Hole in the Wall, Langkawi
Anchorage Review: Hole in the Wall, Langkawi, Malaysia
06°24.879N, 99°51.893E – anchorage C on the Langkawi Island chart
Mooring buoys
The Southeast Asia Pilot entry does not identify a dependable public yacht mooring inside the Hole in the Wall. Moorings associated with fish farms or local boats should not be used without permission and a careful inspection. The skipper remains responsible for the tackle, depth, swinging room and suitability for the yacht. The normal option is to anchor in thick mud with ample room to swing.
Overview
The Hole in the Wall lies within the mangrove and limestone landscape of Kilim Geoforest Park on Langkawi’s northeast side. A narrow entrance opens into a remarkably enclosed circular basin, creating an anchorage that feels far removed from the island’s busier beaches and marinas.
The surrounding karst and rainforest form part of the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark. Once settled, crews can explore a web of mangrove creeks, caves, fish farms and small waterside restaurants by dinghy.
Anchoring
The Pulau Langguan and Hole in the Wall reference position is 06°24.879N, 99°51.893E, marked C on the Southeast Asia Pilot Langkawi chart. Between Pulau Langguan and Langkawi, the main channel is generally 8–10m deep. Approaching from the south, keep away from the western mud banks and favour the Pulau Langguan side until the mangrove entrance opens to port.
Enter the Hole in the Wall in approximately 7m, staying near the centre of the opening. Inside, the depth reduces to about 5m and the basin widens. Anchor in thick mud with generous swinging room, allowing for local boats, fish-farm structures and changing tidal streams.
Facilities
Fish farms and small restaurants lie near the internal jetty, and Wi-Fi has sometimes been available. All such services can change, so confirm arrangements after arrival rather than relying on them in advance.
The jetty connects by road and taxi to the rest of Langkawi. This makes the anchorage unusually convenient for a mangrove setting, but it is not a marina and crews should not assume access to fuel, water, repairs or waste disposal.
Eating & drinking ashore
The waterside restaurants are known for simple seafood and fried rice. Opening hours can follow tour-boat demand, particularly outside the main visitor season. Ask locally and retain an onboard alternative.
Highlights
Dinghy exploration is the principal pleasure. Mangrove passages lead beneath high limestone walls and towards small caves, with wildlife often visible along quieter branches. Keep speed low, minimise wash and give tour boats room in the narrower sections.
A longer expedition continues through the creeks towards Tanjung Rhu, roughly six miles each way. Carry ample outboard fuel, water and sun protection, note the tide, and leave enough daylight for the return journey.
Why we like it
Few Langkawi anchorages feel this enclosed without placing the yacht in a marina. The sheltered muddy basin, extraordinary approach and miles of dinghy exploration make the Hole in the Wall an anchorage with both practical appeal and a strong sense of discovery.
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