
Pandan Island Resort & Diveshop – 5104 Sablayan – Occidental Mindoro – Philippines – info@pandan.com
Tel: +63 939 388 73 08 or +63 908 359 03 62 | Contact us | Impressum | Dataprivacy
Established in 1991, our dive shop ‘Mariposa Diving’ offers SSI courses of all levels.
We have complete sets of diving equipment and many tanks available for hire. Nitrox dives and courses are also available.
Beyond Pandan Island, Mariposa Diving is the leading dive operator for trips to Apo Reef Natural Park, the biggest coral reef in the Philippines, the second-biggest in the world, and a Marine Protected Area.
Explore the divesites on Pandan Island
| House Reef
Depths between 2 – 18m. Ideal for beginners, courses or a warm-up dive. Mostly no current . Still, a wide variety of coral fish can be seen. The nearby ‘Lion fish den’ consists of a group of corals & rocks, hideout of numerous lion fish, cleaner-shrimp & surgeon fish. Sometimes even leaf and ghost-pipe fish. Turtles can often be found at this divesite. During certain periods, schools of circling trevalllies can be spotted. |
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| Coral Garden East
Depths between 5 – 25m. Easy but beautiful dive. In a lively garden of mainly hard corals with patches of sand in between all kinds of marine life can be observed: surgeon fish, trigger fish, coral trouts, schools of fusiliers, stingrays, moray & sand eels, and some of our resident sea-turtles. |
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| Coral Garden West
Depths between 5 – 30m. An area totally covered by hard and soft corals. All kinds of marine life can be observed: surgeon fish, trigger fish, coral trouts, shools of fusiliers, unicorn fish, cuttle fish. In the deeper parts of the dive, large gorgonians and Neptune cups are abundant. Bumphead parrot-fish are most often here. |
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| Neptune’s Land
Depths between 18 – 30 m. This dive is a flat plateau connecting Napoleon Wall and the Coral Garden east. As the name indicates Neptune cups to a considerable size can be found. Also turtles seem to favor this place. |
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| Corner
Depths between 5 – 30 m. This dive site on the SW-side of the island consists of a steep slope with occasional big rocks and canyons that offer shelter to a wide array of reef fishes and attract predators such as mackerels and trevallies. There is a variation of different corals and big sea fans up to 2 meters diameter to be found. |
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| Canyons
Depths between 5 – 25 m. Wave action during the rainy season (July to October) created deep cuts in the coral reef providing refuge to all sorts of coral fish and bottom dwellers. Facing the South China sea this divesite provides also the chance to see open ocean fish like school of trevally and barracuda. |
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| North Wall
Depths between 7- 35 m. A sheer drop makes that place an interesting dive site. Although not as many fish as in other parts of the island can be seen, the overhanging corals create a very dramatic atmosphere. Pelagic fish such as tuna and mackerel are frequent. |
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| Gorgonian Drift
Depths between 10 – 35 m. Following the North Wall westwards the the wall becomes less steep and the stronger currents favour the growth of fan corals (Gorgoninans). Away from the wall shcools of snappers and fusiliers can be seen as wall as tunas or mackerels. |
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| Mystic Grounds
Depths between 20 – 35 m. This site extends to the S-SE of Pandan, between here and Sablayan. Owns the name to the often limited visibility. Many soft corals, gorgonians, elephant ears, sponges. |
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| Pandan South
Depths between 5 – 30 m. A short 20 minutes boatride away lays our sister island Pandan South. Ist reef on the western side facing the south china sea offers easy divesite which is great for macro dives. |
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Deep dives for experienced divers, best enjoyed with Nitrox
| Anchor
Depths between 25 – 40 m. On a underwater hill at a depth of 32 m, completely overgrown by corals, a huge anchor has come to rest at least 50 years ago. Snappers, barracudas and pelagic fish can be seen. At the bottom of the hill is a tree-like sea nettle, all white. |
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| Napoleon Wall
Depths between 28-38 m The deeper end of Neptune’s Land, there is a small wall that is a popular gathering place for schools of snappers, rainbow runners, and occasionally, napoleon wrasse. |
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| Napoleon Corner
Depths between 30-45m At the end of the Napoleon Wall a rocky outcrop forms the Napoleon corner. This divesite is exposed to the currents. When the current is running the site is teeming with all different coralfish like grouper, sweetlips, snappers as well as trevally, makrel and sometimes tuna. |
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| Barracuda Deep
Depths between 30- 40 m. Probably the most advanced dive around the island. A wall at 30 m depth facing the South China Sea is the place to see big schools of trevallies, fusiliers, surgeon fish, spanish mackerels and unicorn fish. Eagle rays and napoleons are often seen as well as barracudas up to a size of 1,5 m. The whole wall is overgrown with hard and soft corals and the gorgonians reach a considerable size. |
![]() SSI Divelog |
We provide high quality education, customized schedules and a relaxed environment
to help you make the most of your dive course.
The SSI digital training system is the standard in diver education, with comprehensive videos, photos and illustrations that connect you to real-life diving experiences. Choose from a range of SSI-certified courses, including specialties like Nitrox and Boat Diver.
All courses are available in English or Dutch. The course material is available in 30 languages.
Sign-up now on the SSI-Website for free access to basic materials.
Pandan Island is the closest dive operator to the world-known Apo Reef and organizes regular trips to Apo Reef during the season ( December – June) – It is established as the leading diveshop organizing dive-safaris to the reef. Located 30 km off the western coast of Mindoro Island, is one of Asia’s top diving spots. Spanning 34 km, it features northern and southern lagoons with diverse underwater landscapes. This vibrant ecosystem is home to 400–500 coral species and 500 fish species, including sharks, manta rays, and stingrays. Divers can experience breathtaking wall dives where marine life thrives, making Apo Reef a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts.
The dives around Apo Reef are suitable for all certified divers, but good buoyancy control is essential. Entry-level divers must do a check-up dive around Pandan Island beforehand.
From Pandan Island Apo Reef can be reached by the outrigger boat”M/B Karla” in only ninety minutes. APO REEF has been declared a marine park a couple of years ago, an entrance fee levvied by the Eco-tourism Office Sablayan has to be paid by each visitor.
A normal day trip to Apo Reef would be like this:
6:00 am Departure from Pandan Island (breakfast on the boat)
6:30 am Stop at the Coast Guard to check the permit
9:30 am Arrival on Apo Island, getting ready for the first dive
11:00 am Surfacing from first dive
12:00 am Getting ready for second dive
13:00 am Surfacing from second dive, lunch break, surface interval.
14:30 am Third dive, around Apo Island
15:30 am Surfacing from third dive, return to Pandan Island
17:30 am Arrival on Pandan Island
This schedule is approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions or other unforeseen events. Please note that our safaris do not follow a fixed timetable. The schedule depends on reservations and current weather conditions.
Feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to help organize a safari to Apo Reef for you.
Explore the divesites on Apo Reef
APO ISLAND
There are several dive sites around Apo island ranging between 10 and 50 m. These site are the best as far as corals are concerned. Huge table corals, stag horns, brain corals, fire corals and a huge variety of soft corals can be found all around the island. The northern, eastern an southern side consist of sheer drops with many pelagics and turtles, in recent years Hammerhead sharks and Manta rays are encountered more and more frequently. Even Whalesharks can be spotted once in a while. Currents can be unpredictable and make the northern dive site difficult for beginners. The western side is rather a slope than a drop-off which makes it more easy for less experienced divers. Apo reef has been declared a marine park and there is a turtle sanctuary and a ranger station on Apo island.
ALADIN
Depth between 10 – 40 meters. Wall dive on the North East side of Apo Island.
Recommended in the morning when the sun illuminates the wall and the corals on the plateau at around 10 meters.
EGO WALL
Depths between 15 – 40 meters. Sheer drop-off and deep wall at the northern Fip of Apo Island. When there is current this is an advanced but rewarding divesite with lots of pelagics to be seen. The corals oe plateau
are a good spot to finish the dive.
SOUTH EAST CORNER
Depth between 15 – 40 meters. The southern tip of Apo Island offers some of the best coral gardens in the Philippines. The shapes and colors of the various species of soft and hard corals are breathtaking.
MABUTI
Depth between 12 – 40 meters. This divesite located on the south east side of Apo Island is recommended in the afternoon when the wall is illumnated be the sun. This is also the site for the schools of bumphead parrotfish. The corals at the end of the dive are some of the best to be found on Apo Reef.
MENOR ISLAND (Shark Airport)
Depth between 15 -35 meters. This dievsite on the westside of Menor Island is know for its resting sharks on the plateau at around 35 meters. While the corals are not as colorful as around Apo Island this divesight offers a good chance to spot different reef sharks.
SHARK RIDGE
Depth between 10 – 50 m. The whole North-east side of Apo reef consists of a sheer drop with many overhangs. Whitetip and gray reef sharks are common sight here as well as turtles, barracudas and schools of snappers.
SAN ANTONIO WRECK
Depth between 10 – 50 m. The whole North-east side of Apo reef consists of a sheer drop with many overhangs. Whitetip and gray reef sharks are common sight here as well as turtles, barracudas and schools of snappers.
We offer two guided dives daily at 9:30 and 14:30.
Please inform the dive staff at least 1hour before your planned dive. Night dives need to be planned until noon and are at 18:00 with guide, or later, without.
On request, advanced divers (buddy groups) with more than 50 logged dives each and who dove with us already, may go on beach dives independently. Please consult our dive masters.
Please be reminded of the following:
Pandan Island Resort is ready for you, with 22 spacious bungalows, a restaurant, a beach bar and a dive center.
Each bungalow is made with native materials for a simple yet comfortable stay,
and nestled in the privacy of nature right by the sea.
Plus an abundance of birdlife at your window.
Our whole resort runs on pure solar power, and free wifi is available.
Our chief cooks serve a blend of Filipino and European cuisine.
Dinner is prepared buffet style, with a variety of meat, fresh fish and vegetables sourced from the local market in Sablayan.
For breakfast and lunch we offer a wide menu with local and international dishes like fried fish, spaghetti, burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads until 2:00pm.
A selection of red and white wine is also available, courtesy of our French management.
At the heart of Pandan Island is the bar. Enjoy a welcome drink when you arrive.
Play a game of pool with your friends and family, or meet the other guests of the island.
Hear the divers’ stories about Apo Reef.
Located right on the seashore, it’s the perfect place to chill during the hot midday hours or watch the sunset with a sip of cocktail.
No matter if you like beachcombing, sunbathing, jogging and yoga or just enjoy a relaxing day, the beach on Pandan Island is the perfect place.
The beach is also perfect for swimming and various water sports, such as diving, snorkeling and kayaking.
Around sunset it is lovely to gather on the beach around the bar to enjoy a drink and fabulous colors of the sun setting in the South China sea.
Day visits are welcome for a picnic on the beach, a drink at the bar or a snorkel with the sea turtles.
Sleep in simple beach bungalows built from native materials, set among palms a few steps from the sea. Powered by solar energy, our bungalows offer a sustainable retreat without sacrificing comfort.
Instead of air conditioning, enjoy the refreshing embrace of sea breezes, shaded verandas, electric fans, and an open, airy design that invites the outdoors in. Choose from a range of options to suit your needs—cozy budget rooms, comfortable standard bungalows, spacious superior bungalows, or family-friendly layouts.
Interiors stay practical and uncluttered, with the focus on space and airflow. Outside, sand paths link the bungalows with the restaurant and dive center. Evenings are quiet; nights carry the sound of waves. This is straightforward island living, close to nature and easy on resources.
Yes, especially during our peak seson from December to May.
The dry season lasts form December to June, so this is a good time to plan your vacation.
Sorry, pets are not allowed on Pandan Island. The island is a protected natural area with local wildlife, and we work to keep the ecosystem undisturbed.
Yes. All major dive certifications, including PADI, are fully recognised by SSI. You can continue your education at the same level — for example, take your Advanced or Specialty courses with us — without repeating previous training. Just bring your certification card and logbook when you arrive.
We prefer payments in peso (PHP), since we are far from the local bank/money exchange. Due to restricions from Paypal, payments from Paypal cannnot accepted during your stay on Pandan Island.
Payment with cryptocurrencies (BTC, ETH) is available upon request.
1’000 PHP equal around Euro.
Yes, you can use your phone on the island with local networks, SMART and GLOBE. If you’re coming from abroad, we advise getting a prepaid sim with load before visiting. For more information on prepaid promos, visit www.smart.com.ph or www.globe.com.ph.
Yes, there is free wifi on the island. We now also use STARLINK for better connectivity, ensuring faster and more reliable internet access. Please note that the internet speed depends on the number of users connected. For a connection all around the island, we recommend getting a prepaid sim.
Yes, we can organize a babysitter for you on a daily basis.
Scuba diving is the most popular activity however the island offers many more activities. The island’s shore divesites offers snorkeling with corals and tropical fish. Massages are available directly on the beach. Kayaks and paddleboards can be used to explore the coastline. Nature walks allow you to see local wildlife, including monitor lizards, coconut crabs, and tropical birds. Birdwatching is possible with various species found on the island. The beach has white sand, great for sunbathing and provides clear sunset views and good conditions for stargazing.
Here are some helpful tips for tourists
Health: COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended when traveling to the Philippines. For those who plan to dive, it’s advisable to get a medical certificate from your doctor first. Before entering the Philippines you are advised to fill out the e-Travel Declaration
Climate: Most of the year is typically tropical. The cool dry season is from December to March. The hot summer season is from April to July. Rainy season is from July to October, but there may be typhoons up to December.
Money: The Philippine peso (PHP) is the official currency of the Philippines. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks or with official moneychangers. In Sablayan and many remote locations, most establishments accept cash only, not credit cards.
Airport: When you arrive, the easiest way to get a taxi is to get a ticket from the Taxi Center in the arrival hall. There’s also a line of airport taxis outside. Prepare cash on hand. You can download the Grab app for a hassle-free way to get around Manila. There’s a Grab pickup point at Terminal 3.
Immigration: A 30-day visa is given automatically upon arrival, which can be extended up to 59 days. For longer stays, you need to apply for an extension at the Immigration Office in Intramuros, Manila or contact one of the many visa agencies in Manila. Normally, a stay up to 1 year is possible for tourists.
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You can also chat with our Pandan Island GPT bot for quick answers about travel, diving, or staying on the island. It can help you plan your trip and find information fast.
Please remember that AI might sometimes give incomplete or incorrect answers, so always double-check important details with our team by email before booking.
all prices are in Philippine Pesos (PHP) per day including dinner buffet
all prices are in Philippine Pesos (PHP)
Short orders are possible until 2:30pm
| RESTAURANT | adult | child under 12 | child under 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | a la carte | a la carte | free of charge |
| Lunch or short order | a la carte | a la carte | free of charge |
| Buffet meal (lunch or dinner) | 600.- PHP | 300.- PHP | free of charge |
| Supplement for Fullboard | 900.- PHP | 500.- PHP | free of charge |
all prices are in Philippine Pesos (PHP)
| DIVING | Price PHP |
|---|---|
| Fun Dive (weight & tank) | 1’600.- PHP |
| Fun Dive (all Equipment) | 1’950.- PHP |
| Fun Dive NITROX | additional 390.- PHP |
| Night Dive | additional 400.- PHP |
| Try Scuba (Intro dive) | 3’500.- PHP |
| Refresher Dive (if you did not dive for 12 months) | additional 400.- PHP |
| Snorkeling gear (fins, mask, snorkle) 1 day | 250.- PHP |
| SSI COURSES | |
| SSI Open Water course | 21’500.- PHP |
| SSI Advanced Adventurer course (Night, Navigation, Deep, Boat, Perfect buoyancy) | 16’000.- PHP |
| SSI Advanced Open Water Diver (4 specialities, 9 dives, 24 logged dives needed) (Deep, Navigation, Nitrox 32, Perfect buoyancy, Waves&Tides) | 39’000.- PHP |
| SSI Advanced Adventurer & Nitrox course | 22’800.- PHP |
| SSI Open Water & SSI Advanced Adventurer (package) | 29’800.- PHP |
| SSI Rescue Diver course | 22’000.- PHP |
| SSI React Right (CPR 1st aid & O² Administrator) | 13’000.- PHP |
| SSI Dive Guide course (excluding equipment) | 38’000.- PHP |
| SSI Dive Guide course (including equipment) | 45’000.- PHP |
| SSI Master diver (excluding equipment) | 46’000.- PHP |
| SSI Master Diver (including equipment) | 55’000.- PHP |
| Specialities | |
| SSI Deep Diver course (3 dives) | 12’000.- PHP |
| Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver course (1 dive) | 12’000.- PHP |
| Navigation course (2 dives) | 12’000.- PHP |
| Night Diving course (2 dives) | 12’000.- PHP |
| Science of Diving course (classroom) | 12’000.- PHP |
| PACKAGES | |
| 6-11 days non-limit diving (all equipment) | 4’200.- PHP/per day |
| 12+ days non-limit diving (all equipment) | 4’100.- PHP/per day |
| 6-11 days non-limit diving (weight & tank) | 3’400.- PHP/per day |
| 12+ days non-limit diving (weight & tank) | 3’600.- PHP/per day |
| Package pay 10 get 11 dives (all equipment) | 19’500.- PHP |
| Package pay 20 get 23 dives (all equipment) plus 1 T-shirt | 39’000.- PHP |
| Package pay 10 get 11 dives (weight & tank) | 16’000.- PHP |
| Package pay 20 get 23 dives (weight & tank) plus 1 T-shirt | 32’000.- PHP |
| Environmental fees | non-diver | diver |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental fee Pandan Island | 100.- PHP (50.- PHP for locals) | 342.- PHP |
| Apo Reef Marine Park fee (Foreign nationals) Valid: 48hrs | 940.- PHP | 3530.- PHP |
| Apo Reef Marine Park fee (Pilippino nationals) Valid: 48hrs | 470.- PHP | 2860.- PHP |
all prices are in Philippine Pesos (PHP)
| APO REEF PACKAGE for FOREIGNERS | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Prices are in pesos and include boat, food on-board, diving and 3’530 PHP entrance fee to Apo Reef | |||||||||
| 1PAX | 2PAX | 3PAX | 4PAX | 5PAX | 6PAX | 7PAX | 8PAX | ||
| Apo daytrip (3 DIVES) |
non-diver | PHP 27’500 | PHP 15’000 | PHP 10’800 | PHP 8’700 | PHP 7’500 | PHP 6’600 | PHP 6’000 | PHP 5’600 |
| diver | PHP 34’100 | PHP 21’600 | PHP 17’500 | PHP 15’400 | PHP 14’500 | PHP 13’700 | PHP 13’100 | PHP 12’600 | |
| Apo overnight (6 DIVES) |
non-diver | PHP 42’800 | PHP 24’800 | PHP 18’800 | PHP 15’800 | PHP 14’000 | PHP 12’800 | PHP 12’000 | PHP 11’300 |
| diver | PHP 51’300 | PHP 33’300 | PHP 27’300 | PHP 24’300 | PHP 22’500 | PHP 21’300 | PHP 20’500 | PHP 19’800 | |
| Apo 2nights/3days (9 DIVES) |
non-diver | PHP 54’000 | PHP 30’000 | PHP 22’000 | PHP 18’000 | PHP 15’600 | PHP 14’000 | PHP 12’800 | PHP 12’000 |
| diver | PHP 69’500 | PHP 45’500 | PHP 37’500 | PHP 33’500 | PHP 31’400 | PHP 29’800 | PHP 28’700 | PHP 27’800 | |
| Apo overnight + transfer to Maricaban (4 DIVES) |
non-diver | PHP 53’700 | PHP 29’700 | PHP 21’700 | PHP 17’700 | PHP 15’300 | PHP 13’700 | PHP 12’600 | PHP 11’700 |
| diver | PHP 62’200 | PHP 37’200 | PHP 28’900 | PHP 24’700 | PHP 22’500 | PHP 20’900 | PHP 19’700 | PHP 18’800 | |
| APO REEF PACKAGE for filippino Citizens | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Prices are in pesos and include boat, food on-board, diving and 2’860 PHP entrance fee to Apo Reef | |||||||||
| 1PAX | 2PAX | 3PAX | 4PAX | 5PAX | 6PAX | 7PAX | 8PAX | ||
| Apo daytrip (3 DIVES) |
non-diver | PHP 27’000 | PHP 14’500 | PHP 10’300 | PHP 8’200 | PHP 7’000 | PHP 6’200 | PHP 5’600 | PHP 5’100 |
| diver | PHP 33’500 | PHP 21’000 | PHP 16’900 | PHP 14’800 | PHP 13’900 | PHP 13’100 | PHP 12’500 | PHP 12’000 | |
| Apo overnight (6 DIVES) |
non-diver | PHP 42’300 | PHP 24’300 | PHP 18’300 | PHP 15’300 | PHP 13’500 | PHP 12’300 | PHP 11’500 | PHP 10’800 |
| diver | PHP 50’600 | PHP 33’500 | PHP 26’600 | PHP 23’600 | PHP 21’800 | PHP 20’600 | PHP 19’600 | PHP 19’200 | |
| Apo 2nights/3days (9 DIVES) |
non-diver | PHP 53’500 | PHP 29’500 | PHP 21’500 | PHP 17’500 | PHP 15’100 | PHP 13’500 | PHP 12’300 | PHP 114’500 |
| diver | PHP 68’800 | PHP 44’800 | PHP 36’800 | PHP 32’800 | PHP 30’700 | PHP 29’100 | PHP 28’000 | PHP 27’200 | |
| Apo overnight + transfer to Maricaban (4 DIVES) |
non-diver | PHP 53’200 | PHP 29’200 | PHP 21’200 | PHP 17’200 | PHP 14’800 | PHP 13’200 | PHP 12’100 | PHP 11’200 |
| diver | PHP 61’500 | PHP 36’500 | PHP 28’200 | PHP 24’000 | PHP 21’800 | PHP 20’200 | PHP 19’000 | PHP 18’100 | |
all prices are in Philippine Pesos (PHP)
transfer are only by van without tourist guide
please note: transfers have to be prearranged with the resort or the travel agent
| WATERTAXI FROM SABLAYAN TO PANDAN ISLAND | |
|---|---|
| TO/FROM SABLAYAN per person | 350.- PHP (additional 200.- PHP for trip after 6pm or before 6am) |
| each additional person | 50.- PHP |
| TRANSFER BY LAND TO / FROM ( 1 VAN ) + WATER TAXI | |
|---|---|
| SAN JOSE | 6’000.- PHP |
| ABRA DE ILOG | 6’500.- PHP |
| BULALACAO | 8’500.- PHP |
| PUERTO GALERA | 15’000.- PHP |
| MANILA | 23’000.- PHP |
| TRANSFER BY BOAT TO/FROM | |
|---|---|
| MARICABAN (Northern Busuanga) max. 15 persons | 35’000.- PHP |
PayPal
Only send a downpayment once you have a confirmed reservation
Due to security restrictions from PayPal, payments can not be made when you are on Pandan Island! This service is for down payments only. Please note that a service charge of 3.9% + 0.35 Euro/Dollar is deducted from your payment by PayPal.
Euro Account
Bank: Zuercher Kantonalbank ZKB
SWIFT:ZKBKCHZZ80A
IBAN: CH77 0070 0131 0000 1461 3
Account Holder: Peter Treadwell
AccountNo: 1310-00014.613
Branch: 8126 Zumikon
Address: Dorfstrasse 61, 8126 Zumikon, Switzerland
Peso Account
Bank: Landbank
SWIFT: TLBPPHMMXXX
Account Holder: Alix Carlut
Account No: 3696113938