Malaysia is in the very heart of SE Asia and offers a diversity of attractions and cultural experiences.From mountainous dense forests to the beaches of mainland peninsular, to the many islands off both her West and East Coasts and across the South China Sea to the forests of Sarawak, East Malaysia, Malaysia is truly Asia.
The official language is Bahasa Malaysia, however English is widely spoken throughout the country.
The currency is Ringgit Malaysian.
The Duty Free island of Langkawi is one of ninety-nine islands in the Langkawi Archipelago and is located in the Andaman Sea, 30km off the mainland coast of northwestern Peninsular Malaysia, on the northern end of Malacca Straits. The islands are a part of Malaysia’s Kedah State and are adjacent to the border of Thailand. The island is serviced by air through Langkawi International Airport with direct flights to major Asian cities including Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Singapore and Bangkok. In addition to air services, there are ferry services to and from Langkawi’s Kuah Jetty for Penang, Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah and an international ferry service to Satun, Thailand.
The island has a curious and interesting history. Langkawi is now the world's 52nd Geopark and the first in Southeast Asia, following its listing in the UNESCO Global Network of Geoparks on June 1 2007. The island boasts an impressive biodiversity.
There are currently three operational marinas in addition to an excellent protected harbour: Telaga Harbour at Pantai Kok; Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Bass Harbour, near Kuah town; and Rebak Marina on Rebak Island. Both Telaga and the Yacht Club have facilities to berth super yachts. Wavemaster Langkawi Yacht Centre has haul out and hardstand facility up to 500 tons and 14m maximum beam. They are well set-up for super yacht full services including refits, repairs, engineering and painting.
There are numerous Duty Free wine and liquor suppliers as well as importers of an impressive selection of quality cigars and tobaccos. In addition, Langkawi has several gourmet food importers with excellent selection of meats, cheeses and fresh produce.
Pippen Marine is a small operation with emphasis on personal service, established in Langkawi early 2003. The company is owned and operated by Michele Pippen, an Australian hailing from Sydney. Michele arrived in SE Asia in 1993 aboard her yacht Simpatico, and was based in Phuket for ten years. The main source of business is yacht brokerage, however, being a duty free island, boasting straight forward and simple clearing procedures, Langkawi is increasingly gaining popularity with transiting yachts and with owners wishing to leave their vessels in a safe location, Pippen Marine therefore offer services and/or assistance in most aspects of the marine industry. The Super Yacht service is a relatively new aspect to Pippen Marine’s portfolio but has ben offered to a variety of vessels with great success. Michele is well known in the region. Succinctly, if Michele can’t assist you she’ll know and source the right person who can!
Vessel/crew Port clearance
Provisioning and catering
Bunkering for fuel and water
Guide to attractions / local facilities advice and references
Transportation - hire cars/bikes/mini vans
Accommodation and travel arrangements - owners/crew/guests
Engineering workshops
Haul out / maintenance / repairs / refits / facilitated
