Accessing Johor Bahru and the marinas on the west side of the causeway are only possible by yachts whose height of mast is less than 25 meters from the waterline. Sail 13 miles up the western arm of Johor Straits, past Raffles Marina and under the centre span of the Tuas Bridge, (the "Second-Link" bridge), which has a minimum vertical clearance of 25 meters at HWS. Proceed upstream, staying away from the Singapore coast and keeping close to the Malaysian mainland all the way.
You can easily anchor just east of the Causeway, between the new waterfront KFC and duty-free "The Zon." Holding is reported to be good and it is convenient for shopping.
There is a boat ramp and small, popular public beach where you can land your dinghy. It is not possible to park your tender at the marina police dock. Do be very wary of leaving your dinghy on the beach however, as dinghy and outboard theft is common. It is recommended to always be in sight of the dinghy.
Yachts used to be able to anchor in 4.0 to 7.0 meters with the excellent holding in mud/clay at Lat 01.28.47N and Long.103.43.37E just off Danga Bay Marina for free. However, with the closure of this marina, it is unlikely this anchorage is still available.
Puteri Harbour Marina is situated 30 minutes away from Johor Bahru on the west side of the causeway. It is rather isolated as it is stuck in the outer reaches of Nusajaya, a planned city that’s under construction and mostly uninhabited. There a hotel complex that backs on to the marina, a shopping mall with a pharmacy, ATM and newsagent but no grocery store yet. There is also a bank and post office in the fancy government buildings near the marina. This marina is also situated across the river from a Singaporean military zone so be aware that gunfire will be heard from time to time.
The Senibong Cove Marina is located on the eastern side of the causeway and is a 50 berth public marina set within the Sungai Lunchoo inlet. It is situated 15 minutes by car from Johor Bahru on the east side of the causeway. Cruisers reports are very positive about this marina and its management.
It is possible to make a day visit to Singapore from Senibong Cove marina. It takes between 2 to 3 hours each way. See this report for more details.
Sebana Cove Marina is part of a resort complex but last reports in late 2022 indicate the marina was closed for renovations. The floating docks were reported to be in bad shape. The concern here is depth, not height restrictions. Most yachts will need at least a half tide to proceed comfortably up the river.
There is reported to be a new marina on the east side of the Link 1 causeway to Singapore. Part of the R and F Mall Development, it is possible to walk on a covered walkway all the way to the Malaysia Immigration exit point to catch the bus to Singapore.
See these cruiser reports from 2022/2023.
JB is reported to be one of the worst areas for crime in Malaysia. Take necessary precautions when going ashore and if cycling, be sure to cover baskets/crates to avoid bags being snatched.
Last updated: December 2024
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