I read the report on Malaysian Marina’s and thought that I would add some more information on the topic of Marina’s in Malaysia.

Tanjong City Marina, Penang

We are currently in Tanjong City Marina in Penang on dock B 18. We are with the Sail Malaysia Rally so the Marina is quite full. This B dock section, closest to the Ferries is outright dangerous to Monohulls! We often prescribe 40-degree arc’s at the top of the mast and sometimes more. The dock lines are working overtime and doing a simple task such as washing dishes can end up with items on the cabin sole. Getting on and off the boat is precarious and boats have to be staggered so that their masts are not aligned with their neighbours.

There were 4 incidences last week where the rigging touched the neighbouring boats. I talked to the Marina Manager, Mahayudin Bin Ahmad, the email address is mahayudin@penangport.com.my, and he agreed that it was and that they were planning on installing a barrier across the southern entrance where it is now open.

The proximity to Georgetown makes this a very attractive spot to dock and the Marina has many useful facilities for transient boaters, but until they can find a way to lessen the surge in here I feel that it is the most dangerous Marina that we have stayed in.

Malaka

On Malaka, it is very shallow but our friend with a 2.6-meter draught managed to enter at mid tide OK. Whilst we were there it was relatively calm but after we left they also had surges with about 15 to 20-knot winds and several dock lines snapped and one cleat was pulled off the dock.

Admirals Marina, Port Dickson

Admiral’s Marina in Port Dickson was fine and well protected.

Puteri Harbour

The Jewel of the ones that we have stayed at is Puteri Harbour Marina. This is probably the best Marina that we have visited with very proficient and helpful people that we have ever encountered. They bent over backwards to help everyone. The staff were always at hand and the security system overwhelming.

Shah said that they were planning a temporary fuel dock and haulout early in 2010.

The only downfall is that it is quite remote but they had a shuttle service to take people to shopping and to the bus station to do a trip to Singapore. Checking into Malaysia here was so easy as they did most of the work.

I hope that this information will help people coming to Malaysia.

Mike Rigby-Williams