Palawan is the 270 mile long island west of the Sulu Sea and is world renowned for the quality of the diving on the west coast. The north western side of the island is indented with many deep natural bays and opportunities to anchor are numerous.
There is an airport at El Nido which has become a tourist centre and connections to Manila are daily. Restaurants, accommodation and provisioning, including fuel, are all available − but at much higher prices than in Manila.
On the northern coast of the island of Mindoro lies Puerto Galera, a perfectly sheltered natural harbour.
There are two approach passages, the north through the Batangas Channel and the northwest around San Antonio Island.
There are a number of swinging moorings in front of the jetty and a service boat. Contact the Puerta Galera Yacht Club on VHF channel 68.
Most facilities are available ashore and this is one of the favourite destinations for cruising yachts. The snorkelling and diving are world class with many dive operators using Puerto Galera as their base. Email: officepgyc.org
Lying on the mid east coast of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is a good stopover to break the voyage to or from Malaysia. This large natural harbour has a typhoon shelter available at the head of Saguit Inlet on the south side of the entrance from Honda Bay.
The normal anchorage is just north of the pier where there is good holding in 10-15 metres. Port clearance can be done in the town. Fuel and water is available from the dock and the city boasts all the facilities of a busy rovincial centre.
The local airport provides daily flights to Manila and several dive shops operate from the harbour.
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is accurate, the charts of anchorages are based on personal experience and satellite imagery and are intended as a guide only. They should not be used for navigation. Please refer to Official Hydrographic Charts of the respective countries.
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