Malaysia is no longer a place for yachters to pass by; it is at the crosswinds of Asian sailing. Historically, it has been at the centre of regional maritime trade and this continues today. The Straits of Malacca on the West Coast is the main route taken by yachters traveling from Australia to Thailand, Africa and Europe.

The East Coast is much quieter with many islands offering excellent places to moor, relax, scuba dive and stock up on essential requirements. The main ports here are Mersing, Kuantan, Kuala Dungun, Marang, Kuala Terengganu while the enchanting islands of Tioman, Perhentian, Redang and Kapas also provide basic services.

East Malaysia is becoming increasingly popular for yachting and as a stopover for boaters from distant shores. Those arriving in Sabah from the east can sail westward around the coast stopping at exciting destinations before continuing towards Peninsular Malaysia.

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Key Tips
Visiting yachters need to check in at each new port where the officials are welcoming, English is understood by most and where the paperwork is straightforward. The Immigration, Marine, Customs and Health Departments (the latter if quarantine procedures are required) and Harbour Master must be visited upon arrival in Malaysia. Yachters need to produce crew passports, original boat registration certificate, boat stamp (if any) and port clearance papers from the last port of call.
	Sunsail Royal Langkawi Yacht Club The arrival of UK-based Sunsail to Langkawi has added an important facility to potential sailors from around the world who can now sail in Malaysia and Langkawi waters to appreciate the superb yachting conditions here.
	Rebak Marina Resort Rebak is not only an excellent place to moor yachts but also a venue for boat chartering or a holiday in a luxury resort on a near-deserted island. It is currently the only Malaysian marina that offers visa extensions of up to two years to yachters through an arrangement with the Immigration Department.
	Awana Porto Malai Langkawi Awana Porto Malai Langkawi is noted for its Mediterranean acrhitecture and as a terminal for ocean-going cruise ships which regularly call here on their way to and from Singapore and southern Thailand. The complex features a hotel, restaurants and shops lining the waterfront as well as a small marina.
	Royal Langkawi Yacht Club RLYC is conveniently located in Kuah where boat owners can buy provisions and do their banking. Marina facilities such as postal and parcel service, locker rooms and port clearance services are available.