There is no better way to discover Malaysia and its intoxicating 99-island archipelago than by superyacht charter. What’s more, many of these islands are only accessible by boat - you will truly be exploring an exclusive slice of paradise. The largest and most developed of the islands are Borneo, Penang and Langkawi, located just off the Thai border.
Malaysia is hot and humid year-round but for optimum cruising conditions, the ideal time to set sail is from October to April, when gentle north-easterly breezes provide vivid blue skies and tranquil waters. These conditions are perfect for exploring the extraordinary diversity of marine life, with expanses of coral, ancient shipwrecks and shoals of multi-coloured fish awaiting you.
In contrast to the deserted and largely uninhabited smaller islands, the tourism boom in duty-free Langkawi has seen a rise in luxury resorts, state-of-the-art marinas and international cuisine.
The ultra-modern marina of Telaga Harbour is the ideal place to start your island adventures and immerse yourself in the lush landscapes of Langkawi. Despite the increase in tourism, the island has retained much of its traditional charm with rainforests, lakes and caves, providing home to breathtaking flora and fauna. A hike to the summit of Gunung Mat Cincang will be rewarded with jaw dropping 360-degree views. For those with something more relaxed in mind, head to the pristine white sands of Datai Bay - a secluded haven at the northwestern end of Langkawi. Here you will find the five-star Datai Langkawi Resort with its luxurious beach club and award-winning restaurants serving authentic Malaysian cuisine. Datai Bay is also the best place in the world to spot the fascinating colugo - also known as the cloaked monkey and the world’s only flying primate.
Langkawi is an ornithologist’s delight with over 238 bird species, including the prehistoric-looking great hornbills, which measure 1.3m from beak to tip and no less than eight species of kingfisher. A visit to Langkawi would not be complete without a trip to its famed waterfalls - the highest of which is a cascading 200 metre wall at Temurun Falls in the Gunung Machinchang Forest Reserve.
Borneo - the third largest island in the world, seamlessly combines luxury beach retreats with jungle adventures as well as being home to the orang-utan monkey and a UNESCO-certified mountain. Why not berth at Sutera Harbour and enjoy a round of golf at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria resort in Kota Kinabalu, one of the world’s most scenic golf courses with views to the majestic Mount Kinabalu from the pristine greens. Venture to Sipadan in the north-east of Borneo and you can explore world-renowned dive sites in your own personal submarine.
If you find yourself yearning for true immersion into the culture and cuisine of Malaysia, then Penang is guaranteed to satiate these cravings. A melting pot of nationalities, it will quickly become clear why this historical trading port is renowned as the foodie destination of Southeast Asia. Penang is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants - Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, which serves a mouth-watering array of Peranakan dishes, whilst Au Jardin serves up sophisticated European fare with subtle local twists. For a real taste of colonialism, the Eastern & Oriental Hotel is well worth a visit and it’s accessible from the water with its own pontoon. Once host to Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin, this heritage-rich gem boasts marbled foyers and pillared walkways with porters adorned in khaki uniform and pith helmets.
A superyacht charter in the verdant isles of Malaysia guarantees an explosion of sensory delights in a land of captivating history and heritage with the all the modern luxuries you could desire.