Dropping Anchor: The Top 5 Luxury Marinas in Southeast Asia
For the luxury traveler, the marina is more than just a parking spot for a boat; it is a gateway to a destination. In Southeast Asia, the yachting infrastructure has exploded in quality over the last decade. Gone are the days of rickety wooden docks. Today, we have world-class facilities that rival Monaco and Fort Lauderdale.
If you are planning a charter through the archipelagos of Thailand, Indonesia, or Malaysia, these are the top five marinas where you can dock in style.
1. ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove (Singapore) This is the gold standard. Located in the exclusive Sentosa Cove enclave, ONE°15 is a playground for the ultra-wealthy. The facilities are immaculate, featuring a clubhouse with fine dining, a gym, and a stunning infinity pool. It is regularly voted the best marina in Asia. It’s the perfect starting point for any Southeast Asian voyage, offering top-tier provisioning and repair services.
2. Phuket Boat Lagoon (Thailand) Phuket is the yachting hub of Thailand, and the Boat Lagoon is its heart. It was Thailand’s first marina complex and remains one of its best. What sets it apart is the surrounding infrastructure—it’s essentially a self-contained village with luxury condos, restaurants, and repair shops. It has a resort-like vibe that makes it a great place to stay even if you aren’t sleeping on your boat.
3. Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (Malaysia) Langkawi is a duty-free haven, making it a favorite for yacht owners. The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club is situated in Kuah Town and offers 250 berths. The architecture is stunning, resembling a traditional ship. The club is famous for hosting the Royal Langkawi International Regatta. The views of the limestone karsts jutting out of the Andaman Sea are breathtaking.
4. Bali Marina (Indonesia) Located in Benoa Harbour, this is the primary entry point for yachts entering Bali. While it is smaller and slightly older than its counterparts in Singapore, it has a rugged, authentic charm. It is the gateway to the Indonesian archipelago. The marina is quiet, secure, and offers essential services for those preparing to sail to Komodo or Raja Ampat.
5. Ocean Marina Jomtien (Pattaya, Thailand) For those exploring the Gulf of Thailand, this is the largest marina in the region. It caters to superyachts and hosts one of the biggest boat shows in Asia. The attached yacht club hotel is massive, and the location offers easy access to the islands of Koh Chang and Koh Samet.
The Future of Asian Yachting The infrastructure is only getting better. With new developments planned for Vietnam and the Philippines, the “Asian Riviera” is becoming a reality. For the discerning captain, these marinas offer not just safety for the vessel, but a luxury lifestyle for the crew and guests.