A complete sailing guide that has everything you need to know about your next yacht rental in Malaysia.
Right on the border of Thailand, Langkawi offers a great base for your yacht rental Malaysia! Enjoy the best of two Southeast Asian gems.
Want to know more? Keep reading…
If you are familiar with a Malaysia sailing holiday and want to look at boat options for your next yacht charter, then skip to:
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In Malaysia, you can spend the day roaming rainforests, discovering limestone and karst formations, and examining stalactite and stalagmite caves.
Also, you will be amongst some of the world's most beautiful beaches, which feature clear blue waters filled with interesting marine life.
For an unforgettable adventure visit the Langkawi Skycab which will lift you above the rainforest canopy and carry you to the deck at Gunung Machinchang mountain.
From this peak, about 708m above sea level, you can see the coast of southern Thailand on a clear day! You can go even further up to the Top Station where you can cross the Sky Bridge. At 125m, it’s the world’s longest free span.
Over the border in Thailand, check out Railay Beach for some fun rock climbing.
With year-round tropical weather, you can expect a hot and humid climate for your boat rental Malaysia.
The average temperature is between 31 and 33 °C during the day and 24 to 25 °C in the evening. Water temperatures are between 27 and 32 °C all year - perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports.
Sailing season in Langkawi is between November and April, as this is the sunniest and driest time of year.
The rainy season is between April and November, but the west coast gets much less than the East coast, so there is no “classic” rainy season.
A common question is if Langkawi is affected by monsoons.
The answer is no!
While Langkawi might experience heavy rains, it is usually nothing more than a thunderstorm. This means Langkawi is a year-round sailing destination!
To begin your boat rental Malaysia, you need to get to Langkawi.
The best way to arrive is via a regional flight from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore - the two bigger international hubs. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia offer daily flights to Langkawi. Direct flights are few and far between.
Once you land in Langkawi, you can get to the base via taxi. If you would like Yacht4Less to arrange airport transfers, speak with your charter broker!
Transfer time from Langkawi International Airport to base: 20 minutes
Money: The currency is the Malaysian Ringgit. In Malaysia, ATMs are widely available and you can use a credit or debit card in most hotels and restaurants. However - it’s important to note that PINs (personal identification numbers) are 6 digits in Malaysia and that could affect your ability to use your card.
Passport / Visa: For American or European passport holders, there are no visa requirements. You can stay for up to 90 days for business or tourism. All you need is a passport that is valid for at least six months, and a blank page for the stamp! In Malaysia, it is important to carry your passport at all times.
Customs: If at any point during your yacht charter Malaysia you wish to go to Thailand, please discuss with your charter broker. The customs requirements between the two countries can be a bit complicated.
While the southern islands (Ao Butong, Koh Tarutao & Koh Lipe) usually have simple custom procedures, it is best to touch base with a professional from the base, or your charter broker regarding any stops in Thailand.
Religion: It is also important to note that Malaysia is primarily Muslim and you will find Islamic cultural influences here. For example, Malaysian Muslims do not drink alcohol. Also, modest attire is encouraged. Malaysian women swim fully clothed, so please bring swimsuits and do not go topless.
For provisioning, Yacht4Less recommends Billion Duty-Free Supermarket, which is about 4 minutes from the base by car. Here you can stock up on whatever items you desire during your charter. If you’d like us to arrange provisioning to be delivered to your boat, we are more than happy to do so!
Anchorages and marinas: One of the best parts about sailing Malaysia is the ease and accessibility of anchorages and marinas. Since the island is a free trade zone, the tax exemption makes berths very affordable. There are also a large number of marinas to choose from.
For sailing conditions, you will not find many places as low key as Malaysia. The waters are well protected, making for smooth sailing.
Please note that there are not many buoys or lights and navigation is primarily by sight. Night sailing is prohibited because of the difficulties seeing reefs and shoals in the darkness. Find your anchorage before dusk and set up for the night. The average tidal range is 3.2 meters, so be aware when choosing your overnight anchorages.
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⚓ Day 1. Langkawi (Royal Langkawi Yacht club)
⚓ Day 2. Pulau Tepur - Pantai Cenang (7NM)
⚓ Day 3. Pantai Cenang – Pulau Dayang Bunting (7NM)
⚓ Day 4. Pulau Dayang Bunting - Kuah Town (11NM)
⚓ Day 5. Kuah Town - Kilim Natural Park (15NM)
⚓ Day 6. Tanjung Rhu Beach - Datai (19NM)
⚓ Day 7. Datai – Langkawi (royal Langkawi Yacht club) (10NM)
⚓ Day 1. Langkawi (Royal Langkawi Yacht club)
⚓ Day 2. Pulau Tepur - Pantai Cenang (7NM)
⚓ Day 3. Pantai Cenang – Pulau Dayang Bunting (7NM)
⚓ Day 4. Pulau Dayang Bunting - Kuah Town (11NM)
⚓ Day 5. Kuah Town - Kilim Natural Park (15NM)
⚓ Day 6. Tanjung Rhu Beach - Datai (19NM)
⚓ Day 7. Datai – Langkawi (royal Langkawi Yacht club) (10NM)
⚓ Day 8. Langkawi (Royal Langkawi Yacht club) - Ko Lipeh (25NM)
⚓ Day 9. Ko Lipeh
⚓ Day 10. Ko Lipeh - Ko Adang (5NM)
⚓ Day 11. Ko Adang - Ko Rawi (5NM)
⚓ Day 12. Ko Rawi - Ko Butang islet (3NM)
⚓ Day 13. Ko Butang islet - Langkawi (Royal Langkawi Yacht club) (32NM)
It depends. For example, the most important ones are the type of boat you will choose and whether you require a professional crew on board (e.g. skipper, hostess or cook). So, as you can see, there are many factors that can shape a price for a boat rental.
Check our full guide about yacht charter cost and how you can save much money in your next sailing holidays.
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