We are currently planning a cruise from Australia (mid east coast) to Thailand. We would like to go: Bundaberg – New Caledonia – Vanuatu – possibly the Solomons – possibly PNG / or the Caroline Islands – Palau – possibly Philippines – Malaysian Borneo.

Although we would like to depart Australia at the start of the cruising season, circumstances have us leaving at a more likely date of August. We would appreciate some tips on the timing of such a route. We obviously want to avoid cyclones/typhoons, but we also don’t want to rush.

We also have concerns about safety along this route; are there still security issues with cruising the Solomons and PNG? What about the southern tip of the Philippines / northern tip of Borneo – is this still considered unsafe?

Any information from fellow cruisers on timing and safety issues would be very welcome.

Sharon & Julian

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