Ilocos Sur Welcomes More Tourists Starting November 15, 2020!

Want to travel but still can’t decide where to go to? Well, maybe there’s something missing in your destination choices? If you’re from Luzon Area, better include Ilocos Norte in your must-visit list!

Calle Crisologo

Starting November 15, 2020, the Province of Ilocos Norte will be open to tourists from Luzon Area including those from Metro Manila, “once all systems and health and safety measures are in place”, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Sunday, October 18, 2020.

 

The development came upon the announcement of Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan V. Singson to open up the province following the growing interest from tourists from the National Capital Region (NCR) during the launch of the Reef and Ridge traveler corridor.

Kalesa Ride in Calle Crisologo

The DOT also lauded the initiative of Governor Singson's to give back jobs to the tourism workforce from the kutcheros or carriage drivers to the waiters, the souvenir shops, to the tour guides through the slow but sure reopening of the province.

 

Test-Before-Travel

Ilocos Sur first welcomed back tourists through the Ridge and Reef travel corridor with Baguio City and Ilocos Region including the provinces of La Union, Pangasinan, and Ilocos Norte. And just like before, they will be requiring some documents to its tourists such as pre-registration before travel, negative RT-PCR test results within a 72-hour period.  

Calle Crisologo

Check out below the previous Ridge and Reef (Baguio – Region 1) Travel Corridor Guidelines:

 

Before Traveling

1. Explore and arrange visit with DOT-Accredited Tour and Travel Agents.

Preliminary Preparations include:

·         Explore available DOT – Accredited Accommodation

·         Explore itinerary and other services offered

·         Learn safety protocols and guidelines for the visit

2. Have yourself tested

·         RT-PCR test result issued not more than 48 hours prior to travel is required.

·         Testing methods are subjected to DOH advisories and guidelines. Updates will be posted when officially released.

·         Test results are valid for a 5-days itinerary only.

3. Register & create a QR Code using Safepass

·         Request entry during the day of your travel to Ilocos Sur

To gain access in your location, try getting your own SafePass QR code first:

·         From your personal mobile phone, go to https://m.me/safepassportal

·         Click on Get Started

·         Enter 2 to request your SafePass QR Code

·         Follow  and finish all the instructions

Once done, you can now request entry into your location. To do that, just go to https:/m.me/safepassportal or https:/request.safp.as

 

4. Don’t forget your SafePass QR Code and copies of all documents:

·         Most recent COVID-19 test (current prescribed method by DOH) with result issued by accredited Testing Centers.

·         Confirmed itinerary as issued by an accredited Tour Operator.

·         Government-issued ID, preferably Passport second page; for minors, school ID, or parent/legal guardian’s ID.

·         Accommodation Booking Receipt

During Travel

1. Stopovers are only allowed in designated pit stops:

·         For breathers, meals, and personal necessities during travel, stopovers are only allowed within BLUPISIN (Baguio, La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte) at predetermined DOT-accredited restaurant or gas stations.

·         As much as possible, any stop is discouraged. For short-distance trips, please travel direct from point of origin to destination without stopping.

2. Designated pit stops in Ilocos Sur:

·         LV&JV Pasalubong (Brgy. Bagar, Candon City, Ilocos Sur; along National Highway)

·         Marsha’s Delicacies (Brgy. Cabalanggan, Bantay, Ilocos Sur; along National Highway)

·         Petron (Poblacion, Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur; along National Highway)

3. Entry access to the Province of Ilocos Sur will only be at:

·         Tagudin Border

·         Sinait Border

Upon Arrival at the border

1. Present your documents. (Do not leave your documents at the checkpoint border. Treat them as your passport or visa)

2. Triage card will be individually issued

·         A triage card will be presented during the check-in

·         No triage card, no check-in

During Guided Tour

1. Follow itinerary as assisted by a tour guide

·         Any modification of itinerary must be consulted and approved by the Provincial Tourism Office.

·         Digital check-in/out shall be done in all sites or establishments to be visited

Bantay Bell Tower

Who is allowed to visit Ilocos Sur?

1. Tourists from Luzon Area

2. 50 Tourists at a time

3. Below 60-years old that are healthy, not pregnant, and have no COVID-19 symptoms and exposure.

4. Complied with all pre-registration requirements.

*As part of precautions for safety and slow re-opening, the Province of Ilocos Sur will only allow a limited number of tourists. Criteria may change upon the recommendation of the Provincial Health Officials.

 

 

Getting to Ilocos Sur

Pagburnayan Pottery

Ilocos Sur is located north of Manila and can easily be accessed by land. If you have a private transfer from Manila, travel time is about 8 hours depending on the traffic. To lessen your worries, why not let us take you there, right? Let our friendly drivers drop you off you to Batangas with ease. Talk with us live on our website or chat us on our official Facebook page.

Reference:

Department of Tourism

Sure Ilocos Sur Facebook Page

 

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Did we miss something? Share your thoughts by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.com. If you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63917-577-2546.

 

For other tours and travel needs, check out our website at www.islastory.com.

 

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Opened Boracay Island Activities that you can enjoy now!

Boracay Island is no doubt, still one of the must-visit places in the Philippines! Despite the pandemic, its beauty offers a sweet escape from those who are tired of their everyday routine and just simply wants to unwind in paradise.

Aside from the wide selection of accommodations, Boracay Island is also known for the activities that will surely not leave you bored during your vacation. You can simply soak up the sun at the White Beach or start a new hobby from the different water activities they offer! Boracay Island was even dubbed as “The Island that Never Sleeps” because of its roaring nightlife. However, since the rehabilitation of the island, the activities were reduced but that doesn’t mean that can no longer enjoy here Boracay, right?

As Boracay Island once again re-opens to tourists, the activities in the island also now resume but comes with stringent health and safety measures to ensure that tourists will have a safe trip while having a good time! Check out below activities:

 

DINING

Dining together is a good way to create a special bond with your friends and family. So, when you’re in a vacation it’s a good thing to spend lunch or dinner in a nice restaurant.

As of the moment, there are few restaurants that are now open with minimum public health standards in place in Boracay Island. Although not all are now open, there are still some that is sure to satisfy your palate. Among the restaurants you’ll find are Lemoni Cafe and Restaurant and Aloha Boracay Island Grill which offers dine-in, take-out, and deliveries.

When in Station 1, you can also check out Jony’s Beach Resort that offers fruit shakes and Mexican food and Obama Grill Boracay which is a casual dining restaurant that specializes Filipino Cuisines. In Station 2, there is Globy Bar & Restaurant that serves different local and international meals (Brazil, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia & Morocco) and Red Coconut Beach Restaurant where you can sip a tropical drink and munch on delectable meals.

 

When dining in, some restaurants may require you to log in or scan your QR code for contact tracing and get your temperature checked as part of their health and safety measures. Don’t forget to sanitize your hands with alcohol and practice social distancing as well. It is also recommended if you could use contactless payment options.

 

 

WATER SPORTS

Your Boracay Island trip will not be complete until you try various water activities! This island also a favorite destination for tourists who want to quench their thirst for adrenaline rush!

Different water sports are now allowed at reduced capacity and subject to health and safety protocols. To name a few, below are some of the water activities that you can now try:

• Parasail
• Jetski
• Banana Boat
• Helmet Diving
• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling (For tourists who want to snorkel, they must bring their own snorkeling equipment.)

Watch more below: 

SWIMMING

If you’re tired of the water activities and just wants to leisurely swim by the beach, that’s okay! Tourists are now allowed to swim by the beach as long as they, of course, follow the health and safety measure.

Now, there are certain designated beach stations where you can swim. Before going to the water, you’ll need to provide your personal details and have your temperature checked. You can swim in the marked areas between red and yellow flags from 6am to 6pm.

Below are the temporary designated areas for swimming:

• White House (Station 1)
• Willy's Rock (Station 1)
• Elizalde Compound (Station 1)
• D'Mall (Station 2)
• Mandarin Hotel (Station 2)
• La Carmela (Station 2)
• Paradise Garden Resort and Convention Center (Station 3)
• Puka Beach (Barangay Yapak)

 

After months-long lockdown, who wouldn’t be excited to go out and travel, right? Although the threat of COVID-19 is still there, we, as tourists, must always follow health and safety protocols set by the government. We know you’re excited to head to Boracay Island and enjoy the time of your lives but make sure to check out first below reminders:

 

TOURIST REMINDERS

1. Don’t travel if you’re feeling under the weather

Protect your health and the well-being of others. If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, sore throat, difficulty breathing, etc.), please rebook your trip and consult a doctor.

2. Get tested only in licensed labs

Ensure that you are getting your RT-PCR Tests in accredited laboratories

3. Keep your tourist QR code with you at all times

Have a printed copy on hand or digital copy in your smartphone. The QR Code will be used in accessing services in Boracay Island

4. No face mask + No face shield = No Ride for all PUVs

Keep your safety gear on and observe proper physical distancing. Only a maximum of two (2) passengers on tricycles and a maximum of four (4) passengers on e-trikes are allowed.

5. Visitors Allowed

Tourists from all ages with no underlying health conditions or comorbidities coming from areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

 

6. Pre-travel Requirements

• Health Declaration Card available at touristboracay.com
• Negative RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours prior to their departure date
• Booking confirmation details for hotel/resort to be presented upon check-in and arrival

 

7. How to get Tourist QR Code?

1. Send an email to touristboracay@gmail.com with the subject format: OHDC-Family Name, First Name, then attach also the following documents:

• Health Declaration Card (HDC)
• RT-PCR Negative Result
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Valid ID

2. Wait for the email response. If approved, you’ll receive a copy of your HDC and Tourist QR Code.

*Multiple tourist documents can be sent in an email. Make sure to include listings of the names of the tourists.

 

8. What to bring in Boracay?

• Completed HDC and Tourists QR Code
• Negative RT – PCR result
• Hotel booking confirmation
• Proof of identification

*Travel conditions are subject to change without prior notice

Reference: https://philippines.travel/destinations/boracay

 

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Did we miss something? Share us your thoughts by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.com. If you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63917-577-2546.

 

For other tours and travel needs, check out our website at www.islastory.com.

 

Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to get updated with Philippines travels!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islastoryph/

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Philippine Travel Update: Batangas is now open to Divers!

Calling out all diving enthusiasts! It is now time to take out your gears and dust it off as one of the premier diving destinations in the Philippines is now open!

Batangas is a province in Luzon popularly known for its great marine biodiversity. Even though the province is still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat announced the opening after signing the PCSSD Administrative Order No. 2020-001 or the Guidelines on the Operations of Dive Establishments under a Community Quarantine.

“Dive establishments in Batangas Province, insofar as the area is still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ), are hereby determined to be permitted to accept guests for Recreational Diving, taking into consideration the general preparedness of the area and its impact on the tourism industry,” the tourism chief remarked.

The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved Resolution No. 78, which provides for the DOT to determine the destinations in GCQ areas where recreational diving may be allowed. Under IATF Resolution 78, dive establishments and resorts in specific areas under GCQ and Modified GCQ areas may accept guests from GCQ and Modified GCQ areas for recreational diving purpose. Prior to the IATF-EID Resolution, travel for the purpose of recreational diving was not allowed in between areas under GCQ and MGCQ.

 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also emphasized that the DOT remains optimistic yet cautious of the reopening of recreational diving.  

“We remain optimistic yet cautious of its reopening to recreational diving. We remind everyone to Test-Before-Travel and likewise reiterate that only those with a valid DOT and/or PCSSD Accreditation will be permitted to operate.” Puyat announced.

 

“While guests of all ages from GCQ and MGCQ areas are welcome, the activity is off-limits to those with comorbidities and currently pregnant,” she added.

Aside from your masks, fins, snorkels, regulators, and other gear, don’t forget to secure the following documents before heading to Batangas:

1. Medical Clearance
2. Negative RT-PCR result within 72 hours (3 days) before actual arrival
3. Confirmed Booking from the resort or hotel
4. Valid IDs

*Required documents are subject to change without prior notice.

 

 

DOT ACCREDITED DIVE SITES

Through its regional office for Region IV-ACALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), the DOT also provided a digital contact tracing application to the Mabini, Batangas local government unit (LGU) for a more efficient tracing measure. There are already 6 dive establishments and 2 liveaboards accredited by PCSSD in Region IV-A.

“The DOT accreditation certifies that the dive establishments are conforming to the minimum health and safety guidelines and are ready to accept guests again. We encourage the dive resorts and stakeholders to take advantage of the free and online DOT-accreditation platform at https://accreditation.tourism.gov.ph,” Puyat added.

 

GETTING TO BATANGAS

Just south of Manila and easily accessible by land and sea, Batangas has some of Luzon’s best dive sites, including Balayan Bay, Cathedral Rock, Beatrice Rock, Twin Rocks, and Mainit Muck.

 

If you have a private transfer from Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway. Travel time will is about 3-4 hours depending on the traffic. 

To lessen your worries, why not let us take you there, right? Let our friendly drivers drop you off you to Batangas with ease. Talk with us live on our website or chat us on our official Facebook page.

 

Here’s a preview of our diving escapade in Bauan, Batangas: 

Know more about Bauan, Batangas by checking out our blogs: Beneath Bauan: A Diving Experience or Bauan, Batangas: A Diver’s Haven in the South

 

Reference: Department of Tourism

 

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Did we miss something? Share us your thoughts by commenting below or send us an email at tours.ph@raksotravel.com. If you'd rather talk to one of our travel representatives call us at +63917-577-2546.

 

For other tours and travel needs, check out our website at www.islastory.com.

 

Don’t forget to follow & subscribe to get updated with Philippines travels!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islastoryph/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IslaStory