Our Story
A Company Shaped by the Strait
Selanu was founded in George Town with a simple intention: to offer thoughtful, unhurried yacht journeys to those who want to know Penang's waters rather than merely cross them.
Back to HomeWho We Are
Founded Where Sea Meets Shore
Selanu began with a vessel and a chart. In 2016, our founder Rahim Iskandar — a third-generation Penang mariner — converted a traditional trading route into something quite different: a curated passage for guests who wanted to see these waters slowly.
The name Selanu traces back to an old nautical term used among the fishing communities of the northern Strait, describing the particular quality of light that falls across the water in the early morning — a term without precise translation, but immediately understood by anyone who has been on deck at dawn.
Over the years, we've grown our fleet carefully and our crew thoughtfully. We still depart from the same jetty at Persiaran Gurney. The routes have expanded, but the approach remains the same: small groups, qualified crew, and voyages measured by experience rather than distance covered.
Our mission is straightforward — to connect people with Penang's maritime heritage in a way that feels considered and personal, not transactional.
Our Crew
The People Behind Each Voyage
Rahim Iskandar
Founder & Head Captain
A third-generation Penang mariner with over twenty years navigating the Strait of Malacca. Rahim holds a Marine Department of Malaysia Class 1 Certificate and personally leads all extended coastal expeditions.
Nora Nazihah
Guest Experience & Bookings
Nora manages all guest enquiries, voyage planning, and onboard hospitality coordination. With a background in heritage tourism, she ensures each itinerary feels tailored rather than templated.
Siew Lin
Marine Cook & Provisions
Siew Lin prepares all onboard meals for the two-night expedition, sourcing ingredients from Penang's markets and fishing communities. Her menus reflect the coastal regions the yacht passes through.
Standards
How We Operate
Every voyage departs from a foundation of certifications, protocols, and practices maintained consistently — not selectively.
Marine Department Certification
All captains hold current Marine Department of Malaysia Certificates of Competency. Vessels carry valid Certificates of Survey and Insurance.
Safety Equipment & Briefings
Life jackets for all guests including children, fire extinguishers, flares, first aid kit, and EPIRB aboard every vessel. Safety briefing given before each departure.
Continuous Radio Contact
VHF radio communication with the Marine Rescue Coordination Centre maintained throughout all voyages. Weather conditions monitored from departure to return.
Environmental Care
No single-use plastic onboard. Waste returned to port. Anchoring practices follow marine park guidelines. Guests encouraged to observe marine life respectfully and from a distance.
Guest Privacy
Guest information is held securely and never shared with third parties for commercial purposes. Photography of guests onboard requires explicit consent.
Regular Vessel Maintenance
Vessels undergo scheduled hull and engine inspections. Mechanical checks completed before every voyage. Cleaning and provisioning done the morning of departure.
Penang Maritime Heritage and the Selanu Approach
The Strait of Malacca has shaped Penang's character for centuries — as a trading passage, a fishing ground, and a crossing point between cultures. George Town's clan jetties, its colonial waterfront, and the rhythms of the harbour all carry traces of this long maritime relationship. Selanu was built to move through those waters with awareness of that history.
Yacht touring in Penang offers something distinctly different from resort-based water activities: a slower, more contextual form of engagement with the sea. Our captains draw on deep knowledge of the local currents, weather windows, and anchorages that only come from years of working these waters. That expertise shapes every itinerary we offer.
We operate from Persiaran Gurney in the heart of George Town, a departure point that has seen vessels of all kinds come and go for generations. Whether you join us for a morning cruise or a two-night coastal passage, you leave from and return to a place with genuine maritime weight.
Ready to Set Sail?
Talk to us about the voyage that suits you. We're happy to answer questions and help you choose the right journey.
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