The best season for diving is from April to November, though towards the end of that period the weather moves into the northeast monsoon and weather can be unpredictable. As in many areas, bad weather can occur at any time.

Two seasons:

Dry Season-From November to May

Rainy Season- From June to October

Humidity is around 70%. The coolest months are from December to February.

24-27 degrees Centigrade- 3mm wetsuit

28-35 degrees Centigrade

Full Passport WITH 6 MONTHS TO RUN.Citizens of nearly all countries DO NOT NEED VISA to enter the Philippines FOR STAYS of LESS THAN 21 DAYS.Visa Extensions for stays of up to 6 months are generally available in the Philippines through the main immigration office at Manila.

Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid, Polio, Meningitis.

A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for those coming from infected areas.

Before departure, visitors should check with their travel agent or GP, as regulations may change without notice.

Philippines Peso.

Visa, Mastercard, and, to a lesser extent, Diners Club, American Express and JCB credit cards are widely accepted. Credit card cash advances are available at some ATM's throughout the country.

English is widely spoken, but there are hundreds of dialects.

The Philippines is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Meridian time; no adjustment is made for daylight saving time.

The electricity supply is mostly 220 volts, though the actual voltage is often much less, particularly in the provinces. Brownouts and blackouts are much less of a problem than used to be, but it is wise to unplug any appliances during power cuts or periods of low voltage, as there may be heavy surges when the electricity returns to normal.

Most shopping malls donot open until after 10am and remain open until 8 or 9pm, depending on the day.Stores are open 7 days a week, except on major holidays (Christmas, New Year's, Easter)

Banks are open from 9:30am to 3 or 4pm.

Government offices are usually open from 8am to 5pm.

In most cities a wide range of international cuisine competes with the local cuisine. European cuisine is very popular throughout the islands.Chinese cuisine is widely available.

Local handicrafts can be a good buy, but be warned that many shell and animal items cannot be legally imported into some countries.

Locally produced clothes and fashion accessories are real bargains.