Sailing in Malaysia has been gaining popularity over the years, with its numerous sailing destinations attracting sailors from all over the world. Malaysia boasts of having over 4,000 kilometers of coastline, pristine waters, and a tropical climate, making it an ideal location for sailing enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore some of the top sailing destinations in Malaysia, starting with Langkawi and Tioman Island.
#1 Langkawi
Popular sailing spots
Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands on the west coast of Malaysia. It is a popular sailing destination, attracting sailors from around the world with its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning sunsets. The popular sailing spots in Langkawi include Pantai Cenang, Teluk Baru, and Datai Bay.
Best time to sail
The best time to sail in Langkawi is between November and April, during the dry season when the winds are calm and the sea is relatively flat. The weather during this time is warm and sunny, making it perfect for sailing and exploring the island.
Activities and attractions
Apart from sailing, Langkawi offers a host of activities and attractions for tourists. These include island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and visiting the Langkawi Sky Bridge and Cable Car.
#2 Tioman Island
Tioman Island is a small island located off the east coast of Malaysia. It is a popular sailing destination with its clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and abundant marine life. Sailing around Tioman Island offers stunning views of the island’s lush green forests and towering cliffs.
Popular sailing spots
The sailing opportunities around Tioman Island are endless, with popular spots including Salang Bay, ABC Beach, and Juara Beach.
Best time to sail
The best time to sail around Tioman Island is between March and October, during the dry season when the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea is calm.
Activities and attractions
Apart from sailing, Tioman Island offers a variety of activities and attractions for tourists, including snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, and visiting the island’s numerous waterfalls and villages. The island’s vibrant nightlife also offers visitors a chance to relax and unwind after a long day of sailing and exploration.
#3 Pangkor Island
Off the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia is the lovely island of Pangkor. The island’s surrounding seas are beautifully clear, and the calm, mild sea wind makes it the ideal holiday spot for sailors. At Pangkor Island, sailing yachts and catamarans are frequently seen, and there are numerous sailing destinations in Malaysia for visitors to discover.
Popular sailing spots
Teluk Nipah, a sheltered cove on the west shore of Pangkor Island, is one of the most well-liked sailing locations there. Teluk Nipah’s tranquil waters are the ideal place for novice sailors to hone their sailing techniques. Pasir Bogak, an expansive section of white sand beach on the island’s western edge, is another well-liked location. Sailors frequent the beach because it makes an excellent anchorage for their sailboats, yachts, and catamarans.
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Best time to sail
The northeast monsoon season, which lasts from November to March, is the ideal time to go sailing at Pangkor Island. It’s the perfect time of year for sailing yachts and catamarans since the winds are calm and consistent.
Activities and attractions
Pangkor Island provides guests with a variety of attractions and activities in addition to sailing. Visitors to the island can enjoy fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, or just unwinding on the beaches. Historical sites like the Dutch Fort and Fu Lin Kong Temple can be found on Pangkor Island and are both well worth visiting.
#4 Sabah
Sabah, a state in East Malaysia, is well-known for its verdant jungles, spotless beaches, and abundant marine life. The state is a favorite vacation spot for sailors due to its extensive coastline and large number of islands.
Popular sailing spots
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a collection of five islands off Kota Kinabalu, is one of the most well-liked sailing locations in Sabah. The islands provide fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities because of the pristine waters surrounding them. The Mantanani Islands, a trio of islands off Sabah’s northwest coast, are other famous sailing destinations in Malaysia. The island’s white sand beaches, azure waters, and abundant marine life are well-known.
Best time to sail
The dry season, which lasts from March to October, is the ideal time to sail in Sabah. Sailing vessels, yachts, and catamarans can navigate the area easily due to the warm and consistent breezes.
Activities and attractions
Sabah provides tourists with a variety of attractions and activities in addition to sailing. In addition to exploring the state’s numerous national parks, visitors can do jungle trekking and river rafting. Sabah is also home to cultural landmarks that provide insights into the state’s lengthy history and enduring customs, like the Mari Mari Culture Village and the Sabah Museum.
#5 Penang Island
Penang Island is situated in Malaysia’s northwest, close to the Thai border. Penang Island also referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient,” is a well-liked tourist destination because of its extensive history, culture, and food. Beautiful views of Penang Island’s shoreline and the surrounding blue waters can be seen while sailing around the island.
Popular sailing spots
Discovering the island’s numerous undiscovered coves and beaches, like Teluk Bahang, Monkey Beach, and Batu Ferringhi, is possible while sailing around Penang Island. To obtain a breathtaking view of Penang’s most recognizable landmark, the Penang Bridge, you may also sail around the island.
Best time to sail
The dry season, from December to February, is the ideal time to sail around Penang Island.
Activities and attractions
On Penang Island, there are lots of other things to do and sights to see besides sailing. By visiting historical places like Fort Cornwallis and the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, you may learn more about the island’s rich past. Foodies can savor Penang’s well-known food, a fusion of Indian, Malay, and Chinese influences.
#6 Perhentian Islands
Off Malaysia’s northeastern coast, there are a collection of islands known as the Perhentian Islands. The islands are renowned for their gorgeous white sand beaches, pristine waterways, and a variety of marine life. A great way to discover the Perhentian Islands’ numerous undiscovered coves, bays, and beaches is by sailing around them.
Popular sailing spots
The picturesque beaches of Teluk Keke and Teluk Dalam, which provide some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in Malaysia, are among the most well-liked sailing locations near the Perhentian Islands.
Best time to sail
The dry season, from March to October, is the ideal time to sail around the Perhentian Islands.
Activities and attractions
The Perhentian Islands provide a wide range of additional recreational opportunities in addition to sailing. To learn more about the diverse marine life surrounding the islands, you can go snorkeling or scuba diving. In addition, you can go trekking, kayaking, and engaging in other water sports.
#7 Redang Island
Off Malaysia’s east coast, close to the Thai border, is Redang Island. White sand beaches, pristine oceans, and magnificent coral reefs are some of the island’s most notable features. Redang Island’s sailing prospects provide a chance to discover the island’s numerous undiscovered coves and beaches.
Popular sailing spots
The magnificent coral reefs of Redang Island, which are home to a wide variety of marine life, can be explored while sailing around the island. To experience a breathtaking view of Redang’s famous sites, including Pasir Panjang Beach and the Redang Marine Park, you may also sail around the island.
Best time to sail
The dry season, which runs from March to October, is the ideal time to go sailing around Redang Island.
Activities and attractions
Redang Island offers a wide range of other recreational opportunities in addition to sailing. To explore the breathtaking coral reefs on the island, you can go snorkeling or scuba diving. In addition, you can go trekking, kayaking, and engaging in other water sports.
#8 Sipadan Island
In eastern Malaysia, off the coast of Sabah, sits Sipadan Island. The island is renowned for its top-notch scuba diving locations and breathtaking underwater beauty. Sipadan Island’s magnificent shoreline and the local marine life can be explored when sailing around the island.
Popular sailing spots
The gorgeous coral reefs on Sipadan Island, which are home to a wide variety of marine life, are among the most well-liked sailing locations in the area. To enjoy a breathtaking perspective of Sipadan’s famous sites, like the Turtle Tomb and Barracuda Point, you may also cruise around the island.
Best time to sail
Sipadan Island sailing is best done between March and October, which is the dry season.
Activities and attractions
Sipadan Island offers a variety of additional recreational opportunities in addition to sailing. The most popular sport is scuba diving because the island is bordered by some of the best dive spots on earth. To explore the magnificent coral reefs and observe the varied aquatic life, you may also go snorkeling. You can go on a walk through the island’s jungle if you’d rather stay on land to see different bird species and other wildlife. In the area of Sipadan Island, kayaking, fishing, and island hopping are other enjoyable pursuits. You can also go to local sights like the Tun Sakaran Marine Park and the Semporna Islands Park.
Sailing destinations in Malaysia are terrific overall, offering a wide variety of gorgeous islands and breathtaking coastal landscapes to discover. No of your level of experience, Malaysia has something to offer you. Malaysia is a sailing paradise that shouldn’t be missed due to its warm tropical climate, clean waterways, and abundant marine life. Visit our sailing destinations page for some incredible ideas and places to explore if you’re feeling motivated to organize your own sailing holiday. Start preparing for your upcoming sailing excursion right away with Ocean Wave Sail!
