Langkawi is the largest island in an archipelago of 100 islands in the Andaman Sea, growing in popularity as a South East Asia island destination. Most of the islands are uninhabited, with only Tuba island and Langkawi island inhabited.
The interior of the island is lushly green everywhere and the coast is surrounded by a turquoise sea. The origin name of the island according to local interpretation means, ‘the island of the reddish-brown eagle’. It is even possible to see a landmark sculpture of an eagle as the symbol of Langkawi at Dataran Helang (Eagle Square) in Kuah.
Malaysia was once the centre of the spice trade with everyone coming to Malacca to pick up spices. A country of sailors and traders, it is one of the greatest countries of seafarers in the world. As sailors of yore could see, once in the waters of Langkawi and moving slowly along the north-west headland and across the water are the green islands of Turatao and Koh Adang in Satun, across the border in the south of Thailand just a few kilometres away.
Located off the mainland coast of Malaysia, the number of visiting superyachts and foreign flagged yachts is expected to continue to grow post-Covid as word spreads of the island’s many land attractions, ship repair, duty-free supplies, and its central location and nearby island cruising. Over the last few years this Andaman Sea area has become an established sailing and superyacht destination with events like the pre-Covid annual Langkawi Regatta, sure to restart at the end of the pandemic, attracting boats from all over the world.
The island currently has four marinas, leading with the highly recommended Royal Langkawi Yacht Club marina along with several bases providing great facilities for yachts around the islands. The RLYC marina is located on a large sweeping bay in Kuah with over 200 berths and full sailing facilities. From here you can explore Langkawi’s caves, hidden islands, beaches and hundreds of the millions of years-old Kilim Karst Geoforest Park.
The marina’s close proximity to the town centre provides excellent access to duty-free shops and other business-class facilities. The RLYC marina’s berths can fit mega-yachts up to 60 meters (197 feet) long, and has a low tide depth of 3 meters (almost 10 feet). Pontoons have direct electricity, fuel and water supply, and offer a wireless internet service too.
Asia Pacific Superyachts co-founder, Captain Scott Walker, knows the area well and has been working with superyachts and yachts between Langkawi and Singapore for three decades. He believes Kuah Bay is developing into Asia’s most perfect natural harbour and that Langkawi could become the ‘Monaco of the Far East’, noting, “International visitors come to cruise the islands and beaches, trek through wildlife-filled rainforests and take advantage of excellent Duty Free shopping while berthed at the marina, where their vessel will receive excellent service and fresh provisions.”
10 Langkawi Natural Attractions
- Kilim Karst Geoforest Park – Going beyond Langkawi’s spectacular landscapes, breathtaking beaches, captivating mangrove forests and jungle vistas awaits a more fascinating journey still… this is a journey back in time. Geological time. Not hundreds, thousands, or millions, but hundreds of millions of years.
The 550 million-year-old Kilim Karst Geoforest Park spans almost 100 square kilometres and is noteworthy for mangrove swamps, pristine beaches, and vertical karstic hills jutting out towards the Andaman Sea. Visiting Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark is to experience one of the world’s rarest natural wonders.
Set along the northeast tip of Langkawi Island, the park is accessible within a five-minute drive from Tanjung Rhu Beach. There’s a good variety of wildlife found, ranging from otters and monitor lizards to macaques and tree crabs hiding amongst the thick mangroves. During the migratory seasons (September to March), you can spot birdlife of varying species, including kingfishers, white-bellied fish eagles and kite eagles and when visiting the UNESCO-listed park maze of waterways, you might spot a monitor lizard, viper or the clouded leopard.
Langkawi’s other 9 natural wonders
- Pulau Payar Marine Park
- Gunung Raya, the highest peak in Langkawi
- Mount Mat Cincang, the most famous peak with a height of 850 meters
- Gua Landak, known as Porcupine Cave due to many years ago being inhabited by porcupines
- Mardi Agro Technology Park (Lubuk Semilang), which functions as a centre for technology transfer and information dissemination concerning the agro-industry. Set in a beautiful natural environment, if you love ecotourism this is for you
- Island of Dayang Bunting, the second largest island in Langkawi. The name translates to ‘Pregnant Maiden Island’
- Laman Padi Rice Garden and Museum, a popular ecotourism site at Cenang Beach helping to teach traditional agricultural techniques
- Darulaman Sanctuary at Gunung Raya is situated in a forest reserve. 2 kilometres into the jungle is a walking trail where a guide will share his knowledge & passion for nature
- Pulau Dangli is a small rocky island, part of the Langkawi territory and a snorkelling haven
Also inviting is a visit to a golden strip of beach filled with bars, restaurants and outfitters offering outdoor pursuits such as horse riding and mountain-bike tours – Pantai Cenang. Cenang Beach has a reputation as Langkawi’s most developed (and hedonistic) strip of sand but it has practical benefits: boatyards where you can stop for repairs.
An evening dining ashore reflects Malaysia’s diverse cultures and cuisines. Visitors can enjoy a combination of gastronomic cuisine when feasting on Malay Kuth, Nasi Lemak, sushi, spring rolls, spicy fish curry, roti jala, and a variety of noodle soups along with a distinguished wine menu.
Cruising
Luxury yachts are assured of safe berthing and full services at the Royal Langkawi Marina & Yacht Club while ashore, reports Captain Scott Walker, heading up Asia Pacific Superyachts Malaysia based on Langkawi Island. An established superyacht attraction, the marina is equipped with 200 berths for yachts up to 60 metres. “Unlike Europe marinas in Asia are more about safe berthing for your vessel as opposed to being a destination in its own right”, explains Walker, reflecting the rising affluence of Asia and the fact there now more marinas for superyachts.”
“There are now world-class marinas and accommodation in nearly every South East Asia sailing region”, adding: “There’s Phuket, providing hundreds of berths for everything from superyachts to small cruisers. To the south Malaysia’s Langkawi Island is a popular winter destination with the Royal Langkawi Marina as are the chain of facilities that run down the Malacca Straits to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and heading east into the vast Gulf of Thailand”.
Only 98 NM from Phuket, the island offers a wealth of cruising, with natural protection from the elements year round. Dotted around the islands are many pristine beaches, river systems, caves and hill tops waiting to be explored. In addition, 5 star hotels & dining, internationally renowned Golf Courses, pristine rain forest, abundant wild life, a town center with all the modern facilities of a small city, and an International Airport can all be found on Langkawi.
Fuel supplies and provisions are all available at duty free prices and incoming shipments incur only a small Customs clearance fee, saving the ship considerable import duties as charged in other regions.
Within a day’s cruise of Langkawi are the Islands of Penang, Pangkor Laut, Butang Group, Phuket or the Similans (depending on you cruising speed), making Langkawi a perfect logistical center for the Asian season. The best time for cruising Langkawi is the Easterly Monsoon season, stretching from October through April, when the conditions provide a gentle 10-15 kt North Easterly breeze, providing calm seas and blue skies.
As the end of the pandemic is nearing and with Caribbean and Med marinas filling up quickly, South East Asia will prove to be a breath of fresh air to Owners and Captains alike. Whether sail or motor, mono or multi hull, Langkawi is a fantastic island cruising destination.
By Linda Cartlidge
www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com
