Meet the boat.
Sotong is a 13-metre sailing catamaran: two hulls, a big shaded deck and a trampoline net at the front where most people end up lying face down, watching the water.
We named her after the squid that swim under the jetty lights at night. She has fewer arms, but more cold drinks.
Built in South Africa in 2014, sailed to Penang in 2021, repainted twice since.
12 guests at most · shade over the whole deck · marine toilet · fresh-water shower
Hafiz steers. Mei Ling swims.
Kapten Hafiz Ismail learned the current around Muka Head on his uncle's fishing boat. Siew Mei Ling is a dive instructor who can find a seahorse in seagrass, and will tell you about it.
Look, don't touch.
We hand out reef-safe sunscreen at the gangway and ask you to leave the coral exactly as you found it. The fish have been here longer than the hotels.
Getting to the jetty
By car or Grab
About 40 minutes from George Town. Ask for the Batu Ferringhi jetty; beach parking costs RM 5.
By bus
Rapid Penang 101 from Weld Quay or KOMTAR. Get off at the night market stop and walk to the sand.
From your hotel
Staying on the Batu Ferringhi strip? Walk along the beach. Look for the pink flag on the jetty.