We sailed our catamaran, Manuka, for several years between Phuket and Langkawi, with plans to sail further afield when Arne retired. Then there was COVID, which like many, put a halt to our cruising plans.  After an extensive refit in Chalong, we left Thailand for Malaysia, where we undertook subsequent repairs. I hope this report on our experiences in a number of ports in Malaysia will be helpful for others. We are now sailing around Borneo.

Langkawi, Kuah:

Marine Supply Asia (MSA) – Sarah & Dave

At first look just a chandlery at Kuah Marina, at second look a service provider in many areas.

Sailing from Thailand to Langkawi, we found a leak in the engine hold. We had no choice but to haul out our catamaran again. As she is 7.80 meters wide, we couldn’t have her taken care of at Rebak Marina, (max 7.3 –  7.5 m), so, we asked Marine Supply Asia if they knew where and who could do the job for us.  They told us they had in-house mechanics available, as well as a carpenter and electricians – all we had to do was pick a boatyard.

The choice was between Boustead and Northern Shipyard. The Boustead travel lift was undergoing maintenance for several weeks and prices were quite high – lots of adds-on pushed the bill up. I must say we were happy with Northern Shipyard service, even if we are not accustomed to suchan industrial environment.

On the engine parts, we could source them directly from Yanmar distributors (from Australia, or from France, often cheaper and as fast). The job was performed by two mechanics from MSA, to our upmost satisfaction.

While waiting for the parts, we took the opportunity to get some carpentry jobs performed by the MSA carpenter and assistant. Again, a very good result. The only drawback is that there are no material distributors in Langkawi and almost everything must be shipped from Malaysia’s mainland.

As MSA didn’t commit to fixed prices, they provided us with an estimate only. I must say the final bill was very correct and well documented.  So – a well stocked chandlery with excellent mechanic and carpentry service.

Asiatic Marine Distribution

A place to find electronics from Raymarine & Yamaha outboard engines, plus many other things.

Northern Shipyard

Boatyard. See above. Good haul out and relaunch service – attentive to your safety and care for your yacht. Very, very industrial environment.

Pangkor Marina

I won’t elaborate about the good services rendered by the marina and its Manager, James, already well documented in Noonsite.

Sail Loft Malaysia

Au Wei is the man.  We had a problem we couldn’t sort out between our furler and our new jib. We were told about Au Wei’s excellent competency. This is true! Quick and proper diagnostic. Fixed within the said time window. Price very reasonable. Add to that sound advice and answers to any question you might have.

We had been looking for a new main sail for a while. Two points made us not use Rolly Tasker in Phuket, Thailand: they don’t use Hydranet, which was our choice and they don’t deliver a full-service including measurement, or sail mounting.

Au Wei is the representative for Doyle Sails in Malaysia.  We asked him for a quote, which turned out pretty high, to be honest. However, this would be a good solution, to get our main sail done while we were returning to Europe and put in place when we returned to Malaysia the following year. It would just have to be delivered to Borneo where our catamaran would be waiting for us!

When returning this year, the sail was already sent out to Miri, thanks to the Marina Manager and Au Wei came and put it in place. The sail looks really good, only two days of usage so far, but we are very confident it was made with the same quality standards one would expect in Europe.

Malacca:

Melaka Marina

It is documented the Marina is in poor condition and you can’t find a berth easily. Nevertheless, we took our chance and entered the marina with our 48-footer catamaran. There was not much room and we were wondering about staying there. We were told just to wait and they moved some boats in order to make room for us. Incredible. Nice and friendly people and eager to help you in any area. Fuel made available with 40-liter canisters. Premises are nice and well maintained.

Johor Bahru:

Senibong Cove Marina

Beyond the comments available, we must add the Manager is more than helpful and friendly.  For CIQ clearance, don’t forget to go to the Harbour Master first (Jabatan Laut), even if you are told it is not necessary. Yes, it is mandatory and avoid customs in Johor Bahru downtown, instead go to Customs and Immigration at the Ferry Terminal.

Borneo (Sarawak), Kuching:

There is no marina here now, the pontoons are destroyed. Mooring just downstream of what’s left of the marina is possible, or closer to the mouth of the river, 4 NM down, in a curve in front of Kampung Sejingcat village on the right.

At the marina office, which is still in operation, the staff are friendly and eager to help and drive you to CIQ close by.

Borneo (Sarawak), Miri:

Miri Marina

A privately-owned marina, run by an excellent manager, Captain Arrifin. The marina is cleaned every day from floating rubbish, the pontoons are well maintained, the premises are simple but good enough. We left our catamaran there for five months and the pricing is reasonable.

We had maintenance performed on our scuba diving compressor and tanks and our life raft was serviced too. Jobs were well done by qualified companies sent out by the Manager. We can only recommend this tiny, though well-placed and well-protected marina.

Dominque Cabarroque
SV Manuka

Read Dominique’s previous report from Thailand andthe refit they had done in Chalong.

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The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the view of Noonsite.com or World Cruising Club.

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