Malaysia: Sailing Paradise
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www.nst.com Malaysia with its mix of modern sailing infrastructure and idyllic charm can lure international yachters from more popular yachting destinations like Monte Carlo or Sardinia in Europe. And the presence of world-class marinas in Langkawi is turning the island into a sanctuary of sorts for international seafarers. Its natural assets – sheltered coves and scenic beauty – has put Langkawi on the right path towards being the premier yachting destination in the country.
Home to four world-class marinas, the island is set to be one of the fastest growing destinations among the yachting fraternity. The marinas have the infrastructure to provide state-of-the-art facilities that include repair and maintenance capabilities, efficient telecommunication systems and world-class accommodation.
The island’s aim to become a world-renowned yachting hub was given a shot in the arm recently with SailAsia Sdn Bhd’s acquisition of the rights to hold the prestigious Darwin-Bali-Langkawi annual yacht race in Langkawi for the next decade.
Langkawi played host to this voyage of discovery for the second time in November at Telaga Harbour Park in conjunction with the Langkawi International Boat Exhibition (Libex).
From the moment local and international seafarers set their foot on the island, they have the entire place to explore and to experience its sights, sounds and smells. On top of that, the safety of Malaysian waters has played a vital role in enticing these seafaring tourists to our shores.
Alistair Campbell, the managing director of SailAsia Sdn Bhd, notes that safety is never a concern when the boaters are in Malaysian waters.
“The sailors like Malaysia as everything, especially its relative safety within the region and its docking paperwork, is easily done and the island’s logistics are well co-ordinated,” he says.
Langkawi’s authorities hope that the public will have a greater awareness in maritime activities and that the island will carve a niche for itself in yachting tourism.
Marinas On The Island
* Royal Langkawi Yacht Club: This is located in the southeast, next to the ferry terminal in Kuah. Visitors approaching the island by boat will certainly not miss its distinctive architecture and the neat rows of yachts in front of it.
Like the island itself, the clubhouse is a legendary paradise. Weary yachters just cannot wait to moor and take a refreshing dip in its waterfront swimming pool or to relax in its sauna.
It has 205 berths that can accommodate even the largest seagoing mega yachts of up to 60m in length. The deep waters even allow boats with sailing keels and deep hulls to moor easily. Once docked, the crafts will have access to electricity, fuel and fresh water.
Dining here is a pleasure. Visitors make a beeline for its beachfront restaurant, Charlie’s Place, for a cool refreshing drink while taking in the breathtaking sunset. Charlie’s Place serves a mixture of local and international favourites. Those who like more formal dining can make reservations at the Captain’s Deck where they can choose to dine indoors or al fresco and be caressed by the gentle breeze on the penthouse deck. Both these in-house establishments are also open to the public.
For details, contact Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Jalan Dato Syed Omar, 07000 Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah. Tel: 04-966 4078.
* Telaga Harbour Park Marina: Located in a safe and sheltered harbour featuring a self-contained township complete with restaurants and art galleries, this marina is accessible via road and sea. The entrance is three metres at the lowest tide, which is considered to be suitable for even super yachts.
Eateries at the Perdana Quay include Mare Blu (Italian and contemporary cuisine, Tel: 04-959 3830), Floating Market (Thai food, Tel: 04-959 3959), USSR Restaurant (Russian cuisine, Mobile 016-404 9577) and Telaga Cafe (Arabic specialities, Mobile 019-494 9125). Directly opposite Perdana Quay is the Petronas Quay that provides fuel and bunkering service, bank and postal services, mini market and a well-equipped business centre.
For details, contact the Harbour Master’s Office, Telaga Harbour Park, Pantai Kok, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah. Website: www.telagaharbour.com
There are several choices of accommodation near the marina, including the Mutiara Burau Bay Resort. For reservations, call 04-959 1061 or access www.mutiarahotels.com
* Rebak Marina Resort: This is home to the only marina located on a self-contained private island, Pulau Rebak Besar in Langkawi. The 390-acre Rebak Island is one of the 99 islands that make up the Langkawi archipelago. This luxury resort boasts of a safe and protected modern marina, with service and maintenance facilities. Accommodation ranges from garden view rooms to beach and family chalets. A must-do is to walk along the boardwalk to see the different species of mangroves upclose and to learn about their importance in the island’s ecosystem.
To get to the island, take boats at the Port of Langkasuka Jetty. The 15-minute ride takes you past scenic wave barriers and uninhabited and picturesque little islands.
For details, contact Rebak Marina Resort Langkawi, P. O. Box 125, 07000 Kuah, Langkawi. Tel: 04-966 5566. Website: www.rebakmarina.com
* Awana Porto Malai: Guests staying at this resort run by the Genting International Group can choose between its 208 sea- or hill-view accommodation. Room facilities include king-sized or twin beds.
For dining, there is the Seagull Restaurant overlooking the Straits of Malacca. It serves a tempting variety of Asian specialties and international cuisine.
For details, call Awana Porto Malai at 04-955 5111.
* Hole In the Wall: The name comes from a small opening in a long line of limestone hills at the fringes of the Andaman Sea. It’s actually a fish farm at the Kilim estuary on the northern part of the island. The owner provides a limited berthing facility for yacht owners. It does not qualify as a full-fledged marina but its advantage is its close proximity to the delightful mangrove forests and unique limestone structures found along the Kilim River.
Guests can dine at the floating restaurant there. The fun is choosing garoupas, stingrays, snappers and king crabs and have them cooked on the spot.
For details, contact Rahmad, Hole in the Wall Sdn Bhd, Pengkalan Kg. Kilim, Mukim Ayer Hangat, 07000 Langkawi. Mobile Number: 012-562 0015 |
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