langkawi magazine
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Renewing your Malaysian Visa - Visa Runs
It's usually difficult to obtain a visa extension in Malaysia, but from Langkawi renewing your visa couldn't be easier by taking the short ferry ride to Satun in Thailand, then returning to get a new entry stamp.
There are four ferries a day (RM20, one hour), at 0930, 1100, 1500 and 1700 to Tamalang Pier, about 10km south of Satun. Check in and then catch the next ferry back (the last leaving Tamalang at 1600 Thai time — an hour behind Malaysia), or take a song taew (10-20 baht) or a taxi (40 baht) into Satun to spend the day or longer.
Satun is a pleasant little city where crews based in Langkawi often come to get a taste of Thailand. It's predominantly Muslim, with not a lot to see, but its lack of tourists is part of its charm. It's a interesting place to spend a couple of days. People are genuinely friendly.
Also there are at least two decent hardware stores in Satun where you can find bargains on stainless bits, though don't expect yacht chandlery. This is also the easiest route for travelling overland to Phuket, Hat Yai or Bangkok.
2003
