January 2019

Cruising Destination of the month: Singapore

Singapore sits at one of the most crucial maritime crossroads in the world, and this since ancient history. While this buzzing modern metropolis attracts millions of visitors each year and is at the cutting edge of many activities and entertainment options, superyacht cruising and charter are still quite undeveloped in the region. The bulk of yachts based in Singapore itself are smaller vessels usually used for day trips and short term cruising in the local islands. Whilst a worthwhile pursuit in itself, most superyacht charters will want one week or more itineraries and to travel further afield. This market is slowly developing, with a number of yachts relocating from other parts of South East Asia (especially Thailand/Myanmar) to be based in or near Singapore between May and October. As well as the obvious ease of travel in and out of such an international hub and the outstanding infrastructure on offer, starting trips in Singapore also offers the possibility of combining a cruise with annual events like the Singapore Food Festival, Singapore International Festival of the Arts or the Great Singapore Sale. Travel in July and August often allows drier conditions whilst slightly less heat than earlier in the season.

Having enjoyed Singapore itself for a few days on shore yachts will tend to then move into the nearby islands, the closest of which are the Riau archipelago, a part of Indonesia, just to the south of Singapore. The main islands of Batam and Bintan are the most popular, and the most easily accessed, offering great beaches and a growing luxury infrastructure. The multitude of neighbouring islands offers many options to experience unspoilt nature including mangroves and more superb beaches and watersports activities. Still part of the Riau islands but a good day’s sail to the north-east are the beautiful Anambas islands providing a more off-the-beaten-track feel and superb beaches, waters and corals. There are good scuba diving sites throughout these islands too. Beautiful lagoons can be found on Pantai Selat Rangsang, Pulau Bawah and Pulau Rongkat where tidal variations connect the various islands together with glistening white sand banks.

Another exhilarating day’s sail takes you to the Natuna islands, slowly attracting more yachts looking for untouched destinations, and all this made more possible by the easing of restrictions on yachts entering Indonesian waters. They offer everything you would imagine of unspoilt tropical islands with mountains falling directly into crystal clear waters, with beautiful beaches, corals to delight divers and snorkellers alike.

Increasingly popular destination from Singapore is the Malaysian island of Tioman, made up of the large Tioman island and a number of smaller islands such as Tulai and Sibu. In addition to the scuba diving, snorkelling and beach attractions, there is good fishing in the area. The larger size of Tioman island itself also allows for shore based activities such jungle treks and waterfall visits. There are some excellent resorts on the island such as JapaMala, as well as an 18 hole golf course, and more are being developed.

With an increasing number of superyachts cruising and chartering in South East Asia, Singapore will once again benefit from its strategic location as yachts pass through when relocating seasonally between the Andaman sea and Indonesia or the Gulf of Thailand, but also those on round the work voyages heading to or from the Pacific. Stopping in Singapore makes sense from a logistics and amenities point of view, and now more than ever as a perfect base to explore the wonders of the surrounding area.

Article supplied by CharterWorld.com / Nicolas Benazeth, Director of Charter

Email Marketing news@charterworld.com