Cruise Manila to Kupang

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-01-25 13:19:12
Topic: Routing
Countries: Indonesia, Philippines

We are a couple planning to cruise our 40' yacht south from Manila to meet up with the Darwin Kupang rally in Kupang at the end of July. While we have cruised the Philippines extensively we have not, and know of no other yachts who have cruised through the northern part of Indonesia. We would like to as much as possible make the trip from Manila to Kupang a cruise rather than a delivery. Two possible routes are either Via Puerto Princesa, Sandakan, Strait of Macassar, passing east of Flores or Cebu, east of Mindanao, Molucca Sea, Banda Sea, passing east of Alor. Any thoughts, advice or sources of information would be greatly appreciated.

The area to be concerned about is not at the end of your proposed route, but close to its start. As you said that you have sailed in the Philippines extensively, you probably know that areas of Mindanao are not considered to be safe. Going south from there you should avoid passing through the Sulu Seas, which is known for the frequency of piracy attacks on shipping. There are no reports on attacks on cruising yachts, simply because no yachts are known to have visited the area in recent times. Maybe your best bet is to keep well to the east of Mindano and make your way east of Halmahera and Ceram. This is a more roundabout route, I know, but it may be safer. Avoid stopping in Ambon as recent reports from there have not been good.

The above route, as described, looks quite attractive on paper, and may be the safest option but if I were you I would try to sail in company with another yacht, to increase the safety factor.

You probably know that you will need an Indonesian cruising permit. You can get it via Bali Marina. Contact the manager Mr. Hario Sugito.

Good luck!

Jimmy Cornell

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