Anchorage In Negros Islands, Philippines

[Francis]

Hi everyone,

I though I could share an excellent anchorage location in the Philippines. It is located in South East of Negros Islands and known as Bonbonon, coordinates are N 09deg 03 mn E 123 deg 06 mn. The mouth of the river is very shallow, attempting to enter at high tide is a wise move. Once in the channel depth is 7 to 8 meters, there are about 40 boats at anchor at the moment, most of them with no one on board. Security is good as no theft has been reported according to yachties that have been hanging around for a few years.

Paperwork is minimal, no port, no custom, only immigration. Initial visa is about US$20 for 3 weeks, a 2 months extension is in the region of US$70 and there is no limit how often it can be extended.

By the way the anchorage is free, some moorings are available from time to time for about US$20 a month but one better dive on it. The holding is very good so a decent anchor, perhaps doubled up might be more reliable than a mooring.

Should anyone whish to know more, I'll have an internet connection for the next few days, after that I'll be sailing the boat back to Singapore so out of reach, just the way I like it !!!!

Fair Winds,

Francis

[Lighthouse]

Thank you for sharing the information Francis. I will add the details to the Philippines Section of the Cruising Wiki.

[Lighthouse]

Info added to the Wiki page HERE.

Is there any other info that you can add to that page?

[MMNETSEA]

Hi Francis,

Wondered where you were, Lovely place - many of my friends anchor there.

Here is an old chart of the Bonbonon yacht anchorage:-

[Francis]

Hi Richard,

That's quite a good chart. Dorothy is not running her restaurant anymore but she is still around. Nigel is running the Tongo Sail Inn, Bruce is running another place at the North East of the bay and Nee-An-Nee is running the place labeled motorcycle. I left the boat at anchor for a couple of weeks to fly back to Singapore. I'll be sailing back to Singapore from next week, I was planning to keep on sailing South East but social commitments in Singapore got in the way....well it is all painless....

Fair Winds,

Francis

[BJSmith]

Francis:

You mention entering the bay at high tide is a good idea.

Many friends have stayed in the bay and no one ever mentioned that comment.

The chart shows lots of water... do you mean due to the narrow entrance?

Brian

[Francis]

Originally Posted by BJSmith

Francis:

You mention entering the bay at high tide is a good idea.

Many friends have stayed in the bay and no one ever mentioned that comment.

The chart shows lots of water... do you mean due to the narrow entrance?

Brian

Hi Brian,

Water depth inside the bay is not a problem, provided you stay in the channel as it goes up pretty fast. The entrance is shallow, I went through it at mid tide and had about 2.7 meters, I draft only 1.8 so not a problem, deeper keel boat might have a problem. There is a white plastic buoy that should be left to Port. It gets deeper fairly quickly to 7-8 meters. I would not like to try at low tide as bottom (at the mouth) is coral and rocks.

Fair Winds,

[BJSmith]

Originally Posted by Francis

Hi Brian,

Water depth inside the bay is not a problem, provided you stay in the channel as it goes up pretty fast. The entrance is shallow, I went through it at mid tide and had about 2.7 meters, I draft only 1.8 so not a problem, deeper keel boat might have a problem. There is a white plastic buoy that should be left to Port. It gets deeper fairly quickly to 7-8 meters. I would not like to try at low tide as bottom (at the mouth) is coral and rocks.

Fair Winds,

Hi Francis,

Thanks for the info. I draw 1.8 meters also. Will keep the tides in mind prior to entering the channel.

Many thanks.

Brian.