Useful information

OTHER SCHOOL SERVICES

Immigration office for visa extension and special study permit

The Immigration Office is open on weekdays, Monday through Friday. The tourist visa is granted free of charge upon arrival and is valid for 30 days. Then, it should be extended to 2 months and every 60 days thereafter up to 1 year. All students from other countries must obtain a SPECIAL STUDY PERMIT (SSP). This costs approximately 140 USD. This permit allows students to study short-term in the Philippines. Our office will provide you with all the necessary documents and assist you in the process at the immigration office located in Dumaguete City. Visitors staying longer than 60 days must also obtain an I-Card, which is valid for one year and costs approximately 175 USD.

Please note that it is the responsibility of each student to ensure that they have proper and valid visas and documentation during their stay at the school. When in doubt, consult the office for advice.

Internet

The entire campus has WI-FI and is free for students’ access. See office staff for login information. You can also use the 4G connection on your phone using a local SIM card.

Coffee shop

The cafeteria is a school-operated facility that offers pre-arranged meals for students enrolled in SLAcademy. Shopping is done every day, assuring students that only fresh meat, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables are served. Meals are optional and the student can register in advance or upon arrival.

Useful tips for the island

Siquijor is a tropical island. The island has a friendly, English-speaking environment where you can feel very safe and well-cared for.

For the sun worshipper, Siquijor is a paradise, with all the elements of a tropical heaven: crystal blue waters, powdery white sand, tropical palm trees, and healthy marine life under the seas. Not surprisingly, the culinary price in Siquijor is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors.

Siquijor Beaches

The island has many beaches, some are yet to be discovered. COME AND BE THE FIRST.

These three are the most popular:

• Paliton Beach
• Little Paliton Beach
• Secret Beach

Weather

From June, it is cool at night and warm during the day, with moderate rains. Winds from the northeast to the east account for the beach’s clean and calm waters and temperatures that range between 25 and 32 ° C (77-90 ° F).

March and April are the hottest months and mostly dry with trade winds from the east to southeast and temperatures ranging between 28 and 38 ° C (82-100 ° F).

The winds from May / June to September / October come from the southwest, bringing moderate to heavy rains and temperatures that range between 25 and 32 ° C (77-90 ° F).

Cooler breeze is experienced in -BER months, and in January and February.

Getting to Siquijor

With several daily flights from Manila, it is quite easy to fly to Dumaguete. Upon arriving in Dumaguete, take a 15-minute trike ride to the port and then head to Siquijor on a boat trip.

Getting Around Siquijor

The tricycle is the most popular mode of transportation. It has capacity of approximately 5 passengers. The minimum rate is 10 pesos and increases according to the distance. Rates are usually posted inside the trike, but they often try to charge foreigners more money. The chartered tricycles (you rent all the seats for your exclusive use) charge 100 pesos and more, depending on the distance. Keep in mind that if you get on an empty tricycle, they can try to charge you with the special chartered rate

What to Bring

You need very few clothing items. Beach towels / clothing can be purchased on the island. Sweatshirts and sweatpants can come in handy during the colder months, as temperatures drop slightly at night. Remember to have your sunglasses, a hat, a flashlight, a good pair of beach sandals, and your camera.

Money

The currency of the Philippines is the peso (PhP or P). The denominations of the coins are: 5 ¢, 10 ¢, 25 ¢, P1, P5 and P10. The denominations of the banknotes are: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 pesos. Exchange some foreign currency at the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where rates are better. Credit cards are accepted in some establishments in Siquijor. There are many ATMs on the island, which accept credit and debit cards from foreign banks, but most will charge a fee.

ATM Machines

• • Philippine National Bank
  • Metrobank 
  • Development Bank of the Philippines
  • Land Bank

Shopping

1. Gorospe Grocery Store
2.  Quick Silver
3.  Dui Marketing
4. Prince Warehouse
5. Variety of boutiques along main roads

Work hours

Most offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Monday to Friday. Banks are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. When conducting transactions with banks, please bring your passport for identification. Commercial establishments, especially restaurants, bars and spas are open every day.

Language

English is one of the official languages of the country. Most of the locals understand and speak English, giving you plenty of opportunities to practice your new English skills and ensuring little to no English communication challenges.

Health Concerns

There are a few medical clinics on the island. The office can offer advice on which clinic to go to if you need medical assistance.
The tap water in Siquijor is not suitable for drinking. Most stores have bottled drinking water and the school also offers water dispensers on campus and in the dormitory.

Prepaid mobile phone lines

If your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local system, you can use it by purchasing a local prepaid SIM card, as well as prepaid charges that will allow you to call or text, or have internet data. The 2 main operators are Smart Communications and Globe Telecom.

Emergency numbers

Siquijor restrictions

1. No smoking on the beach

2. No littering

3. No urinating or defecating anywhere on the beach