From the base on Phuket, the cruising area stretches from the Similan Islands and the Burma Banks in the northwest to Port Klang in the south. The entire area offers many contrasts, but the overriding impression is of the power of nature only recently visited by main impression.
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Primeval Landscapes. The history
that you see in this region is one of geological upheaval and the slow
sculpturing of elemental forces. To visit the Phang Nga bay area is to return
to a primeval landscape of towering limestone formations ripped from the
earths' crust and weathered to surreal formations., seeming often to defy
gravity as they blossom from their incredibly narrow bases to their jungle like
crowns. For the naturalist this is an area to explore by boat with only the
soaring Fish Eagle and screeching bat for company as you explore the flora and
fauna of hidden hongs and ravines. Although rock painting such as those at Khao
Kian show that man has passed this way more than 3000 years, yet this
impression still amounts, largely, to the randomly scattered fishing villages
that you see today.
Palm fringed beaches for the most cruisers
though, the lure of the crystal waters, coral reefs and palm fringed beaches is
the true reason why they come to this area, and in this respect, for the
Similian islands to Langkawi the coast will exceed your dreams. Quays or
harbours are few and far between - this is a coats to choose your stretch of
turquoise water and sandy beach, drop your anchor and enjoy the peace and
privacy. This is not to say, that the area has nothing to offer those hedonists
who seek good food and night-life, but these will usually be a short dinghy
ride away fro tranquillity.
Oriental nights - The cuisine as you
will expect is spectacular. Seafood in abundance, cooked with the spice of the
orient would be enough for many, but the unique pot-pourri of cultures that
Thailand and Malaysia spills over into the cuisine to give a diversity found in
few other destinations. maybe it will be chilli crab, green curry, red curry,
lobster or a steamboat evening, but whatever, you will find fresh ingredients,
beautiful preparation and a warm welcome. The night-life ranges from the
sophistication of Patong on the west of Phuket where nightclubs, bars and
restaurants abound, to the more typical locations such as Rai Lai beach. here
you may watch the glorious ochre sunset from one of the the beach bars and
after dinner relax under the stars while fire-jugglers, tumblers, musicians and
other entertainers perform for you on the beach.
Swim with tropical
fish - Whilst the beaches are irresistible to the sun- worshippers amongst
you there are attractions below the surface for the more active. For the diver
this area is as rewarding underwater as on the surface. Much of this beauty can
be viewed simply by snorkalling, as visibility is typically 20-30 meters in the
diving areas. your yacht is equipped with snorkelling equipment, but primarily
due to storage considerations we do not carry full dive equipment on board.
However, there are many professionally run and reasonably priced dive
operations all over the area. The dedicated divers will want to head out to the
Similian Islands in the hope of swimming with whale sharks and manta rays.
Those having to balance the demands of a mixed crew of divers and sunbathers
will find plenty of rewarding diving within easy cruising distance on islands
such as Phi-Phi, Racha Yai and Racha Noi, to name a few.
Big
game-fishing - Those who prefer to pursue their seafood with rod and line
will do well to pack their tackle-box. This area has a growing reputation as a
game-fishing area, with sailfish the favourite game, and for those dedicated
enough to cruise out to the 'drop-off' of the continental shelf, near the
Similian Islands, there is the lure of the famous Black Marlin.
Testing
your seamanship. - So we have an area of rampant nature above and below
water, which carries across to the elements which the captain has to consider.
This is a tidal area which ranges typically of around 1,5m but as large as 3m,
which combined with land which shoals where you cruise or anchor. Further,
whilst the cruising season is chosen as the time of stable weather, when a
storm arrives, it often arrives and leaves with little warning. The reward of
cruising this area are huge, but the demands on seamanship are slightly greater
than found, for example in Turkey of Greece, and as a result we require formal
licences. we have found that often it is a good idea to take one of our
skippers with you for a day or two to familiarize yourself with the boats
systems and the vagaries of the cruise area, but this is something to discuss
with your agent or our base staff.
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