Something changed. Before, every single local boat in the Philippines, small to large "bancas", had double outriggers, the outriggers usually made from Bamboo. We call them insects or spiders, depending on how many "legs" connect the outriggers to the hull.
Now, suddenly, we see boats with no outriggers, at all. Small single-hulled, inboard engine, run-abouts and larger trading vessels.
Then, we saw some men wearing a cap, typical for Muslims = first clue! We anchored off Balabac town. But when suddenly the Muezzin started with his call to prayer at lunchtime for 30 minutes, we raised anchor and went 2h to a very quiet anchorage.
This area is the transition from a strong catholic Filippino culture to the more Muslim Malaysia.
It also is a traditional trading and smuggling ground.
The Navy is out in force and calls every boat and ship passing through Balabac Strait for identification. Tomorrow is our turn, when we sail to Malaysia. We listened to the Navy <-> Ship traffic several times, shouldn't be a problem. Here is the official text:
"A reporting system applies to all vessels, including pleasure craft and seaplanes on the water, transiting the area. Vessels should establish contact on VHF channel 16 with Balabac Coast Watch Station, call sign Coast Watch Balabac, when entering or departing Balabac Strait or passing Balabac Island. Vessels should report the following information:
1. Vessel name
2. Call sign
3. Course and speed
4. Port of registry and nationality
5. Type of vessel
6. Type of cargo on board
7. Port of destination and ETA
8. Last port of call
9. Number and nationality of crew on board
10. Master's name"
We avoid a night sail here, when the smugglers are trying to find the other shore, unlit, unseen.....
