Due to its strategic location on the strait that bears its name, Malacca was a rich trading port long before it became colonised by a succession of invaders. The Portuguese, the Dutch and the British all held sway here over the centuries. Today the wealth and trade are a thing of the past but the legacy in the architecture and history makes it a key part of Malaysia’s tourism industry.
There is no proper harbour here and a bridge restricts the river. The safest place to anchor is just off the Police Customs Jetty on the right entering the river.
Probably the best option is to use Port Dickson and travel by road to visit Malacca.
Ships’ documents and valid passports for all crew members must be carried to gain entry into Malaysia. Most international visitors will be granted a tourist visa on entry. This is valid for 60 days and extendable by up to three months.
Yachts entering Malaysian waters in the Malacca Straights should proceed to the nearest port of entry.
From Singapore north these are Malacca, Port Dickson, Port Klang, Lumut, Penang and Kuah in Langkawi on the Thai border. Heading into the Gulf of Thailand is dealt with in the second section of this chapter, East Coast Malaysia.
Yachts making passage past these ports are unlikely to be challenged as long as they are heading for Thailand or a local port of entry. Visiting yachts should report to Marine Harbourmaster, Immigration, and Customs in that order.
On leaving the port, this process needs to be repeated and a port clearance for the vessel and crew obtained even if you are heading for another destination in Malaysia.
Yachts can be left in Malaysia and the formalities involved are relatively simple.
A large 130-berth marina and apartment complex lies about two and a half miles south of Port Dickson inside an artificial breakwater. Check-in facilities and many leisure activities are available in the marina.
Approach from the west avoiding the coral patch just to the north of the entrance and the shallow patch about one mile southwest. There are port and starboard entrance lights visible for 5 miles. Contact on VHF Channel 14. Full services are available including fuel and easy access to shops.
The town of Port Dickson has check-in facilities, as well as reasonable shopping and local restaurants. Sadly the old “Tug Boat Inn” has changed hands and is now called the “Sports Bar”... but the beer is still cold.
Approach from the west between the Arang beacon and the buoy marking a pipeline running out from the coast.
Anchorage can be found off the small town jetty in 5-10 metres on a muddy bottom. This spot in front of the town is well protected from the north, but is open to squalls from other directions. Further to the north is the oil terminal jetty, which can be seen from well offshore.
The town of Port Dickson has check in facilities, as well as reasonable shopping and local restaurants.
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is accurate, the charts of anchorages are based on personal experience and satellite imagery and are intended as a guide only. They should not be used for navigation. Please refer to Official Hydrographic Charts of the respective countries.
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