Sailing in Malaysia – Practical Tips

Vaccinations

See the latest news and recommendations at www.vaccination.dk.

Passport / visa

Passport must be valid for 6 months after departure from the area. No visa requirement for visits of less than 30 days - however, check www.um.dk

Luggage

We recommend that the luggage is locked with a small padlock during the flight. The customs authorities are very aware of contraband. Other people can - even after checking in luggage - place drugs in the bag. For security reasons, the authorities will often seal the luggage on departure from the area.

Check-In

It gets completely dark at 18.30. Departure will therefore not be possible after 17.00, as you have to anchor at 17:30.

Limitations

It is not possible to sail outside Malaysian national waters without prior agreement with the base. Only certain boats are allocated here. Among other things. for one-way sailings. Where applicable, a fee must be clarified and cleared and paid for the issuance of the relevant official papers.

Cruising tax

In Malaysia, a fee is paid to sail to the Thai islands.

Provisions

Typically, you will lie too swaying in the water. Provisioning options are very limited, and therefore it can be a good idea to always have provisions for a few days.

Certain restaurants or local eateries on the beach are available in some places. Local fishing boats also have some sales on the islands.

We recommend ordering provisions in advance.

Tide

Tidal difference of up to approx. 2-3 meters. Tables are provided at the base. There can be 1/2 – 2 knots of current. When bathing from the boat, you must hang a line aft with a fender, as the current can be stronger than we can swim up. Always look out for children - and adults - while swimming from the boat.

Anchoring

You can sail reasonably close to the coast - however, be aware of the corals. The corals are in a special class. Many coral reefs with their amazing animal and fish life have been destroyed by sailors with a trailing anchor chain. Take that into account when you anchor and sail onto the beach with the dinghy. In some places, the coral reef is uncovered at low tide, and landing / returning becomes impossible (we've tried it ourselves in pitch darkness), so go ashore on a sandy bottom. When landing in the rubber dinghy, it is placed very high on the beach with mooring to shore, so that it does not drift away when the high tide returns.

Bends

Buoys are laid out in some places. These should be avoided as they move and are unreliable - they are more for local fishermen.

Barbecue

Must be used on the boat and not on the beach. Remember charcoal.

The beaches

Firefighters "stinging jelly fish" are found in the water and beautiful black sea urchins "sea urchins" are found on the shore near rocks and corals. Sea snakes are rare, they are very shy and are almost never seen - they escape between the rocks in deeper water. A bite requires medical attention. You will meet schools of dolphins, and maybe the whale shark (large and quite harmless). There are small reef sharks - they have no teeth and pose no danger.

Diving

Scuba diving is only permitted with a Padicertificate - ask at the base.

Holiday tips

Religion

In Malaysia, most are Muslims – but also Buddhists, Christians, Hindus. Remember when visiting temples that shoulders and legs / feet should be covered (nice dress in general). Remember stockings / socks, as the shoes are placed outside the temple - just like in private homes. On some of the islands, the local "sea-gypsies" are Muslims, so when landing / visiting their fishing villages and jungle communities, the local "dress code" should be respected. Wear a T-shirt and shorts (both men and women), or tie a sarong / large beach scarf, as the women do locally, around the waist.

Drink plenty of fluids (at least a few liters of water a day) and drink clean – only from a bottle with a banderole. Watch out for ice cubes in small bars. Ice cubes bought in bags – including those delivered from the base – are made from drinking water.

Cab

It is recommended to have a small note with the name and address of the hotel / resort written in the local alphabet. The local taxis cannot always read English or understand a road map. In the cities, there is the option of Meter-Taxi. That is that you drive at a fixed taxi meter price (surcharge after midnight) and this is by far the cheapest. Alternatively, there are private taxis, the price of which should be agreed in advance. TUK-TUK are the typical moped taxis that drive quickly and everywhere in the city. Always agree on the price in advance.

Security

Money, valuables, passports etc. should probably be carried on you when you travel around or go ashore - there is no reason to tempt weak souls. In addition, it must be said that we have felt safe everywhere on our journey, even in the smallest alleys. We have never had unwelcome guests on board during the sailing trip - but a pleasant visit from the local fishermen or residents in longtail boats who are happy to offer a trip on board - possibly. an excursion (upon agreed price) through the mangrove swamps to "Gipsy Village" - one of the fishing villages, where everything is built on stilts in the water. Here there is also the opportunity to be supplemented with some provisions.

Currency

On arrival at an international airport, an exchange is recommended.

Malaysia: The currency is the ringgit (MYR). 1 ringgit = 100 sen

In larger cities, you can exchange money in banks and at local exchange offices (Exchange Office). It can also be exchanged at hotels, e.g. at the marina, but the rate is less advantageous.

• Bring US$ - it gives the best exchange rate.

• Credit Cards can be used in banks, larger shops and restaurants. Can only be used to a limited extent outside the sailing area.