I basically booked in for the rainy season. Not the cheapest marina on the island, but it is within walking distance of the supermarket and town centre. The office staff are great, but the excellent manager Mazrizal has recently left for pastures new.

The boat boys are good at meeting you, but be sure to give the office enough notice to brief them. Call ahead on +60 496 64078 or VHF Ch 69. The office can arrange an excellent overnight laundry service if you leave it with them by 0900.

Make sure you have the correct insurance which clearly states that wreck removal and pollution clean up is covered. Do not be concerned about a document which lists approved insurance companies – this only applies to vessels of more than 350 GRT.

Electricity has always been a problem on the pontoons, especially E Dock – and 2022 was no exception with many breakdowns. Water is fine (and drinkable) and the fingers themselves are all good. E Dock is the calmest and the south ends of both D and E have fewest mosquitoes. WiFi on the pontoons is almost non existent. There is no pump out and no fuel. Showers and toilets are in the block past the nice swimming pool.

There are a variety of eateries of different types and prices; some are better than others so take your pick. Charlie’s Bar is the natural meeting place for cruisers, but it has not been touched since it was built about seven years ago, so it is now in a somewhat dilapidated state. The WiFi is good however!

The following are some good local businesses:

• Marine Supplies Asia have an on-site chandlery and are especially famous for their brilliant marine electrics and generator business. All their staff are a pleasure to have aboard. Separately Mectra Synergy also have a generator business.
• Paul Jackson of Yacht Brokerage and Charters has an excellent brokerage.
• Paul of Nautical Bits can fix most boat things. If he can’t he will find somebody who can. Whatsapp +60 12 555 8588.  His wife Sheila is the lead clearance agent and can do most of the procedure online, saving you a lot of time. Whatsapp +60 12 507 2611.
• Adnan is a good refrigeration engineer. Whatsapp +60 12 473 8451.
• Khairul is a good diver for bottom cleaning etc. Telephone +60 12 474 5771.
• The on-site spa, Black Pearl, is a credit to RLYC. Good discounts for marina users.

Anthony Swanston
SV Wildfox
blog.mailasail.com/wildfox

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Other Reports by Anthony Swanston:

• Portrait of a Cruiser: Long term single-hander Anthony Swanston
  
• Malaysia, Pulau Langkawi: Clearing-in at Kuah
  
• Andaman Islands, Port Blair: Guideline for Entry and Travel around the Islands
  
• For more see here.
  

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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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