Essential Information

Essential Information

• Address & Map
• Arrival & Departure
• Sailing Information
• Banks & Money Exchange
• General Information
• Electrical, Phones & Music
• Activities
• Provisioning
• Health & Safety

Address & Map

Address

Sunsail Langkawi
Royal Langkawi Yacht Club
Jalan Dato Syed Omar,
07000 Kuah, Langkawi,
Kedah Darul Aman,
Malaysia.
Tel: +604 966 5869
Fax: +604 966 5849
E-mail: langkawibase@sunsailasia.com
Please note this number is NOT staffed full time.

Location

The Sunsail base at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club is very close to the main town of Langkawi, Kuah. It is accessible at all states of the tide and has a lot of restaurants and bars.

Base Open Hours

08:30 hrs to 17:30 hrs 7 days a week

Base/Shore Facilities

The following facilities are available at the base:
water, fuel, electricity, WIFI internet, telephone, showers and toilets, hotel, provisioning store, clothing, dive shops, car rental, swimming pool, restaurants and bar – (see Restaurants)
The town of Kuah is very close by and has many more shops and restaurants.

Back to top

Arrival & Departure

Time Difference

Standard Time Zone in Langkawi is UTC/GMT +8 hours

Flights

Luggage allowance is 20kg per person. Only one item of hand luggage per person is allowed and this must not weigh more than 5kg. For storage aboard we recommend traveling light and using folding luggage.

Lost or damaged luggage while flying is the responsibility of the airline and is not covered by your travel insurance . You must not include in Checked Baggage money, jewelry, precious metals, computers, personal electronic devices, negotiable papers, securities or other valuables, business documents, passports and other identification documents or samples.

If an incident occurs, immediately report it to airport officials. Claims will not be considered once you have left the airport

Airport

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is Malaysia’s principal airport and is approximately a one-hour drive into the city. There are several flights a day from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi and the flight time is just under an hour.

Facilities at Kuala Lumpur Airport include:

• Money and Communications: There is a bureau de change, and ATM machines.
• Eating and Drinking: There are bars and cafés which offer light meals and refreshments.
• Shopping: There is a whole range of duty-free and regular shopping outlets selling local handicrafts, gifts and produce as well as designer clothing, jewelers and boutiques.

Facilities at Langkawi Airport include:

• Money and Communications: There is a bureau de change, and ATM machines.
• Eating and Drinking: There are snack bars and a restaurant..
• Shopping: Numerous shops offering duty free items as well as local delights.

Transfers

Transfer from Langkawi Airport to the Sunsail base is approx. 20 - 30 minutes.  Taxis are available at the airport. $10 for up to 4 people, $20 for 5 - 10 people.
We request that you send your travel arrangements to us prior to departure so we can assist with transfer details where required.

PLEASE NOTE: Guests arriving separately should bring a copy of the charter contract / invoice.

Luggage

We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.
Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht.

Passport and Visas

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

Visas are generally not required if staying for less than 30 days.

Customs & Immigration

Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs.  There is no departure tax.

On Arrival

If you have pre-booked transfers from the airport, you will be met and transferred to the yachts. If you are arriving early or staying on Langkawi prior to your charter, please contact the Base Manager to discuss boarding. If you do not have pre-arranged transfers please contact the Base Manager on arrival to arrange a meeting time.     

All boats are prepared as per the booking instructions for a 6:00 pm boarding time. Everyone will receive an individual yacht and chart briefing. This will take up to 2 hours so you need to allow plenty of time. It is not permitted to leave without adequate briefing.

Briefings

These are carried out individually for each yacht and are mandatory. The chart brief describes the cruising area and any potential hazards. A one week chart briefing takes about 30 minutes and a two week briefing about 45 minutes to one hour so allow plenty of time. The yacht briefing introduces you to your yacht and its systems and rigging. It is important that all systems and equipment are fully understood.

Out of Hours Arrival Procedure

If clients are arriving out of hours, a Sunsail staff member will meet them and show them to their yacht.

On Departure

At the end of your charter your yacht will need to be vacated by 9:00 am, so we recommend that you return to the base the day before.

Before departing the boat please collect a debrief form from reception. The debrief form is to let us know if you have encountered any problems with the boat or broken anything during the trip, this enables us to rectify problems for the next charter.  In addition to filling in forms we also require you to bag dirty laundry and leave in the cockpit, empty all cupboards and fridges of food and throw away, return snorkel gear and any lifejackets borrowed from reception and ensure that the boat is handed back to Sunsail in a clean and tidy state. We reserve the right to charge for boats left less than shipshape.

Back to top

Sailing Information

Langkawi is a Level 2 Sailing Area
Experience levels are based on the sailing conditions and length of passages within your chosen sailing area.  Follow the link for more information on the sailing conditions.

Sailing Licenses

Although no sailing licenses are required for cruising in Langkawi, we strongly advise that you take any sailing certification on vacation with you. This may be useful should you be contacted by Customs or Port Police. If you have not already done so then Skipper and 1st Mate will be required to fill in a Sailing resume to confirm that you have the necessary skills to sail in this region.

Cruising Permits and Taxes

Clearance in Langkawi
Check out of Thailand 3000 baht on a weekday and 4000 baht at the weekend
Check in to Malaysia 200 ringgit at any time
Check out of Malaysia 200 ringgit at any time
Check into Thailand 3000 baht on a weekday and 4000 baht at the weekend
A one-way supplement is payable in advance on all one-way charters. These are one-time payments and covers all immigration, customs and harbour formalities.
There is a charge of 400 Baht per person when entering Thailand's national parks.
ONE WAY CHARTERS - Langkawi - Phuket check out fees: 100 RM per yacht (Payable locally)
Phuket - Langkawi Check in fees: 100 RM per yacht (Payable locally)

Night Time Sailing

You are not permitted to sail at night unless it has been agreed with the Base Manager prior to departure.

Cruising Area Limits

The cruising area boundaries are as follows:
To the North - Latitude 006deg 52min N
To the West - Longitude 099deg E
To the South - Latitude 006deg N
To the East - Mainland Malaysia

Mooring Fees and Taxes

Most overnight stops will be at anchor. There are a small selection of marinas but these are obviously more expensive to moor up at.

Area & Sailing

More information on the sailing in this area.

One way cruising between Thailand and Malaysia

It is now possible to sail from Thailand to Malaysia on a one way charter. You can pick up the yacht from the base at Phuket and sail one way to the base on Langkawi in Malaysia or start in Langkawi and finish in Phuket. The absolute minimum duration for a one way charter is 10 days. Distance is approx. 140 NM door to door, however most 10 day charters cover 160 to 200 miles. You must allow 1 day to check out of Thailand and 1 day to check in to Malaysia when sailing from Phuket to Langkawi and 1 day to check out of Malaysia and 2 days to check in to Thailand

Best Sailing Months, January, February & March
During June, July, August, September & October, squalls between 20 to 50 knots can be expected.

Charts & Pilot Book

All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht.

Skippered Charter Information

The skipper’s time is booked from 12:00pm to 12:00pm in 24-hour periods. If you have reserved him for the first day of your charter and have a 6:00pm start, he will use this time to ensure he is happy with all aspects of the yacht and will be at the base to meet you upon your arrival. If you have reserved him for a later date on your charter he will start at 12:00pm on that day.

The skipper is responsible for the safety of the yacht at all times. He is not permitted to dive with you, nor leave the vessel overnight. He must conduct a safety brief with you before leaving the dock regardless of the duration of his contract with you.

For “check out charters” (anything less than the full duration of the charter) the checkout skipper’s time is booked from 6:00pm to 6:00pm to allow for a meet and greet in the evening and go over basic systems, then a full day with you the next day. This skipper is required to give you a thorough briefing on all aspects of the yacht and dinghy in addition to assisting you with planning an itinerary for the trip and advising you how to contact the base, the return to base procedures and the emergency assistance procedures. It is suggested that you attend the scheduled chart brief that will be supplemented by the skipper during his time with you on the yacht. It is also suggested that you make it clear exactly what you want to cover…anchoring, docking, etc.

The skipper will be required to give you as much information as you require concerning the yacht and its systems, sailing skills and navigation in general.

The skipper fee does not include food or beverages for the skipper and are therefore your responsibility. It is suggested that you discuss this on the first day with the skipper and establish whether you will give the skipper cash for meals, whether you have included him in your provisioning or whether you will accommodate him as part of the group for meals ashore.  The skipper must have his own cabin. 

For one-day check out skipper’s it is your responsibility to get the skipper back to the base. If you prefer not to come back to the base you must pay for his expenses (ferry, taxi, etc.) to get him back to the base.

The average tip for a skipper is 15 to 20% of the skipper’s fee. This is, of course, at your discretion.  

More information on Skippered Charter Options.

Fuel

Fuel Dock at the Sunsail base in the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, £0.65 per liter. As fuel is quite a lot cheaper in Malaysia compared to other areas we operate, we strongly suggest you pay when you return the boat to the base.

Coolers

Coolers are available at the base on a first come first served basis at no additional charge. Please sign these out and return them clean and undamaged otherwise there will be a charge for replacement. Only one per boat.

Back to top

Banks & Money Exchange

Currency

The unit of currency in Malaysia is the Ringgit (divided into 100 Sen).
Ringgit is available at the airport and in Kuah town, and Telaga Harbour Marina.
There are moneychangers in Kuah town at the jetty, approx a five-minute walk away. Don’t forget Baht if planning to visit Thailand as no ATM’s out there.

Banks

Banks open daily from 09:30 to 15:30. On Thursdays, they are open from 09:30 to 12:00 and are closed on Saturdays.

Credit Card Information

Credit cards are widely accepted apart from smaller restaurants.

Back to top

General Information

Language

Bahasa Malaysia is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.

Cost of Living in Langkawi

Food in restaurants is fairly inexpensive and if you are happy to experiment by eating in one of the many food stalls and local non-air conditioned restaurants then you can enjoy a full meal for under RM10 a head.  Groceries are also fairly reasonable, a liter of milk will cost between RM3 and RM4. 

The most expensive item compared to other western countries is alcohol because of the heavy import duties.  It is hard to find any wine under RM20 and for that price it will be pretty basic.  A reasonable quality wine, mid range, will cost RM35 to RM40.  In an air conditioned restaurant the price is usually doubled and can even be tripled in a hotel.  A can of local beer will cost about RM3 in a supermarket, and about RM10 in a restaurant. 

Restaurants

Royal Langkawi Yacht Club

The Captain's Deck Restaurant, with a deck that is fashioned as the bow of a ship that juts out almost over and above the marina into the ocean. Captain’s Deck, offers fusion fine dining options. Dinner can be enjoyed in air conditioned comfort inside or al-fresco, under the stars on the deck with stunning views of the marina and the Andaman Sea. Also visit Charlie’s Place where the cuisine is a mix of local Malaysian delights and popular international dishes. The bar in particular is a favourite for yachties and locals to meet, share a few drinks and chill out.  

Restoran Sangkar Ikan
On the outskirts of town is another seafood restaurant along Jalan Penarak; Restoran Sangkar Ikan. The seafood they serve is excellent, fresh from the floating fish farm out in the front. Cost per person is about RM30. Experience the novelty of dining al fresco under the twinkling stars with the sound of the waves gently breaking on the shore
Location: Approximately 2 km from Kuah
Address: Jalan Penarak,Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia
Tel: +604 9668 888

Aquarium Seafood Garden
Seafood of all types, mantis prawns, green lobsters, finger mussels, soft-shell crabs, tiger fish and other catch of the day in this fine seafood restaurant. Chefs toss their woks in front of you. Service is excellent and cost reasonable.
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 11:30 to 14:30 and 18:00 to 22:30
Address: Lot 4111, Taman Seri, 07000, Kuah Malaysia
Tel: +604 966 8888

Tipping

No service charge applies in Malaysia. Tipping is absolutely at your discretion, and is not mandatory.

Shopping

Langkawi is a shopping paradise for duty-free goods from around the world. Kuah town has the highest concentration of shopping centers, and malls retailing duty-free goods and souvenirs. From the jetty to the town center you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the right place to shop.  
Two large supermarkets have now opened making provisioning easier for bargain hunters. The night fruit and veg market is on Wed and Sat.

Hotels

The Westin Langkawi
Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar
Kedah, Langkawi 07000, Malaysia
Tel: +(60)(4) 9608888
One kilometer from the main harbor of Langkawi, three kilometers from Kuah duty-free shopping centres, and 20 minutes from the Langkawi International Airport.

Back to top

Electrical, Phones & Music

Electricity

The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. 

Mobile Phones

Your mobile phone may work when in Langkawi please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs.

Music/Ipods

All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your IPOD whilst sailing you will need to bring along an I-trip or FM radio transmitter.

Back to top

Activities

Golf at the famous Datai course, Sailing around the Langkawi archipelago, hiking or horse-riding in the interior. Langkawi has a host of activities. Ask the base for details.

Royal Langkawi International Regatta

Held at the RLYC between the 5th and 11th January  Good wind, close racing and superb parties ashore with free beers for participating crews.

Raja Muda International Regatta

Under the auspices of The Malaysian Yachting Association, held from mid-November Starting in Port Klang and visiting Perak, Penang, finishing in Langkawi.

Car & Jeep Rental

 Can be arranged at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.  In order to rent a car you will need  a valid passport and/or drivers license, and be over 21 years of age.

Scuba Diving

Diving can be arranged on site with the local dive company East Marine, at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.

Snorkeling

We have a range of snorkeling gear which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to bring them with you.

Back to top

Provisioning

Provisioning is available in this location. More information on provisioning.

Back to top

Health & Safety

Illness or Injury

If you get sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip please have a member of your party contact the Sunsail Base Manager as soon as possible. If you will need to make a travel insurance claim please contact your claim insurer’s emergency medical service immediately. Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim.
There is a hospital and various private clinics in Kuah town.

Safety

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets harnesses we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn. We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only) if you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along. We suggest that children who are not strong swimmers should not be allowed in a dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and that they should wear a buoyancy aid or harness when on deck.

Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.

Back to top