Pulau Langkawi - Profile

Langkawi is truly a beautiful Island. We came up through Indonesia, and had work booked with Mark Robertson, from Seaspray Marine Services. While we waited for our scheduled time slot we anchored in Telaga! WOw! So beautiful, and we walked to the waterfalls several times that week. Duty free shopping, and local shops have good enough produce. We had to get a parcel sent,from USA, and the freight time was a nightmare. Parcel was held up in KL, and local agents pretty tardy, but it arrived safely, and no Customs Duties! We had some solar panels fitted, teak work, and basic antifouling and polishing done by Marks Seaspray team. That guy is onto it and picked out an even easier solution to our wiring and charging system. Down to earth couple running that business there now for 10 years, so well established. Highly recommend them. We also used Mr Sin for an alternator repair : SIn Engenieering,04 966 8625. As well as Nasir for some canvas work. Rachel from Seaspray helped to organize the Canvas work. Timur Utara Hardware and HE Trading are both well stocked Hardware stores. Over all, a great time in Langkawi and we will be back after cruising in Thailand for a bit.

About repair of diesel engines.
I used the service of Mr Sukesh,phone 0162049817.
Speaks english,competent,reliable,ponctual reasonnable fees.He can work in any place on the island....Daniel,on sy Ronin

My wife and I spent a few days cruising around Langkawi recently. We had thought the Datai Resort in Datai Bay welcomed people from yachts for drinks and dinners at their restaurants. Upon landing with our dinghy we were informed by a polite, but assertive, security guard that we were not welcome.
We went back to our boat scratching our heads, unsure if it was something we had done since it was Ramadan time. I rang the resort and they said there should have been no issue.
We then went back to the beach only to be chased away again. As I say, not sure of the policy they actually have.
The bay is lovely and we had two very nice days there, however no meal at the Datai.
We went to the Andaman next door and there was no problem.
Regards
Brett W

The Harbor Master does charge a small amount if your boat is over 15 gross tons. It is usually 3 dollars US for 3 months.

Feedback from Rachel Robertson of Seaspray Marine Services, Langkawi:
Marina facilities in Rebak have improved, along with the wifi reception.
Boat work should be planned as per the seasons, and the wet season (April-November) can be a terrible time for any external work, i.e. painting or varnishing. Not impossible, but you have to really juggle the weather.
I was reading through a couple of comments by Rex, ie clearance. You should NEVER have to pay the Harbour Master here! We never have heard of this! Immigration, Harbor Master and customs clearances can be done both in TELAGA, and at the main port in KUAH. All simple, easy, and free.
Anchoring in Kuah means easy walking access to supermarkets and to hardware stores, all within a 5-10 min walk.

Report on successful antifouling experience with thanks to Mr. Noel Bradley of the chandlery in Rebak Marina - by SY Keyif:
Antifouling done 3-5 March 2016, haulout 9 May 2017.
As we haul Keyif out of the water today, in Curacao, after 13 months and 15000 miles at sea, some of which were spent in seriously warm tropical waters, across the Indian Ocean, around the Cape of Good Hope, northwest bound in the Atlantic to the Caribbean, we are happily surprised at how clean her bottom is.
We want to thank Mr. Noel Bradley of the chandlery in Rebak Marina for his advice on our antifouling, saving us a lot of money, time, effort and frustration.
His paint was ten times more efficient than the famous International Trilux, at a third of the price. Having painted our boats ourselves for more than 20 years, and having spent a small fortune on Keyif's antifouling because she is aluminium and needs special no copper paint, we were extremely unhappy with our results with International. Barnacle growth started in the first months we splashed, and conversations with other aluminium boat owners led to the conclusion that the company is tricking the cruisers, by not using proper ingredients. Everyone was joking that they were selling us fertilizer instead of antifouling. Now, thanks to Mr. Bradley, we will never buy International again, and use his paint instead, wherever we are in the world, as it is efficient, inexpensive and without the poisonous TBT!

There is now also a jam night on a Tuesday. More of a strum along, rather than a performance. Tuesday sessions relaxed , all levels, lots of different instruments. Great fun.

Posted on behalf of Anthony Swanston - SY Wild Fox (www.blog.mailasail.com/wildfox):
I support everything in the excellent report by Yindee Plus (August 2015) but would just add a few additional comments.

The island of Lankawi is duty free so a great place to buy laptops and booze.

The staff both marina side and resort side could not have been more friendly and helpful. This is a five star resort so expect to pay a bit more, but it is still cheap by western standards. Berth holders get a 35% discount on everything at the resort. After the privations of Indonesia the swim up cocktail bar was a real luxury. At RN35 the breakfast was enormous – a huge buffet. You could eat for the day! (Residents pay RN95).

The jamming session is now on Fridays at the beach bar.

The 3G signal on the island is weak, beside the pool is best. I used the marina Wifi which was fine for emails etc. but you will need an antenna to get this on the boat.

The showers are so scruffy that most people showered on the boat. The toilets are now verging on the disgusting. I used the loo by the main resort restaurant and it was always pristine. Such a contrast with the marina side.

The haul out area is good but there is a limit to the work you can get done, so check first. The jib on the travel lift to remove masts is broken. The manager told me in an email that there were no plans to repair it!

I stayed for a month; it really was a great place to chill out. But watch out. Barnacle growth at Rebak is legendary. If you stay any length of time you will need to clean the bottom, especially your propeller. Folding props may not even open properly after a month…

Hi YES, I agree, these guys are really good. Mark Robertson did amazing diagnostics on our boat, and saved us lots of time and money with his local knowledge. Really down to earth.

Posted on behalf of David McKay:
The yacht Diomedea stayed at Rebak marina Langkawi and hauled out there for antifouling and other repair work. These jobs were carried out to a high standard by Mark Robertson and his team from Seaspray Marina, Rebak. I would recommend their services to anyone wishing to have general yacht repair and maintenance done whilst in Langkawi area. Email is Seaspraymarine@hotmail.com

In 2017, Immigration is still open in Telaga. Almost always Customs is open if you are patient. The Harbor Master, it would take a miracle, but it could happen!

Posted on behalf of Alison Innes:
I just wanted to update you on the recent experience we had checking in and out of Telaga, Langkawi. We sailed from Phuket to Telaga and were wanting to check in and check out on the same day. This was very easy as Immigration, Customs and the Harbour Master are all conveniently located in the one building located behind the service station. We anchored just outside and took the dinghy into the marina wharf. Immigration is open every day from 8am -7pm, customs and the harbour master from 8am -5pm. The process for check in is:
1. Immigration
2. Harbour Master
3. Customs
And to check out is:
1. Harbour Master
2. Customs
3. Immigration.
All staff were extremely friendly and professional and the whole process only took 25 minutes. Just make sure that you have a small amount of Malaysian currency with you as you will need to pay the Harbour Master and unfortunately the ATM nearby had run out of money (I think this is a regular occurrence - so don't rely on it).
Alison Innes
Rex 1