Sailing - Clearing into & out of Langkawi

Updated July 2025

Langkawi is the perfect spot to clear out of Malaysia when sailing to Phuket. It is easy once you know where to go. There are good anchorages nearby, plenty of stores for re-provisioning, affordable marinas, and easy access to fuel and chandleries.

The Langkawi Archipelago is lovely, with a dramatic karst landscape and turquoise water. It has some interesting tourist attractions, including a UNESCO Geopark and Skybridge. However, if, like us, you are water-babies that can’t wait to get into crystal clear water and snorkel the days away, this is not the place for you.

There are, nevertheless, advantages to spending some time in Langkawi before moving on to Phuket.

Dutyfree – alcohol, kitchenware and chocolate
Fuel – fuel is cheaper in Langkawi than in Phuket
Marinas – more affordable than Phuket

As of January 1, 2024, all international arrivals via air and sea are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before arrival in Malaysia. You should complete and submit the MDAC within three days of arrival. Click here to complete the required form.

NOTE: If your day of arrival differs from what you stated on the digital arrival card, you are required to complete another one with the correct day of arrival. For example, although we initially planned to arrive on July 23rd, we listed July 24th as a contingency in case of unforeseen sailing variables, and we arrived as expected on the 23rd. We completed another digital arrival card.

Clearing into and out of Langkawi

Insurance

You need insurance covering the following five key points to enter Malaysia;

1. 1. Crew abandonment, repatriation, illness, injury, and loss of life
  2. Fixed and floating objects, with the exception of ships
  3. Oil pollution liability
  4. Wreck removal
  5. Passenger liability

Our insurance mentions SALVAGE, but this is not acceptable. If your insurance certificate does not contain the words WRECK REMOVAL, check your product disclosure statement and key fact sheets for those words. If WRECK REMOVAL is included somewhere in your policy, make sure to have it with you. If it does not say WRECK REMOVAL, contact your insurance company or broker and ask for something in writing to offer the Harbour Master in Langkawi. Below is an example of a policy that was not acceptable and a clarifying statement from the insurers to show the Harbour Master. We have never been questioned about the four remaining points.

Do you need an agent?

No. Checking in and out of Langkawi is super easy. However, a sign at immigration says motor vessels and motor yachts must use an agent. I have also read that any boat with five or more people on board should use an agent regardless of length.

Our recent boat delivery and registration changeover in Langkawi was made significantly easier by the agent the boat owner had organised, Mira (Normira Desa). She is a highly recommended agent for those who want to use one. Mira is accommodating, speaks excellent English, and was instrumental in resolving some complicated situations. Her services are highly recommended for those who need an agent or simply want the convenience of using one. At the time of writing, Mira’s fees are MR400.00 for check-in or check-out.

Where to clear in on Langkawi Island

You can check in at two locations – Jetty Point Complex (the Ferry Terminal) in Kuah or at Telaga Harbour. In our opinion, it is easier to clear in at Kuah because Telaga doesn’t have a harbour master. Therefore, you will still need to go to Kuah to see the harbour master after doing customs and immigration at Telaga. The officers at Kuah do not like it if you go to Kuah to check in when you are at Telaga or Rebak. If asked, you can always say you are anchored in Bass Harbour, Kuah, but do so at your own risk as they might decide to see for themselves.

For things to run smoothly, remember to

- have multiple photocopies of your passports, boat registration and insurance
- take a pen (nothing worse than trying to find one)
- dress neatly and respectably

Check in

To Check-in at Kuah Jetty Point Complex

1. Imigresen (Immigration)
2. Jabatan Laut Malaysia (Marine Department Malaysia)
3. Kastam (Customs)

Immigration

Once inside the Jetty Point Complex, head to Ketibaan Antarabangsa (international arrivals) at the ferry terminal. Go through the glass doors and turn right at the passport control desks. Knock on the door labelled immigration.

OPEN: Daily from 08:00 to 17:00

Tell them you are checking in, and they will give you a form to fill in. An example is pinned to the wall to help complete the form if needed.

They will ask for:

- Copy of passports for all crew and passengers
- Copy of boat registration
- Passports

Then you will have biometrics taken (fingerprints) and have your passport stamped.

Marine Department

The Marine department (Harbour Master) is located directly above the immigration office. Go outside through a glass door (located just before where you turned right for the immigration office). You’ll see an entry labelled Jabatan Laut Malaysia. Go through the door and up the stairs. Press the door button. Someone will let you in.

OPEN: Daily (see below for daily hours)

Saturday to Wednesday – 08:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00

Thursday – 08:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 15:30

Friday – 08:00 – 12:15 and 14:45 – 17:00

They will ask for:

- Copy of boat registration
- Copy of Insurance
- Last port clearance

Customs

The customs office is located in the international departure area.

They will ask for

- Port clearance from the Marine Office (Harbour Master)

Then you are done. Yes, it is pretty straightforward. Go off and enjoy yourself!

The Wise card is an excellent option for travellers, offering lower fees and better exchange rates compared to traditional credit and debit cards when spending or withdrawing money abroad. It provides flexibility, ease of use, and enhanced security features.

Check out

To Check-out at Kuah Jetty Point Complex

1. Jabatan Laut Malaysia (Marine Department Malaysia)
2. Kastam (Customs)
3. Imigresen (Immigration)

Marine Department

They will ask for:

- Copy of boat registration
- Copy of Insurance
- Last port clearance (the one they gave you when you cleared in)
- Skipper’s passport
- RM 5.00 (cash only)

Customs

They will ask for:

- Port clearance from the Marine Office (Harbour Master)

They will give you:

- A yellow customs clearance form

Immigration

Go to the counter and ask for a checkout form. Complete the form and include the Port Clearance number from the yellow form that Kastam gave you.

They will ask for

- Copy of boat registration
- Copy of passport
- Passports

Then, biometrics (fingerprints) and a passport stamp.

That’s it. Now you are ready to leave. Happy Sailing!

Would you like to read more about Langkawi? Sailing – Langkawi

More information

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) – written here as RM

Accommodation

If you need a few days off the boat for whatever reason, we have found a couple of good-budget hotels/resorts. We typically book our accommodation through booking.com. We appreciate the convenience of booking online, and we can typically pay for our accommodation upon arrival at the hotel or resort. Additionally, Booking.com offers a wide range of accommodation styles in Langkawi, ensuring you find the perfect place.

We like Langkawi Seaview Hotel

Cost: RM142.30 (AUD50.00)
Pros: This is the largest room we have stayed at in Langkawi. It has a seating area with a coffee table, a long desk, a balcony, a large bathroom with an enclosed shower, a kettle, a fridge, an iron and ironing board, a TV, a comfortable bed with extra pillows, and bedside tables with lamps and power points—also a nice pool, pool towels and gym.
Cons: I don’t like the 3 in 1 coffee and tea – so we take our own.
Our verdict: We have stayed there three times now. It has everything we look for in accommodation.

We also like A Rock Resort

Cost: RM139.34 (AUD49.00)
Pros: The bed is super, super, comfortable, and has a couple of lovely pillows for each person. It has a nice pool, which is lovely to laze around at night while sipping a cocktail. Drinks are very reasonably priced. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the setting is nice and modern. There is a good selection of toiletries, a hairdryer, and a safe kettle.
Cons: The rooms are small, and there is little room for luggage. There is no fridge, bedside tables, or bathroom door – it is just a curtain.
Our verdict: We loved the bed and really enjoyed our stay there. We will probably stay again when we travel light and only stop for a night.