Cruise S-E Asia

[rumrunner]

Each night on one of our National radio stations, there is a program called “Asia Pacific” .During which OZ reporters file interesting stories on the region. Last night I listened and was interested in an interview from Kuala Lumpur where one Minister said more development is needed throughout the region to cater for the increase in cruising yachts visiting the area. He stressed more marinas will have to be built, more security provided etc. etc

Now those of us, who wouldn’t sail across Manila Bay without a patrol boat escort, may have the chance of cruising in fantastic waters in the future. Take the Philippines, there are some magnificent cruising grounds, however at present I wouldn’t go there, because of the “pirates” … Perhaps in the future there will be an opening to visit these destinations. Certainly the authorities in S-E Asia are aware of the tourist potential, and now need to develop the infrastructure …..Interesting

rumrunner....

[dnelson]

Just replacing the marinas damaged by the tsunami would be a good start. KL however talks big, but as one of the most corrupt governments in the region, I wouldn't count on anything happening but some ministers getting a few "porkies".

[quiver]

Curious what the net plus is of the yachting industry for Malaysia, how many jobs it will create vs other types of tourism... Langkawi has come a long way in a few years in the race with Phuket, though it is still hard in Langkawi to find good people to work on your boat. The engine guys are often fellow cruisers and if you need a good electrical guy, say, because you were hit by lightning, it's best to bring up someone from Phuket. Not sure how quickly after you build a few marinas you can expect the trained local people to appear.