Our Policies

-WATER:

-Tap water is fine for bathing, tooth brushing, cooking (provided it's boiled), and cleaning but NOT DRINKING.

-Use water dispensor in kitchen for drinking.

-We have two water tanks to augment the water supply, which, as with the rest of the Philippines, is subject to periodic interruptions.

THE SEA:

-The sea is at our door step. Always give the sea its respect. Rip currents, High surf and Rip Tides are rarely occur. However exceptions are always a possibility.

-Use caution anytime you're near the sea.

-Young children should always be supervised.

-The biggest hazard is Sea Urchins, whose presence is seasonal. Diving booties, rubber slippers, reef walking shoes or old tennis shoes are strongly recommended.

-If you step on a Sea Urchin, don't panic, they're not poisenous though the spines can cause pain.

-Local fisherfolk often dock their outriggers in the area, Please ask them for permission before using their boats. A small tip will warm their hearts should you be inclined.

ELECTRICITY:

-It's 220 volts in this part of the world. However we have transformers should your 110 volt electronics need charging.

-Brown outs are infrequent and when they do occur rarely last more than thirty minutes. A brown out exceeding 45 minutes should be reported to the manager.

COMMUNICATION:

-Signals from Globe and Smart Telecom are full strength.

-Casa Santa Barbara has no landline.

-At this time (Dec. '06) this area is still waiting for wireless internet. However internet and wifi is available in Tagbilaran and Alona Beach at various internet cafes.

-Casa Santa Barbara's on premisis manager can be reached at 917-696-2310. Her name is "Rose".

TRANSPORTATION:

-All guests receive free pick up and return to the Tagbilaran Airport or Tagbilaran Pier.

-Additional trips to the City, Alona Beach, or other areas are charged separately. We have an airconditioned mini van and driver available for hire at competitive rates.

-We also have motorbike rentals available. Please observe the helmet law.

FOOD:

-We have two kitchens, a fully equipped, industrial style indoor kitchen and an outside "Abujan" kitchen. Both are available.
-We have a catering service and cook for hire or you can cook your own food.

-ICM (Island City Mall) in Tagbilaran has a large grocery store. They accept Visa Card. Additionally, directly across from ICM is a large sea food and vegetable market.

-BQ (Bohol Quality Mall) in Tagbilaran also has a grocery. On the upper level of BQ is a Swiss Deli called "Rene's". They have numerous imported items.

-If you prefer not to cook, the resident manager is a fine chef and has a menu on display on the kitchen and on the website. We also have two caterers available.

-Bohol is not a restaurant haven. However there is a good Italian Restaurant in Alona Beach called "Kamalig". In Tagbilaran there is a good sea food grill called

"Miravilla". Miravilla also has a nice swimming pool so bring your swim attire if you want to swim.

ENTERTAINMENT:

-Tagbilaran City (15 minutes away) has two modern mulitplexes that show first run Hollywood movies. Ticket prices are $2 USD.

-Tagbilaran also has several bars, discos, and restaurants. Ask the on-site manager for specifics.

-Alona Beach (15 minutes away) also has bars and restaurants.

-Casa Santa Barbara has an air conditioned home theater with an 8' wide screen and surround sound. It's $3 USD per movie. (video projectors have a limited lamp life and the nominal fee helps defray the bulb replacement costs. Bulbs are extremely expensive.)

-Miravilla, as mentioned earlier, has the best swimming pool in Bohol and a good seafood restaurant.

CREDIT CARDS:

-At this time, we do not accept credit cards. However the big grocery stores do.

-In general, the Philippines is not a credit card friendly place. Businesses that DO accept credit cards usually add a servce charge of 3 to 7% depending.

-In Cebu City, credit card advances are available at Equitable Bank across from SM mall. Bring a passport.

PAYMENT:

-At this time, we don't accept credit card payments.

-We accept the following however: Philippines Pesos; US Dollars; Euros; US personal checks; PAYPAL; wire transfers to US or Philippine Bank.

-50% deposit to reserve Casa Santa Barbara

SECURITY:

-Bohol and Panglao are extremely peaceful.

-Casa Santa Barbara's nearest neighbor is a German family about 200 meters away.

-There's a friendly local village about a kilometer away. It's populated mainly by fisherfolk and farmers.

-We lived in Casa Santa Barbara for two years without a front door! In 4 years we never had a single security issue.

-There's an on site manager and on site helper. They reside in the Casa Santa Barbara Annex.

TOURS:

-There are numerous popular attractions in Bohol such as the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary (the world's smallest monkey), and the Hagdagan Caves. We can arrange for such tours and picnic lunch in our mini van. Inquire with the resident mgr.

SCUBA DIVING:

-This region of the Philippines is renowned for it's dive sites. There are over 15 dive shops in the Alona Beach Area. Make arrangements through our resident mgr. We have several recommended Dive shops.

-The diving off our beach is also good however we don't have a dive shop so it's more suited towards free diving.

-A typical two tank boat dive is $45 USD plus any equipment you need.