Davao
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===Local climate and weather=== | ===Local climate and weather=== | ||
- | + | Davao, being near the equatorial belt, is typhoon-free. Winds are very seldom stronger than force 4. However, the effects of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) characterized by widespread cloudiness, occasional thunderstorms and precipitations are felt here. Typhoons generally originate in the region of the Marianas and Caroline Islands of the Pacific Ocean which has the same latitudinal location as Mindanao. Their movements follow a northwesterly direction, sparing Mindanao from being directly hit by the typhoons that cross the country. | |
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+ | The city enjoys a weather that remains balmy all year round. It is characterized by a uniform distribution of rainfall, temperature, humidity and there are no wide fluctuations of the barometric air pressure. There are two seasons - the NE monsoon season "Amihan" (October to May) and the SW monsoon "Habagat" (June to September). The beginning and end of the seasons are normally transition periods. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Northeasterly winds are predominant during the NE monsoon season and this will be the best time for cruisers when the weather is pleasant and the chances of being caught in the path of typhoons are minimal. During March and April, the northeasterly trade winds are established and blow dominantly, affecting the eastern sections of the country. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The SW monsoon is the rainy season. Winds are predominantly southwesterly, humid and warmer, especially during the months from July to September where heavy rainfalls affect mostly the western sections of the country. | ||
Weather forecast sources: | Weather forecast sources: | ||
* [http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/ Local weather website] | * [http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/ Local weather website] | ||
* [https://www.fnmoc.navy.mil/wxmap_cgi/cgi-bin/wxmap_DOD_area.cgi?area=ngp_tropwpac Navy.mil Website] | * [https://www.fnmoc.navy.mil/wxmap_cgi/cgi-bin/wxmap_DOD_area.cgi?area=ngp_tropwpac Navy.mil Website] | ||
- | * | + | * |
===Approach and Navigation=== | ===Approach and Navigation=== |
Revision as of 07:01, 2 November 2008
Davao
Background
Davao Port, or the "Port of Davao" is one of the Philippines major seaports alongside Manila, Subic, Cebu and others. The Port of Davao, oftentimes called Port District of Davao, includes Davao City and the three provinces. Davao port services interisland and international shipments. The city is situated 974 kilometers south of Manila, on the shore of Davao Gulf. "Davao" also refers to three provinces: Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental. Davao City is located in Davao del Sur but is politically and administratively independent of the province.
Davao City in southern Mindanao is typhoon free and winds are mostly not stronger than Force 4. It is a safe haven for riding out the typhoon season and for storing vessels while yachties fly home. There are direct flights to some southeast asian cities from here, or connections are available to anywhere in the world from Manila.
Davao City officials are actively working towards promoting the city as a safe, secure and clean environment. It has a 911 integrated emergency response system similar to Canada and U.S., and several programs focusing on cleanliness and preservation of the environment.
Charts
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of local radio Nets.
Local climate and weather
Davao, being near the equatorial belt, is typhoon-free. Winds are very seldom stronger than force 4. However, the effects of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) characterized by widespread cloudiness, occasional thunderstorms and precipitations are felt here. Typhoons generally originate in the region of the Marianas and Caroline Islands of the Pacific Ocean which has the same latitudinal location as Mindanao. Their movements follow a northwesterly direction, sparing Mindanao from being directly hit by the typhoons that cross the country.
The city enjoys a weather that remains balmy all year round. It is characterized by a uniform distribution of rainfall, temperature, humidity and there are no wide fluctuations of the barometric air pressure. There are two seasons - the NE monsoon season "Amihan" (October to May) and the SW monsoon "Habagat" (June to September). The beginning and end of the seasons are normally transition periods.
Northeasterly winds are predominant during the NE monsoon season and this will be the best time for cruisers when the weather is pleasant and the chances of being caught in the path of typhoons are minimal. During March and April, the northeasterly trade winds are established and blow dominantly, affecting the eastern sections of the country.
The SW monsoon is the rainy season. Winds are predominantly southwesterly, humid and warmer, especially during the months from July to September where heavy rainfalls affect mostly the western sections of the country.
Weather forecast sources:
The access to the port of entry in Davao City is through Davao Gulf which has two approaches. One is at Pakiputan Strait between Davao and the water west of Samal Island. The other approach is at the east side of Samal Island mainly used as an exit channel of vessels departing from points north of Davao Gulf.
Check-in facilities
Yachts should "hold" at anchor 50-100m off the southern Sta. Anna Wharf (approx. 07 04.53N, 125 37.74E) to await clearance. Calls on VHF 16 are often unanswered or very slow to reply - Customs and Quarantine can alternatively be called on Ph: 2331258 (ask them to notify Immigration of your arrival). All the officials will visit your boat and will advise you where to berth after full clearance formalities are completed.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
- Holiday Oceanview Marina
Anchorages
List details of all safe anchorages in the area.
Offshore Islands
- Samal (Island Garden City of Samal)
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
- Philippine Eagle Nature Center - Considered as an endangered species, the Philippine Eagle has found its home in Davao. The center is a santuary of the world's largest eagle.
- Eden Nature Park
- Davao Museum - The museum is a repository of Native crafts, tribal artworks, ancient musical intruments, and colorful customes of the different early tribes of Davao.
- Davao Crocodile Park
- Scuba Diving - Davao Gulf has numerous dive sites only 45 to 120 minutes away from the city proper, like Mushroom Rock, Ligid Island, Talicud Island, Pearl Farm or Isla Malipano.
- Golfing - 18-hole Apo Golf and Country Club, 18-hole Lanang Golf and Country Club and 9-hole New Davao City Golf
- Mount Apo - Climb Philippines tallest mountain at 10,311 feet
- Daveo official website - There are 3 major festivals held: Araw ng Dabaw (March 16), Kadayawan sa Dabaw (3rd week of August) and Pasko Fiesta (December).
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Davao has one of the best water in the Philippines. It is potable.
- Electricity - 220 volts
Laundry
Grocery Stores
There are several large supermarkets in the City:
- Gaisano Mall
- SM Supermarket
- NCCC
- Victoria Plaza
- 2 large public markets, locally known as palenkes
- Agdao Public Market
- Bankerohan Public Market
There is an abundant supply of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish in the palenke.
Eateries
- There are plenty of eateries all over the city - roadside eateries, carenderias, and lots of restaurants.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Internet/WiFi
- There are several internet cafes and WiFi hotspots all around Davao
Marine Stores & Facilities
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs
Transportation
Transportation to mainland or other countries, etc.
- Philippine Air lines
- Cebu Pacific Airlines
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
- Ellen Lee-Kwen and Kjartan Sekkingstad, SV Wiskun, email: [email protected]
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.