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Navigating around the island

Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 20 miles off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of Malaysia's Kedah state, but are adjacent to the Thai border. By far the largest of the islands is Langkawi with a population of some 45,000. Sheltered by the mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi escapes the northeastern Winter monsoon entirely and enjoys sunny skies in Winter when the eastern provinces are flooded. Coupled with natural white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage and craggy mountain peaks, the island has been called Malaysia's best-kept secret.

The Sunsail base at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, very close to Langkawi’s main town Kuah, is accessible at all states of tide. There are some lovely restaurants and bars close by and a number of very good hotels recommended if clients want to acclimatize on dry land when they arrive. The town of Kuah is a short walk away and has a many more shops and restaurants.

Cruising notes

Our cruising ground is the Andaman Sea including the 99 islands which make up the Langkawi group and also the southern Thai islands of the Butang group and Turatao. Clients can sail to the Butang group and Turatao, but not to Phuket. Clients chartering for just one week are recommended to stay within Malaysian waters, but for those on a longer visit, a trip to Thailand is well worthwhile. The border with Thailand is only two miles north of Langkawi and the cruising area extends approximately 24 miles into Thai waters. Entering Thai waters requires entry stamps that sometimes take between 24 and 48 hrs to arrange and cannot be pre-bought.

Before heading off to explore some of Langkawi’s neighboring islands, make sure you don’t miss out on some of the top spots on the island. Temurun Waterfall on the northwestern part of the island is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world and is at its most spectacular from June to December. Underwater World is one of the largest marine and freshwater aquariums in Asia featuring over 5,000 varieties of fish and other exhibits from 500 species displayed in over 100 tanks.
Rice cultivation is the oldest industry in Malaysia with paddy fields visible everywhere on Langkawi. If you have ever wondered how paddy is cultivated, take a visit to the Rice Museum.
The popular hot springs spot of Air Hangat Village include a three-tier hot spring fountain and an 18-metre long hand carved stone mural. Souvenir shops offer visitors a combination of spa and cultural experiences.

Sitting south of Langkawi is a group of four islands, Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Tuba, Pulau Singa Besar and Pulau Beras Basah.

Pulau Dayang Bunting -The Island of the Pregnant Maiden
Pulau Dayang Bunting is the second largest island in the archipelago and unique because of the freshwater lake nestled within its core. A place for day-trippers to cool themselves in the clean, emerald waters, it is said that the magical powers of the water can help childless couples conceive and many come to the lake for such a reason!

Pulau Singa Besar - The lion Island
To the west of Pulau Dayang Bunting is Pulau Singa Besar. Converted into a wildlife sanctuary, walking round the island takes eight hours or so, but visitors may get a chance to see some of the local wildlife such as monitor lizards, macaques, deer and the timid mousedeer. With the high humidity and ancient fauna you could almost be walking through forests that dinosaurs did over 60 million years ago. If you're a keen birdwatcher, bring a pair of binoculars and some patience and you won't regret it.

Pulau Tuba
Pulau Tuba is the only other inhabited island in the archipelago. A traditional fishing village stands on the island and the locals have retained their old livelihood of fishing and processing catch.

Pulau Beras Basah - Wet Rice Island
This island is a favourite for those who like to do a spot of swimming and sunbathing, however please remember this is a Muslim country so don’t go too skimpy on public beaches!