Peninsular Malaysia, East Coast

In the middle of the Desaru Coast site, 10 miles north of Johor Peninsular Tanjung Penyusop south corner, is the small Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal due to open late in 2020. It will house full Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) services for ferry passengers connecting to Tanah Merah in Singapore and possibly Bintang and Batam in Indonesia.

At the time of writing it is unknown if private yachts will be allowed access into the small ISPS-rated calm water basin. Further up the coast, 18 miles north of Jason’s Bay (Sedili River), are the first islands of Pulau Sibu / Tinggi Marine Park, all south of the area gem of Pulau Tioman. There are plenty of nice calm anchorages around this southern group although the water clarity is better further north.

The offshore island of note that offers a sometimes-calm mooring is Pulau Tenggol. Most yachts will head north up to Terengganu or the tourist islands of Redang and the Perhantians, which offer better overnight anchorages.

The only two marinas currently operating on the east coast at the time of writing are at Pulau Tioman and Terengganu.

Crossing into Thai waters, most yachts proceed directly to Koh Samui, a passage of about 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.