Pre Visit Information

• • Living conditions on the farm are clean but very simple. Buildings are bamboo and thatch, with dirt floors. The accommodation building has no walls and a great view. Beds are generally bamboo platforms. Bathing is via a dipper in a bucket of water. Cooking in the kitchen is over a small open fire.Malaria and other mosquito borne diseases are common in Palawan, so bring mosquito repellent (or buy in Roxas) and consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.

  • Food is vegetarian, organic, fresh from the garden and delicious. You are welcome to consume meat at restaurants in Roxas, if you wish.

  • Alcohol and cigarettes: Our community is cigarette and alcohol free. So, please, no smoking or consumption of alcohol on site.

  • Cell phone reception is available on the Smart and Global networks. There is no landline telephone.

  • Nearest internet/computer access is in Roxas, about 5 kms away. Internet cafes generally charge about P10-15/hr (USD$0.25-$0.35/hr). There are no computers in the community at the moment.

  • Mains Electricity is available most of the time (but we do experience regular blackouts).

  • Climate is tropical – hot and humid. Be aware of dehydration. Rainy season is from late May until early November

  • Money: the nearest ATMs that accept international credit cards are in Puerto Princesa, 3 hours away by bus.

What to bring

A few suggestions of things to bring that may make your stay more comfortable/enjoyable:

• • mosquito repellent (you can buy this in Roxas, if needed)sleeping mat/camping mattress if you are uncomfortable sleeping directly on a bamboo platform. (There is not much on the way of sleeping mats in Roxas, although I did see a yoga mat for sale).

  • Bedding – sleeping sheet, pillow (if desired). Unless you really feel the cold a blanket is unnecessary. (you can buy something in Roxas, if needed)

  • Flashlight/ torch because there are regular blackouts. (you can buy a torch in Roxas, if needed).

  • A notebook computer may be useful if your volunteer work will involve use of a computer. This may be more convenient and cheaper than using the Internet cafes in Roxas.

  • A hat, long sleeved shirt and sunscreen because the sun is hot here (you can buy these in Roxas, if needed)

  • A little money. You will not need much, just some for transport and spending money in Roxas. The nearest international credit card ATMs are in Puerto Princesa, 3 hours away by bus.