Yachts heading to the east coast of West Malaysia and on to the Gulf of Thailand may enter Malaysia at Sebana Cove Marina, opposite Changi on Singapore’s east coast. Alternatively, the mainland port of Mersing, approximately 100 miles further north up the coast or Tioman Island, may be used as ports of entry.
Off the coast north of Jason Bay are a number of islands, some as close as 5-6 miles off and others about 30 miles offshore, all south of Tioman.
Tioman is the largest island of this group with a 1,100 metre mountain at its centre. Tioman is close enough to Singapore to have developed a number of good qualify resorts and has nice beaches. This was the location for the famous film ‘South Pacific’.
The next stretch of the east Malaysian coast has some small river ports, but the only offshore island of note that offers anchoring opportunities is Pulau Tenggol. Most yachts head to Terengganu or the islands of Redang and the Perhantians to the north, which offer fine overnight anchorages. Terengganu is the last opportunity to check out of Malaysia.
The only marina currently operating (2009) on the east coast is at Terengganu which is host to the match racing during the Monsoon Cup. There is also a newly opened marina on Tioman Island. As part of the government’s promotion of marine tourism, projects are also planned for Mersing and Kantang.
Crossing into Thai waters, most yachts proceed directly to Koh Samui (a passage of approximately 280 miles).
Yachts breaking the journey may check in at Pattani, a southern Thai fishing port, or Songkla. Neither offers proper marina facilities but provisions are available. Yachts making the long trip to Samui without staying close to the coast should be aware of the many offshore rigs in the oil and gas fields in Malaysian and Thai waters. Brilliantly lit at night they cannot be missed, but are best left well clear.
Malaysia’s newest marina, Puteri Harbour, lies about 4 miles east of the Second Link Bridge in the Straits of Johor. Part of a 688-acre residential and commercial real estate development, the finished marina will have 300 berths, including 10 superyacht berths. At the time of writing 76 berths were operational, as well as clubhouse, restaurant and marina services. For more detailed information, see the ‘Darwin to Singapore’ chapter.
Contact VHF Channel 18 (call sign ‘Puteri Harbour’ after passing the Second Link Bridge).
Tel: +607 530 2122, email: puteriharbour
uemland.uemnet.com
The marina lies about 4 miles up the shallow and not particularly well bouyed Sungai Santi River opposite the eastern tip of Singapore Island. On the approach to the river there is a sand bar extending from the north entrance. The channel has a minimum depth of approximately 2.2 metres.
The marina operates on VHF Ch 71. The river itself is buoyed with port and starboard buoys right up to the marina. There are 100 berths and all the usual amenities of a modern marina and a golf course. There is a shuttle service to Tg Belungkor where you can get a ferry to Singapore.
Marina office (07) 8266688 email: marinasebanacove.com
Heading east from Singapore through the Lima Channel, passage is safe inside North Rock. Heading north into the Gulf, the distance to the first of the islands, Pulau Aur, is 65 miles.
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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