Until recently, yachts larger than 15m had few docking options on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, and virtually none on the historical island of Penang. 

When we arrived in Penang in S/V Ocelot last summer, we tied up at the disintegrating, unmaintained Tanjung City Marina whose only advantage is its proximity to Georgetown’s tourist sights.

We were pleased to hear that a new, private marina had opened in April, one that has a real breakwater (rare in Malaysia) and is close to shops and public transport.

Straits Quay Marina, on the northeastern shores of Penang Island, is part of a new complex of up-scale shops, restaurants and private apartments. The marina features 40 pontoon berths to accommodate yachts up to 25m, with an approach channel dredged to more than 3m below chart data.

There are side-tie spaces for large yachts along both the outer pontoon and the central finger pontoon, which is more than 50m long.

We visited Straits Quay by taking a 45-minute bus ride (60 cents) from Georgetown, getting off at the new Tesco Mall, and following signs to the marina (a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.)

Operations Manager John Ferguson was proud of this marina, and noted that it is already in demand, but that he welcomes private transient yachts.

“Malaysians are not yet really into yachting, but they love to see the boats,” he said.

Straits Quay offers 24-hour security, toilet/showers, laundry facilities, wi-fi, water, pump-out station, and power to 63-amps, single phase. Fuel is obtainable from a fuel barge, although Ferguson said he is lobbying for a dedicated fuel dock.

So, with a place to moor the yacht, why visit Penang? This green, hilly island is easily explored in a day by rental car or (for those with patience) the public bus system.

Near Straits Quay is the famous Batu Ferringhi beach area with its local seafood restaurants, miles of sand, and opportunities for water sports. For those with an interest in botany or just natural beauty, the Spice Garden beckons with jungle trails on a hillside where you can see torch ginger, spider lilies, and heliconia in bloom. In the trees above the café, while sipping a cool nutmeg drink, you might see Malaysia’s giant squirrel (a meter long) leap from branch to branch.

On the northwestern corner of the island is the Penang Butterfly Farm, one of the best in Asia, and a national park that offers miles of wild trails that lead to isolated beaches far from habitation.

Farther south, in the local kampongs (villages) on the east coast, 6-foot monitor lizards lurk beneath the careened fishing boats and white-bellied sea eagles circle above the sea in search of sea snakes or fish that venture too close to the surface. Long-tailed macaques live in troops in the botanical garden and surrounding forest.

Penang’s history dates back to 1786 when it was purchased from a local sultan by an enterprising Brit to establish a duty-free port. Although it never took off the way Raffles’ Singapore did, it attracted European planters who tried to re-create the spice plantations of the Celebes.  

By the mid-18th century secret Chinese societies controlled the lucrative opium trade and rival gangs ruled the city of Georgetown until the British established a full-time police force.

Today, Georgetown is a peaceful blend of many cultures: predominantly Chinese, Indian and Malay, each adding its own customs, religions and cuisines to the charm of the city.

Sights include the magnificent Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, built to exacting feng shui precepts by the “Rockefeller of the East”, Fort Cornwallis, and countless Hindu and Buddhist temples (including Kek Lok Si, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia). 

No visit is complete without a ride up the funicular railway to the top of Penang Hill where you can enjoy a famous steamboat meal while watching the lights of the city come on.

Little India near the commercial ferry terminal is a cacophony of lights, sights, sound and color as the gold shops attract women in long saris and the DVD stores blare out competing soundtracks from the latest Bollywood films.

Penang is world-famous for its cuisine that includes the distinctive flavors of Straits Chinese noodle dishes, Indian curries and Malay rice and coconut specialties. Our favorites are nasi lemak (rice boiled in coconut milk with curry and peanuts), roti canai (flaky unleavened bread fried on a hot plate), butter tikka masala, and tandoor chicken with hot garlic naan. Whether you add a cold Tiger beer or a refreshing iced limau (fresh limeade) it’s always fun to head to Little India to top the meal with a cool mango lassi.

Penang is well-connected by courier services, good Internet, an international airport, easy access to mainland Malaysia via a 15-minute ferry ride or the 9-mile bridge with modern bus service to the cool tea-growing region of Cameron Highlands, or the dynamic capital, Kuala Lumpur.

From Penang Island, it’s a 60-mile voyage to the northern-most Malaysian island, Langkawi, where both Royal Langkawi Yacht Club and Telaga Harbour Marina welcome larger visiting yachts.

Straits Quay Marina

Channel entrance: south from Wreck Buoy at 05º 28.43’N 100º 19.09’E

Flat daily berthing rate RM3 (approximately $1) per meter, with discounts for long-term visits.

Tel: +604 890 6521

E-mail: marina@straitsquay.com

VHF: Channel 71

Web: www.straitsquay.com