Singapore to Admiral Marina Malaysia

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where this is no path and leave a trail - Ralph Waldo Emerson

On 1^st November, we left Oneº 15 Marina and cleared out at Western Immigration (yep in reverse order) at 0815. Motoring past huge ships at anchor we turned into the Malacca Straits at lunchtime into 23 knots on the nose and an adverse current. 

Dodgem in the Straits

The fuel injector pump decided to leak again with Keith collecting fuel in a can. We decided to anchor at Palua Kukup in 7m of good mud, to enjoy a thunderstorm and an early omelette dinner.At this point, we decided we would 'cruise' the Malacca Straits, rather than rushing through.

Leaving the following morning, tide and wind still persisted against us but by lunchtime, all sail was up giving us 7.1. We decided to meander along the coast, rather than hit the main shipping channel; this also gave us the opportunity to get firsthand views of the fishing nets.

Anchoring in a bay between Kuala Batu and Tanjung Tohar, we enjoyed another storm with winds over 20knts, with the gin and tonics. 

Our firsthand view of fishing nets became more intimate the following morning as we woke to a net wrapped around the snubber and two locals in a fishing boat attempting to cut it free. They were rather fatalistic about it. The net was made of exceptionally fine filament so no chance at all for the breeding stock to escape. 

Fisherman removing the net from the snubber

That night was an anchorage in 8m at Palau Hanyat and a large black RIB approaching us turned out to be the Malaysian Coastguard checking if we were okay.  Our only nerves at this point were because we had not officially cleared into Malaysia, although we had their flag flying. But they only wanted to know we were definitely not being held hostage and that they would be available on VHF16 if we had any problems.

The following day another sail reaching 8.2 (with the current) and after three nights anchoring along the coast for good sleeps, we tied alongside our berth in Admiral Marina, just south of Port Dickson.

Tientos in her pen

The Marina was like a set from Somerset Maugham, very Colonial British and a very imposing structure. The efficient Veronica cleared us in, and it was off to the ‘Sailor’s Bar’.  The Marina is part of a resort complete with swimming pools and restaurants, but few tourists. 

Just the place to while away the day

The night view was spectacular with a great feeling of security as guards patrol the marina gates. Have you ever noticed you always run into old friends in a bar? Another Australian yacht Chinook I was here, so more of the tall tales ensued over beers.

Sailors Bar

Admiral Marina entrance

 

May all your bars be wooden and well-stocked!

 

Singapore

Toto, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore - L.Frank Baum

We departed Batam at 0900 on the 19th October to face the smog and challenge of the Singapore Straits; Keith with a very sore throat from karaoke! Crossing the Straits is interesting to say the least; there is one ship every few minutes in limited visibility and they have the right of way.

Smog and big ships

Playing dodgem

And ducking behind another

We had confirmed a berth with One 15 Marina, which was free owing to its ongoing construction on Sentosa Island. To enter the Marina, you first have to clear Quarantine and Immigration at Singapore's Western Anchorage. This involves the skipper getting aboard the Immigration vessel with papers and without incident. We finally tied at up 1500.

Immigration alongside

Don't think the tourists saw much either

The following day we travelled to OSDC (One Shop Document Centre) for our Port Clearance and returned in time for a BBQ hosted by the Marina. Met lots of wonderful people from Hong Kong, an exceptionally opulent charter yacht 'Ruling Angel' and other similarly large expensive motor yachts. We were in seriously expensive company here.

The Marina under construction

We had been to Singapore before (flying) so boat bits were the main focus before having fun.
We checked out Farrar Park for VDO instruments and found our water temperature and oil lights and an hourmeter. Installing these gauges caused the ignition key to break so back to Farrar Park to the locksmith.  Keith also oiled the stays and repaired the Genoa.
Three gas cylinders were filled (picked up and dropped off to the dock), new oil filters purchased and a new port light installed. Chinatown means food, a new wide angle lens and CD discs. Imagine also running into a previous work colleague from Charles Darwin University; what a small world.

Food and shoppping

Sentosa is a fun island and we took the time to cruise the luge, visit the pirate ship and the Sky Tower (the highest observation tower in Singapore) and check out the view from the cable car.  I flatly refused to enter the car with a see through floor!

View from the cable car

The tourist memento

We loved the luge

The Marina offered free transport to and from Vivo City regularly so it was far too easy to spend money in this vibrant city. We guaranteed a return as Terrance the Marina Manager promised us drinks at the new Clubhouse.

May all your bars be wooden and well-stocked!