Sabah, on the northern tip of the island of Borneo, is an ideal destination for boaters sailing the South East Asian region. Whether here to enjoy sailing whilst escaping the Thai winter or cruising the waters south of Hong Kong, the crystal clear waters of Borneo beckon with endless new discoveries and exciting adventures.

Sabah is easily accessed from Hong Kong, with potential stop-overs at Subic Bay and Palawan Island in the Philippines or from Phuket.

We have included a potential itinerary from Thailand to assist boaters from this region:

Overnight on Pulau Langkawi, an ideal collection of several tropical islands in Malaysia's Northern State of Kedah. Langkawi is a favourite destination for tourists seeking sun, sea and sand. Several world-class resorts dot the many idyllic bays and coves.

Here checkout formalities can be completed and duty-free stores taken on board before setting off along the Malaysian coastline to Singapore, and on to East Malaysia and Sabah.

The island town of Penang is well worth a visit. It has retained a strong old Chinatown ambience that has disappeared from places like Singapore and Macao and is rich in British colonial heritage.

Yachts may anchor off the customs pier. Beware, the currents are fierce and holding poor. The suspension bridge, high enough for yachts to pass under, links Penang to Georgetown on the mainland with road and rail links. Penang also has an international airport.

Lumut, on the Dindings River, is protected by Pangkor Island, 100 miles north-east of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

In the river are a large naval station and the Lumut International Yacht Club Marina. Up further are two small yacht bases with moorings, the Perak Yacht Club and Kampung Bahru. This deep river is a favourite for budget cruisers needing to leave their boats for extended periods.

Port Klang is the commercial port of the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Within the estuary waters of Port Klang harbour are various locations to anchor overnight. The well-established Royal Selangor Yacht Club is the most convenient for check- in and facilities.

A call into Port Klang has the advantage of avoiding night passage through the One Fathom banks shipping channel, where large tankers are often encountered.

On route to Singapore, the old colonial ports of Port Dickson and Malacca may be interesting stopovers. Port Dickson, 150 miles up the coast from Singapore, features a recently opened Admiral Marina Club Marina.

Singapore has several first class marinas, including the Raffles Marina on the West Coast, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club on the south coast and Pongol, Loyang and Changi Sailing Club in the east.

Singapore is the ideal location to stockup on additional store items and to attend to any maintenance and repairs required.

The journey from Singapore across the South China Sea may take yachts up to three days for passage. There are few places for mooring overnight, but several island stop-overs may be possible.