Malacca
Malacca City is in southwestern Malaysia. Jonker Street, the main thoroughfare of Chinatown, is famous for its antique shops, shoe shops, delicious food, and night market. We left our boat at the marina and split the cost of a rental car with our friends, Wayne and Debbie. We were excited to explore Malacca. During our […]
Island Head Creek
Island Head Creek is in the Capricorn Coast’s Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area. It is a nationally important wetland and a wonderful place to shelter during a strong wind warning. You can enjoy fishing, crabbing, and leisurely walks on the beautiful white beaches. The beach is home to soldier crabs, which create a sight reminiscent […]
Cape Weymouth
Cape Weymouth was a lovely little spot for a stopover. The anchorage was a welcome relief from the wind and an attractive spot and a great place to enjoy a beverage. During our stroll around the area we came across this ‘Cairn’. For those who don’t know the meaning of Cairn, it comes from the […]
Cape Melville
Have you ever come across a pile of rocks that seem to have been strategically placed by some unseen hand? That’s Cape Melville for you. Its granite boulders are not just rocks, they are a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature. We were drawn in by their sheer size and beauty and couldn’t resist […]
Lizard Island
Our journey led us to the unique Watsons Bay Lizard Island. Despite the challenging sail with 35-knot gusts, the destination was a sight to behold. The pristine, crystal-clear ocean-blue water and the vibrant coral reefs were like a scene from a postcard. Anchoring in Watson’s Bay, a protected anchorage, we were shielded from the south-easterly […]
Brook Island
Located amidst breathtaking scenery, Brook Island National Park sits 136 kilometres northwest of Townsville and 30 kilometres northeast of Cardwell, accessible by boat with the added convenience of mooring buoys. We were intrigued by the island’s wartime past. In 1944, prisoners were said to have been subjected to a mustard gas experiment. This uninhabited island […]
Dunk Island
We have visited Dunk Island twice. The first visit was before Cyclone Yasi. We anchored in Brammo Bay, near the jetty. During our first visit, the island was a vibrant hub of activity, and I was captivated by its beauty, sandy beaches, and lush rainforest. Approaching the island, we exercised caution in choosing our anchorage […]
Torres Strait Islands
Torres Strait Islands Torres Strait, which separates Australia’s Cape York Peninsula from Papua New Guinea (PNG). The islands are home to many rare and unique species, such as the endangered dugong and various turtle species, as well as saltwater crocodiles, some of which are enormous. We affectionately call the very large crocs “Granddaddys.” We had a […]
Bohey Dulang Island
Moored at Bohey Dulang Island, our temporary haven, we disembarked for a few hours, intending to tackle the Bohey Dulang Nature Trail. Unfortunately, heavy rainfall had triggered mudslides, rendering the 650-meter steep ascent impassable. We were disappointed that we didn’t get to see those breathtaking views. Our anchorage is a 45-minute speedboat ride from Semporna’s […]
Equator Crossing
The moment arrived when our navigation systems indicated that we had reached the exact coordinates. The feeling was surreal as we stood at the meeting point of two of the Earth’s most fundamental lines. It was not just a geographical intersection; it symbolised our journey coming together at a point that held historical and navigational […]
Our Dives
Diving off Raja Ampat Diving off Manado Diving off Sipadan Sue and I went diving on a P47 Plane Wreck, The “Santa Maria,” just off the Island of Jerief, Raja AmpatCoordinates: 0°42’10.8″S, 130°42’00.0″E [presto_player id=3777]
Singapore
At 8:15 am, armed with our passports, we board the bus to the Singapore checkpoint. A swift exit ensues as everyone rushes through customs and back onto the bus. Upon reaching Singapore, our quest for boat parts leads us to a Chandlery, but unfortunately, our needs remain unfulfilled. Opting for a visit to the vibrant […]
Tawau
The lively Tawau Yacht Club set the stage for a joyful reunion with friends John and Sara. Tawau’s restaurants delighted us with great food and drink, allowing us to indulge in exploring the local cuisine. Our days were occupied with exploring and shopping, and Sara and I were fortunate to find a superb shoe shop […]
Samporna
Leaving our picturesque anchorage, we navigated to Semporna port opposite the Seafest Hotel, a vibrant harbor filled with local fishing boats. Stilt homes lined the surroundings, and locals warmly waved, observing the arrival of new visitors. Exploring the Dragan Inn floating hotel offered an intriguing walk, with bustling market stalls, vendors eager to sell, and […]
Thailand
Tanjung Pinang
We anchored Sedna in Tanjung Pinang Harbour. We enjoyed a visit to to the 500 Lohan Buddhist Temple which is situated on a hill in Tanjungpinang city, Bintan Island. You’ll find the Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, also known as the 500 Lohan Temple. The 500 Lohan Temple, also known as Vihara Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, has […]
Kuching
On our way to Kuching Motor-sailing aboard our Lagoon Catamaran Sedna as part of the Sail Malaysia Rally Passage to the East, our next destination is Kuching, Malaysia, following a delightful visit to Natuna Island in the South China Sea. While cruising, flying fish respond to our motors, showcasing their remarkable speed and agility. A […]
Kudat
We visited the northernmost tip of Borneo and spent several fun-filled days enjoying the Kudat Festival. The festival includes a strong man competition. The guys from the Sail Malaysia Rally were a little reluctant to enter the competition, happy just to watch from the sidelines. I can’t say I blame them! I’m not sure how […]
Sandakan
Sandakan North Borneo Malaysia The Sail Malaysia Rally collaborated with Trash Hero Volunteers and local community members for a major cleanup at Pasir Putih Beach. The beach was littered with a considerable amount of plastic waste, including diapers, fishing nets, plastic bottles, and wrappers. Thanks to their efforts, the beach was restored to its original […]
Bandar Seri Begawan
Brunei is not what we expected; it is a wealthy country with an oil-rich Sultan. Oil is the source of all wealth in Brunei. The Sultan has a larger home than most people: his palace, with 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, five swimming pools, a mosque, a banquet hall that holds 5,000 people, 200 air-conditioned horse […]
Nunukan
Our last evening in Nunukan was a mix of intrigue and surprise. We started with a delightful $3 roti bread from a local warang. The unexpected highlight was chancing upon a local crowd gathered for trance dances. Kuda Lumping, or Jahtilan, is a trance dance with ancient roots in pre-Islamic Indonesia. It was originally thought […]
Iluka
We reached Riverside Holiday Park in Iluka after a 5-hour drive, typically a 3-hour journey from Redlands (Our Home) in normal traffic conditions. Accompanied by family reconnecting with friends from Lismore, we were glad to finally arrive at 6:00 p.m. Our caravan site turned out to be smaller than we had anticipated, requiring a second […]
Central Sulawesi
We’ve had an incredible time cruising through central Sulawesi, stopping at Tolitoli and Buol. The warmth of the Indonesian people, always smiling, adds to the charm and they have impressed us with their wonderful hospitality. Assigned to each vessel are our guides; they were waiting for us at the harbour pier shortly after our arrival. […]
Lombok
In Medana, Lombok, Indonesia, traditional transportation includes Cidomo horse and cart, motorcycles, or hiring a car with a driver. Having departed Australia two months ago, we found ourselves in September, eager to replenish our meat supply. A short drive to Batu Layar from Medana Marina led us to The Cowshed Butchershop, our go-to spot for […]
Bali to Samarang – Java
Mt Agung volcano was our motivation to leave Bali earlier than expected. The Australian Government issued a travel warning, so we sailed to Palau Gilivan. We planned to sail to Semarang; Mark needed some routine blood tests completed, and then we could catch up with the rally. Motor sailing along the East Java Coastline was […]
Lovina Beach-Bali
The rally was anchored outside the resort at Palau Bali. It is the quieter side of the island. There was beautiful weather when we were there, close shops, and the food at the resort was terrific. It was a beautiful anchorage, and we were thankful to be in such a nice place.We enjoyed a day […]
Limeburners NP
Limeburners National Park is hidden between South West Rocks and Port Macquarie in a charming coastal National Park called Point Plomer. The drive from South West Rocks along the Macleay River is picturesque, with the road being mostly bitumen, except for a 3km stretch of dirt track. The park does not allocate a specific area […]
Girvan
Upon reaching Girvan, one cannot ignore an extraordinary sight – an unconventional property that seems like a high-rise building in the midst of a rural setting, yet it is a towering ten-floor house. Our camping experience was fantastic, as we secured a prime spot on our friend’s property with an elevated view of the mountains. […]
Gloucester
The journey from Booti Booti to Gloucester provided a picturesque drive, and despite the numerous bends in the road, the trip was easily manageable. The Gloucester Holiday Park is situated along the Gloucester River, and the town is at the foothills of the Bucketts Mountain Range. The Holiday Park is on 20 acres. It is […]
Booti Booti
Despite booking three nights, we only endured one due to our campsite’s proximity to the noisy road, amplified by an 80km speed limit. Wind and rain, along with frequent strong wind warnings, spoiled our stay. We suggest considering only fair weather for a visit and exercising caution about advance bookings. Nonetheless, we enjoyed a drive […]