Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Scuba Dive Shop Kota Kinabalu - Large stock of Underwater Kinetics Dive Torch Lights


Downbelows Scuba Dive Shop in Kota Kinabalu has a wide range of underwater dive lights and torch.

We have become a reseller for Underwater Kinetics and now stock a wide range of underwater dive and torch lights.

UK
Underwater Kinetics (UK) were the first to make injection molded protection cases, high performance waterproof lights and innovative accessories providing uncompromising performance since 1971

Also available are Ikelite C-Light 8 torches. Led, Rechargeable, Battery powered Dive Lights are all in stock.

We are also resellers for Atomic Aquatics, Suunto, BARE, Sherwood Scuba and Akona Dive and Adventure Equipment.

Please come and visit to see for yourself our range of Dive and Adventure products.

www.divedownbelow.com

HOTLINE: +6 012 866 1935

Downbelow Dive Shop
9A first Floor, Likas Square Commercial Centre, Kota Kinabalu 88400
Sabah Malaysian Borneo

Discover Scuba Diving DSD - Scuba Diving Lessons for Beginners


Discover Scuba Diving DSD - Scuba Diving Lessons for Beginners - An ideal day trip from Kota Kinabalu.

DSD
It could not be easier to try Scuba Diving and within the same few hours see the beauty of the underwater world in a safe, warm paradise location.

Our Island based PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in the The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is ideally suited to beginner divers providing shallow, sandy confined water environments which slope to slightly deeper coral reef habitats.


The PADI Discover Scuba Diving program introduces people to scuba diving in a highly supervised and relaxed manner.

It dispels common misconceptions about scuba by letting individuals try it for themselves.

Under the guidance of a PADI professional, new divers learn basic safety concepts, put on equipment and swim around underwater in a closely supervised environment.

After trying scuba, many new divers may decide to repeat the experience. If not immediately, then on other occasions or in different areas. Others will choose to pursue certification by enrolling in a PADI Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver course.

When certain requirements are met, new divers may earn credit toward PADI Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver certification.

Our half day program competes before lunch time so you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the tropical beaches. Alternatively we can take you on an additional pleasure dive to a maximum depth of 12m with and instructor in the afternoon as part of the full day program.

You don't have to book the afternoon dive, "try before you buy" if you get the dive bug you can decide on the day.


Daily Program


0800 - 0820 hrs  Hotel pickup (KK City)  transfer to Jesselton Point Jetty
0830 hrs Meet Downbelow Staff and Transfer to Downbelow's The Beach House - Gaya Island
0845 hrs Registration & Equipment Selection
0900 hrs Dive Theory, Equipment Orientation and Dive Briefing
Confined Water Dive & Skill Practice
Open Water Scuba Dive
13.00 hrs Lunch
14.00 hrs Optional Scuba Dive or Relax on the Beach or go Trekking.
1600 hrs Boat Transfer to Mainland Jetty
1615 hrs Return to Hotel


As with all our programs we offer a fully inclusive price, including hotel transfers (KK City) boat transfers, park entry fees, instruction, equipment rental, learning materials and certification fees.

For booking information please contact us


Telephone: +6 012 866 1935

www.divedownbelow.com

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

PADI Open Water Course - Scuba Diving Lessons, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah


Congratulations to Peter, Paddy, Salin and Miska who have just completed their PADI Open Water Course - Scuba Diving lessons with Downbelow PADI 5 Star Dive Centre - Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

The PADI Open Water Course is the first certification within the PADI system of education.

Open_Water
The PADI Open Water Course takes 4 days to complete (8.00 am till 4.00 pm daily) and courses offered by Downbelow are all inclusive with no hidden charges !

At Downbelow your safety is paramount, we have a large staff team to accommodate different client requirements.

We adhere to PADI Standards and Procedures and follow British HSE guidelines.

Our ratio is no more than four people on a course with 2 PADI professionals, your PADI instructor and a Divemaster.

Most of the time we have 2 people on a course with 1 PADI Instructor.

Peter and Paddy chose to save a day on this course and completed the academic portion online in their own time through the PADI eLearning system of education. Peters wife Sandy also joined Peter on the island, she enjoyed snorkeling on our crowd free house reef with our snorkeling guide.

Peter wrote a very nice email to us after completing his course, the email can be viewed in our Guest Book, he has also uploaded some great pictures.

Our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre known as the Beach House is located within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park on Gaya Island where "Rainforest meets the Reef" located just 10 mins boat ride from the City of Kota Kinabalu (KK).

We have a very quiet lagoon for our confined water training, we have a very special house reef with lots of marine life and all dive sites are within 5 minutes boat ride from our centre.

We have many non divers joining us for the day who wish to snorkel or go trekking so if your friends or family wish to join it would be a great way for you all to still be together during your course, we have some excellent walking trails around the dive station all set in primary rain-forest and guides can be arranged for all activities.

So please join our recent clients and become a PADI Open Water Diver in Kota Kinabalu, email us now for a quick response.

Telephone: +6 012 866 1935

www.divedownbelow.com


Friday, December 19, 2008

Meet the Children on Gaya Island - TARP !


kids_island
Our Island based PADI 5 Star Dive Centre is nestled in a tropical bay and surrounded by primary rain forest.

We are the only operator in the area and we have some lovely neighbors !!

We share our little piece of paradise with some of the staff of Sabah Parks, their little children can often be seen playing around the Beach House, holding our hands and laughing every time a guest brings out their camera.

children_island
They have great fun with families that join us for the day, although the children don't speak the same language, its doesn't make any difference they spend all day together and get along just fine !!

Here are a couple of recent pictures of the little angles !!

Time and time again our quests tell us how wonderful it is to spend the day with their family whilst they enjoy their different activities with everyone returning for tea and coffee breaks, refreshments and lunch throughout the day.

We run daily scuba diving, snorkeling & snorkeling safaris, trekking, sea kayaking and camping from our dive centre. A trip to Downbelow's Beach House - Gaya Island is a must when in Sabah !!

Should you wish to learn more about our Dive and Adventure Centre please peruse our website or contact us.

Telephone: +6 012 866 1935

www.divedownbelow.com


Thursday, December 18, 2008

Fishing Net Removal from Coral Reef, TARP, Kota Kinabalu Sabah, Malaysia.


long_net_damage
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park - TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah is a section 3 protected national park which means only single line fishing with a maximum of 2 hooks is permitted by indigenous fishermen.

The use of nets within the park is prohibited but sadly this protection does not stop lost and abandoned fishing gear, primarily large trawl and drift nets, floating into the region and coming to rest within the more protected, low-energy, shallow water environments.

Whilst Scuba Diving around Gaya Island - Tunku Abdul Rahman Park - TARP we found a huge fishing net smothering the reef posing a real threat to the living coral and surrounding marine life.

Disturbed by what we found we called upon the KK Dive Club to volunteer their time and help us with the delicate, time consuming job of carefully removing the net from the reef.

KK Dive Club members were more than happy to lend a helping hand and spend their free time with us removing the net.

After the job was done we provided them a free lunch and refreshments and they got to spend the rest of the day at our Beach House on Gaya Island - infact they played Frisbee on the grassy green next to our Dive Centre.

Net_Boat
Since this net removal project we discovered another net on Sapi Island, caught in the net was a dead black tip reef shark and a parrot fish.

The worry with this particular net was that it was still floating and therefore consuming more victims.

We called Sabah Parks, the governing body in charge of the parks protection.

They immediately called on the Marine Police to investigate the situation and began cutting the net to pieces to avoid any further casualties.

The following day Sabah Parks staff returned with our logistic support and some of our own staff to remove the net from the reef.

cutting_net
We would like to thank the KK Dive Club for helping us remove the first devastating fishing net and highly commend Sabah Parks for their immediate response and commitment to removing the second fishing net and providing protection for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Should you wish to join the KK Dive Club and get involved in Conservation and Awareness Programs please visit the website or contact us for more information.

Should you wish to Scuba Dive with us in this stunning tropical paradise please visit the Dive Centre section of out website for more information.

Telephone: +6 012 866 1935

www.divedownbelow.com



Sunday, December 7, 2008

Enriched Air Nitrox Course Kota Kinabalu KK, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, TARP


Nitrox-course
Congratulations to Noah and Domenica for successfully completing their Enriched Air Nitrox Course with Downbelow PADI 5 Star Dive Centre on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Noah and Domenica are in Sabah with their friends and colleagues, they are taking a break from their Cinderella Stage Production currently touring Asia.

Whilst diving with us in TARP the group have enjoyed 4 days daily diving, joined courses and a night dive, they will now fly on to Bangkok where the show must go on !!

Safe Travels Guys !!

Our dive centre is ideally suited to groups and families all wishing to enjoy different activities.

A trip to our Adventure Centre is a 'Must See" day out whilst in Kota Kinabalu.

Our international staff team provide premier 5 Star service which is to be expected from a 5 Star Centre.

We pride ourselves on very small group tuition providing a very personal service.

We have extremely high safety standards and procedures and following HSE Guidelines. 

For more information please peruse our website or call us on +6 012 866 1935 OR +6 088 23 23 75

www.divedownbelow.com





Christmas Day Package Promotions & Celebration Information now Online


christmas_package
Full details of our Christmas Day Package Promotions & Celebration Information can now be viewed online.

Guests are invited to join us for Christmas Day or both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Options are there to include accommodation in Budget/ Backpacker, Mid Range or High End Accommodation.

Please join us and enjoy the fun !!!!

Please peruse our Christmas Day Celebration information page for details.

www.divedownbelow.com

HOTLINE: +6 012 866 1935

DSD Discover Scuba Diving TARP KK, Islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Our Good friend Jeffrey (AKA Jeff D' Corner) joined us for a DSD, Discover Scuba Diving Program in our Lagoon and House Reef on Gaya Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Islands TARP. KK.

Jeffrey Discover Scuba Diving
He came with a group of his friends which included our dear friend John.

Every one had a fabulous time, each couple with their own qualified Divemaster or Instructor, they saw a turtle, lots of snappers, parrot-fish, clownfish, sting rays along with all the usual suspects.

This was Jeffrey's second DSD program and no doubt he will be back again.

Jeffrey is the owner of Jeff D'Corner and in our opinion he cooks the best steaks in town, you can read more about him on our Eating Out in KK page.

The PADI Discover Scuba Diving program introduces people to scuba diving in a highly supervised and relaxed manner.

It dispels common misconceptions about scuba by letting individuals try it for themselves.

Jeff-gang
Under the guidance of a PADI professional, new divers learn basic safety concepts, put on equipment and swim around underwater in a closely supervised environment.

After trying scuba diving for the first time, some of the group are considering completing a PADI Open Water Diver course.

Should you wish to try this wonderful and rewarding sport please contact us or peruse our DSD page.

HOTLINE: +6 012 866 1935






Saturday, December 6, 2008

Christmas Day Activities Celebration, Day Trip, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Raffle, Games, BBQ and Drinks, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park


Evelyn
Celebrate Christmas Day with a Beach BBQ, Scuba Dive, Snorkel, Trek, enjoy Games a Christmas Day Raffle and a few beers and wine at the Beach House, Gaya Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Kota Kinabalu - KK Sabah.

We have come up with an itinerary for a perfect day of celebration. Ideal for families and friends wishing to spend Christmas on a tropical island taking part in various activities !!

Based at Downbelow's Beach House on Gaya Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu City.

Surrounded by tropical rain-forest, ocean, marine & wildlife !

FOUR dives will be available to those who wish to dive - two morning dives, an afternoon dive and a sunset dive (in search of Mandarin Fish )!!

Enjoy a delicious BBQ, with Tenderloin Steak flown in from Australia. Vegetarians will not miss out, we have TOFU alternatives !

Football & Frisbee can be played on our green, we have a Treasure Hunt and a Christmas Day Raffle to win a SUNNTO GEKKO DIVE computer worth RRP 1,300.00 !!!!!

Beach_house_Xmas


The days itinerary is as follows:

Christmas Day Celebration
Diver Rate: MYR 460.00 p/p
Non Diver Rate: 270.00 p/p

0825 hrs

Meet Downbelow Staff & Transfer on Boat to Downbelow PADI 5 Star Dive Centre at The Beach House - Gaya Island, TARP
0915 hrs
1st Boat Dive/ Games / Snorkeling/ Trekking
1030 hrs
Surface Interval for Divers
1115 hrs
2nd Boat Dive/ Games / Snorkeling/ Trekking

1300 hrs
Beach BBQ & Christmas Day Raffle to win a SUNNTO Dive Computer
1430 hrs
3rd Dive Boat or Shore
1600 hrs
1st Boat Transfer back to Jesselton Point for those that wish to return
1745 hrs
Sunset Dive
1900 hrs
Return to Jesselton Point Jetty


JO_NAT_XMAS
All our programs are ALL Inclusive, the only additional option extra is the RAFFLE Ticket costing MYR 50.00, the chances of winning the SUUNTO Dive Computer are very good with only 30 tickets for sale !!!!

Includes:
Boat transfers from Jesselton Point Jetty to Beach House, Gaya Island Return (10 minutes each way), Park Entry Fees, Jetty Fees, Dive & Snorkel Equipment Rental, BBQ Lunch & Refreshments, Beer & Wine, 4 Guided Boat Dives (Diver Rate).

Overnight camping is available for the intrepid adventurer !!

Pre booking for this special Christmas Day Celebration is required, please contact us on (+6) 012 866 1935 or Email Us.


www.divedownbelow.com



Thursday, December 4, 2008

Suunto Dive Computer Now in Stock, KK Scuba Dive Shop, Kota Kinabalu Sabah, Malaysia

SuuntoD4
Suunto Dive Computers are now IN STOCK at Downbelow Scuba Dive Shop in Kota Kinabalu, KK, Sabah.

We have outstanding Christmas discounts and special offers on the D9, D6, & D4 with the rest of the Suunto range at very competitive prices.

Our PADI Course plus Gekko Dive Computer bundle is back on offer, having previously sold out of stock, we re-ordered more



Suunto Diving Equipment - Innovative, Essential and Accurate




location_map_dive-shop
Suunto specializes in essential diving equipment that helps enthusiasts focus on the experience and make the most of every dive.

From the industry's first liquid-filled dive compass to the first wristop dive computer, Suunto innovations have become standard equipment the world over, trusted by professionals for accuracy, salient features and outstanding durability. 

Because divers differ in motivation and style, Suunto provides options.

With the Suunto D9, for example, you can equip yourself with a full decompression dive computer, digital compass and wireless air integration - all in one convenient wristop unit.

Take a moment to explore the full line of Suunto dive computers. 

Use the comparison tool to find the right Suunto dive computer for you.
.

We also have many other special offers and bundles on Atomic Aquatics, Sherwood Regulators & BCD, Underwater Kinetics Dive Lights, Bare Wetsuits and many more items.

Please come and visit to see for yourself our range of Dive and Adventure products.

www.divedownbelow.com

HOTLINE: +6 012 866 1935


Wednesday, December 3, 2008

OWSI, Open Water Scuba Instructor & EFRI Emergency First Response Instructor Joins Dive Downbelow in KK


A BIG welcome to Norzumaayati Goloi, fondly knows as "Gone" who has recently joined the Downbelow Dive Team as an OWSI, Open Water Scuba Instructor & EFRI Emergency First Response Instructor in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo.

Gon-dsd
Gone has a wealth of experience that she brings to the international staff team.

Having worked with Greenforce, Raleigh International and Lankayan Island Resort Gone is a huge asset to an expanding company with many educational and environmental projects already underway.

Gone is pictured here conducting a Discover Scuba Diving program with Marcin Stepinski, who, along with his family were a guest of Downbelow - from Poland.

Gone will assist in "Team Teaching" our growing number of Instructor Candidates who have joined Downbelow PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in pursuit of a new career path, please use this link to peruse our Internship Programs should you be interested to join.

www.divedownbelow.com

HOTLINE: +6 012 866 1935


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Family Day Trip Discover Scuba Diving, Try Dive KK, TARP, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Sabah, Malaysia Asia

DSD
Well done to Else and her family and Tanja for completing a Discover Scuba Diving program and Guided Snorkel Program within our tropical lagoon, Gaya Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Based for the day trip at our Beach House PADI 5 Star Dive Centre on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, just 8 minutes from the city of Kota Kinabalu Sabah.
Else's family tried Scuba Diving for the first time and within the same few hours saw the beauty of the underwater world in a safe, warm paradise location.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is ideally suited to beginner divers providing shallow, sandy confined water environments which slope to slightly deeper coral reef habitats.


The PADI Discover Scuba Diving program introduces people to scuba diving in a highly supervised and relaxed manner. It dispels common misconceptions about scuba by letting individuals try it for themselves.

Under the guidance of a PADI professional, new divers learn basic safety concepts, put on equipment and swim around underwater in a closely supervised environment.

After trying scuba, Tanja has decided to continue her diving education by enrolling on the PADI Open Water Diver course.

Should you wish to try this wonderful and rewarding sport please contact us or visit our website www.divedownbelow.com

HOTLINE: +6 012 866 1935



Monday, December 1, 2008

KK Dive Club Night Diving Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, TARP Kota Kinabalu Sabah


KK Dive Club NIGHT Diving !


Night Scuba Diving
The islands within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park - TARP offer some very safe and rewarding night dive sites with plenty of marine life to be found including a variety of crustaceans, nudibranchs, squid and cuttlefish, feeding coral polyps and much more.

Night diving is a unique experience, with your vision restricted our other senses are heightened and more alert !

The KK Dive Club aims to get specifically locals - Malaysians and Expats in the water to appreciate what we have right here on our doorsteps.

If you live in Kota Kinabalu or Sabah and you love diving, then you've gotta dive with us!

KK Dive Club patrons Richard & Jo from Downbelow are crazy about diving and a passion like that is infectious. 

Further more, they love the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park (TARP) and show you thing you never knew existed so close to the city.

So how do i get involved ?


Please visit the KK Dive Club website or CONTACT US for more information.

To join please call us on +6 012 867 7375 OR +6 088 23 23 75

www.downbelow.co.uk