Sunsail Malaysia Cruising Area
Langkawi is fast becoming a retreat for holidaymakers from all over the world. The islands are blessed with an intriguing heritage of fabulous myths and legends of ogres and gigantic birds, warriors and fairy princesses, battles and romance.
Chartering a Sunsail yacht is really the ultimate way to experience everything Langkawi has to offer. While there is plenty to see and do on land, it is only on the water that one can truly appreciate the true majesty of this spectacular region.
Langkawi is actually an archipelago of 104 tropical islands lying off the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, where the Indian Ocean narrows down to the Straits of Malacca. Official figures claim there are only 99 islands, yet at low tide at least five more have been discovered.
The main island is popularly known as Pulau Langkawi (or just Langkawi)and is just 188 square miles. Langkawi provides a truly enchanting cruising ground with breathtaking scenery, an extensive variety of marine life and a seemingly endless choice of secluded island anchorages, most with their own legendary myth attached.
Crystal clear waters and pure sandy white beaches characterise many of the islands with a wealth of natural wonders and wildlife to capture your imagination. With a geological history dating back 500 million odd years, the islands feature unique rock formations, caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, fine beaches and primeval rainforests shrouded in mist.
Langkawi also boasts one of the finest coral reefs as well as a myriad of exotic flora and fauna. Brown eagles, water lizards and curious monkeys are just some of the wildlife you are sure to encounter on any given day. Hand feeding brown eagles with chicken skins is an experience that will put you right in centre of your own wildlife documentary. Mangroves, rainforests and jungles provide a natural haven for more than 90 species of birds including hornbill, kingfisher, drongo, woodpecker and kite.
Some of the islands contain accommodation, restaurants and tourism activities, including the marine park on Pulau Payar, which has a huge range of marine and coral life on display. A visit to Pulau Tuba, the only other inhabited island besides Langkawi itself, transports guests back in time as fisherman carry out their traditional duties, oblivious of time and modern facilities.
Pulau Dayang Bunting is the second largest island within the archipelago and its name (Island of the Pregnant Maiden) is inspired by the legends which surround the lake, as well as the physical appearance of the island itself which resembles the belly of a pregnant woman. Legend has it that the lake bestows fertility, which only serves to strengthen the intrigue and mystery surrounding the island.
A highlight of any Langkawi sailing holiday is a visit to the famous Hole in the Wall – a natural anomaly that has formed a passage between imposing limestone cliffs. Inside this sheltered passage you will discover Rahmad’s restaurant, renowned as one of the world’s most unique dining establishments. This little fish farm has a casual dining room and commercial kitchen attached which sets a new standard in freshness, originality and hospitality. Visiting yachties regard it as one of the best restaurants in the world, a claim also echoed by international tourism writers and gourmet connoisseurs.
Sailing in Langkawi poses few practical hazards as the region is not greatly tidal and the muddy bottom of the emerald sea ensures solid anchorages and peace of mind. While there are plenty of places to see, the region’s cruising ground is small enough to guarantee a safe haven is never far away should you get caught in inclement weather conditions.
It is recommended that you plan to spend at least ten days sailing in the Andaman Sea, to truly experience all that the islands of Langkawi and the waters of Southern Thailand have to offer. For those planning on taking advantage of Sunsail’s new one-way charter options between Phuket and Langkawi, ten days is the minimum charter period with 14 days recommended.
National Park Fee
A charge of 200 Baht/night/person for cruising the National Parks of Thailand may be charged locally. A fee of 180RM per person and 100RM per yacht applies when chartering Langkawi - Langkawi but checking in and out of Thailand to visit the Southern Thai Islands.
Moorings
There are three marinas around Langkawi.
