 South East
Asia
(Photos 2)
(Photos 3) (Photos 4)
Selamat Datang
Indonesia
With coastlines spanning almost 5000km, and over 13,000 islands,
this stunning archipelago will leave you breathless. Gracious people
offer a warm welcome, deserted beaches and crystal clear waters
entice you to linger a day or two longer.
Participating in the 2006 Sail Indonesia Rally meant Permit hassles,
customs clearance and ‘red tape’ were efficiently dealt with,
allowing time to enjoy the events staged for the Rally.
On this voyage we cleared into Kupang and sailed north of the
archipelago to Singapore. We also returned to Indonesia in 2007 to
spend time in the beautiful Riau Island group.
Our favourite anchorages apart from the Riau Islands included Banta
Island, Pink Beach, Gilli Air, Sandar W of Lembata and a concealed
cove which afforded some of the best snorkeling in SE Asia. This
inlet is located at 08.24.051S 119.48.753E. Mohammed the local
English teacher will bring the children for a visit and ensure their
behaviour – accept an invitation for dinner and play a part in local
life.
Needing spare parts or engineering? Check out the many workshops and
shops tucked away in Batam. We had our Nilsson windlass totally
overhauled for less than A$1K compared to over A$6K were we to buy a
replacement.
Welcome to
Singapore
A modern bustling multi-cultural metropolis with comparable pricing,
it does offer the opportunity for restocking ‘western’ goodies,
purchasing new charts and electronics and sampling cheap eateries.
One ° 15 Marina, nestled on Sentosa Island, has been our stopover on
three occasions; with free transport to the Harbourfront and WOW
factor swimming pool Don’t bother with the restaurant unless you are
negotiating a second mortgage. Check out Mustafa’s for great food
stores.
Selamat Datang
West Malaysia
An easy cruising 400 miles dotted with Marinas and roadstead
anchorages. Check out the rivers; leave the yacht at Admiral Marina
and go inland from Port Dickson to spend time at the Puri Hotel in
Melaka (don’t forget to see the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum) have a
city fix at Kuala Lumpur and ooh at the architectural delights of
Putrajaya. Pirates???? Only at the Ship’s Chandlers! During 3
voyages through the Malacca Straits we dropped the pick anywhere we
happened to be between islands. The strongest Sumatra we encountered
was 45 knots; not as strong as a wet season squall in Darwin.
Indulge yourself
at the duty free port of Langkawi, mix with international sailors at
the Royal Selangor Yacht Club as they begin the Raja Muda
International Regatta, and undertake the heritage trail in
Georgetown on the island of Penang.
Welcome to
Thailand
This is a major tourism destination particularly for Europeans. If
you can find a quiet anchorage it is probably late in the day.
Speedboats, longtails, canoes or kayaks will all be jockeying for
your position. The updated Andaman Sea Pilot details many anchorages
but depending on your draft this can be a great gunkholing
challenge. On a budget? Wanting a good yard without the fancy titles
and accompanying charges? The PSS Boatyard in Satun was home for six
weeks whilst we repainted and caught up with some boatwork. We would
recommend a visit beforehand to check it out and the ferry runs
daily from Langkawi. The Emerald Cave on Koh Muk and the Koh Rok
group are worth a visit and of course don’t forget the Similan
Islands. |
