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. --- 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. --- 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. --- 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). --- 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. --- 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. --- 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. --- 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).