Cruise Asia

[BrianJ]

Each night on one of our National radio stations, there is a program called “Asia Pacific” .During which OZ reporters file interesting stories on the region. Last night I listened and was interested in an interview from Kuala Lumpur where one Minister said more development is needed throughout the region to cater for the increase in cruising yachts visiting the area. He stressed more marinas will have to be built, more security provided etc. etc
Now those of us, who wouldn’t sail across Manila Bay without a patrol boat escort, may have the chance of cruising in fantastic waters in the future. Take the Philippines, there are some magnificent cruising grounds, however at present I wouldn’t go there, because of the “pirates” … Perhaps in the future there will be an opening to visit these destinations. Certainly the authorities in S-E Asia are aware of the tourist potential, and now need to develop the infrastructure …..Interesting
BrianJ /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[CodStewart]

Malaysia is beautiful. Safe. A nation of gentleness. Fantastic food. Beautiful islands.
We have a friend currently sailing in the Philippines and he is having a fine time. On his way to Langkawi now.
When we were looking at a boat in Indonesia[Jakarta] discovered that there were only a handful of cruisers in the posh marina there. Marina fees a mere 100 bucks a month. This is what we will be paying in the Sea of Cortez,Mexico if we go ahead and buy the boat we are currently looking at over there.
I say Vivre Asia. Having lived here for the past 13 years, it would be great if more folks came and checked out the region.

 

[Mirelle]

Cruising in the Philippines

There is a good pilot book called "Cruising the Coral Carpet", recently published.

With the possible exception of my father-in-law, I know of no pirates anywhere near Luzon, dunno so much about the Wild South, but SWMBO is possibly biassed. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Excellent cruising area, subject to typhoons in the summer of course. Good typhoone shelters available and well known.

We have two friends, both American lawyers, who spent two years pottering round the far corners of Indonesia in a 31ft wooden ketch, now in South Africa, and found the people absolutely delightful and very helpful.