Southern Palawan and the Balabac Straits - Advice Wanted

Created by doina. Last modified on 2008-03-27 15:55:40
Contributors:
Countries: Malaysia, Philippines

I am sailing my yacht Moonshadow from Subic To Kota Kinabalu in April. I would apreciate any advice from anyone that has travelled through the area of the Balabac Staits and Southern Palawan since I have had conflicting reports some warning of problems other stating they have sailed there without a hint of a problem.

I have been told that it is inadvisable to anchor overnight in the area of the Balabac Straights due dangers of piracy due to the activity of smugglers in and around the Balabac Island and or communist insurgence in southern Palawan.

I have spoken to Bruce Curran the author of "Combing the Coral Carpet" the sailing guide/pilot, he does not agree that there is any significant threat and has visited the area extensively.I would nonetheless appreciate any input from yourselves or contributors.

Richard Beaumont

richardalanbeaumont@yahoo.co.uk