If you are the type of person that likes to get out and see the locals, this is definitely a place where you can do it. Whatever you do, DO NOT Pass up the Horseback Riding (beach and grove if you like to gallop - WoooHooo!!!) and ATV adventures (this was all over the place - the mountains, through the local town, on the beach, everywhere A MUSTTTT!). We paid about - 35 for nothing but FUN!
We rented a mini van for for the day and drove to Santo Domingo through the mountains and Santiago. Here is where you will find all the luxuries of the western world i.e. Walmart, Payless, KFC, etc. For a day our main purpose was adventure and to eat at CASA DEL LA CAVA. It was EXCELLENT...it's a restaurant built into the side of cliffs you have to take stairs down into the restaurant, although we had a small issue with one of my friends dinner.The service, atmosphere, etc. was outstanding. Make reservations and go early this place was a little hard to find.
Quick Tips:
Try to take more than two maps. We had one local map from the Avis and a map I purchased before we left the US. The maps were not the same - we ended up asking for a lot of directions and even the locals wouldn't look at the maps.
Be prepared to keep tight grasps on your luggage if you arrive on a Saturday. The "porters" will be happy to aggressively help you and demand a tip. We called ahead to the Coconut Palms for a taxi that didn't show...if you were to stay there you should not pay more than to get to the resort.
If you are a women DON'T BE AFRAID to BE AGGRESSIVE WITH SOME of the men - most of the men were wonderful. REMEMBER TO NEGOTIATE!! I don't think this was the most memorable moment, negotiating in the shops (everyone has the same thing) but it was fun. Oh, and by the way, if you go to see the mountain Mt. Isabel (statue of Jesus), don't expect any statues for souvenirs - they don't make them. You'll just find more of the same "souvenirs in town".
Best Way To Get Around:
Tuk Tuks were fun. It was about 20 pesos and kind of cramped, but I wouldn't do it all the time. I rented a motorcycle and my friends scooters, and this was the best...it only cost us per bike for the day. This was fun and very economical, and most people use this a major mode of transportation anyway...BUT BE CAREFUL AND BE OBSERVANT...THESE PEOPLE DRIVE CRAZY!!!
I think renting a car if you're daring or taxis were the safest. You can often negotiate the fare and the drivers will wait for you and everything. Some friends we met hired a driver for the day for about and went to Santiago.