Malacca Straits

We left Danga Bay marina after being there for 12 weeks, boy it was good to get going again. We motored out on the high tide down the straits between Singapore and Malaysia then past all the ships anchored outside the Singapore Harbour, we picked up a nice breeze of 10 knots so put up the sails and had a good trip to pulau Kekep our anchorage for the night, SouthernWing sailed in just on dark. The next day we sailed the whole day in 10-20 knot N-NE and hand steered all day due to the auto pilot not working, must of had too long a break, we anchored just south of Muar river. We went around two lots of fish nets to access the river next morning on the in coming tide and anchored in the middle of the town near the bridge. Muar is not on the tourist trail but it does have some heritage buildings and friendly locals and delicious food, we ate very well for a few dollars.

The shipping lane is close to the coast here and we can see a constant line of ships going up and down the Strait, we stay between them and the fisherman who have nets out in all sorts of patterns so we are always on the lookout. The anchorages have been good and we have sailed with the help of the motor over the next few days as the wind was not quite strong enough.

Muar landmark on both sides of the river

Old shophouses in Muar

Decorating the streets in Muar for Chinese new year

Pangkor Island

The anchorage is protected by a couple of small islands, one is an exclusive resort with timber  bungalows built out over the water the other is a group of granite boulders. The beach has huge shady trees overhanging the sand and a few small eating places and bars. There are quite a few birds here and we have also seen some Hornbills. During the week it is quiet then it's busy on the weekend with jet skis and speed boats taking people for ride on tubes.

The island is known for fishing and local tourism, there is a large Chinese population here and they have been celebrating Chinese New Year with lots of fireworks, food, red lanterns and decorations.

We took a taxi ride around the island with Southern Wing and Velella and we saw traditional boat building, a fish factory, Portuguese fort and Chinese temple, the island has a couple of rainforest covered hills and some nice beaches.

On Pangkor Island you can buy all sorts of seafood....dried....from large fish to anchovies prawn and scallop. They also make their own noodles too, then put on trays to dry on the street in the sun.