Click to view Singapore, Johor Bahru & Batam photo gallery.
Singapore is the large island (50kms east-west x 25kms north-south) at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Its geographical position has made it the key port in Southeast Asia and a crossroads for major east-west shipping routes.
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It is by far the busiest transhipment port in the world and a close second only to Shanghai in total containers shipped each year. As such, the waters around Singapore are well patrolled and the movement of all vessels is closely monitored by the Singapore Marine and Ports Authority (MPA).
This island state is the most developed in the region, with excellent facilities, communications, public transport, recreational activities and international travel connections.
Embassies or consulates of all nations can be found in the city, which is a modern, vibrant multi-cultural nation state with all the facilities a sophisticated visitor would expect – including the price.
Every kind of yacht equipment and spare part is readily found here and good shipyard facilities exist in the western, Jurong and Tuas areas.
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Ships documents and a valid passport for all crew members must be on board.
Most international visitors will automatically get a two week visa on entry. The initial visa is renewable for a further two weeks and it is possible to obtain extensions for up to 90 days.
[read more]Private vessels may be moored in Singapore for long periods as entry visas apply to individuals only.
Checking in and out of Singapore by visiting yachts is done at sea. Two designated open sea CIQ clearance anchorages may be used.
There have been reports of Marine and Port Authority of Singapore MPA vessel transit checks in the Singapore Straits. We suggest transiting the Straits from east-west on the Singapore side (outside of Singapore port limits) and west-east on the Indonesia side (flying the appropriate courtesy flag in both jurisdictions).
South of Singapore we suggest correct Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) on the starboard side of the shipping channels in either direction crossing perpendicular in the permitted areas marked clearly in the charts.
For full details of officially notified entry procedures, cruising permits and transponder requirements, go to Singapore regulations.
[/read]Johor Bahru (abbreviated as JB) is the capital city of southernmost Malaysian state, Johor. The sprawling city is separated from the island nation of Singapore by the Johor Straits east and west of ‘The Causeway’ at Woodlands Immigration Checkpoint.
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The Malaysian government has earmarked the entire south coast of Johor (renamed Iskandar) into five economic zones for infrastructure development. For visiting yachts the western side of the Johor Straits offers superb shelter at Puteri Harbour Marina and further up the Straits, closer to JB city is the Country Garden condo development with half a dozen berths.
On the east of The Causeway, and only accessible from the east Johor Strait, is the new Senibong Cove 50-berth marina. Around the top of the Singapore reclaimed island Pulau Tekong is Tanjung Belunkor and east of the same island is Tanjung Pengileh. Both are Customs, Immigration, Quarantine (CIQ) international ferry ports with small limited berth marina facilities.
Around the southeast corner of Johor, and 10 miles north up the east coast, is the 4,000 acre luxury Desaru Coast Development with its 17 km of coastline. Recently opened offerings include The Hard Rock Hotel, Westin with convention centre, One and Only Desaru, 27-hole Ernie Ells golf course, 18-hole VJ Singh golf course, The massive Desaru Adventure Waterpark and the Riverside Food and Beverage entertainment centre. Currently under construction is the Desaru Coast CIQ Ferry Terminal with intended fast connections to Singapore, Bintan and Batam.
Desaru Coast is part of the Johor and Malaysian governments’ economic drive to rebrand this area as the new luxury fully integrated holiday and family fun benchmark destination.
The Senai Airport is connected by superhighways from The Causeway, Singapore’s 2nd Link and JB city. The Senai Desaru Expressway (SDE) provides fast toll-road access to the Johor Premium Outlets Shopping Centre, Desaru Coast to the east and Iskandar’s Puteri Harbour and Legoland theme parks to the south.
A mile to the west of the Tuas 2nd link CIQ is the fast-appearing and massive 10-square-kilometre ‘Forest City’ reclamation development, with plans for three marinas and an international CIQ ferry terminal. A mile north of ‘Forest City’ is the busy Tanjung Pelepas commercial container and shipping port.
With the continued fast tracked economic development of Johor Bahru, expect more features and facilities for cruising yachts to come on line within the next two decades.
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Departing east from Pengileh, keep well clear of the dredging hardware associated with the new refinery reclamation works.
[read more]At the time of writing the Malaysian oil and gas company, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) is near completion of their the Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development project (RAPID).
The Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC) is about 20,000 acres and houses oil refineries, naphtha crackers, petrochemical plants, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal and a regasification plant.
When fully completed in 2020 it will produce 14 million tons of petroleum and petrochemical products annually. No need to ask which industry drives growth in the Johor region…
[/read]Across the Singapore Straits on the Indonesian island of Batam (about 12 miles), is Nongsa Point Marina which is often used by cruising yachts as a lower cost alternative to Singapore. Regular ferry services operate between Batam and Singapore from Harbour Front and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminals.
Funtasy Island is an Indonesian multi-island residential development close to Batam. It is just 10 miles south of Harbour Front Singapore and a mile west of Sekupang Ferry Terminal on Batam.
[read more]The CIQ Ferry Terminal linking direct to Singapore has been delayed getting MPA route approvals, so ferries from Harbour Front Singapore must check first into Indonesia at Sekupang, then Funtasy Island owners and guests are taken over by speed boat.
There were originally plans for a 140-berth marina but these have recently been deleted from the website. However, as the development comes online, we’ll continue to update. For now we recommend enter the 250-metre-wide channel between the reefs from the west and anchor at 1°08.017N, 103°52.303E in 5 metres adjacent the new CIQ building to use their floating pontoon.
Envisioned to be the world’s largest eco-theme parks, Funtasy Island is spread over 328 hectares on six islets and will be multi-phased over the next 10 years. Amongst the many residential options will be elevated nature trails, aquaculture, shopping, dining and entertainment for everyone in the Wave Promenade.
There’s a lot of references to playing with semi-captive dolphins in their marketing… www.funtasyisland.com
[/read]>>> Click here for a complete list of anchorages in Southeast Asia Pilot.
23 miles from Sisters Islands
Famous ‘Raffles’, named after Sir Stanford, is a modern marina of international standard situated on the western tip of Singapore, a half mile from the Tuas 2nd Link Bridge overpass.
The marina has 170 wet berths, haul-out facilities up to 70 tons and some provision for mega-yacht berthing. There is a clubhouse, restaurant, bars and reasonable hotel facilities ashore.
Approach through the western Johor Straits, leaving Merambong Island, Tanjung Pelepas and Forest City islands to port. Look for the masts and round to starboard at the breakwater lighthouse. Contact the marina office on VHF Ch.77 to be directed to a berth. x
The marina is approximately 25 km from the city with reasonable public transport connections. www.rafflesmarina.com.sg
Click to view Singapore, Johor Bahru & Batam photo gallery.
28 miles from Sisters Islands
Puteri (pronounced Poo-Tree) Harbour Iskandar, lies five miles northeast of the Second Link Bridge in the Straits of Johor.
Part of a 688‑acre UEM Land Government Linked Company (GLC) residential and commercial real estate development, the three marinas will eventually offer 300 berths, including space for 20 superyachts, when completed in 2022. Today 76 berths are currently operational, as well as clubhouse facilities, a dozen restaurants and full marina services for visiting yachts.
The Puteri Harbour International CIQ ferry terminal is at the marina entrance and offers daily fast ferry links to Kariman Island Batam and Penang Town Bintang, Indonesia.
The Hotel Jen, Somerset Apartments, family theme park San Rio Hello Kitty and Puteri Harbour Shopping and Dining centre are all right there beside the Marina. Nearby Legoland opened in 2013 and has become the most visited theme park in Southeast Asia.
VHF Ch.18, call ‘Puteri Harbour’ after passing Second Link Bridge. +60 7530 2122.
Click to view Singapore, Johor Bahru & Batam photo gallery.
32 miles from Sisters Islands
This 16-berth private marina is near The Causeway end of the navigable Johor Strait, five miles northeast of Puteri Harbour entrance. From Puteri Harbour, follow the channel markers favouring the north (Malaysian) side passage, keeping Pulau Sarimbun, Heralu Rocks and Horseshoe Reef well to starboard.
At the time of writing there is a single 16-berth marina arm attached to the development’s all-tide silica sand beach. Possibly more for marketing and show than a real serviced marina, we nevertheless see occasional international visiting yachts alongside. Ashore is the nearly completed multi-high-rise development very close to JB town.
33 miles from Sisters Islands
The 50-berth Senibong Cove Marina, carved out of the mouth of the Lunchoo River, is a feature of the Senibong Cove luxury waterfront residential development. Around the edge are restaurants Asahikawa Izakaya, Harvest’s Bar & Grill, and Yew’s Café. All offer a variety of local, Asian and western food. Transport to JB and Singapore is easily arranged at the Marina office.
This smallish marina can accommodate a few boats up to 26 metres and has an average depth of 2.5 metres at LAT. Approaching from Pulau Ubin, motor to waypoint 1°28.681N, 103°49.742E to see the Sembahwang Shipyard on the Singapore side.
Keep an eye out on starboard till past the floating mussel farms, then follow the lateral red and green painted drums past the floating white fishing hut. Keep an eye out for the yacht masts inside till you get your bearings. The breakwater is on port as is the small marina south side of the bridge. VHF Ch.09. Marina office +60 7382 0022. x www.senibongcove.my
28 miles from Sisters Islands
Further up the Johor Straits from the east, passing to the south of Pulau Ubin, is the Punggol River, branching into the main island of Singapore. The marina is on the east bank of the river.
There are 35 berths, maximum 20 metres, and full marina facilities including a travel lift. This is the biggest dry stack storage facility in Singapore catering mainly for small boat fishermen and an active wake board community. VHF Ch.77. x www.marinacountryclub.com.sg
22 miles from Sisters Islands
This quiet anchorage lies on the northeast corner of Singapore Island, half a mile west of Changi Village Creek CIQ where the famous Bumboats run to Pengileh in Malaysia. Approach from the southeast toward the Johor Strait and leave the clearly visible Changi Ferry Terminal and the navy jetty to port.
Changi Yacht Club has a jetty with a small number of docks in front of a modern clubhouse. Dozens of members’ vessels are lined on moorings offshore. Proceed past the club into Loyang Bay to anchor in 5-8 metres on a muddy bottom.
Take your tender back to Changi Sailing Club to arrange a longer-term mooring or contact them on VHF Ch.77. The club has 160 moorings, a small slipway for vessels up to six tons and offers temporary membership to visitors.
Restaurants, showers, swimming pool and chalets can be found at the clubhouse and the famous Changi Village is nearby. Good road connections to the city and very close to Changi international airport.
If port authorities permit, yachts may remain at anchor at Loyang, or across the channel in the lee of Pulau Ubin, and still use the club facilities by tender. Best contact them prior to arrival if you’d prefer a chargeable visitor mooring. x www.csc.org.sg
25 miles from Sisters Islands
North of Pulau Tekong, and eight miles from Changi Village, is the antiquated roll-on roll-off (RoRo) car ferry terminal with a small marina at Tanjung Belungkor. Daily ferry services run the 7 miles around Pulau Tekong to and from the Malaysian-leased Changi Ferry Terminal on Singapore.
Both ferry terminals were built in the ‘80s and are equipped with hydraulic link-span bridges for RoRo ferry access. Touted as the eastern ‘3rd Link’ connecting Singapore to Johor, Tanjung Belungkor is a full ISPS port with CIQ facilities and a few marina berths for yachts clearing in or out of Malaysia.
The recent local developments nearby at Desaru Coast include water parks, golf courses, luxury hotels and convention centres. Call on VHF Ch.16 on arrival and stay on board your vessel until an Malaysian Clearance official arrives at the dock.
26 miles from Sisters Islands
The river entrance to Sebana Cove is north of Pengileh CIQ and the Malaysian Naval Base and east of Pulau Tekong at 1°24.248N, 104°06.694E. This resort marina is nestled five miles up the shallow, and not particularly well-buoyed, Santi River. On the approach to the river mouth there is a sand bar extending from the north entrance. The mangrove channel has a minimum depth of approximately 2.3 metres at LAT.
The mangrove river itself has port and starboard buoys right up to the marina entrance. There are 100 berths and all the usual amenities of a modern marina, residential low-rise waterfront apartments and a golf course. x
VHF Ch.71. +60 7826 6688 www.sebanacoveresort.com
19 miles from Sisters Islands
This small government-run CIQ facility and ferry terminal is located near the navy training base in Pengerang district. Approaching from the southern point and cardinal mark lights of Pulau Tekong reclamation wall, head directly north for three miles into the Tanjung Pengelih marina facility, just south of the well-signed Malaysian Navy base.
This is a popular entry point for Indonesian ferries from Batam and Bintang and for lower budget Singaporeans and Malaysians to and from Pengerang and Changi Village by Bumboat. Singapore’s extensive land reclamation south and west on Pulau Tekong has added five more miles to this well-worn Bumboat passage from Changi Village, making it a total of 10 miles. Bumboats wait alongside until numbers constitute viability so expect to wait sometimes hours for one to ‘fill up’ before departing.
Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Marine departments are open during office hours and private yachts are welcome at the tight 25-berth marina inside south of the covered ferry jetty. Call on entry VHF Ch.16. Ashore is a small shop, taxis and – close behind the car park – are historical WWII Japanese gun turret sites cut into the base of the hill.
2 miles from Sisters Islands
On the southeast of Sentosa Island and close to the Central Business District, ONE°15 Marina Club is within the integrated luxury residential development, Sentosa Cove. This multi-million dollar development has oceanfront properties and private berthing facilities. x
The 270-berth marina has minimum depth of 4.5 metres with full facilities. There are 13 purpose-built Mediterranean-mooring berths for visiting mega-yachts up to 60 metres. There are many themed attractions such as Universal Studio and Resorts World on the island and Marina Bay Sands and Orchard Road are close. www.one15marina.com
3.5 miles from Sisters Islands
This marina on reclaimed Keppel Island is part of a multi-million dollar residential and leisure complex part funded by government. Its dogleg entrance is situated past the huge concrete breakwaters on the Singapore side, just north of the western end of Sentosa Island.
Round the west end of Sentosa, keeping a good eye out for the fast ferries in and out of Harbour Front, before heading directly north into the entrance. The skyline is dominated by the architecturally significant ‘Reflections’ high-rise development looking like so many bent shards of upright crystal.
The marina is accessed from the mainland via a spectacular suspension bridge that changes colours every few minutes at night. This 168-berth city marina is home for many yachts belonging to the owners of the nearby luxury condos. It has six Superyacht berths inside the entrance for vessels up to 178 metres. There are no haul-out facilities, although visiting yachts are welcome. x
There are two world-class restaurants and a nightclub in the main building. It’s very close to Orchard Road and downtown Singapore. +65 6303 8448. www.marinakeppelbay.com
7.5 miles from Sisters Islands
This marina lies in the Jurong Fairway inside Pulau Selayar. The entrance is just east of Pasir Panjang port terminal; the channel is busy and well buoyed. There are 127 standard berths, ranging from 35ft to 70ft, 218 dry berths and a 140-metre-long outer wharf for larger yachts. The 3 T-berths also cater for larger yachts up to 30 metres. The traffic in and out of Jurong Port can create uncomfortable rocking and rolling on the outer berths. x
Call the marina on VHF Ch.77 or call +65 6768 9233 at least six hours beflear before proceeding to the berth. The marina is a popular club and has a pool, restaurants and accommodation with taxi links to the city and other parts of the island. www.rsyc.org.sg
16 miles from Sisters Islands
This 65-berth marina is on the northeastern tip of Batam has full facilities but no haul out. The Riau Yacht Club is based at the resort ashore and has a restaurant, pool and some accommodations.xVHF Ch.6. www.nongsapointmarina.com
The check in and out with Customs, Immigration and Sailing Permit application can be done at the CIQ Nongsapura Ferry Terminal in the adjacent creek. Regular Batam Fast ferries run to and from Tanah Merah and Harbour Front in Singapore.
