Introduction
 The West
coast of Malaysia tends to attract the most cruising yachts, as there is plenty to see, from the
attractive old city of Malacca and the fishing port of Malacca, to the Island paradises of Pangkor Laut,
Penang and Langkawi.
Langkawi Port is also an administrative stop for customs, immigration and harbor clearance for yachts
crossing the Thai Malaysian maritime frontier.
Facilities in Langkawi have
dramatically improved over the years, as the Malaysian government has turned this island group into
Malaysia's premier yachting destination. It has always been popular with visiting yachts because of it's
duty free status, but now also boast all the modern facilities required by today's demanding yachtsmen
and women.
As well as its practical aspect,
Langkawi provides access to over 100 islands on this North West coast of the Malay Peninsular, sufficient
to occupy a leisurely cruise as an area on its own. The islands have outstanding natural beauty, with
deserted beaches, spectacular caves, lakes, limestone hills, virgin rainforest and amazing wildlife. It's
many coves, lagoons and inlets make it a perfect place for all kinds of water sports, no matter where the
wind decides to blow.
 Malaysia has four Marine Parks which are all
renowned for their breathtaking scenery. They are surrounded by coral reefs and have calm and clear waters
ideal for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving:
Pulau
Payar Marine Park is situated in the northern part of the Straits of Malacca, near Kuala Kedah and Pulau
Langkawi.
The Mersing Marine Park consists of waters surrounding 13 islands off the north-east coast of the
State of Johor near Mersing.
The Pulau Tioman Marine Park which is situated in the South China Sea, off Pahang is about 32 nautical
miles northeast from Mersing, Johor.
The Pulau Redang Marine Park is situated in the South China Sea, off the north-eastern coast of the
State of Terengganu. This Marine Park has fringe coral reefs superior to any in Malaysia and rank as one
of the best in the world.
 Weather
Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine throughout
the year. Temperatures typically range from 22 to 33 ºC and cooler in the highlands. With the occurrence
of the annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons, the average rate
of annual rainfall is high: 100 inches (250 cm). Much of the rainfall is concentrated in the late
afternoons. Humidity is high throughout the year.
Charts
The Hydrographic Division of the Marine Department is the
Malaysian government agency responsible for the production, sale and maintenance of official Marine
Navigation Charts - some of which can be purchased from the Seal office in Malaysia.
 Cruising Guide
The Cruising Guide to Southeast Asia Volume One by Stephen Davies
& Elaine Morgan covers the South China Sea including East Malaysia (northern Borneo), Hong Kong and
Macau, the Phillippines, Brunei, and the Gulf of Thailand and Singapore.
Text provides sailing directions supported by detailed charts and harbour plans and anchorages. It
also provides important background information on the countries, culture, politics, navigation, and
equipment.
The Cruising Guide to Southeast Asia can be found in bookshops or can be purchased on-line from
companies such as Armchair Sailor Seabooks and Bluewater Charts & Books.
Courtesy Flag
A Malaysian courtesy flag should be displayed whenever entering
Malaysian waters.
 The Malaysian flag is named Jalur Gemilang (Glorious Stripes). The 14 red and white
stripes and the star with its 14 points symbolise the unity and equal status of the 13 states of the
Federation with the Federal government. The crescent is the symbol of Islam and the yellow of the crescent
and the star is the royal colour of the hereditary Malay Rulers.
Security
Violent crime, particularly against foreigners, is very rare,
however there have been reports of sporadic purse snatchings and pickpockets in the major cities.
The government is also battling a recent spate of credit card fraud, and visitors are advised not to
loose sight of their credit cards during transactions.
Arrival
If traveling North, the old Dutch port of Malacca is approx.
100 NM from Singapore. If traveling South, Langkawi lies just a few miles south of the Thai Malay
border.
Regulations
In Malaysian waters, it is required to report to the harbor
master when arriving, even if from another Malaysian port. Check in formalities should be performed
at your first port of call, and check out at the last. Most nationalities do not require a visa, and
no duties are levied on pleasure craft.
Marina Services
Malaysia now has many modern marinas, with Langkawi alone boasting
three.
For details and bookings contact Asia Pacific Malaysia -
Malaysia.
The Malaysian Yachting Association is situated at:
194 Jalan Limbungan Port Klang
Selangor Darul Ehsan, 42000 Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 365 6066
Fax: +60 3 365 6067
Email: layarmas@tm.net.my
Agency Services
Together with our Asia pacific partners you will find that whatever you need we can
help no request is too small or impossible. |
