Danga Bay

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Revision as of 08:55, 25 December 2007 (view source) Lighthouse (Talk | contribs) ← Older edit		Revision as of 07:34, 13 September 2008 (view source) MMNETSEA (Talk | contribs) (→Introduction) Newer edit →
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	===Introduction===		===Introduction===
-	?	+	'''DANGA BAY - JOHOR BARU - MALAYSIA - Lat 01. 28. 31N and Long 103. 43. 42E '''
		+
		+
		+	An interesting location, known as Danga Bay, is now available for free anchoring in a quiet inlet off Johor Straits,
		+
		+	Only two miles west of the causeway, it's an excellent alternative to Sebana Cove or expensive Singapore marinas.
		+
		+	Work will start toward the end of '04 on the first stage of a 50 berth floating pontoon marina, with an additional
		+
		+	50 berths to follow at second stage. A "one stop chop" building for Immigration, Customs and Harbour Master
		+
		+	will be built directly in front of the marina, together with showers, toilets and washing machines, which will be
		+
		+	ready at the same time as the marina completion early 2005.
		+
		+
		+	Meanwhile, there is ample room for many yachts to anchor in 4.0 to 7.0 meters with reliable holding in mud/clay at
		+
		+	Lat 01.28.47N and Long.103.43.37E. A floating pontoon dinghy dock is directly in front of the anchorage and has
		+
		+	a security guard on duty 24/7. All staff are exceptionally helpful and keen to meet yachties, particularly at BBQ's
		+
		+	they are planning to have when they get a good turn-up of yachts.
		+
		+
		+	The marina will be part of a huge development covering 1,350 acres known as Danga Bay..."Vision City of the South"
		+
		+	which will have fully intergrated amenities for living in waterfront homes, apartments and resort hotels, serviced by
		+
		+	shopping malls, office blocks, recreation and medical facilities and located five kilometers by road to the centre of
		+
		+	Johor Baru City and the causeway to Singapore. Buses stops right outside the complex with a bus every few minutes
		+
		+	to and from JB and taxis pass by regularly. (See more details below).
		+
		+
		+	Now already completed, up and running for the past 9 months and very well patronised by locals and Singaporeans,
		+
		+	is Phase 1 of the land development, which is a large complex called "Bay Leaf Food Park", featuring 20 different types
		+
		+	of food outlets including Malay, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Western and Seafood, all at very reasonable prices and in
		+
		+	spotlessly clean surroundings. A handy convenience store, like a 7-11, is open 24 hours. This whole area is covered
		+
		+	by a spectacular looking roof design of overlapping 'Bay Leafs', (like a scaled down version of Sydney Opera house),
		+
		+	and set in very attractive landscaped grounds and extensive boardwalks and parklands fronting the anchorage and
		+
		+	adjoining a clean white sandy beach.
		+
		+
		+	Yachts going north or south via Malacca Straits, to/from Langkawi and Phuket might want to consider the following:
		+
		+
		+	Avoid hassles in Singapore of having to find either of two check points on the water, and waiting to clear in/out with
		+
		+	the Immigration/Customs patrol boat and still then have to go into the city to check in/out with the Port Authority
		+
		+	and paying SGD$30.00 port dues and hefty marina fees....and running the gaunlet of shipping channels and newly
		+
		+	reclaimed sand fill areas extending 4.5 miles out to sea, which are not of course on current charts or C-Map.
		+
		+
		+	OR...for yachts travelling to/from Bali, avoid adding another 80 miles return leg by diverting to Sebana Cove and
		+
		+	then dealing with costly and time consuming return ferry rides to/from Singapore. Half the day is spent in taxi's
		+
		+	and ferry boats and if you miss the last one back to Sebana you're looking at an overnight stopover in Singapore.
		+
		+
		+	Alternatively it's now possible, if your height of mast is less than 25 meters from waterline, to sail 13 miles up the
		+
		+	western arm of Johor Straits, going past Raffles, (the super expensive Singapore marina) and under the centre span
		+
		+	of the Tuas Bridge, (a.k.a the "Second-Link" bridge), which has a minimum vertical clearance of 25 meters at '''HWS''',
		+
		+	which is shown clearly painted above the centre span and confirmed on C-Map. Proceed upstream keeping close to
		+
		+	the Malaysian mainland all the way to waypoint Lat. 01.27.740 Long. 103.43.380 and make a turn to port at the
		+
		+	entrance to Danga Bay, (just after the fisherman houses on stilts on your right and floating fish farm on your left.).
		+
		+
		+	From the entrance, which is about half a mile wide, you can see the prominent roofline of the complex noted above
		+
		+	and four 15 storey apartment blocks at the end of the bay, which are part of the Danga Bay development. Do not
		+
		+	cut the western corner.into the bay, where there are some rocks awash and sand banks, which are shown on charts
		+
		+	and C-Map. Stay close to the eastern shoreline, passing nearby three jetties for small fishing boats and anchor in
		+
		+	4.0 to 7.0 meters with excellent holding in mud/clay at around Lat 01. 28. 31N and Long.103. 43. 42E , which is
		+
		+	anywhere off the eastern shoreline, between the last fishing boat jetty and the Danga Bay floating pontoon jetty.
		+
		+	Please do not anchor beyond the Danga Bay floating pontoon jetty, which is the area reserved for water sports,
		+
		+	who are restricted to that area only and will not be encroaching into the yacht anchorage area. There has drying
		+
		+	sand banks off the shallow western shore, which are marked with a tall red light beacon in mid-stream of the bay.
		+
		+
		+	Until the marina is completed check-in can be done with Immigration at the eastern side of the causeway, which is
		+
		+	only required if you're not already stamped into Malaysia. Check-in with Customs, who are next to Immigration,
		+
		+	is required by all boats and they will issue Port Clearance after check-out with the Harbour Master (Jabatan Laut),
		+
		+	which is 1km along the waterfront from the anchorage, towards the causeway. It's a large compound of blue roofed
		+
		+	buildings and you can see the white Jabatan Laut work boats and ships from the bus, which can stop at the end of
		+
		+	the compound, or it's about a 25 min walk along the waterfront, or 10 mins in a dinghy. Immigration check-out is not
		+
		+	required if stopping at further Malaysian ports, or until final checkout in Langkawi for Phuket or other destinations.
		+
		+	Immigration/Customs are open every day, but Harbour Master is closed Saturday afternoon and all day on Sunday.
		+
		+
		+	All three departments are very relaxed and friendly and it's okay if it takes you 2 -3 days to check-in.
		+
		+	Immigration/Customs offices used only for yacht check-in/out are situated next to each other on the eastern side
		+
		+	(the other side ) of the causeway. They are a little hard to get to at the moment due to construction of the new
		+
		+	causeway bridge, so here are two different ways to get there in case one of them ceases to exist during bridge
		+
		+	construction. At the moment the easiest most direct way is to walk past the check-out booths for cars crossing the
		+
		+	causeway, (just past the causeway bus station described below and shown on the detailed location map available
		+
		+	on your arrival at the anchorage). Keep walking to the truck checkpoint and cross the railway line by the overhead
		+
		+	pedestrian bridge, which takes you to the Marine Police compound. Upon exiting the bridge walk diagonally across
		+
		+	the temporary cross-over bridge to the outdoor steps that go up to the next level of the cliff face. At the top turn left
		+
		+	and walk 100 meters to the Immigration building and Customs immediately alongside.
		+
		+
		+	The second route takes a bit longer, but is perhaps more direct if you are in the vicinity of City Square. Enter the
		+
		+	overhead pedestrian bridge in JalanTun Abdul Razak, which crosses the railway line from City Square to the
		+
		+	rail station, and continue on the bridge until it exits at a gravelstone pathway with a mesh-wire fence either side.
		+
		+	Follow the path about 300 meters to the end and cross over the construction area to the roadway. On the other
		+
		+	side of the road is the entrance to "Kustom Komplex" with a sign reading "Welcome to the gateway the South ".
		+
		+	Customs are in the building on your right and Immigration is in the same arrival area immediately alongside.
		+
		+	You can not check-in/out yachts at any other location. As in all Malaysion ports there is no charge for any
		+
		+	check-in/out with any of the goverment departments. (You might want to print these directions for using later)
		+
		+
		+	And a note for the future: When the work on the new bridge to replace the Singapore causeway is completed
		+
		+	around 2008 it will also have a 25 metre clearance for yachts and ships to pass under, enabling boats to travel the
		+
		+	whole length of Jahor Straits and by-pass Singapore waters completely. This will be particularly advantageous to
		+
		+	yachts wishing to sail to the east coast of Malaysia/Thailand, or travel further to/from Borneo and the Philippines.
		+
		+
		+	Part Two: To ge in/out of JB and Singapore and around streets & shops, here's some info that should be helpful.
		+
		+
		+	BUSES: stop for getting on/off ONLY at designated bus stops and you need to wave them down or they will
		+
		+	not stop. The bus stop to get into JB is a blue painted shelter directly opposite the southern entrance gate to
		+
		+	Danga Bay. All buses passing there go to JB and come every 2 to 3 minutes, so don't worry if you just miss one
		+
		+	The exact fare of RM1.10 (that's one Ringgit Malaysia & ten cents) p/person, one way to JB is required. Change
		+
		+	may be available after 0900 at the ticket counter in front of the kiddy rides on the waterfront inside Danga Bay
		+
		+	The journey is 5 km's and ends in Jalan Ah Fook (that's not a miss-print :-) in the city centre, next to the Indian
		+
		+	Temple, which is also the main bus stop for returning to Danga Bay. There are many buses with different
		+
		+	numbers/destinations shown in front, but all of them seem to pass Danga Bay, however it would be wise to
		+
		+	check with the driver first. The return arrival at Danga Bay is at the vehicle entrance gate, a little further down
		+
		+	from the pick-up point. You need to press the stop-buzzer or inform the driver well before the arrival point.
		+
		+
		+	TAXIS: pass frequently , but many do not have meters and try to up the price with foreigners. The metered
		+
		+	fare is around RM5.00 to the centre of town, depending on the amount of traffic. Tell the driver to follow the
		+
		+	direct waterfront route all the way and not take the so called "fast freeway route" which circles the city.
		+
		+
		+	MONEY CHANGERS: are everywhere in Jalan Ah Fook, there are at least eight of them side by side opposite
		+
		+	the Compact Hotel, one block back from the bus stop. Rates are US$1.00 = RM3.77, AUS$1.00 = RM2.70,
		+
		+	UK Pound 1.00 = RM6.50, Euro1 = RM4.50 They will not change US$100 bills printed in 1966 because of
		+
		+	past forgery problems. There are ATM machines in all banks. Two are close to the bus stop at Indian Temple.
		+
		+
		+	SUPERMARKETS: The best by far is on level 2 of Plaza Kota Raya shopping mall, directly opposite the
		+
		+	Indian Temple and only 150 meters walk back to the bus stop. Another is in the basement of City Square,
		+
		+	one block up from the bus stop, but doesn't have any frozen or refrigerated goods or fruit/vegetables.
		+
		+	And next to City Square there's one more at ground level of Komtar which is okay, but has limited fresh
		+
		+	provisions and is a longer trek back to the bus stop.
		+
		+
		+	E-MAIL: There are three Internet shops, the best being "Surf Link Cafe" on ground level at the base of the
		+
		+	only overhead pedestrian bridge in Jalan Ah Fook , (I love that name :-) almost next to the Public Bank Tower
		+
		+	and directly opposite City Square. ....so about two and a half blocks up from the bus stop. Rates are RM2.00
		+
		+	minimum for the first 40 minutes and 5 cents per minute thereafter, or RM3.00 per hour. There are a dozen
		+
		+	reasonably fast and reliable computers. The next is "Time Internet", at ground level of City Square, but
		+
		+	rates are RM4.00 per hour, which is also the minimum charge, regardless of how much time under one hour.
		+
		+	(Rip-off stuff!!). The last is on the ground level of Komtar, a little hard to find, tucked away in the far end
		+
		+	passageway at the opposite end from the supermarket. Rates are RM3.50 per hour and RM2.00 for half hour.
		+
		+
		+	POST OFFICE: Is at the next bus stop after the Aminah Hospital, which is the large red brick sprawling
		+
		+	building that the bus passes, about 1km before the centre of town. So you need to either break your journey
		+
		+	in the bus and get another one into town, or walk the remaining 1km.
		+
		+
		+	TELEPHONES: are at Telecom Malaysia, in Jalan Abdulla Ibraham, around the corner from Plaza Kota Raya.
		+
		+	Look for the tall communications tower on left hand side. Overseas calls can also be made from IDD shops
		+
		+	along Jalan Ah Fook opposite the Indian Temple area.
		+
		+
		+	GAS BOTTLES: Empty Petronas or Shell bottles purchased in Malaysia can be exchanged for full bottles
		+
		+	through AZ Danga Marine by contacting the owner, Faizal on 013-7714411 who will arrange collection/return.
		+
		+	At the time of going to print a source of refilling other brands of gas bottles is yet to be found, but contact
		+
		+	Faizal for the latest update. (Faisal's wife, "Kin", is at the boat booking area at top of dinghy dock every day).
		+
		+
		+	HARWARE SHOPS: Only two in central JB and both limited to basic items. (No stainless). One is opposite
		+
		+	City Square in Jalan Ah Fook, just one and a half blocks up from the bus stop, between the Indian Temple
		+
		+	and Public Bank Tower. There's a good range of galley items and bits & pieces of tools and general hardware.
		+
		+	The other, Teck Guan Hardware, is a small single shop three doors in off Jalan Tun Abdul Rajak and facing
		+
		+	the Mobil Service Station, which is opposite the bus station for buses to cross the Singapore causeway.
		+
		+
		+	FUEL: Until a fuel dock is completed in 2005, fuel is available through AZ Danga Marine by contacting the
		+
		+	owner, Faizal on 013-7714411. Diesel in quantities of 200 liters or more can be delivered in 44 gallon drums by
		+
		+	pickup truck and pumped via 100ft hose from the top of the jetty to a yacht tied up in one of the pontoon berths.
		+
		+	Diesel in smaller quantities can be delivered in 25 liter jerry cans and emptied into tanks. Supply your own jerry
		+
		+	cans if you don't want to put into tanks immediately. Price, for either large or small quatities, is RM1.05 per liter,
		+
		+	but will increase if oil prices continue to go up. Petrol and separate two-stroke outboard oil is also available,
		+
		+	plus engine oil for diesels, oil filters, fuel filters, drives belts or any other automotive spares can be obtained if
		+
		+	sample or full details given. Locally made copies are often available, much cheaper than the original brand name.
		+
		+
		+	WATER: Fresh, drinkable, potable water is available free of charge at the dinghy jetty any time by jerry cans
		+
		+	without prior permission, but for coming alongside and directly filling water tanks, contact Operations Manager
		+
		+	Kenny Koe 012-2982131 or ask any of the staff walking around with Danga Bay T shirts or ID tag to contact him
		+
		+	via "walkie-talkie", or try VHF channel 72. Yachts coming alongside for fuel or water are requested to move away
		+
		+	immediately after filling up.
		+
		+
		+	LAUNDRY: The Malay word for laundry is "Dobi" and I'm told that there's several to choose from in Jalan Dobi,
		+
		+	which is shown on the location map, a couple of blocks south of the Indian Temple. Please let me know about
		+
		+	your successes and failures for future updates. If you're like me and do your own, the best idea is to fetch your
		+
		+	water in jerry cans, if you wish, and bring back to the boat. As the jetty is often busy during the day with boat
		+
		+	hire activity it's not suitable for doing laundry at the jetty.
		+
		+
		+	COMMUNICATIONS: Within Danga Bay area VHF ch. 72 for call channel, then go to talk channel of your choice.
		+
		+	(In Langkawi and Phuket, VHF ch. 69 for call channel, then usually 68 or 72 for talking). The popular South East
		+
		+	Asian Maritime Mobile Net on 14.323.00 mgh starts at 00.25 UTC (0825 local) and weather is given at 00.55 (0855).
		+
		+	Net controller, Richard, invites you to give your position and generally ask any questions related to cruising.
		+
		+	As the name implies, it's a net specifically for yachts/ships at sea and calls using either your HAM call sign,
		+
		+	or if you prefer, just your boat name will also be welcomed.
		+
		+
		+	RUBBISH: Bins are available in many locations within the complex, closest being at the top of the dinghy dock.
		+
		+
		+	ANCHOR & CHAIN: An expert job of regalvanising anchors and/or chain can be done at very competitive rates
		+
		+	of RM3.00 per kg at a factory 30 km from Danga Bay. Speak to Faisal from AZ Danga Marine, 013-7714411, who
		+
		+	will arrange to remove the anchor and/or chain only and take care of delivery and return within 48 hours. The
		+
		+	average 60 meter chain is around 120 kg, (or 2kg per meter), plus the anchor if applicable, but you will receive a
		+
		+	computer read out of the acutal weight from the weighbridge at the factory. I've just had mine done and the
		+
		+	quality looks really good. Danga Bay anchorage is so well protected and the holding so good that you might
		+
		+	want to consider using only a secondary anchor with rode and chain during the regalvanising period.
		+
		+
		+	BEER: Inside Danga Bay, Heinekin, Carlsberg or Tiger available at only the beachfront location of Shalala
		+
		+	Coffee Bar, next to water sports, or in Skuada Restaurant on the upper level of the main complex. In JB City
		+
		+	for beer and other mixes go to any 7-11 convenience store. There's two close together, one in Jalan Ah Fook
		+
		+	oppposite.the Indian Temple and the other in Jalan Meldrum, (the next street behind). Heinekin, Anchor,
		+
		+	Carlsberg, Tiger, Guinness Stout, all about RM7.50 p/can. Cartons of 24 are also available.
		+
		+
		+	GENERAL SHOPPING: City Square, Plaza Kota Raya and Komtar are the main malls in central JB. Other large
		+
		+	malls about 2 - 3 km's out of town by bus or taxi are City Plaza, Pacific Mall, Pelangi Leisure Mall, Plaza Pelangi,
		+
		+	which are all within a few miles of each other. Buses leave only in front of the other side of City Square in Jalan
		+
		+	Tun Abdul Rajak, opposite the JB Railway Station. And of course the shopping in Singapore is fabulous.
		+
		+
		+	SINGAPORE: By bus: Choice of three services, all departing from the JB - Singapore causeway bus station in
		+
		+	Jalan Tun Abdul Rajak, next to the JB Raiway Station. The first choice is the Express bus JB to Queen Street
		+
		+	depot, for RM2.40, but firstly ticket must be purchased from only one company, Sin Thai Mah Travel on the
		+
		+	ground level raised walkway of the Merlin Tower building opposite the JB - Singapore bus depot and facing
		+
		+	the Mobil Service Station You cannot pay for a ticket on the bus. Express return from Queen Street depot to
		+
		+	JB is Sing$2.40 Second choice are the regular buses <nowiki># 170 or # 160, which stop at various locations enroute to </nowiki>
		+
		+	Queen Street Bus Depot, Singapore, which is the destination for both above bus services and one block from
		+
		+	Slim Lim Tower and Slim Lim Square, the favourite haunt of yachties looking to get the very latest and best in
		+
		+	marine and home electonics. Fare from JB to Singapore on #170 & #160 is RM1.80 Exact fare needed to pay
		+
		+	directly to driver. Return fare to JB is Sing$1.80. Change is given when ticket bought at Queen Street depot.
		+
		+	Third choice is the yellow "Causeway Link" bus from JB to Kranji MRT station for RM0.80 cents, then train to
		+
		+	destination of your choice. At some stage most people go to Orchard MRT to visit the big malls in Orchard Rd.
		+
		+	You can also walk about 1km, or catch a bus down Bencoolen St to Orchard Road from the Slim Lim Buildings.
		+
		+
		+	IMMIGRATION: To depart Malaysia and cross into Singapore by bus, go to level one of the bus station
		+
		+	building as above. Get stamped out and return to bus departure area. The first waiting line is for the Express bus,
		+
		+	the next for the <nowiki>#170 or </nowiki><nowiki>#160, then further along </nowiki>is the yellow bus Causeway Link waiting area. Keep your bus
		+
		+	ticket handy and when you cross over the causeway get off at the Singapore checkpoint, fill in the arrival card
		+
		+	and go to the "Foreign Passport" check-in line at the far right as you enter. Get stamped in, go through security
		+
		+	area and return to the bus and show your ticket. Upon returning to JB you do the same all over again. The bus
		+
		+	stops at the Malaysian checkpoint near where you started. Don't forget to take all belongings with you out of the
		+
		+	bus at each checkpoint. A good idea is to take a bundle of extra Malaysian/Singapore arrival/departure cards with
		+
		+	you for your next visit to Singapore to speed up the checkin/out procedure by completing the cards beforehand.
		+
		+
		+	YACHT CHANDLERY: There are several in Singapore (none in JB). Possibly the best and easiest to get to is
		+
		+	Marintech Marketing, shop 14, level 2, Jalan Besar Plaza., 101 Kitchener Road, (cnr. of Jalan Besar), which is only a
		+
		+	15 min. (1km) walk from Slim Lim Tower along Jalan Besar, to corner of Kitchener Road , or if making a special trip,
		+
		+	take the MRT from Kranji to Farrer Park station, which is in Kitchener Rd, just one block to corner of Jalan Besar.
		+
		+	Tel: (65) 2988171 Speak to Jessie. E-mail: [email protected] They are open Mon-Friday and closed Sat/Sun.
		+
		+
		+	WORLD SPACE RADIO: Wavelength Communications, shop 26, level 2, Slim Lim Square, Tel: (65) 332 2273
		+
		+	E-mail: [email protected] OR: at the ground floor, Mustaffa Centre, Syid Alwi Road, (Between
		+
		+	Jalan Besar & Serangoon Rd) Mustaffa's is a 5 level department and is worth a visit for all kinds of stuff..
		+
		+
		+	HF, VHF, GPS.etc The basement at Slim Lim Tower has many stores with the widest range of equipment.
		+
		+	Try Blazer Electronics shop 17, or Suneast Pte Ltd shop 19/20 Or: in Slim Lim Square (opposite), Overseas
		+
		+	Communications System shop 79, level 3, or The Com Shop, shop 10, level 4, (Most of them have a great
		+
		+	deal on the latest model Icom waterproof hand held VHF's for about S$230. 00)
		+
		+
		+	Please contact me if you find any details that need correcting, or a better, cheaper way of doing any of the
		+
		+	above items, which will be edited into future copies of this information.
		+
		+
		+	Best regards and good sailing.
		+
		+
		+	Bob McKean
	===Charts===		===Charts===

---

Revision as of 07:34, 13 September 2008

Contents 1 Danga Bay 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Charts 1.3 Location, Approach & Entry 1.4 Radio Nets 1.5 Routes to/from 1.6 Check-in facilities 1.7 Marina Facilities 1.8 Address & Contact Details 1.9 Tourism & things to do ashore 1.10 Marine stores 1.11 References & Publications 1.12 Cruiser's Friends 1.13 Forum Discussions 1.14 External Links 1.15 Personal Notes

Danga Bay

Introduction

DANGA BAY - JOHOR BARU - MALAYSIA - Lat 01. 28. 31N and Long 103. 43. 42E

An interesting location, known as Danga Bay, is now available for free anchoring in a quiet inlet off Johor Straits,

Only two miles west of the causeway, it's an excellent alternative to Sebana Cove or expensive Singapore marinas.

Work will start toward the end of '04 on the first stage of a 50 berth floating pontoon marina, with an additional

50 berths to follow at second stage. A "one stop chop" building for Immigration, Customs and Harbour Master

will be built directly in front of the marina, together with showers, toilets and washing machines, which will be

ready at the same time as the marina completion early 2005.

Meanwhile, there is ample room for many yachts to anchor in 4.0 to 7.0 meters with reliable holding in mud/clay at

Lat 01.28.47N and Long.103.43.37E. A floating pontoon dinghy dock is directly in front of the anchorage and has

a security guard on duty 24/7. All staff are exceptionally helpful and keen to meet yachties, particularly at BBQ's

they are planning to have when they get a good turn-up of yachts.

The marina will be part of a huge development covering 1,350 acres known as Danga Bay..."Vision City of the South"

which will have fully intergrated amenities for living in waterfront homes, apartments and resort hotels, serviced by

shopping malls, office blocks, recreation and medical facilities and located five kilometers by road to the centre of

Johor Baru City and the causeway to Singapore. Buses stops right outside the complex with a bus every few minutes

to and from JB and taxis pass by regularly. (See more details below).

Now already completed, up and running for the past 9 months and very well patronised by locals and Singaporeans,

is Phase 1 of the land development, which is a large complex called "Bay Leaf Food Park", featuring 20 different types

of food outlets including Malay, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Western and Seafood, all at very reasonable prices and in

spotlessly clean surroundings. A handy convenience store, like a 7-11, is open 24 hours. This whole area is covered

by a spectacular looking roof design of overlapping 'Bay Leafs', (like a scaled down version of Sydney Opera house),

and set in very attractive landscaped grounds and extensive boardwalks and parklands fronting the anchorage and

adjoining a clean white sandy beach.

Yachts going north or south via Malacca Straits, to/from Langkawi and Phuket might want to consider the following:

Avoid hassles in Singapore of having to find either of two check points on the water, and waiting to clear in/out with

the Immigration/Customs patrol boat and still then have to go into the city to check in/out with the Port Authority

and paying SGD$30.00 port dues and hefty marina fees....and running the gaunlet of shipping channels and newly

reclaimed sand fill areas extending 4.5 miles out to sea, which are not of course on current charts or C-Map.

OR...for yachts travelling to/from Bali, avoid adding another 80 miles return leg by diverting to Sebana Cove and

then dealing with costly and time consuming return ferry rides to/from Singapore. Half the day is spent in taxi's

and ferry boats and if you miss the last one back to Sebana you're looking at an overnight stopover in Singapore.

Alternatively it's now possible, if your height of mast is less than 25 meters from waterline, to sail 13 miles up the

western arm of Johor Straits, going past Raffles, (the super expensive Singapore marina) and under the centre span

of the Tuas Bridge, (a.k.a the "Second-Link" bridge), which has a minimum vertical clearance of 25 meters at HWS,

which is shown clearly painted above the centre span and confirmed on C-Map. Proceed upstream keeping close to

the Malaysian mainland all the way to waypoint Lat. 01.27.740 Long. 103.43.380 and make a turn to port at the

entrance to Danga Bay, (just after the fisherman houses on stilts on your right and floating fish farm on your left.).

From the entrance, which is about half a mile wide, you can see the prominent roofline of the complex noted above

and four 15 storey apartment blocks at the end of the bay, which are part of the Danga Bay development. Do not

cut the western corner.into the bay, where there are some rocks awash and sand banks, which are shown on charts

and C-Map. Stay close to the eastern shoreline, passing nearby three jetties for small fishing boats and anchor in

4.0 to 7.0 meters with excellent holding in mud/clay at around Lat 01. 28. 31N and Long.103. 43. 42E , which is

anywhere off the eastern shoreline, between the last fishing boat jetty and the Danga Bay floating pontoon jetty.

Please do not anchor beyond the Danga Bay floating pontoon jetty, which is the area reserved for water sports,

who are restricted to that area only and will not be encroaching into the yacht anchorage area. There has drying

sand banks off the shallow western shore, which are marked with a tall red light beacon in mid-stream of the bay.

Until the marina is completed check-in can be done with Immigration at the eastern side of the causeway, which is

only required if you're not already stamped into Malaysia. Check-in with Customs, who are next to Immigration,

is required by all boats and they will issue Port Clearance after check-out with the Harbour Master (Jabatan Laut),

which is 1km along the waterfront from the anchorage, towards the causeway. It's a large compound of blue roofed

buildings and you can see the white Jabatan Laut work boats and ships from the bus, which can stop at the end of

the compound, or it's about a 25 min walk along the waterfront, or 10 mins in a dinghy. Immigration check-out is not

required if stopping at further Malaysian ports, or until final checkout in Langkawi for Phuket or other destinations.

Immigration/Customs are open every day, but Harbour Master is closed Saturday afternoon and all day on Sunday.

All three departments are very relaxed and friendly and it's okay if it takes you 2 -3 days to check-in.

Immigration/Customs offices used only for yacht check-in/out are situated next to each other on the eastern side

(the other side ) of the causeway. They are a little hard to get to at the moment due to construction of the new

causeway bridge, so here are two different ways to get there in case one of them ceases to exist during bridge

construction. At the moment the easiest most direct way is to walk past the check-out booths for cars crossing the

causeway, (just past the causeway bus station described below and shown on the detailed location map available

on your arrival at the anchorage). Keep walking to the truck checkpoint and cross the railway line by the overhead

pedestrian bridge, which takes you to the Marine Police compound. Upon exiting the bridge walk diagonally across

the temporary cross-over bridge to the outdoor steps that go up to the next level of the cliff face. At the top turn left

and walk 100 meters to the Immigration building and Customs immediately alongside.

The second route takes a bit longer, but is perhaps more direct if you are in the vicinity of City Square. Enter the

overhead pedestrian bridge in JalanTun Abdul Razak, which crosses the railway line from City Square to the

rail station, and continue on the bridge until it exits at a gravelstone pathway with a mesh-wire fence either side.

Follow the path about 300 meters to the end and cross over the construction area to the roadway. On the other

side of the road is the entrance to "Kustom Komplex" with a sign reading "Welcome to the gateway the South ".

Customs are in the building on your right and Immigration is in the same arrival area immediately alongside.

You can not check-in/out yachts at any other location. As in all Malaysion ports there is no charge for any

check-in/out with any of the goverment departments. (You might want to print these directions for using later)

And a note for the future: When the work on the new bridge to replace the Singapore causeway is completed

around 2008 it will also have a 25 metre clearance for yachts and ships to pass under, enabling boats to travel the

whole length of Jahor Straits and by-pass Singapore waters completely. This will be particularly advantageous to

yachts wishing to sail to the east coast of Malaysia/Thailand, or travel further to/from Borneo and the Philippines.

Part Two: To ge in/out of JB and Singapore and around streets & shops, here's some info that should be helpful.

BUSES: stop for getting on/off ONLY at designated bus stops and you need to wave them down or they will

not stop. The bus stop to get into JB is a blue painted shelter directly opposite the southern entrance gate to

Danga Bay. All buses passing there go to JB and come every 2 to 3 minutes, so don't worry if you just miss one

The exact fare of RM1.10 (that's one Ringgit Malaysia & ten cents) p/person, one way to JB is required. Change

may be available after 0900 at the ticket counter in front of the kiddy rides on the waterfront inside Danga Bay

The journey is 5 km's and ends in Jalan Ah Fook (that's not a miss-print :-) in the city centre, next to the Indian

Temple, which is also the main bus stop for returning to Danga Bay. There are many buses with different

numbers/destinations shown in front, but all of them seem to pass Danga Bay, however it would be wise to

check with the driver first. The return arrival at Danga Bay is at the vehicle entrance gate, a little further down

from the pick-up point. You need to press the stop-buzzer or inform the driver well before the arrival point.

TAXIS: pass frequently , but many do not have meters and try to up the price with foreigners. The metered

fare is around RM5.00 to the centre of town, depending on the amount of traffic. Tell the driver to follow the

direct waterfront route all the way and not take the so called "fast freeway route" which circles the city.

MONEY CHANGERS: are everywhere in Jalan Ah Fook, there are at least eight of them side by side opposite

the Compact Hotel, one block back from the bus stop. Rates are US$1.00 = RM3.77, AUS$1.00 = RM2.70,

UK Pound 1.00 = RM6.50, Euro1 = RM4.50 They will not change US$100 bills printed in 1966 because of

past forgery problems. There are ATM machines in all banks. Two are close to the bus stop at Indian Temple.

SUPERMARKETS: The best by far is on level 2 of Plaza Kota Raya shopping mall, directly opposite the

Indian Temple and only 150 meters walk back to the bus stop. Another is in the basement of City Square,

one block up from the bus stop, but doesn't have any frozen or refrigerated goods or fruit/vegetables.

And next to City Square there's one more at ground level of Komtar which is okay, but has limited fresh

provisions and is a longer trek back to the bus stop.

E-MAIL: There are three Internet shops, the best being "Surf Link Cafe" on ground level at the base of the

only overhead pedestrian bridge in Jalan Ah Fook , (I love that name :-) almost next to the Public Bank Tower

and directly opposite City Square. ....so about two and a half blocks up from the bus stop. Rates are RM2.00

minimum for the first 40 minutes and 5 cents per minute thereafter, or RM3.00 per hour. There are a dozen

reasonably fast and reliable computers. The next is "Time Internet", at ground level of City Square, but

rates are RM4.00 per hour, which is also the minimum charge, regardless of how much time under one hour.

(Rip-off stuff!!). The last is on the ground level of Komtar, a little hard to find, tucked away in the far end

passageway at the opposite end from the supermarket. Rates are RM3.50 per hour and RM2.00 for half hour.

POST OFFICE: Is at the next bus stop after the Aminah Hospital, which is the large red brick sprawling

building that the bus passes, about 1km before the centre of town. So you need to either break your journey

in the bus and get another one into town, or walk the remaining 1km.

TELEPHONES: are at Telecom Malaysia, in Jalan Abdulla Ibraham, around the corner from Plaza Kota Raya.

Look for the tall communications tower on left hand side. Overseas calls can also be made from IDD shops

along Jalan Ah Fook opposite the Indian Temple area.

GAS BOTTLES: Empty Petronas or Shell bottles purchased in Malaysia can be exchanged for full bottles

through AZ Danga Marine by contacting the owner, Faizal on 013-7714411 who will arrange collection/return.

At the time of going to print a source of refilling other brands of gas bottles is yet to be found, but contact

Faizal for the latest update. (Faisal's wife, "Kin", is at the boat booking area at top of dinghy dock every day).

HARWARE SHOPS: Only two in central JB and both limited to basic items. (No stainless). One is opposite

City Square in Jalan Ah Fook, just one and a half blocks up from the bus stop, between the Indian Temple

and Public Bank Tower. There's a good range of galley items and bits & pieces of tools and general hardware.

The other, Teck Guan Hardware, is a small single shop three doors in off Jalan Tun Abdul Rajak and facing

the Mobil Service Station, which is opposite the bus station for buses to cross the Singapore causeway.

FUEL: Until a fuel dock is completed in 2005, fuel is available through AZ Danga Marine by contacting the

owner, Faizal on 013-7714411. Diesel in quantities of 200 liters or more can be delivered in 44 gallon drums by

pickup truck and pumped via 100ft hose from the top of the jetty to a yacht tied up in one of the pontoon berths.

Diesel in smaller quantities can be delivered in 25 liter jerry cans and emptied into tanks. Supply your own jerry

cans if you don't want to put into tanks immediately. Price, for either large or small quatities, is RM1.05 per liter,

but will increase if oil prices continue to go up. Petrol and separate two-stroke outboard oil is also available,

plus engine oil for diesels, oil filters, fuel filters, drives belts or any other automotive spares can be obtained if

sample or full details given. Locally made copies are often available, much cheaper than the original brand name.

WATER: Fresh, drinkable, potable water is available free of charge at the dinghy jetty any time by jerry cans

without prior permission, but for coming alongside and directly filling water tanks, contact Operations Manager

Kenny Koe 012-2982131 or ask any of the staff walking around with Danga Bay T shirts or ID tag to contact him

via "walkie-talkie", or try VHF channel 72. Yachts coming alongside for fuel or water are requested to move away

immediately after filling up.

LAUNDRY: The Malay word for laundry is "Dobi" and I'm told that there's several to choose from in Jalan Dobi,

which is shown on the location map, a couple of blocks south of the Indian Temple. Please let me know about

your successes and failures for future updates. If you're like me and do your own, the best idea is to fetch your

water in jerry cans, if you wish, and bring back to the boat. As the jetty is often busy during the day with boat

hire activity it's not suitable for doing laundry at the jetty.

COMMUNICATIONS: Within Danga Bay area VHF ch. 72 for call channel, then go to talk channel of your choice.

(In Langkawi and Phuket, VHF ch. 69 for call channel, then usually 68 or 72 for talking). The popular South East

Asian Maritime Mobile Net on 14.323.00 mgh starts at 00.25 UTC (0825 local) and weather is given at 00.55 (0855).

Net controller, Richard, invites you to give your position and generally ask any questions related to cruising.

As the name implies, it's a net specifically for yachts/ships at sea and calls using either your HAM call sign,

or if you prefer, just your boat name will also be welcomed.

RUBBISH: Bins are available in many locations within the complex, closest being at the top of the dinghy dock.

ANCHOR & CHAIN: An expert job of regalvanising anchors and/or chain can be done at very competitive rates

of RM3.00 per kg at a factory 30 km from Danga Bay. Speak to Faisal from AZ Danga Marine, 013-7714411, who

will arrange to remove the anchor and/or chain only and take care of delivery and return within 48 hours. The

average 60 meter chain is around 120 kg, (or 2kg per meter), plus the anchor if applicable, but you will receive a

computer read out of the acutal weight from the weighbridge at the factory. I've just had mine done and the

quality looks really good. Danga Bay anchorage is so well protected and the holding so good that you might

want to consider using only a secondary anchor with rode and chain during the regalvanising period.

BEER: Inside Danga Bay, Heinekin, Carlsberg or Tiger available at only the beachfront location of Shalala

Coffee Bar, next to water sports, or in Skuada Restaurant on the upper level of the main complex. In JB City

for beer and other mixes go to any 7-11 convenience store. There's two close together, one in Jalan Ah Fook

oppposite.the Indian Temple and the other in Jalan Meldrum, (the next street behind). Heinekin, Anchor,

Carlsberg, Tiger, Guinness Stout, all about RM7.50 p/can. Cartons of 24 are also available.

GENERAL SHOPPING: City Square, Plaza Kota Raya and Komtar are the main malls in central JB. Other large

malls about 2 - 3 km's out of town by bus or taxi are City Plaza, Pacific Mall, Pelangi Leisure Mall, Plaza Pelangi,

which are all within a few miles of each other. Buses leave only in front of the other side of City Square in Jalan

Tun Abdul Rajak, opposite the JB Railway Station. And of course the shopping in Singapore is fabulous.

SINGAPORE: By bus: Choice of three services, all departing from the JB - Singapore causeway bus station in

Jalan Tun Abdul Rajak, next to the JB Raiway Station. The first choice is the Express bus JB to Queen Street

depot, for RM2.40, but firstly ticket must be purchased from only one company, Sin Thai Mah Travel on the

ground level raised walkway of the Merlin Tower building opposite the JB - Singapore bus depot and facing

the Mobil Service Station You cannot pay for a ticket on the bus. Express return from Queen Street depot to

JB is Sing$2.40 Second choice are the regular buses # 170 or # 160, which stop at various locations enroute to

Queen Street Bus Depot, Singapore, which is the destination for both above bus services and one block from

Slim Lim Tower and Slim Lim Square, the favourite haunt of yachties looking to get the very latest and best in

marine and home electonics. Fare from JB to Singapore on #170 & #160 is RM1.80 Exact fare needed to pay

directly to driver. Return fare to JB is Sing$1.80. Change is given when ticket bought at Queen Street depot.

Third choice is the yellow "Causeway Link" bus from JB to Kranji MRT station for RM0.80 cents, then train to

destination of your choice. At some stage most people go to Orchard MRT to visit the big malls in Orchard Rd.

You can also walk about 1km, or catch a bus down Bencoolen St to Orchard Road from the Slim Lim Buildings.

IMMIGRATION: To depart Malaysia and cross into Singapore by bus, go to level one of the bus station

building as above. Get stamped out and return to bus departure area. The first waiting line is for the Express bus,

the next for the #170 or #160, then further along is the yellow bus Causeway Link waiting area. Keep your bus

ticket handy and when you cross over the causeway get off at the Singapore checkpoint, fill in the arrival card

and go to the "Foreign Passport" check-in line at the far right as you enter. Get stamped in, go through security

area and return to the bus and show your ticket. Upon returning to JB you do the same all over again. The bus

stops at the Malaysian checkpoint near where you started. Don't forget to take all belongings with you out of the

bus at each checkpoint. A good idea is to take a bundle of extra Malaysian/Singapore arrival/departure cards with

you for your next visit to Singapore to speed up the checkin/out procedure by completing the cards beforehand.

YACHT CHANDLERY: There are several in Singapore (none in JB). Possibly the best and easiest to get to is

Marintech Marketing, shop 14, level 2, Jalan Besar Plaza., 101 Kitchener Road, (cnr. of Jalan Besar), which is only a

15 min. (1km) walk from Slim Lim Tower along Jalan Besar, to corner of Kitchener Road , or if making a special trip,

take the MRT from Kranji to Farrer Park station, which is in Kitchener Rd, just one block to corner of Jalan Besar.

Tel: (65) 2988171 Speak to Jessie. E-mail: [email protected] They are open Mon-Friday and closed Sat/Sun.

WORLD SPACE RADIO: Wavelength Communications, shop 26, level 2, Slim Lim Square, Tel: (65) 332 2273

E-mail: [email protected] OR: at the ground floor, Mustaffa Centre, Syid Alwi Road, (Between

Jalan Besar & Serangoon Rd) Mustaffa's is a 5 level department and is worth a visit for all kinds of stuff..

HF, VHF, GPS.etc The basement at Slim Lim Tower has many stores with the widest range of equipment.

Try Blazer Electronics shop 17, or Suneast Pte Ltd shop 19/20 Or: in Slim Lim Square (opposite), Overseas

Communications System shop 79, level 3, or The Com Shop, shop 10, level 4, (Most of them have a great

deal on the latest model Icom waterproof hand held VHF's for about S$230. 00)

Please contact me if you find any details that need correcting, or a better, cheaper way of doing any of the

above items, which will be edited into future copies of this information.

Best regards and good sailing.

Bob McKean

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