Langkawi's natural asset of sheltered coves and scenic natural beauty has put it on the right path towards being the premier yachting destination in northern peninsula Malaysia.Home to a total of four world class marinas, the island is set to break more records in being the fastest growing destination among the nation's yachting fraternity. Each one of these marinas has 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 aspirations to be a world renowned yachting hub have recently been given a shot in the arm by 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 first time in November last year at Telaga Harbour Park where more than 56 yachts with a variety of sizes weighed anchor.
Right from the moment seafarers set their foot on land, they will have the entire island to explore and 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, noted that safety was never a concern when the boaters were in Malaysian waters. "The sailors like Malaysia as everything especially its relative safety within the region and its docking paperwork is easily accomplished and the island's logistics are well coordinated," Alistair added.On the same note, it is the government's hope that the general public will have a greater awareness in maritime activities and further carve a niche for yachting tourism, which is still in its infancy in Malaysia. Malaysia currently has 17 world class marinas. The potential for yachting in Langkawi is set to soar to greater heights in the near future.
MARINAS ON THE ISLAND
Royal Langkawi Yacht Club
The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club is located on the southeast of the island, right 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, its clubhouse is a legendary paradise. Weary yachters just cannot wait to moor and take a refreshing dip at its waterfront swimming pool or relax at its sauna.
It is a fully equipped world class marina with 205 berths that can accommodate even the largest seagoing mega yachts up to 60 m in length. The deep waters that surround the Club even allow boats with sailing keels and deep hulls to moor easily. Once docked, the crafts will have ready access to electricity, fuel and water supply.
Dining at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club is a pleasure. Visitors make a beeline for its beachfront restaurant, Charlie's Place (tel: 9664078), to enjoy a cool refreshing drink while taking in the breathtaking Langkawi sunset. Charlie's Place serves a mixture of local and international favourites. Those who wish to opt for a more formal dining can make reservations at the Captain's Deck where they will have the option to dine indoors within the comforts of air conditioning 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 more information, call Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Jalan Dato Syed Omar, 07000 Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. Tel +604 966 4078. Fax +604 966 5078
Telaga Harbour Park Marina
Telaga Harbour Park is located in a safe and sheltered harbour that feature a self-contained 27 acre township complete with world class restaurants and art galleries. It is accessible both by road and sea. The entrance is three metres at the lowest tide which is considered to be suitable for even the super yachts.
Among the world class eating outlets available at the Perdana Quay are Mare Blu (Italian and contemporary cuisine: 9593830), Floating Market (Thai food: 9593959), USSR Restaurant (Russian cuisine: 016-4049577) and Telaga Cafe (Arabic specialities: 019-494 9125). Directly opposite the Perdana Quay is the Petronas Quay that provides fuel and bunkering service, bank and postal services, mini market and a well equipped business centre.
Visitors who opt to stay on land can make reservations at the Mutiara Burau Bay Resort which is located a stone's throw away. A leisure 15 minute walk along the beach will lead you right up to the resort's lobby. For details, contact Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort, Teluk Burau, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah. Tel: 604-959 1061 Fax: 604-959 1172 Website: www.mutiarahotels.com
For more info contact the Harbour Master's Office, Telaga Harbour Park, Pantai Kok, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Darulaman, Malaysia. Website: www.telagaharbour.com
Rebak Marina Resort
The Rebak Marina Resort 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 which has facilities to maintain and service boats. Guests to the resort can choose from a variety of accommodation ranging from the garden view rooms, beach and family chalets. A must see item at the resort is the mangrove boardwalk where guests can view the different species of mangrove vegetation at close hand and learn about their contribution to the dynamic structure of the island's ecosystem.
The island is accessible to those without any boats via the Port of Langkasuka Jetty. Visitors can board the resort's ferry and the journey takes a mere fifteen minutes, going past the scenic wave barrier and surrounding uninhabited and picturesque islands.
For more information, please contact Rebak Marina Resort Langkawi, P. O. Box 125, 07000 Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. Tel: +604-966 5566 Fax: +604-966 9973 Website: www.rebakmarina.com
Awana Porto Malai
Guests staying at the resort run by the Genting International Group can choose between its 208 dea or hill view accommodation. Room facilities include king-sized or twin-twin beds, colour TV, international direct dialling telephone, coffee or tea-making facility and attached bathroom.
Guests can dine at the Seagull Restaurant which overlooks the Straits Of Malacca. It serves a tempting variety of Asian specialties and international cuisine. The Seagull Restaurant is open daily from 7.00am - 11.00pm. Those who wish to enjoy the nightlife can make a beeline for the resort's nightspot, Ground Zero that features a live band nightly. For details call Awana Porto Malai. Tel: +604-955 5111.
Hole In the Wall
The name of this establishment comes from the small opening into the Andaman Sea among the long line of limestone hills. This place is actually a fish farm located 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 also chose to dine at the floating restaurant. The live marine organisms such as groupers, sting rays, snappers and king crabs can be selected personally and cooked on the spot.
For more details, contact Rahmad, Hole in the Wall Sdn Bhd, Pengkalan Kg. Kilim, Mukim Ayer Hangat, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. Tel: +6012-562 0015
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