The Philippines Compendium A Compilation of Guidebook References and Cruising Reports IMPORTANT: USE ALL INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT AT YOUR OWN RISK!! Rev 2021.1 – 22 January 2021 We welcome updates to this guide! (especially for places we have no cruiser information on) Email Soggy Paws at sherry –at- svsoggypaws –dot- com. You can also contact us on Sailmail at WDI5677 The current home of the official copy of this document is http://svsoggypaws.com/files/ If you found it posted elsewhere, there might be an updated copy at svsoggypaws.com. 1 Revision Log Many thanks to all who have contributed over the years!! Rev Date Notes MV Moken inputs on Puerto Galera. Sloepmouche inputs on cruising up the east coast of Mindanao, to Bonbonon, and then to Palawan, the Calmian Islands and Apo Reef. Note on 2018.01 25-Mar-2018 getting a visa in advance. Clearing in in Port Barton / Puerto Princesa, New wpts on E Coast of Mindanao and notes on Puerto Galera to Palawan. Diving Apo Reef from Pandan Island Soggy Paws’ stops from Hinatuan Passage through Southern Leyte (diving) to Port Carmen and then to Puerto Galera. Incorporated info from Solita’s document on the 2018.02 29-May-2018 Visayas. Also info on Tubbataha. Rearranged chapters to put North first and South last, so the entire document reads north to south (sorta). Filled out the Recommended Reading Section. More info on PG, and heading W and S from PG to Palawan. Info on getting around in Manila. Anchorages Cebu to PG in SW winds by Changing Spots. Updated shipping options to 2018.03 Aug 31, 2018 Samal/Oceanview Marina. Anchorages PG to N Palawan in SW winds, and our trip across to Negros, then to Surigao, and out to Siargo and Bucas Grande, and back down the coast of Mindanao. 2019.01 Feb 21, 2019 Various updates Important updates to Holiday Oceanview Marina (Samal 2019.02 Sep 20, 2019 Island, Davao) info. Info on diving in the Davao area. Check in to Philippines from Port Barton, Palawan. Visa extensions in various 2020.1 Feb 22, 2020 places. Updated Phone contact at Holiday Oceanview Marina, Samal Island. A bunch of new/updated info on shipping stuff into the 2021.1 January 22, 2021 Philippines. 2 Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 12 1.1 ORGANIZATION OF THE GUIDE ........................................................................................................ 12 1.2 OVERVIEW OF THE AREA ................................................................................................................ 12 1.2.1 Security Issues .................................................................................................................... 13 1.2.2 Navigational Challenges ..................................................................................................... 14 1.3 TIME ZONE .................................................................................................................................... 14 1.4 WEATHER IN THIS AREA ................................................................................................................ 15 1.4.1 General Weather Conditions ............................................................................................... 15 1.4.2 Weather Sources................................................................................................................. 15 1.4.3 Weather Sources – Voice ................................................................................................... 17 1.4.4 Typhoons ............................................................................................................................. 18 1.5 CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION .............................................................................................................. 19 1.5.1 Pre-Arrival ........................................................................................................................... 20 1.5.2 Immigration – Check-In ....................................................................................................... 21 1.5.3 Immigration – Visas & Visa Renewals ................................................................................ 23 1.5.4 Immigration – Checking Out or Departing by Air ................................................................ 25 1.5.5 Customs .............................................................................................................................. 25 1.5.6 Health .................................................................................................................................. 26 1.5.7 Pets ..................................................................................................................................... 26 1.5.8 Stopping at Outer Places Before Officially Clearing In ....................................................... 26 1.5.9 Inter-Country Clearances .................................................................................................... 27 1.6 LOCAL INFORMATION AND CUSTOMS............................................................................................... 27 1.6.1 Holidays in the Philippines .................................................................................................. 27 1.7 YACHTSMEN'S SERVICES - OVERVIEW ............................................................................................ 28 1.7.1 Money .................................................................................................................................. 28 1.7.2 Diesel and Gasoline ............................................................................................................ 29 1.7.3 Propane (Cooking Gas) ...................................................................................................... 29 1.7.4 Groceries ............................................................................................................................. 29 1.7.5 Water ................................................................................................................................... 29 1.7.6 Haulout, Storage, and Repair Facilities .............................................................................. 29 1.7.7 Yacht Clubs and Marinas .................................................................................................... 38 1.7.8 Boat Parts & Repairs ........................................................................................................... 44 1.7.9 Medical ................................................................................................................................ 48 1.7.10 Laundry ............................................................................................................................... 48 1.8 NEWS SOURCES ............................................................................................................................ 48 1.9 EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES ....................................................................................................... 49 1.10 GETTING VISITORS IN AND OUT ...................................................................................................... 49 1.10.1 Passing Through Manila ..................................................................................................... 49 1.10.2 Getting to/from Puerto Galera from Manila ......................................................................... 51 1.10.3 Flying In with No Return Ticket ........................................................................................... 52 1.11 COMMUNICATIONS ......................................................................................................................... 54 1.11.1 VHF ..................................................................................................................................... 54 1.11.2 SSB Radio Frequencies and Nets ...................................................................................... 54 1.11.3 Telephones & Cell Phones .................................................................................................. 55 1.11.4 Internet Access .................................................................................................................... 55 1.11.5 Mail & Shipping Stuff In ....................................................................................................... 56 1.11.6 News ................................................................................................................................... 61 3 1.12 DIVING .......................................................................................................................................... 61 1.13 TSUNAMI INFORMATION .................................................................................................................. 63 1.14 CRUISING INFORMATION SOURCES ................................................................................................. 63 1.14.1 Websites & Facebook Groups ............................................................................................ 63 1.14.2 Cruiser Reports ................................................................................................................... 64 1.14.3 Noonsite .............................................................................................................................. 66 1.14.4 Seven Seas Cruising Association ......................................................................................