Datuk Azhar Mansor, a Malaysian sailor captured media attention with his solo round-the-world yachting exploits.  His achievements provided a big boost to Malaysian sailing and now recreational sailing is expending, affordable and a wonderful way for visitors to discover Malaysia's islands and extensive coastline.

There is no other Asian country that offers so much variety for holidaymakers as Malaysia.  It is culturally diverse, has a rich heritage and is home to unique natural environments that provide a colourful backdrop for exciting sailing holidays.

These days, the beaches, islands, coastal estuaries and seas are where Malaysians and tourists relax, recreate and participate in various sea sports. Snorkeling, diving, lazing on sandy beaches and exploring mangroves are just some of the many tourist activities available to yachters and boaters.  There are many places to hire powerboats and

luxury cruisers for making discoveries in style.  For those who like to sail the open waters for several days, cruise liners pull into several Malaysian ports and islands.  Many coastal resorts hire small sailing boats and this is where many discover the joys of sailing.

Several major sailing events highlight Malaysia as an exciting boating destination.

These include the Raja Muda International Regatta, The Asean Regatta, the Royal Langkawi International Regatta and the newest is Monsoon Cup at Pulau Duyong, Terengganu (East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia).

Being surrounded by water means that yachters and boaters can go sightseeing around Malaysia's many coastal attractions.

Langkawi is a great place to start a sailing holiday as the waters of the Andaman Sea are superb, the sailing infrastructure is excellent and it is a resort island with abundant attractions.  Alternatively, there are many East Coast islands where safe anchorages are assured and along the busier West

Coast the main ports of call include Port Dickson, Port Klang, Lumut, Penang and Langkawi.  East Malaysia offers more adventurous sailing with excellent marina facilities at Kota Kinabalu's Sutera Harbour.  Some sailors arrive on the east coast of the island of Borneo and then make their way from Tawau to Sandakan, Kudat, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan Island and then to various ports along the Sarawak coast before heading westward to Peninsular Malaysia.

Visiting yachters need to check in at each new port the officials are welcoming.  English is understood by most and where the paperwork is straightforward.  The Immigration, marine, Customs and health Departments (the latter if quarantine procedures are required) and Harbour Master must be visited upon arrival in Malaysia.  Offices are mostly located close together near to the commercial port and many marinas and clubs will assist with the formalities.

Sarawak and Sabah have their own procedures and these must be followed when entering or leaving these states.  As most coastal Malaysian water are fished, yachters need to be careful of fish farms, small fishing boats and nets across narrow inlets.  Access to some areas may be restricted for security reasons.  One such area is the Layang Layang group of islands off Sabah's west coast.  For some of the remote Malaysian waters, yachters are advised to lodge a passage plan with the authorities and to sail with other boats if possible.