Malaysia occupies parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo in the South China and Andaman Seas. It has its origins in the Malay kingdoms which, from the 18th century, became subject to the British Empire, eventually becoming an independent state in 1957. Its local currency is the Malaysian ringgit. Malaysia is one of the 17 countries with the highest biodiversity in the world. Malaysians are predominantly Muslim, but their faith is much more moderate than other countries. In fact, freedom of religion is enshrined in the constitution.
Who is a yacht charter in Malaysia suitable for?
- The white sandy beaches offer great conditions for sailing with kids.
- Malaysia is a yachting paradise with beautiful scenery, wonderful inland excursions and great shopping in the duty-free area that is the whole of Langkawi.
- Yachting in Malaysia is not too challenging and does not require much experience. However, you have to take into account the rather strong currents caused by the tide and when anchoring you also have to take the tide into account. Yachting here is fantastic with year-round steady winds.
- Words cannot describe the beauty of the snorkelling around Malaysia. The crystal-clear seas surrounded by millions of coral fish, huge turtles and colourful underwater anemones, is truly for everyone.
The capital city
The capital is named "muddy confluence" or, as you probably all know it, Kuala Lumpur. It is home to around 1.6 million people and from 1998 until 2004 boasted the world's tallest twin building, the Petronas Twin Towers. Many major sporting events have taken place here, including a Formula 1 race in 1998. Unlike other Asian cities, you also don't have to worry about lack of decent public transport, as it compares favourably with that of Europe.
Weather and climate
Temperatures in Malaysia generally range between 24 and 34°C throughout the year, with high temperatures maintained throughout the year. This is a hot equatorial climate.
Heavy rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. However, it rarely rains the whole day. In the capital Kuala Lumpur, on average it rains about 200 days a year. The southwest monsoon brings abundant rainfall during October and April and the northeast monsoon during October and March. Generally, rains don’t occur in particular seasons, apart from the east coast of the Malay Peninsula that experiences regular monsoons.
Winds
During the inter-monsoon period, winds are variable but light. Morning skies tend to be clear, with only occasional thunderstorms forming in the afternoon. The Malaysian Meteorological Department closely monitors changing weather situations and conditions, and issues early warnings in newspapers and radio and television broadcasts when necessary.
Current weather
It is said that in Malaysia you’ll find all the flavours of Southeast Asia. In fact, there is no such thing as typical Malaysian food. Thanks to the multicultural population, you will come across a mix of Chinese, Indian and Indonesian dishes.
The wonderful flavours in Malaysian food are inimitable. Plain rice, a staple of Asian cuisine, is seasoned in such a way that it will taste good even on its own. You can get it boiled, fried, sweet or as a spicy porridge. Naturally, it's most often served with fish, vegetables and various sauces. Fish is prepared and served warm as a main dish, but also cold in the form of a spicy sandwich. Other classic dishes are noodles, seafood, and chicken is very popular here. Dishes are mainly seasoned with chilli and ginger, but this is by no means the only way to prepare it. It would be a shame not to mention the multitude of flavours such as coconut milk or cream, coriander, cinnamon, fragrant lemongrass and soy sauces so typical in Asian. You can also find soy and legume dishes in every restaurant.
Typical dishes:
Satays - grilled chicken, beef or pork (don't look in Muslim restaurants) on a skewer and served with a spicy peanut sauce
Otak - fish wrapped in a banana leaf and then grilled
What you absolutely must try in Malaysia is the fruit and there are some you’ve probably never even heard of.
Durian - chances are you won't like it but it's a local delicacy. The yellow-green thorned ball tastes something like onions mixed with cream. If you don't mind the atypical taste, you definitely will mind the smell. The persistence and strength of its odour has led to it being banned in many public places. And beware, this fruit has strong aphrodisiac properties.
Rambutan - resembles a mini tangerine, only covered in red soft spines. It has a unique flavour and is excellent in compotes.
Jackfruit - grows on trees, resembles a watermelon and weighs around 20 kilos. The individual pieces are served on a skewer. But it is more popular in warm dishes, where it often replaces meat.
Mangosteen - said to be the most beautiful fruit, it has a dark red skin and is segmented like an orange, only white. It is delicious.
Telaga Harbour Park
This marina lies about 45 km from Kuah. Originally a small fishing village, it has plenty to offer.
What will immediately strike you is the natural wonder of the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls, where water cascades 90 metres through 7 natural pools. You can climb up on foot and the higher you are, the more impressive the view of the surroundings. Just watch out for the slippery rocks.
Legend has it that the waters here are healing which could explain why boats used to come here in droves.
If you sail here, don't be in a rush. Be sure to take a trip up Mount Mat Cincang. Take the cable car up and almost up in the clouds you’ll find the Langkawi Sky Bridge. 125 metres long, this is believed to be the longest curved bridge in the world. Standing on this impressive structure under a perfect blue sky, you can even see all the way to Thailand.
And if you’re in search of an adrenaline rush, just visit the nearby crocodile farm.
Langkawi
Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah, is an archipelago of 99 islands found in the Andaman Sea south of Thailand. Imagine limestone caves, untouched rainforests, pristine waters and unspoilt nature. It's a little piece of paradise on earth.
Langkawi is a duty-free island, which means it is also a great place to do some shopping. So, it’s a great place to come and relax.
In Langkawi's capital of Kuah, you’ll discover a yacht club dominated by an outstretched eagle on a nearby pier towering far from the shore. It's an unmissable and beautiful landmark, aptly named Eagle Square. It is at its most beautiful here in the early evening where the sunset is absolutely breathtaking. The town is dotted with restaurants and shops selling traditional goods, but don't expect any lively discos. Langkawi is a place for those who love natural beauty.
The conditions around Langkawi make it ideal for sailing all year round. After clearing customs, you can set sail for Thailand. The southern part of the Andaman Sea is a sailor's paradise. On a one-way trip from Langkawi to Phuket you will see the best of both Malaysia and Thailand.
Ask me about sailing in Malaysia
