dives to technical diving, the resort offers comprehensive services and equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable exploration of the vibrant marine life.

The 5 start TDI centre offers up to 5 boat dives a day, including night dives. Boat dives visit Kimud Shoal to see the world famous thresher sharks of Malapascua, here there are also chances to see whale sharks, manta rays, eagle and devil rays. The thresher sharks in Malapascua are observed well within recreational diving limits, unlike the rest of the world. On a near daily basis Pelgaic Thresher Sharks can be sited. Monad Shoal now offers an opportunity to see tiger sharks and other pelagic species. Reef dives at Chocolate and Gato Island, Lapus Lapus and Deep Slope provide the opportunity to see frogfish, seahorses, nudibranchs, octopus and colourful coral reefs. Full day trips, including a tasty lunch prepared by the onboard chef, are operated to Gato Island and Capitancillo Island.

A full range of rental equipment is available as an Aqualung Partner Centre, for both recreational and technical set up. Nitrox and helium are available at local cost. courses can be conducted from learning to dive through to technical diving. Evolution dive centre has two indoor classrooms for all students to learn in comfort, seasoned instructors provide a safe and knowledgeable learning environment.

Sea Explorers Dive Centre

Sea Explorers opened this centre in 1999 and in 2007 gave it a great facelift, plus the addition of a new classroom. Situated on the beach, the centre is a PADI 5 star Gold Palm Dive Centre with equipment rental, furnished classrooms and Nitrox fills available locally.

The dive centre is managed by a Swiss/German couple assisted by the able local guides Martin, Toto, Ting, Vic, Rex, Tata and Totong who look after the guiding and the thresher shark spotting!

There is no house reef in Malapascua so divers take advantage of the unlimited boat dive packs available. Banca boats and a speed boat provide the transport to the dive sites.

Dive Packs

We recommend that you book your dive packs with Regaldive prior to departure, in order to secure your diving or course and so that the dive centre is expecting you. Options available include 5, 10 and 20 dives packages, plus an unlimited diving option. Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your requirements.

Note: 12 litre aluminium cylinders with INT fittings. Some 10 & 15 litre tanks may be available. Divers with DIN regulators should take their own adaptors.

Dive Courses

A range of diving courses is available for those looking to learn to dive. Please enquire for details.

Extras in Resort

• Ferry boatman (tide level dependant)
• Marine Park fees
• Monad Shoal dive site
• Donna Marilyn Wreck:
• Nitrox fills 32% and 36%
• Dive equipment rental: Full equipment is available to hire (excluding computers)

Divers with DIN regulators should take their own adaptor

You will be requested to fill out a dive medical questionnaire. If you have any pre-exisiting conditon that may affect your diving, please ensure you travel with a fit-to-dive certificate, valid within the last 12 months. Please note that not all localities will have access to a specialist diving medic close by for you to be assessed before diving.

The Philippines is an island nation located in South East Asia with Manila as its capital city. The Philippine archipelago comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean. These islands are home to spectacular scenery, pristine beaches, incredible sights and lively cities. Dramatic drop offs, wrecks, caves and a richly varied marine life also guarantee fabulous diving. Combined with the renowned Philippine hospitality and warmth, an unforgettable dive holiday awaits.

You will find a true blend of cultures; the people are generally of Malay descent, but Philippine history has introduced Chinese, Spanish and American elements as well. The Philippines is a predominantly Christian country where eight out of ten Filipinos are practising Catholics. Filipino hospitality is legendary and the Philippines is the fiesta nation of Asia. Fiestas celebrate harvests, births and victories, as well as religious events. The Filipinos like to party and celebrations are found in every ethnic group and may be large regional events or small local happenings.

Resorts have been hand picked, not only for their comfort and surrounding scenery but most importantly, for their proximity to incredible dives sites. Whilst out of the water guests can relax on some of the best beaches in the world, enjoy the local markets, festivals and sights or even spend a night in the exciting and bustling Manila or more laid back Cebu.

As the Philippines is a strong Catholic nation, festive holidays such as Easter are very busy. Either book well in advance, or avoid the main religious holiday periods where possible.

Climate

The climate of The Philippines can broadly be described as hot and tropical. Most people visit The Philippines during the dry season. However, many regular visitors attest that the best time to visit is during the wet season and that the proliferation and variety of marine life is best June, July and August.

Dry season: December to May
Wet season: June to November

During the dry season, easterly winds prevail and air temperature is in high 20s to mid-30s. February to May are generally the hottest. Wet season winds are from the west, with air temperature in mid to high 20s. You can often strike lucky and have weeks of brilliant blue skies and unlimited sunshine. On the other hand, the rains, when they come, are impressive and prolonged. There are few rivers, so run off and its effect on water visibility is not generally a problem.

Please note that the Philippines is a large country and has many climatic variations from east to west and south to north.

Best underwater visibility: April to July
Water temperature average: 24-30°C

Time

8 hours ahead of GMT.

Language

Filipino is officially the national language of The Philippines. This language is based on Tagalog which is the most widely used of the 70 plus dialects used within the country. English is also prevalent throughout the country, especially in tourist destinations. English is also widely used as the medium for education, communication and business. Eight major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). The US dollar is the most widely recognised foreign currency. Euros & GBP are also readily exchanged.

The majority of larger towns have ATMs, however, facilities for money withdrawal or changing are far less widespread away from the main centres of population. There are bank machines at the airport.

Tipping

Tipping is expected for many services. The standard is 10% of the total bill or optional where there is a 10% service charge.

Flight Information

Regaldive can offer packages to the Philippines on a number of different airlines.

London - Manila: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines and KLM all fly daily via their national hubs.

London - Cebu: Singapore Airlines via Singapore on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong daily.

Carry-On Luggage Restriction

Philippines Office for Transportation Security rules include 'Scuba Diving Equipment' (including regulators) on the list of blunt instruments that are not to be in carry-on/cabin baggage on flights originating within the Philippines. Please ensure that all scuba equipment is secured within checked-in baggage on all domestic flights and on all departing international flights.

Internal flights:
Manila - Cebu
Manila - Busuanga
Manila - Dumaguete

Transfers

Whichever island you are staying on, you are met at the airport/ferry port and transferred to your resort. Whether by flight, jeepney or banca boat, there are fantastic sights to enjoy on your journey there and back. Although some transfer can take up to a whole day, most clients pass feedback that this was a very interesting part of their overall trip.

The below information is to give you a general idea of transfer times between regions; actual transfer times may differ slightly according to individual arrangements and ferry timetables, tides etc.:

Cebu - Malapascua: 4 – 5 hours by vehicle and outrigger

Dumaguete - Malapascua: 8 - 9 hours by vehicle, ferry, vehicle and outrigger

Panglao - Malapascua: 7+ hours by vehicle, ferry, vehicle and outrigger

Cabilao - Malapascua: 7+ hours by vehicle, ferry, vehicle and outrigger

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.