Sail into a golden horizon with these sunset cruises in Malaysia

Port Dickson is one of the places in Malaysia that offers sunset cruises. — Pexels

One moment you’re admiring the cascade of golden rays, the next you’re in awe of the city lights piercing through the gradually darkening skyline.

This describes the scenic view that you can expect on a sunset cruise in Malaysia. As the country is blessed with abundant bodies of water, you can choose to cruise along its rivers, lakes or seas.

Other than locations, you can also customise or even curate your own cruise itinerary. You can choose to have dinner while cruising, opt for a private charter or share with other guests, and even have live performances onboard.

Since Malaysia has no landlocked states, you will likely have the chance to go on such cruises no matter where you spend your domestic holidays.

Here are a few places that you can check out the next time you’re considering a sunset cruise.

Putrajaya

Maybe you’ve only visited Putrajaya for official business, since it is the federal administrative centre of Malaysia. But if you do visit the place for leisure you may just find yourself treated to a relaxing weekend escapade.

By the time the skies blush as pink as the dome of the famed Putra Mosque, the city has begun to wind down for the day. Most people are taking leisurely strolls or sitting by Putrajaya Lake, chatting amicably.

You can do the same or opt for an even more exciting way to enjoy the lake, which, spanning 650ha, is one of the largest artificial urban lakes in the country.

Cruise Tasik Putrajaya, located near the Putra Mosque, offers packages that include sunset sailings.

You can book a later time if you want to have dinner on the ship, and lounge on the outdoor decks after that to admire the city’s illuminated skyline and bridges. Dining packages typically last 90 minutes to two hours.

For a romantic evening, choose the Perahu Dondang Sayang. You’ll get to enjoy dinner in a more intimate setting aboard the smaller traditional boat.

Cruise along Kuching’s Sarawak River as the sun sets over the city. — Sarawak River Cruise website

Kuching, Sarawak

If you want to have dinner while cruising along a river, head to Sarawak. The 120km-long Sarawak River passes through the state capital, Kuching, and the Sarawak River Cruise is one of its main tourist attractions.

Book a sunset session, which lasts for about 90 minutes, to get a breathtaking view of the cat-centric city bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

Other than admiring Mother Nature’s handiwork, you can also enjoy cultural performances, such as Bidayuh bamboo dances and traditional music, aboard the ship. Dinner option will include the traditional Sarawak kek lapis for dessert.

Royal Kuching Cruise and Sarawak Traditional Boat Cruise are other river cruise options that you can check out in the city.

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Maritime activities are abundant in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. As it sits facing the South China Sea, the city is a well-known destination for island-hopping and beach activities.

Come evening, you will notice another popular activity: sunset watching.

Locals and tourists alike flock to the cafes and restaurants lining the coast, choosing spots that will give them the perfect evening view.

For an added layer to this experience, you can watch the sunset from the deck of a boat instead.

There are a few cruise options to choose from, including Sunset Party Boat Cruise and Seatango Sunset Cruise.

There’s also the North Borneo Cruises, through which you can choose either the sunset dinner cruise that features a buffet and live band, or the waterfront night cruise that offers a nighttime view of the city’s lively esplanade.

These sunset cruises usually run for about two hours. The party options tend to run longer, up to three or four hours.

Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan

When visiting Port Dickson, the coastal destination in Negri Sembilan, you’ll want to give cruising on the Strait of Malacca a try.

Of course, choose a sunset package with dining option so you’ll get to really relish the experience. The standard duration for this cruise is around 90 minutes, but it can go longer, up to three hours, if it includes a themed package.

For example, the Dickson Dragon Cruise, has a “saltwater jacuzzi”. Basically, a large trawling net is attached to the back of the yacht and lowered into the sea. Passengers can then either sit or stand in the net, as the boat moves around slowly.

This is a fun family-friendly activity as children from as young as seven years old are allowed to participate in it.

Sunset cruises in Penang would typically take guests past the Penang Bridge. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

Penang

Located further north on the same strait is none other than Penang. The island portion of this state is highly popular for both land and water-related activities.

Sunset cruises are, of course, among the fun activities that most tourists go for here.

One of the cruise routes passes by the 13.5km-long Penang Bridge, where you can take a photo with the bridge glowing golden in the setting sun. You can also lounge in the saltwater jacuzzi as you take in the sunset view.

Another route heads toward Monkey Beach, locally known as Teluk Duyung, which is part of the Penang National Park.

Day cruises might include a stop at the beach, but sunset cruises typically don’t. But you can still enjoy cruising along its lush coastline. This will give you the chance to appreciate the beautiful view of the rainforest as the sun goes down.

An even more secluded option is the Turtle Beach route. Also known as Pantai Kerachut, it is also part of the national park.

These sunset cruises usually run for 90 minutes to two hours. But again, with add-ons, they can last up to five hours.

Langkawi, Kedah

As a popular island destination in Kedah, Langkawi certainly has no shortage of water-themed activities. You might have even tried a few at Pantai Cenang, the most visited beach on the island.

Langkawi also has several sunset cruises to choose from. These ones run for quite long, around three to four hours.

That’s because a standard cruise includes a barbecue or buffet dinner and an even open bar – of course, there are also halal cruise packages available. Upbeat tunes are played on the yacht to keep the atmosphere buzzing long after the sun goes down.

Saltwater jacuzzi makes an appearance, too. So you can lie down in the net and bob along on the waves, sipping your drink of choice as you watch the sun set over the horizon.