Idyllic surroundings and supportive authorities have made Langkawi a yachtie's haven over the past several years. Langkawi welcomes yachties and is transforming itself into Malaysia's  most ideal sailing destination.

Sailing into Langkawi is easy. All the necessary clearance requirements, such as those involving the Port Captain, Customs and Immigration are centrally located at the Jetty Point Complex, just to starboard of the giant statue of the brown eagle at Dataran Lang. Check-in process usually takes about half an hour . For most passports (including the US, EU, Australia, and New Zealand) the officials will ask the intended duration of your stay in Langkawi and stamp the travel documents accordingly.

These standard visiting visas are free of charge. Upon expiry of your visa, it would be easier to hop over to Thailand and re-enter Langkawi for another three-months stay. This has always been the most preferred option among yachties.

Making a trip back to your home country or for a short family visit is extremely easy, as Langkawi has an international airport and the cost of flights are much cheaper than those in the US or some destinations in Europe. You don't have to worry about your boat as, unlike Thailand you are allowed to leave it in Langkawi waters for up to two years without bonding or importing the boat.

The Rebak Marina (contactable on VHF 69) on Pulau Rebak Besar, is a full-service marina with 128 wet and 70 dry berths. A 65-ton Marine Travel Lift allows you to leave your boat on land or in the water while you are away.   More moorings are available  near the Awana Porto Malai Resort, at "Hole in the Hall" on the northeast side of the island, and opposite the Bella Vista Resort in Kuah. The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (VHF 69)  has in-the- water slips. Wave dampers prevent the wakes from the in and outgoing ferries at Kuah Jetty. 

Another alternative mooring area is the Telaga Harbour. This is the latest addition to facilitate the yachting community in Langkawi.

Provisioning is easy too in Langkawi. If you are moored in Kuah, you can shop for fresh produce from the wet market in Kuah town or at the twice a week pasar malam (night market). Many western produce can be found at a number of wholesale and retail shops around the island.

Kuah town has two supermarkets - one at the Langkawi Parade at Pokok Asam and the other at the Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall. McPhee's near the Perdana Residences is great when provisioning for a long passages.

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