Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of Frequently Asked Questions or FAQ’s. Please read this list of FAQ’s since it will cover questions that on a regular base many people ask who are interested in participating in dive course and/or packages with us here at Neptune Diving Resort in Moalboal, Bongo Bongo Divers in Dauin, Seaquest dive center on Bohol and Devocean Divers on Malapascua 

We are offering various IDC packages, starting from every level, either from Open Water-, Advanced Open Water-, Rescue Diver- or Divemaster level.

Starting at any of these levels, you have the option at PADI IDC level to choose from a Basic, Deluxe or Prime packages whereby each package is an extension from the previous package.

All our packages includes the Prep IDC course, the IDC and the EFR Instructor course.

A Deluxe and Prime package includes the Prep IDC course, the IDC and the EFR Instructor course and the MSDT prep course which includes 5 PADI Instructor Specialties of your choice and also dorm or single room in a resort.

We are now including your PADI Nitrox Instructor rating and PADI Dive Against Debris Instructor rating for FREE in all Instructor level courses and internships (this offer does not include required PADI materials for becoming a PADI Nitrox diver or a PADI Dive Against Debris diver and it does not include any Nitrox fills or PADI Instructor application fees).

IDC Philippines’ packages are based on a course or package fee.

Costs for required PADI materials are included but can of course be deducted if you already got a crew pak.

The PADI application fees are directly payable to PADI by cheque or credit card and are not included in the IDC and/or package prices.

The more extensive the packages are, the higher the costs for application fees and required PADI materials will be.

Pending on what PADI Instructor Specialties courses you choose, additional costs may occur for either required PADI materials or equipment rental. Since these choices vary from person to person and are usually not made until the Specialty Instructor training starts, these costs can’t be calculated before the start of Instructor Specialty training.

We can provide a costing for each package (Basic, Deluxe or Prime) starting at each level, Open Water-, Advanced Open Water-, Rescue Diver- or Divemaster or straight IDC level upon request.

No, deposits are not refundable under any circumstance.

We do understand that your circumstances may change, not allowing you to start or finish a course, therefore we are very flexible about your starting and completion date.

You can delay the start of your program(s) as much as you need, this is no problem, as long as you keep us informed about your change of plans.

As with any university or training facility, deposits and full payments are not refundable but once you commit to our courses, you will see that we are commitment as well and will be there to help you complete your courses.

It’s fairly easy, go to any page, press contact us up in the right hand corner and fill out the information or also press the RED button in the down right corner  and we will get back to you with the required information and/or booking forms that include the payment options.

There are a number of different options that we can offer you depending on what you are looking for; budget, self-catering or a bit of luxury during your training.

We have 9 rooms of our own for just 2250 Peso per night good for 2 pax in each room. The rooms have a split type aircon, hot and cold shower and with international wall plugs that fits most European countries and US chargers. We are happy to give out our rooms to our IDC candidates with a 20% discount.

We have a good selection of accommodation options available in Moalboal, ranging from dorm style backpacker lodges, or bungalow style bungalows, through to luxury AC cottages. Nightly, weekly or Monthly rents are available. If you would like us to book something for you please indicate your preferences and we will take care of that on behalf of you.

Self service monthly rentals are always available and vary in price dependent on your requirements and the time of year. As an example very simple local bungalows can be found upwards of 10,000.00 PHP per month. As there is so much variation, the best approach will be to check into a hotel for one to two nights while you check out what is on offer. We are more than happy to help you with this.

There are a number of different options that we can offer you depending on what you are looking for; budget, self-catering or a bit of luxury during your training.

At Bongo Bongo divers we have cheap rooms available in different styles. We both have fan and Aircon rooms available. Four of our rooms are with private toilet & the rest is with stylish and very clean shared outdoor toilet/bathroom. Latest addition is our fan and ac dorms for the budget or solo traveller… 

Our place has been build for divers, that are looking for a fun place. Our rooms have been build for budget travelers who are looking for a fun and social place to stay. We have always social events going and we are much more than just a dive center. You stay a few days and will already feel becoming part of our team & Bongo Family. We are all passionate divers, with passion for critters, and all the underwater treasures that Negros.

There are a number of different options that we can offer you depending on what you are looking for; budget, self-catering or a bit of luxury during your training.

The majority of Seaquest-divers accommodate themselves at Oasis Resort; located right behind the dive center. The resort and the dive center have been combining their services for many years offering you as our guest a well-organized experience. Oasis resort operates the popular Oasis Restaurant and Beach Club right next to the dive center.

It was originally constructed on a spacious 5000m2 lot and has slowly and carefully been built up to what you can see today. There are 21 rooms at this time, 16 rooms housed in 8 spacious two duplex (two under one roof) cottages, 8 beautiful Superior Deluxe rooms and 1 Suite. All buildings are put together using native and natural materials. The roofs are made of what the locals call “Nipa” , the leaf of fresh water palm that only grows in certain areas in Bohol. Furthermore lots of bamboo and wood was used to give the resort an overall natural look.

Devocean dive shop is located on premises of Hippocampus Beach and Dive Resort! Right on the main beach of Malapascua, Bounty Beach.  Stay here and experience the convenience of staying, unwinding, eating, drinking, watching sunsets on the beach AND diving, all in the same place!  Experience the dive resort way!

Hippocampus offers a typical boutique beach resort atmosphere. No need to wear shoes as there is sand everywhere. The resort has altogether 18 rooms that have been integrated into a lush tropical garden with coconut trees and various colorful plants and flowers. All rooms have their own veranda and offer a spacious double bed or alternatively two single beds.

 

Should the Hippocampus Beach and Dive Resort not be able to accommodate you, then of course there are alternatives. The most convenient place to stay then would be our neighbor the Malapascua Legend Resort.

We are usually starting the course day at 08:30 AM and finish it up around 05:00 PM so there will be plenty of time for some homework or even a dive after class.

Yes, absolutely. You may have friends or relatives coming over and want to spend time with them or you need or want to go back home to spend Christmas or any other event with your beloved ones, that’s all no problem, as long as you communicate with us and let us know about your plans.

Once you’re back in the Philippines or have time again to continue the courses, just let us know and we start scheduling you in again.

Here’s a time schedule for the various courses:

The Open Water diver course is 3 to 4 days.

The Advanced Open Water diver course is 2 days.

The Rescue Diver and EFR course are 4 days.

The Divemaster course internship is scheduled to last 4 – 6 weeks.

The IDC is conducted over 12 days, including the EFR Instructor course and the PADI IE is conducted over 2 days.

Specialty Instructor Training is approximately 3 to 4 days, pending on what program you participate in.

After the PADI IE it’ll take about 10 working days before you receive Teaching Status from PADI, during which time frame we will be conducting Specialty Instructor training.

As of now we do not offer any free training in exchange of work.

As for split payments, this is not possible, before the start of the first course you participate in, you will have to pay the full balance of the remaining course fees and required PADI materials obtained through us.

No, they are not. There are so many variables, options and prices that we can’t include these into our package prices.

You will have to book your own flight to and once you arrive here, we can help you out with finding or arranging for local transportation to your course location.

If you have a general good health and you’re reasonably fit, there should be no problem for you to take up diving.

Once you turn a DMT (Dive Master Trainee) you will need to get a physical examination here, which costs around 300 Php. You will have to fill out a PADI Medical Statement in order to be signed off for your Divemaster course.

PADI has a general rule that you need a completely filled out Medical Statement before you begin a course (which is a really good policy!). In the Philippines this statement doesn’t need to be verified by a physician, unless you answer one of these questions with a ‘Yes” answer or if participate in a Divemaster and/or Instructor course (IDC).

Before you book a course, have a look at the PADI Medical Statement to see if there are any problems. Keep in mind that the majority of people who need to see a physician because they answered a question with ‘Yes’, are able to continue with their dive course.

If you have a different Medical Statement than the PADI Medical Statement, make sure that your statement reads that you are ‘fit to dive’, that your medical statement doesn’t have any restrictions, is not older than 12 months and is signed and dated by a physician. You can find PADIs Medical Statement form here

All the scuba tanks used during courses with either Bongo Bongo Divers or Neptune Diving Resort have INT valves and adapters are available in case you don’t have or bring your own adapter.

It’s always a good idea to have insurance.

Basic travel insurance is almost a must, however this may be expensive and you may be restricted in the duration of your travel insurance. There for we suggest using an international medical package through Bupa (BUPA.COM) or any other reputable insurance company.

Although insurance isn’t required in the Philippines, it’s worthwhile checking out your options for diving insurance. Not all general health insurances will cover diving. For diving insurance we suggest to look at DAN or Divers Alert Network or Diveassure.

For your general health insurance, make sure that you’re covered for driving motorcycles up to 125CC. The motorbikes that you rent here will most likely be around 80 to 100 or even 125 CC.

Cebu island supports two hyperbaric chambers. Both are located in Cebu city.

Their are some different ways to get to Moalboal from the airport in Cebu city.

The best and easiest way is of course to take a taxi or a van directly from the airport to our diveshop in Moalboal, if you do not want to organize it your self we are more then happy to help you arrange a car or a van for you.

You can also go get down to Moalboal with the local bus, all you have to do is to take a taxi from the airport to the South Bus Terminal to Moalboal, when you reach Moalboal you just take a motorbike or a Tricycle directly to the Dive Center.

There are several ways to get to our place in Dauin when you already are in Dumaguete, depending on your budget…

The cheapest way to get here is to take a tricycle (9php/head) to the jeepney station, close to the local market in Dumaguete. They leave as soon as they’re full usually this takes 5-15mins. The trip costs 18php/head. Tell the driver to drop you off at the local market in Dauin and from there we can either pick you up or you can walk down to Bongo Bongo divers 5 minutes away from the local market.

If you end up on the Ceres bus station, you can also get a bus from there, you need to go south those will typically be going towards Bayawan, but always remember to ask the conductors on site for the right bus. This would cost you 20php just let the conductor know you are going down Dauin market.

You can also take a tricycle the whole way from the Airport or pier depending on the mood and heat of the day, this varies usually between 200-350php for the whole trip. Some drivers will turn you down for 200php and some wont. Anything less than 200 is a bargain and you have great skills. Direction to the driver is Dauin Marine Sanctuary 1, the first left turn on the national highway after the local market in Dauin.

We are also more than happy to pick you up at the airport with one of our cars.

Getting to Dumaguete City from Manila

Air plane – At the moment there is two airlines operating Manila-Dumaguete, Cebu Pacific & Philippine Airlines. The prices are usually around 2.000 php one way all included. If you start looking at tickets, a couple of month in advance you can be lucky to avail some of the promos and pay as little as 650 php one way, but it require patience and timing to get it right!

Getting to Dumaguete City from Cebu

Theres several options to get to Dumaguete from Cebu, we will take you through the most common.

Air plane – There is only one flight in the morning from Cebu City to Dumaguete operated by Cebu Pacific. Same apply to these tickets that if you got the skills and patience, these can be bought as low as 650 php… Normal rate is around 1.500 php all included.

Taxi – If you can’t be bothered by going by bus, airplane or ferry you can hire a taxi from Cebu to Lilo-An port (Southern tip of Cebu Island). Here there is two ferries operating roughly every 30 min to Sibuland (5 kilometers out of Dumaguete). The crossing takes around 20 minutes in calm sea. When you arive to the pier in Sibuland, there will be jeepneys waiting to take you to Dumaguete for as little as 15 php.

Ferry – There are several ferries operating Cebu-Dumaguete.

OceanJet – Has one departures to Dumaguete a day, which is the one in the morning. It’s with air-con and usually they abuse it, by setting it to 16 degrees. Sometimes you are freezing your arse off, while other times it’s well controlled. Anyways we would strongly recommend you to bring an extra jacket or blanket with you incase. Sometimes you can be lucky that they show a nice movie and other times the play way to loud crappy music, anyway just hope for the best. The trip is about 4 1/2 hour with a stop in Tagbilaran on the way. Price is around 1.100 php one way.

Slow ferries – There are couple of different slow ferries, operating Cebu-Dumaguete. Since they always change the schedule you will have to figure out ahead of your departure how the schedule is on the specific day. Usually it takes 6-7 hours. The best thing with those ferries, is you will have your own bed & properly be the only tourist onboard. The prices beginning as low as 350 php one way.

Bus– There is a few busses leaving for Dumaguete from the southern bus terminal in Cebu. We would not recommend to use this, since your travel time can turn out to be as long as 8-9 hours. Much Faster and frequently you can catch a bus, going to Lilo-An (Southern tip of Cebu Island) Here there is two ferries operating roughly every 30 min to Sibuland (5 kilometers out of Dumaguete). The crossing takes around 20 minutes in calm sea. When you arive to the pier in Sibuland, there will be jeepneys waiting to take you to Dumaguete for as low as 15 php. And from there you can follow our guide above.

There are several ways to get to our place on Bohol, depending on where you are and your budget.

If you wish to fly:

Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport)

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are the premier gateways. They serve an enormous amount of flights every day to different countries in the world. Many airlines fly to Manila: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, China Eastern, Etihad Airways and many more. There is even a direct flight from Amsterdam to Manila with the KLM. From Manila, there are several daily flights with different airlines to Cebu Mactan International Airport & Bohol-Panglao International Airport. You can take a flight with: Cebu Pacific Air, Philippines Airlines or Air Asia. 

Cebu (Cebu Mactan Internation Airport)

Cebu Mactan International airport is located on Mactan Island just 25 minutes from Cebu City. The airport is gradually serving an increasing number of airlines. The airport handles regular flights from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore as well as chartered flight from the United States. Besides that, there are also international flights coming in from Europe with Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and the Emirates.

Bohol-Panglao International Airport

Bohol-Panglao International Airport is located on Panglao Island, just 30 minutes from Tagbilaran City and just 10 minutes from Oasis Resort. At the moment the Bohol-Panglao International Airport is only accepting domestic air-travel. The planning is soon to accept also international flights. 

Traveling From Island To Island

If you prefer traveling per boat, try the “slow boat” ships between Manila and Cebu/Tagbilaran. From Manila to Cebu will take you around 24 hours. You can book these boat trips online with different carriers. 
In the Visayas region you can easily travel by fast ferries from island to island. Especially from Cebu City to Tagbilaran (Bohol) there are many trips per day. One of the many carriers; Ocean Jet offers 12 trips per day from and to Cebu. Seaquest can help you to book your ferry -tickets to one of the many islands in the Visayas. For more information about schedules and prices please click on the following link: transfer rates
 

Transfers

Seaquest is more than happy to help you to arrange all your transfers from Cebu Airport/Cebu Pier or any other location to one of our destinations; Sumisid Lodge, Cebu or/and Oasis Resort, Bohol.  We can arrange all your ferry tickets and transfers by private car or mini-van. For more information about the rates for all our transfers please click on the following link: transfer rates

We can arrange the following private transfers:

Cebu Airport – Cebu Pier v.v.
Cebu Airport – Sumisid Lodge, Moalboal v.v.
Cebu Airport – Malapascua (upon request)
Cebu Pier – Malapascua (upon request)
Cebu Pier – Sumisid Lodge, Moalboal v.v.
———————————————-
Tagbilaran Pier – Oasis Resort v.v.
Bohol-Panglao Airport – Oasis Resort v.v.

All kind of ferry-tickets with different carriers.
We will only arrange transfers in combination with accommodation or a dive-package in Sumisid Lodge and/or Oasis Resort.

The length of the journey to get to Malapascua depends on your means of transportation. First you need to transfer yourself to the north tip of Cebu Island, a small town called Maya. From the warf/pier in Maya there are local outrigger boat s that will bring you to Malapascua Island. At the warf you can either try to get one of the ‘public ‘ boats, organize a ‘private’ boat or board a boat prearranged by Devocean Divers Malapascua. .

After completion of the courses, all PADI certifications are valid and accepted worldwide and you can start working as either a PADI Divemaster or PADI OWSI.

You will be affiliated with PADI, the largest recreational dive organization in the world who holds a 70% worldwide market share within the recreational dive industry and is considered to be the market leader.

Various Facebook groups and websites have the option to post your resume and look for worldwide jobs in all great dive locations that you ever heard of. Once you are a PADI member (Divemaster or higher) you will also gain access to PADI’s employment board at the PADI Member part of their website which lists many DM and Instructor jobs around the world.

Our Facebook group  is also a good way to stay in touch with your fellow IDC candidates and help each other with job searches around the world.

 

  • Copies of all certification cards from Open Water through to Divemaster (if NON PADI certifications)
  • Copy of the last page of your log book showing proof of 100+ dives
  • EFR certification dated within the past 2 years. Alternative first aid/CPR certification may be acceptable but please check with us in advance
  • Medical statement confirming/stating you are fit to dive dated within the past year and signed by a physician. This can be done at location, providing you answer all questions with no, if you answer a question with yes I recommend getting a medical in your home country ideally with a dive medically trained physician. Without a valid medical on day one of the IDC, you will not be allowed to join any in-water activities until a valid medical has been produced.
  • A copy of your medical used during the DM course can be used, if no changes in your medical status have occurred and is signed and dated by a physician within the past year, covering the date of the PADI IE.
  • Any PADI books and materials you have already purchased
  • Your credit card – PADI fees cannot be paid in cash
  • RDP Table and ‘Instructions for use’ booklet (optional)
  • eRDPml and ‘Instructions for use’ booklet
  • A calculator
  • Any personal diving equipment you may have (please note that whilst we offer equipment hire throughout your IDC and PADI IE, we strongly recommend that you purchase and/or bring your own).

Your equipment should consist of:

  • Regulator with octopus, console with depth gauge in metres & SPG
  • BCD with power inflator
  • Wetsuit
  • Mask, snorkel, fins
  • Timing device (some skills have time limits and you need to be able to check the exact duration of a skill)
  • Dive knife, compass, whistle, blank slate, safety sausage (SMB)
  • Pocket mask
  • Dive computer

If you have a DIN connection on your first stage, please bring an adapter. In the South East Asian region INT valves are the norm. DIN – adapaters are available for sale.

If you still have questions after reading this list of FAQs, contact us here.

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