The fact that the Indian Ocean and Asia region is fast becoming one of the most spectacular cruising grounds for superyachts is well known to those who have cruised this breathtaking yacht charter destination for many years, but it is only now becoming a common knowledge.
MALDIVES Medhufinolhu Island - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
“Recent expansions in marina facilities have provided the kind of support today’s demanding professional captains are used to and the pristine ecosystems found throughout these diverse regions are exactly what yacht owners have been missing all these years”, reports Nick Coombes.
At first sight it may seem daunting… but with the abundance of stunning cruising possibilities and the excellent shore based assistance now available, it really is a joy to cruise throughout Asia’s waterways. Working on an early September departure from the Med, a Suez Canal transit and a passage through the Red Sea will put you out into the Indian Ocean to start your journey into the pristine islands of the Maldives.
Journeying on to Sri Lanka and Langkawi, Malaysia respectively in October and November, December and January will find you in Phuket, Thailand and at the half-way point in February in Myanmar. Then it’s on to the Andaman Islands in March, Singapore in April, Koh Samui, Thailand in May, Hong Kong in June and a final stop in the Philippines in July, prior to a stunning end in Indonesia in August and option to journey further to Australia and New Zealand. Stunning Asian regions are briefly described below by Asia Pacific Superyachts region experts in planning a cruising itinerary which comprises a Superyacht year-long journey through Asian waters.
– Captain Nick Coombes
MALDIVES – SEPTEMBER
First Port of call is Malé, the Capital of the Republic of the Maldives. Arrival formalities are simple although you will need a pilot for your first entry (Port Regulations); clearance is done in an hour’s time and then you’re free to leave the Customs anchorage.
MALDIVES Rhuiveli Baby Island (Bird Island) - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
Most yachts head north approximately four miles and anchor off the resort island of Bandos. Unlike some of the other exclusive resorts, Bandos gladly welcomes yacht crews and generally several yachts will be at anchor when you arrive.
As there are no Marina facilities in the Maldives large enough for today’s Superyachts, you must rely 100% on your ship’s tenders or boats provided by the agent. Basic spares are available in Malé and Petrol/Diesel can be supplied at anchor anywhere close to Malé.
The Maldives are a nature lover’s paradise, with more than a thousand small islands, surrounded by pure white beaches, like ‘Bird Island’ and pristine reef systems, providing an unending opportunity to fish and dive/snorkel to your heart’s content.
The cruising area will depend on preferred activities and prevailing weather conditions. In all but the heaviest weather there are plenty of places to cruise. The best and busiest time is November to April and Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives’ Mohamed Hameed and his team are very helpful in assisting with cruising plans and can provide excellent dive and fishing guides. As well, Mohamed notes, a little planning will help you avoid having to ship lots of supplies into the Maldives.
SRI LANKA – OCTOBER
A very short 450NM passage from the Maldives takes you up to Sri Lanka – a good option for a fueling point. The islands eighteen million strong population provides an intoxicating mix of cultures and diverse ethnic groups. There are three main ports in Sri Lanka – namely Colombo, Galle and Trincomalee. Colombo and Galle both are manmade while Trincomalee is one of the world’s largest natural harbors; all have deepwater berths for Superyacht use.
MALAYSIA – NOVEMBER
Captain Nick Coombes of Asia Pacific Superyachts Malaysia, reports: “My first stop east of the Sri Lanka is always Langkawi. This group of 99 Islands is the perfect place to re-supply and relax. As the region’s only ‘Duty Free’ port, you will find cheap, low sulphur diesel, as well as petrol, A1 jet fuel, alcohol (including fine wines) and tobacco products. Two Superyacht marinas provide safe berthing, with a varied supply of support services available in the main town of Kuah.”
MALAYSIA Superyacht Anna cruising Malaysia waters - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
There is a custom built Superyacht refit center, with a 500 ton travel lift, 2 x 60 meter work sheds and plenty of hard stand. For larger yachts the shipyard offers a 100 meter floating dock for short or extended visits. For the crew there are plenty of beaches, restaurants, bars, 5-star hotels, golf courses, uninhabited islands and an international airport.
Cruising around Langkawi’s 99 islands will provide guests with plenty to do and allow easy access to the southern Thai islands in the Butang Group. Nick suggests the best time to visit is September through May.
The southern Thai islands in the Butang Group - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
PHUKET, THAILAND – DECEMBER & JANUARY
Just a few hours North of Langkawi you will find the very popular Island of Phuket. Dubbed the ‘Monaco’ of South East Asia, Phuket now has two Superyacht marinas and more are being planned.
The locals are very friendly and there is a substantial ex-pat population on the island. For off duty crew the nightlife in Patong and Phuket City is spectacular with plenty of 5-star restaurants and wine bars along with a great mix of local restaurants. Lots of high end beach clubs are being set up, giving owners a choice of secluded bays or exclusive nightlife.
Experienced Asia Pacific Superyachts Phuket’s Gordon Fernandes can recommend the best in yacht planning, noting, “Starting out and staying close to Phuket you have Phang Nga Bay with its limestone monoliths rising up out of the sea or further south, the islands of Koh Phi Phi, made famous by the film, The Beach.
Word class diving is within easy reach and guests can beach, swim, snorkel, look for monkeys and wildlife before heading off to the Similan Islands; 60NM’s North West of Phuket and classed as one of the ‘top ten global dive destinations’ – a paradise for diving and snorkeling and often guests will enjoy 30M+ water visibility.
For a more private diving experience, head a little further north to the Surin Islands and the Surin Archipelago, a 135 square kilometers area lying in the Andaman Sea some 53 kilometers off mainland Ranong Province (the park’s five islands lie just south of the border with Myanmar). Gordon suggests a brief return to Phuket for refueling/ re-provisioning before heading off for Myanmar.
Yachts planning to be in Phuket for Christmas can also join the exclusive Asia Superyacht Rendezvous, with principal sponsor, Feadship. It’s an event aimed at both motor and sailing yachts and a great way to start the festive season.
PHUKET, THAILAND Superyachts moored in Surin Bay - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
MYANMAR – FEBRUARY
Traveling further North is Myanmar and the Mergui Archipelago, partly famed as the home of small groups of ‘Moken’ (sea gypsy) villages. The Archipelago is lightly populated and it’s easy to find perfect places to relax and enjoy the solitude and beauty. The Mergui Archipelago and the Andaman Islands are among the world’s top preferred diving destinations.
ANDAMAN ISLANDS – MARCH
Moving from the Mergui Archipelagoes, you will soon encounter the vast spread of the Andaman Islands in India. The journey offers stunning cruising vistas as well as land attractions and discoveries. Visitors will find deserted islands of pure white sparkling beaches and crystal clear water. Moving inland, lush vegetation and towering cliffs with unusual bird and flora/fauna all wait to be explored and active volcanoes can be viewed during the journey.
The Andaman Islands of India delivers adventuresome cruising and vessels seek out Asia Pacific Superyachts Andamans’, R. Rathnam, to create an itinerary that opens onto a secret world of tropical jungles and serene beaches scattered throughout much of the Andaman Archipelago.
Traveling on, some of the most enticing of unexplored waters can be found in the Bay of Bengal, with deep seas and hundreds of hidden bays teaming with marine life.
Mr. Rathnam notes the best cruising months for the Andaman Islands are between November to April.
ANDAMAN ISLANDS Havelock Island - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
SINGAPORE – APRIL
Heading back south along the Malay Peninsular you will arrive at the island city of Singapore. This is one of the financial shining stars of South East Asia, and offers all the trappings of a modern city, all packaged together on a tropical Island.
Singapore is one of the busiest ports in the world and as such requires some pre arrival formalities and pilotage services for any vessel over GRT300… comments Asia Pacific Superyachts Singapore head, Captain Scott Walker. Scott and his team can easily handle all requests and will ensure your stay is very enjoyable, noting: “As you can imagine, a port as busy as this also has an extensive choice of shore support facilities and pretty much all major repairs can be completed locally.”
SINGAPORE Marina Bay Sands - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
KOH SAMUI, THAILAND – MAY
Koh Samui is a lovely sand-kissed Island, offering opportunities to enjoy some of Eastern Thailand’s legendary hospitality and some very good diving, reports Captain Charlie Dwyer of the 36m Yanneke Too – heading up Asia Pacific Superyachts Samui.
Koh Samui is the ‘Jewel of the Gulf of Thailand’ – filled with natural beauty and many options for anchoring along the coast along with many attractions both on Koh Samui and the surrounding Islands. The island offers Elephant Trekking, Snake Shows, Monkey Shows, Temples, Waterfalls Thai Cultural Dancing and a Mountain Safari Trip. The island is also home to some of the finest restaurants and spas in Thailand.
Of special interest and just 20 NM from Koh Samui, is the Angthong National Marine Park with its spectacular group of 42 uniquely different and exciting islands. A mere 7 NM from Samui is the tropical Island of Koh Phangan, famed for its natural beauty and world-famous ‘Full Moon Party’. To the north is Koh Tao, famed as the ‘Diving Mecca of the Gulf’.
Koh Samui is used as a base for discovering the many beautiful islands located in the turquoise seas of the gulf with names like Koh Chang and Koh Samet. From Samui it’s possible to sail on to Pattaya and to Bangkok – the cultural capital of Thailand. The best months to visit are May through September.
SAMUI, THAILAND Angthong Marine National Park - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
HONG KONG – JUNE
Hong Kong, at the mouth of the Pearl River delta, part of China yet so different. When you think of Hong Kong, a busy commercial port and a high rise skyline pops into your mind of one of the most exciting cities in Asia, where east meets west. Though Hong Kong does ‘urban’ well, surprising to visiting yachts are the beautiful seascapes and the fact that almost 60% of Hong Kong’s landmass is still Country Park.
Hong Kong’s 236 islands studded with beaches provide unexpected stunning cruising offsetting the fast pace of life in the world’s third financial centre. Business combined with entertaining on board is normal practice in Hong Kong.
The shear proximity of museums, fine dining, tourist attractions and shopping plus some world famous international sports events make a stop in Hong Kong a unique destination.
The occasional typhoon may occur between June-September; however, Hong Kong waters are mainly protected. Outside the harbor, you can anchor almost anywhere hassle free or dock at Gold Coast Yacht & Country Club where Asia Pacific Superyachts Hong Kong’s Bart Kimman and his team can arrange typhoon proof berths for Superyachts and any other services required.
The marine department facilitates guaranteed corruption free port clearance facilities and it’s a free port, making it easy to obtain spare parts. There are excellent shipyard facilities and repair of most brands of marine equipment can be arranged for with an agent contact. The APS Hong Kong team has the ‘can do’ attitude to make life for the visiting yacht easy and exciting and most crews love to stay in Hong Kong.
HONG KONG Harbour - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
THE PHILIPPINES – JULY
Most yachts stay around the brilliant scenery and prime anchorages of the Puerto Galera and northern Mindoro areas. You can make day trips and overnight stays to the white beaches of Mindoro and Maricaban Islands. There are great bars and restaurants along the commercial side of the island and end the holiday with a sail back to Manila Yacht Club, taking about 15 hours with plenty of beaches to anchor.
BORNEO – AUGUST
Heading South from the Philippines, you will find the Island of Borneo with the best cruising to be found in the state of Sabah”, explains Alvin Teh, heading up the Asia Pacific Superyachts Borneo team. Sabah’s cruising waters from Labuan to Sipadan offer spectacular and beautiful waters, islands and mainland attractions.
Tropical islands and mainland coastal bays offer extraordinarily diverse mainland beauty which includes the highest mountain in South East Asia, Mt. Kinabalu; virgin rainforest conservation areas (including the Maliau Basin, known as the ‘Lost World’); exotic wildlife and flora and fauna and a myriad of adventure and eco-tourism activities – all accessible as a day or overnight excursion from your yacht.
BORNEO Proboscis Monkeys along the Kinabatangang River - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
A stopover in Kota Kinabalu at the Sutera Harbor Marina which will allow for land excursions to the wild interiors of Borneo, diving at Layang (famed for schooling hammerheads) and the jewel of Sabah, Sipadan. And for true adventure, take a river journey up the famed Kinabatangan River to see rare and endangered species including orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pigmy elephants.
BORNEO Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
INDONESIA – SEPTEMBER
As Indonesia spans the equator, she is unique in her diversity and opportunities for year round cruising.
“From November to March, the Northern sector is at its best”, explain Richard Lofthouse & Captain Jimmy Blee of Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia, “From Borneo it is only three to five days steaming or sailing to Bitung in North Sulawesi where you can clear in and take good quality fuel.”
From there you have ready access to Bunaken National Park, the world class muck diving of Lembeh and deserted islands to the north – all within a fifty mile radius. Moving East is the untouched Halmahera to explore and then to the ‘Mecca of Diving’ that is the Raja Ampat. Beyond that is the opportunity to discover new tribes in Indonesian Papua and spend time in a place called Fak Fak!”
INDONESIA Tribe in Papua New Guinea - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
In November and December a run to the Spice Islands and the beautiful Molluku area is a must – a living history of nutmeg, old forts and unique beauty.
From April to October, the 8th Parallel is ripe for exploring – whether it is Borobudur in Java, Uluwatu in Bali or the dragons of Komodo and Rinja, the possibilities are endless.
Richard notes that when factoring in that all the above makes no mention of Sumatra and Sulawesi – (two of the biggest islands in the world), Kalimantan (the Indonesian side of Borneo), Sumba (‘The land that time forgot’) or many other of the 15,000 islands Indonesia has to offer, you will see that the riches available are abundant and the exploration, endless.
INDONESIA Banda from Spice Island Volcano - Photo credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts
Richard and Captain Jimmy have over 20 years experience exploring Indonesia and making even the most remote trip possible.
“A Year in Asia of extraordinary cruising will leave you in the perfect position to explore Northern Australia, the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney Harbour for New Year’s Eve and onwards to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands”, reports Captain Nick Coombes. An incredible discovery adventure journey awaits…
By Captain Nick Coombes & Linda Cartlidge
APS Contributors:
Maldives: Mohamed Hameed
Langkawi, Malaysia & Sri Lanka: Nick Coombes
Phuket, Thailand & Myanmar: Gordon Fernandes
Andamans & India: R. Rathnam
Singapore: Scott Walker
Koh Samui, Thailand: Charles Dwyer
Hong Kong: Bart & Sytske Kimman
Borneo, Malaysia & Philippines: Alvin & Shirley Teh
Indonesia: Richard Lofthouse & Jimmy Blee
