THE JUNK ANCHORAGE
380 miles from Singapore
THE JUNK ANCHORAGE. 5°24.595N, 100°20.450E
Anchor anywhere north of, and inside, the shallow middle bank in 6-15 metres on a mud and rubbish-strewn bottom. This is known as the Junk Anchorage and is historically famous over the centuries where the Chinese cargo junks moored.
The area lies off the clan jetties along the shoreline (the New, Yeoh, Lee, Tan, Chew and Lim family jetties). Dinghies can no longer just tie up at the Chew Jetty wooden steps, but pick up and drop off is still permitted. Water taxis are now available and can be sought by standing on deck and waving your arms. Diesel fuel is usually available from a fuel barge moored nearby.
Read more
A mile south at 5°23.983N, 100°20.074E is the Sungai Penang (Penang River) anchorage with the advantage of the dinghy navigable river right up to some floating pontoons, between two bridges. Both anchorages are exposed to weather from the north and east and holding is not the best. Some areas are completely foul. Use plenty of scope.
A half mile further south at 5°23.654N, 100°19.601E is the entrance to the rectangular 100 x 50m attenuated Fisherman’s Wharf Marina. At the time of writing, little is known about this small offshore potentially 20-berth marina fronting of the famous food court of the same name. The marina gate to the eatery is locked after 5pm so we suggest anchor just north or south of the structure in 5-10 metres and take your dinghy. There’s a prominent McDonalds, Starbucks and plenty of restaurants and shops on the waterfront promenade.
Click to view Malaysia photo gallery.
