A Philippines welcome.

I would say the most valuable advice you could have before visiting the Philippines on honeymoon falls into just four distinct areas. As this page is hosted by the El Galleon honeymoon resort you can see short movies about our resort and the amazing diving here and perhaps follow links to our main site, as well as glean some useful information here.

What to bring and what is better to buy when you holiday here.

The author of this page usually stays for 3 - 4 weeks per visit and the only luggage he brings is carry-on luggage on the plane. There is virtually nothing that you can buy at home that you won't be able to buy here in the Philippines for a lot less. As an example, almost every honeymoon couple coming to the Philippines will be spending their time at a beach somewhere. At these resorts everyone lives in T shirts and shorts. A good quality cotton T shirt, in Puerto Galera, where the El Galleon resort is, costs a fraction over $2 US

The same goes for toiletries from toothpaste to cologne, it will cost you a lump less to buy it when you get here.

I do realize that I am unlikely to talk the bride to be out of bringing her trousseau but if it is not something special get it when you arrive in Manila or the Philippine resort you are staying at.

Beggars. As in so many capital cities these days beggars are common and your response to them is a personal matter but never give the Philippine children money. It simply encourages the mothers and fathers to send the children out more. The reason you find so many children out begging at midnight is that other tourists gave them money, otherwise they'd be safely tucked up in bed.

Money changing

Not only has the author of this page been caught out in a major way when changing money in the Philippines, but so have his friends, almost without exception. It goes like this. The rate being offered back at home before you left was perhaps X Pesos to the $ or Euro etc. But walking round the streets of Manila you see Money Changer shops everywhere and they are all offering a lot more than just X Pesos to the $. Don't do it ! I say again, DON'T DO IT.

I have handed over a sum of a lot more than $100 and watched as the Pesos were counted out in front of me and handed over. Only when back at the hotel did I discover the amount I took was only half of what it should have been.

If you want to change money either find a legitimate bank of get your hotel to recommend an honest money shop rather than risk spoiling your vacation.

A short video about our honeymoon resort.

The best diving in the Philippines.

Health.

Before talking about the inoculations you might need the two biggest reasons for honeymoons to be disrupted in the Philippines are sunburn and upset stomachs. Both of which can be avoided with a little thought. The Philippines is sub tropical and the sun shines all year round. Indeed, if you are near water the sun will be a lot stronger than you might imagine. If swimming or snorkeling, consider wearing a shirt and or even long pants.

The other aspect is tummy upsets.

We have all heard the horror stories of boat trips in the Red Sea and places where hundreds have succumbed to vomiting and diarrhea. Two simple rules will see you safe.

Never buy food from a street vendor and only eat or drink anything with ice in outside your hotel or resort.

Inoculations and risks in the Philippines.

There is Malaria in the Philippines. There are also rabid dogs, Hepatitis and many other unpleasant things, but you will be pleased to know that these nasties tend to be in remote jungle areas.

The author is one who falls into the school that when it comes to Malaria the pills are not worth the protection, but that is just me.

You would be well advised to do a little research on the net and to then discuss things with your doctor once you have decided on the area you will be staying.

Other things honeymooners do here.