Philippines : Profile

Facts

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7000 islands lying between the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. They are divided into three regions: Luzon to the north, the Visayas in the centre, and Mindanao in the south.
The Philippines has been a popular cruising destination for many years. Day-sailing through the archipelago is undoubtedly the best way to visit this vast area and one can find a good anchorage every night. This also avoids the danger of running into one of the many unlit fishing boats, as well as their nets or traps. Cebu and the surrounding islands have some of the most attractive anchorages and places such as Romblon and Puerto Galera should not be missed.
People are extremely friendly everywhere and in spite of persistent rumours about the danger of pirates in the south of Mindanao and the Sulu Sea, no cases involving yachts have been reported for a long time, although this could well be because yachts avoid these areas.
However, the uncertain political situation in some parts of the country affects security generally and yachts should try and avoid any troubled areas. Although the government is trying to stamp out corruption and also to standardise the entry and exit charges applied to yachts, the situation is confused. On the positive side, however, the Philippines have a lot to offer the cruising sailor and in spite of such inherent difficulties, it remains a country well worth visiting.
There are small boatyards in various islands and the Filipinos are skilled workers, particularly in wood. Teak is still widely available, but while its price is steadily increasing, its quality is deteriorating.
General repair facilities, such as engine or electrical repair, are also available in most centres, the widest range being concentrated in and around Manila. Most marine supplies have to be imported, but local nautical charts are available both in Manila and Cebu.
The majority of Filipinos speak good English as a second language and almost all newspapers are published in English.

The Philippines have a tropical climate. The rainy, SW monsoon season is from June to September, the dry season October to May. The average temperature is 81°F (27°C) and humidity is high. The Philippines have a high incidence of typhoons, which are most frequent between June and October. The best season for cruising is from early January to mid-May when the weather is pleasant and the danger of typhoons is minimal.

Brunei Bay Radio operates a regular voice broadcast sked of METAREA and local coastal forecasts for SE Asia waters, the NW Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean. For details of Brunei Bay Radio broadcast skeds and frequencies, see http://www.bruneibay.net/bbradio/bbrschfvoice.htm and http://www.bruneibay.net/bbradio/bbrscweathMSIbcasts.html

Davao City in Southern Mindaneo is typhoon free and winds are mostly not stronger than Force 4. It is a safe haven for riding out the typhoon season and for storing vessels.

South East Asian Maritime Net (formerly Rowdy's Net) is primarily for yachts cruising the Asian waters (Japan to Diego Garcia - Hong Kong to Australia), maintaining contacts between yachts and providing information on weather and security/piracy/emergency situations. It provides daily maritime contact for yachts at 00:25GMT on 14,323 MHz; weather forecasts at 00:55GMT. (Updated December 2008)