Are you looking for sailing vacation in luxurious tropical paradises where emerald sea and azure sky combine in perfect harmony? Charter a yacht in Malaysia! 

The country spread in two areas between the south of Thailand and the north of Borneo. It is one of the 12 mega biodiverse systems in the world. You can discover majestic mountains, hundreds of islands, rivers, magnificent tropical rainforests, and exceptional cave systems.

Malaysia’s vast coastlines opened on different seas of Southeast Asia attract sea lovers in search of originality. A boat rental is a perfect way to explore the surrounding islands and enjoy the outstanding natural landscape. 

Several episodes of Survivor, the successful US reality show, featured the idyllic beaches and the untouched natural treasures. But you can also enjoy Malaysia in the comfort and privacy of a luxurious catamaran or a motor yacht. Discover discreet inlets, with lush vegetation as a backdrop. Or try your luck at fishing for the elusive sailfish. 

Islands of Langkawi

Langkawi is a peaceful archipelago made up of 140 islands in the Andaman sea. Only a few are inhabited. The largest of them is Langkawi or Pulau Langkawi. 

The area is listed as World Heritage by UNESCO for the diversity of its fauna and flora. It is also an old pirate hideout cradled by myths and legends.

A charter yacht in Langkawi provides endless opportunities to navigate from inlets to magical islands near peninsular Malaysia. The Langkawi Islands offer dazzling, wild, and fantastic landscapes. High cliffs topped by virgin forests plunge into the sea, cutting out inaccessible coves, bays, and caves. 

Langkawi, the main island, is a major tourist center with luxury resorts. It includes four marinas and several charter bases with top-notch facilities for yachts. The annual Langkawi Regatta attracts people from all over the world. 

But the island still keeps its authentic atmosphere. The area features excellent sailing and plenty of protected anchorages. Islands hopping is a must to explore secluded beaches and unspoiled bays. 

For an unrivaled view of the entire main island and southern Thailand’s shore, head up the Langkawi Skycab. This thrilling cable car will lift you above the rainforest canopy and carry you to the Mount Mat Cincang. 

The Kilim Nature Park spread over an area of 100 km2, including the river banks up to the inlet. This breathtaking landscape features millions of years old with cliffs of limestone rocks emerging above green mangroves. Some of these geological wonders have various names: the Temple of Borobodur, the Elephant Stone, and the Hanging Gardens. 

You can dine in the heart of the mangrove at the fish farm. Ultra-fresh seafood and local delicacies await you!

The annual Langkawi Regatta attracts from all over the world. The area features excellent sailing and plenty of protected anchorages. Islands hopping is a must to explore unspoiled beaches and idyllic bays. 

Pulau Payar

Set sail to Pulau Payar to visit the Marine Park. It includes the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang, and Pulau Kaca. Discover the fascinating diversity of marine life and snorkel in the Coral Garden. You can swim with black-headed baby sharks and feed the friendliest fish you’d ever see.

After enjoying the paradise marine reserve, you can explore the pristine rainforest or take a nap. For sunbathing, you have several options: rest on the glittery white sandy beach or the deck of your yacht charter. 

Islands of Tioman 

The luscious islands of Tioman (Pulau Tioman) are also a stopover during your sailing cruise. The area is a geological wonder, ecological paradise, and one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful travel destinations. 

The main island, Tioman (Pulau Tioman), is a duty-free island off Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast. It is located 32 nautical miles off the mainland. The island is a melting pot of South Asian cultures. Most significant facilities are in Tekek, the largest village along the west coast that has an airstrip and marina. 

Charter a yacht or a catamaran to enjoy the beautiful sandy retreats, framed by lush greenery and crystal clear sea waters. On the west coast, an incredible beach nestles in a bay that faces the might of the South China Sea. In the south, several luxury resorts occupy some of the smaller coves with isolated beaches around the island.

The islands of Tioman are also a beautiful marine park, abundant with coral reefs and vibrant wildlife. Under the sea, you will find wrecks and caverns that attract tropical fish, crustaceans, and turtles. These tropical islands are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Known as ‘Coral Island,’ Pulau Tulai is located about eight nautical miles north of Tioman west coast. This divers’ den features vibrant coral reefs and marine life.

A small island near Telek, Pulau Renggis is a popular snorkeling spot. It offers excellent visibility in shallow sea waters (20 meters), abundant coral reefs, colorful marine fish. You can also swim with black-tip baby sharks.

When to sail in Malaysia

Renting a boat provides a unique opportunity to taste Malaysia’s beauty from a different perspective. But when should you travel?

Malaysia has an equatorial climate with maritime influences. The country experiences two monsoon periods.

From November to February, the northeast monsoon (winter monsoon) offers challenges to advanced sailors, hard-core windsurfers, and kiters. You can expect to challenge twenty knots winds and 2 meters swell or higher.

The southwest monsoon (summer monsoon) stretches from August to November. It features a milder wind of about 15 knots, ideal for extended cruising, windsurfing or kiting runs. The waters tend to be sheltered and calm. It is the perfect season to learn how to sail, windsurf, or kite-surf.