Built Around a Love for Sabah's Waters
Cerulith began as a modest idea held by a small group of sailors and naturalists who had spent years exploring the reefs and islands off Kota Kinabalu's coast — and wanted others to experience them properly.
Back to HomeFrom Local Sailors to a Trusted Tour Operator
Cerulith was founded in Kota Kinabalu with a straightforward purpose: to offer yacht-based experiences of Sabah's marine environment that felt considered, calm, and genuine — rather than rushed or commercially hollow.
Our founders had spent years navigating these waters — from the sheltered channels of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park to the open sea approaches to Mantanani and beyond. They knew the currents, the best anchoring spots, and the hours when the reefs were at their most alive. What they also knew was that most visitors never quite got close to that experience.
Starting with a single vessel and a handful of regular clients, Cerulith grew steadily — built on word of mouth, repeat guests, and a crew who genuinely cared about both the sea and the people sailing on it. Today we operate three distinct voyage types, each designed to suit a different pace and level of adventure.
Our address is 42 Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens — close to Jesselton Point, where most of our departures begin. We are a small team by design, and that's a decision we've made deliberately.
What We're Here to Do
We are here to connect people with the sea in a way that is unhurried, responsible, and grounded in genuine knowledge of the places we visit.
Honest Experiences
No inflated itineraries or overcrowded decks. We describe what each voyage involves and deliver on it — nothing more, nothing less.
Marine Stewardship
Sabah's reefs are not ours to exhaust. We operate within marine park regulations, brief guests on reef conduct, and avoid anchor damage on living coral.
Community Connection
Our crew is local, our suppliers are Sabah-based, and we actively support the small coastal communities whose livelihoods are tied to healthy seas.
A Small Crew with Deep Experience
Razif Harun
Founder & Captain
Twenty years navigating Sabah's coastal waters, from the Sulawesi Sea approaches to the quieter southern passages. Holds Maritime Malaysia Class 2 certification.
Siti Juliana
Marine Guide & Divemaster
A PADI-certified divemaster with a degree in marine biology from Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Leads reef briefings and underwater ecology commentary on all expeditions.
Azwan Tamrin
Operations & Guest Services
Manages day-to-day logistics and guest communications. Azwan's background in hospitality means enquiries are answered promptly and embarkation is smooth.
How We Operate
These aren't aspirations — they're the baseline conditions under which every Cerulith voyage takes place.
Maritime Malaysia Certified
All vessels hold current certification under Malaysian maritime law. Annual surveys are completed without exception.
Current Safety Equipment
Life jackets, flares, first-aid kits, and emergency communication equipment are checked and replaced on schedule.
Trained First Aiders
At least one crew member certified in first aid and CPR is present on every voyage, regardless of duration.
Marine Park Compliance
We operate within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park regulations and cooperate with the Sabah Parks authority on all relevant matters.
Weather Monitoring
Our captains monitor sea state and weather forecasts from multiple sources before each departure. Voyages are paused when conditions fall below acceptable thresholds.
Guest Data Privacy
Booking information is held securely and used only for voyage logistics and communication. We do not share or sell personal data.
Yacht Tours from Kota Kinabalu — What Sets Cerulith Apart
Operating from Jesselton Point in central Kota Kinabalu, Cerulith covers three primary sailing areas: the five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the Mantanani archipelago northwest of Kota Belud, and the northwest Sabah coast toward Pulau Tiga. Each area has its own character — from the busier but still beautiful TAR Park to the quieter coral gardens of Mantanani and the raw coastal beauty of a two-day passage.
Sabah's maritime environment is among the most biodiverse in Southeast Asia. The waters surrounding Kota Kinabalu host a remarkable variety of coral species, reef fish, sea turtles, and — seasonally — whale sharks in nearby passages. Responsible access to these ecosystems requires local knowledge, proper permits, and a crew that understands the difference between showing guests something and disturbing it.
Cerulith was built with these considerations at its centre. Our approach to yacht touring in Sabah reflects a belief that the best way to experience tropical sea environments is slowly, with proper context, and without pressure. Guests who sail with us tend to return — or to refer others. That, more than any other indicator, tells us we're doing the work correctly.
Ready to See Sabah from the Sea?
Send us a message — we're happy to talk through the right voyage for your group, schedule, or experience level.
Contact Cerulith