Sailing – Clearing into & out of Langkawi

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.

Pre-arrival – Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.

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

Clearing into and out of Langkawi

Insurance

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

1. 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. 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 organized, 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 very difficult situations. Her services are highly recommended for those needing an agent or simply wanting 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.

Check in

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.

Next, an officer will direct you to the immigration desk, where 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.

Note: They are only open Sunday to Thursday.

They will ask for

• • Copy of boat registration
  • Copy of Insurance 

Customs

The customs office is located in the international departure area.

They will ask for 

• • the last port clearance

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

Check out

Marine Department

When clearing out, it cost MYR 9. They told us they don’t accept cash or credit cards and asked us if we had a Wise account. I said we did. They told us that’s how they want us to pay. Wise is usually super easy to use, but I had issues paying this 9 ringgit (it was a problem with my phone, not Wise). Eventually, she accepted the cash from us.

The Harbour master will give you two copies of the port clearance.

Customs

Give customs one copy of the port clearance and wait for them to give you a customs clearance form.

Immigration

Knock on the door and get a form to fill in. Return the form and wait. You will once again be taken to the immigration desk for biometrics and a passport stamp.

That’s it. Now you are ready to leave.

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