Kumai - Docking

Approach

Kumai lies about 10NM up the Kumai River. The river is best entered in daylight conditions and after low tide.  With rising waters, you will be pushed into the river by the tidal current. After entering, it is best to follow the directional lights and signals in the lower part of the river. After Teluk Kulang, stick to the middle of the river.

Cruisers have reported that Jeppsen C-Maps is a bit more detailed than Navionics charts in the river.

Anchorages:
River Delta

When arriving at the river delta, cruisers recommend anchoring just behind the protection of the mainland, just off the ship’s channel at 02° 53.83′ S – 111° 42.10′ E in 4m mud, well protected in W-NW wind.

If you arrive in the dark or at the wrong state of the tide, there is an anchorage with good holding (but a lot of currents) in Teluk Kulang, just behind the first bend of the river.

Suggested river waypoints can be found at this website link.

Kumai town

A recommended anchorage is approximately 100m from the eastern bank of the river, just in line with the freight ships, tug boats and barges waiting to be loaded with crude palm oil at the Kumai terminals (photo courtesy of Fritze von Berswordt). This position puts you just across from Kumai town, which is situated on the opposite bank of the river.

The river flows direction changes with each tide, but holding is good in mud and about 8m of water. The anchorage is safe, but be sure to apply reasonable security such as pulling up your dinghy at night and locking your boat when sleeping or not on board.

Another anchorage location reported by cruisers is just past a big navigation marker at 02° 44.23′ S – 111° 44.12′ in 11m mud, good holding, in a small yacht-designated anchorage near town.

Dinghies can be left at the speed boat dock between a restaurant (on stilts) to the left and a small supermarket to the right. It is best to tie it very close to shore below the stilted supermarket as you will then be out of the way of the busy speed boat captains and their colourful vessels.

If you are leaving your boat to take a tour up-river, an on-board watchman can be arranged via your guide.

Last updated:  August 2023