Cruising Destination of the month: Malaysia
Asia has seen a rise in luxury yacht charters from international tourists, particularly in the Malaysia charter grounds which are aided by top-rated modern marinas and pristine surroundings with a careful balance achieved between providing excellent tourism services and maintaining the authenticity of the destinations.
CharterWorld Charter Director Nicolas Benazeth describes the latest trends and best places to visit in this burgeoning charter grounds:
“Malaysia is a land of contrasts with everything from ancient rainforests teeming with unique wildlife to a stunning undersea environment, multiple islands to explore and bustling cities with world-class facilities.
“It is still relatively off the beaten path for superyachts compared to other well established destinations, which means it also offers some superb opportunities for uncrowded cruising locations and exploration yacht charters, all whilst not having to compromise on comfort or safety.”
As a haven for unique species, Malaysia is ideal for motor yacht and sailing yacht charter groups looking to take life at a slower pace and spend time immersing themselves in nature. Snorkelers and Suba divers in particular will be richly rewarded and sea horses, nudibranchs and sea turtles are some of the species that can be encountered among the vibrant coral reefs.
“Malaysia is a destination for those who want to experience nature in its most amazing form, with some of the highest rates of endemic species in the world and unique hotspots both on land such as the Danum Valley and at sea such as the island of Sipadan.
“Scuba divers in particular will not want to miss out on a trip to the eastern islands of Sabah (including Sipadan) made famous by Jacques Cousteau, and known as one of the best dive sites in the worlds with huge schools of jacks, spiralling barracuda, and turtles in abundance which can be seen living in a varied underwater topography of drop offs, caverns and coral gardens. Visiting by yacht gives divers the best opportunity of exploring this island and its riches in their own time and away from other visitors, however permits are required and need to be obtained in advance.
“Kota Kinabalu is a convenient gateway to the north of Borneo, the world’s third largest island, and home to one of the oldest rainforests (over 140 million years old). It is also ideal for a start or end base for yacht charters as anything from golf, fine dining and night life to hiking the famous Mount Kinabalu is possible there. From here, yachts typically combine coastal cruising and island hopping, with visits to Pulau Tiga (made famous by its location as the first ‘Survivor Island’ on the popular television series) being most common, but also to islands such as Mengalum for exciting diving opportunities, snorkelling and fishing.
“Once you get past the northern tip of Sabah, you are in true tropical paradise explorer yachting and every stop brings a new experience – pristine white beaches, stunning snorkelling and diving opportunities (WWII wrecks, superb sea life including whale shark sightings in season around Pulau Lankayan) and last but not least a taste of the incredible flora and fauna of Borneo. No trip in the region is complete without a visit inland to the Kinabatangan River, which can also be combined with a trip to Sepilok where orphaned orang-utans are rehabilitated, and one of the few places you can have close interaction with these gentle creatures in their natural environment.”
Where to begin your exceptional Malaysia yacht charter
When superyacht charters come to Asia most start their journey at the duty-free Langkawi port, which has unrivalled yachting facilities and is able to provide duty-free spare parts and provisions for a smooth and efficient journey between each incredible destination.
The main island of Langkawi is the perfect place for groups to gather before or after their superyacht charter, as there are innumerable 5-star hotels, spas, cultural attractions and internationally renowned golf courses within a town with all the modern facilities of a small city.
“The historical ‘home’ of yachting in Malaysia is found in the Langkawi islands between the Andaman sea and the start of the Straits of Malacca, with many charter yachts sailing to and from the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, a modern marina and resort. This is also where the greater region’s premier sailing event, the Royal Langkawi International Regatta, takes place every January.
“As well as amazing local beaches, there are some unique shore excursions possible too, such as the Langkawi Sky Bridge spanning a stretch of rainforest, or the fresh water lake on Dayang Bunting, with its host of mysterious legends.”
The myriad exciting luxury yacht charter destinations beyond Langkawi
When there are so many islands to choose from and so much to explore, your group has endless options on how to spend their time. Many opt to incorporate Malaysia into a longer charter winding along the coastline to the north.
A typical journey will start from Langkawi to cruise north towards Thailand, to Koh Lipe and the Butang Group of Islands in the Tarutao National Park. Thailand’s first Marine National Park is close to the Malaysian border and consists of 51 islands all of which save Koh Lipe are uninhabited.
Departing the Butan Archipelago, the islands of the Andaman Sea beckon with Phuket, Phang Nga Bay, Tarutao, Similan and Surin Island all offering fantastic options for sunbathing and exploration. Instead, guests can choose to cruise farther on to mysterious Myanmar (formerly Burma) and the Mergui Archipelago.
“For longer trips, the Langkawi area is easily combined with other parts of the Andaman sea, such as the southern islands of Thailand and many yachts do itineraries starting in Phuket and ending in Langkawi (or vice versa) to cover the best of both countries.”
Nicolas concludes: “Superyacht visits and yacht charter in a scale seen elsewhere is still in its infancy in Malaysia, but there is no doubt such a rewarding cruising destination will increasingly attract the world’s more adventurous sailors, and more and more of the more traditional charterers as the trend continues towards more exotic and adventurous types of cruising. Even for those who have already experienced the more popular areas in Malaysia, there is still a wealth of opportunities and other regions offering great cruising and often overlooked – such as Tioman island and the surrounding islands, all protected as marine parks and reserves and sometimes visited in combination with Singapore.”
By CharterWorld I news@charterworld.com & Asia Pacific Superyachts- Scott Walker and Captain Charlie Dwyer I langkawi@asia-pacific-superyachts.com
For more information about cruising options and services in Malaysia please contact APSA members:
Asia Pacific Superyachts I langkawi@asia-pacific-superyachts.com
IGL Coatings I sales@iglcoatings.com
Labuan Shipyard & Engineering Sdn Bhd I enquiry@labuanship.com