Three Ways
to Sail
Sabah
Each Velaris itinerary is designed around a specific stretch of Sabah's coast. Pick the format that fits the time you have and what you want to see.
Return HomeHow Each Voyage Is Structured
All Velaris tours share the same operational foundations — small groups, experienced crew, fresh food, and routes that use Sabah's geography rather than just crossing it.
Maximum six guests. The crew-to-guest ratio stays high throughout every voyage.
Departure and arrival times are set around tidal windows for each route.
All food is sourced and prepared the morning of departure. No catering packs.
Full safety briefing before departure. All equipment current. Weather assessed before sailing.
Island Sunrise Tour
A three-hour dawn departure from Kota Kinabalu, timed to catch sunrise over the South China Sea with Mount Kinabalu's silhouette as a backdrop. The yacht heads toward the Tunku Abdul Rahman islands, anchoring briefly at Sapi Island as first light illuminates the surrounding waters. A full breakfast — nasi goreng, fresh fruit, and Sabahan coffee — is served during the return leg. The crew can point out landmarks on both the mountain range and coastal strip. An early start, but one that rewards with a quiet, memorable morning.
Pre-dawn departure from Kota Kinabalu waterfront, safety briefing completed before casting off
Crossing to the TAR islands as dawn breaks — Mount Kinabalu visible on the port side on clear mornings
Brief anchor at Sapi Island in first light — crew narrates reef and coastal landmarks
Breakfast served on return leg — nasi goreng, seasonal fruit, fresh Sabahan coffee
Dinawan Island Full Day
A full-day excursion to Pulau Dinawan, a privately managed island south of Kota Kinabalu. The yacht anchors in a sheltered bay with water clarity that reveals the seabed several metres below. Activities include snorkeling over a house reef rich in soft corals, kayaking in the shallows, and beach time on a crescent-shaped shore. Lunch is a barbecue prepared on the yacht's stern: marinated chicken, grilled squid, and coconut rice. The island has a small nature trail through coastal forest. The yacht returns in the late afternoon with refreshments served during the crossing.
Morning departure from Kota Kinabalu with full safety briefing and snorkel gear fitting
Arrival at Dinawan — anchor in sheltered bay, guided snorkel briefing from Adi (marine guide)
Free time — snorkeling, kayaking, beach, or the coastal forest nature trail
Barbecue lunch on the stern — chicken, grilled squid, coconut rice, followed by afternoon at leisure
Late afternoon return to KK with refreshments served on crossing
Sabah West Coast Overnight
A two-day, one-night voyage south from Kota Kinabalu along the western Sabah coast to Pulau Tiga, known for its volcanic mud pools and surrounding reef system. The first day includes sailing, a swim stop, and arrival at Tiga by afternoon. The evening is spent at anchor with a full dinner and views of the sunset coast. The following morning, guests explore the island — the mud volcano, forest trails, and a snake island sandspit nearby. A brunch is served onboard before the return journey. Cabins are compact with ensuite facilities and comfortable bedding. All meals, activities, and crew services are part of the fare.
Day 1 morning departure with full briefing — south along Sabah's west coast with a swim stop en route
Afternoon arrival at Pulau Tiga — anchor in the sheltered bay, settle into cabins
Evening at anchor — full dinner served, sunset views of the Sabah west coast
Day 2 island exploration — mud volcano, coastal forest trails, snake island sandspit
Brunch onboard before return — afternoon arrival back in Kota Kinabalu
Which Tour Suits You?
A side-by-side view of what each itinerary covers.
| Feature | Sunrise | Dinawan Full Day | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours | Full day (~8h) | 2 days / 1 night |
| Price | MYR 1,250 | MYR 3,100 | MYR 5,150 |
| Destination | TAR / Sapi Island | Pulau Dinawan | Pulau Tiga |
| Snorkeling | |||
| Kayaking | |||
| Cabin Overnight | |||
| Best for | Early risers, those short on time | Snorkel enthusiasts, active days | Immersive experience, island exploration |
Across All Three Tours
Safety Protocol
Safety briefing delivered before departure. PFDs fitted for all guests. VHF radio and EPIRB aboard at all times.
Food Quality
Ingredients sourced on the morning of each departure. Meals planned per tour type, dietary needs accommodated with advance notice.
Marine Conservation
No anchoring over live reef. Single-use plastics not used. Reef briefing before snorkel activities on all water-entry tours.
Vessel Standard
Six-monthly technical inspection. Pre-departure checks before each voyage week. MMEA certification current.
Weather Assessment
Marine forecasts monitored up to 24 hours before departure. Guests informed early if conditions require rescheduling.
Pre-Voyage Information
Confirmed booking includes detailed pre-voyage notes — what to bring, departure point, timing, and any relevant conditions.
Tour Prices, All-Inclusive
No dock-side additions. What you see is what you pay.
- Barbecue lunch
- Snorkel gear & kayaks
- Marine guide briefing
- Full day on the island
Unsure Which Tour Fits?
Send us a message with your travel dates and how much time you have — we'll help you decide which tour makes the most sense.
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