A Superpod of Dolphins in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu Sabah Borneo

Yesterday, whilst on route to our island based dive centre at The Beach House Gaya Island, Divers and Snorkelers aboard our dive boat were treated to Dolphin sightings.

Every year around this time we tend to have dolphins in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, last year they stayed within the shallows of our beach area for some 30 minutes.

Yesterday the dolphins were full of the joys of January !!

They leaped and frolicked around our dive boat for 40 minutes !!

Fortunately we were conducting a PADI Digital Underwater Photography Course so cameras were on board.

One of our PADI Instructors Calvin took an incredible shot of one leaping out of the water in front of Kota Kinabalu City.

All images here were taken of the dolphins yesterday.

Dolphins are marine mammals, they breath air from the surface of the ocean.

Dolphins are social animals, living in pods (also called "schools") of up to a dozen individuals.

The Dolphins yesterday had joined pods because there were about 50 individuals, this usually happens in places with a high abundance of food.

Dolphin pods join temporarily, forming an aggregation called a superpod; some such groupings may exceed a thousand dolphins, such as we have seen around Sipadan.

The individuals communicate using a variety of clicks, whistles and other vocalizations.

Dolphins are a popular artistic motif, dating back ancient times and always a joy to see, hopefully this will not be the last we see of them. We are feeling that the Whalesharks will not be far behind !!!!

We offer a wide range of scuba diving trips in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park TARP, Pulau Tiga - Survivor Island, Usukan Bay WW2 Wrecks, Deluar Shoals, Tuaran Dive Sites and Mayne Rock.

Aboard our fast 37ft and 32ft Dive Boats there is not another operator on the West Coast of Sabah who can reach West Coast Dive sites faster - this means you spend less time on a dive boat and more time diving !!!

For more information on our West Coast Dive Trips please Contact Us.

We have a Dive Shop and Classroom located on the KK mainland, please feel free to drop in, we offer free wireless internet, tea,coffee and biscuits !!!

TEL: +6 012 866 1935
www.divedownbelow.com

Dive & Snorkel Club Scuba Diving Trips - Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, TARP, Sabah Borneo

January so far has seen a number of Dive Clubs from Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan coming to Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures in Sabah enjoying multiple and single day dive trips.

Our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu provides the ideal location for clubs, friends and families to spend a fun filled activities day out whilst in Sabah, Malaysia Borneo.

All levels of qualified and non qualified divers can be accommodated.

We have a large International Staff Team of Snorkel Guides, Divemasters and Instructors providing very small group tuition and guiding, allowing us to provide a very unique and personal service.

Some of our guests refer to our service as "pampered diving" as guests do not have to carry, set up or wash their equipment - everything is done for you !

We offer a wide range of scuba diving trips in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park TARP, Pulau Tiga - Survivor Island. Usukan Bay WW2 Wrecks, Deluar Shoals, Tuaran Dive Sites and Mayne Rock.

Our facilities enable us to be very flexible and offer tailored dive packages, you tell us where and when you want to dive and we'll take you there, conditions permitting !



Aboard our fast 37ft and 32ft Dive Boats there is not another operator on the West Coast of Sabah who can reach West Coast Dive sites faster - this means you spend less time on a dive boat and more time diving !!!

For more information on our West Coast Dive Trips please Contact Us.

We have a Dive Shop and Classroom located on the KK mainland, please feel free to drop in, we offer free wireless internet, tea,coffee and biscuits !!!

TEL: +6 012 866 1935
www.divedownbelow.com

Underwater Photography Clinic for Scuba Divers - TARP, Kota Kinabalu Sabah, Borneo

A recent Scuba Diving group from Japan enjoyed a one day Underwater Photography clinic with our resident Underwater Photography Professional and Downbelows company Director Richard Swann.



Many of Richards images have been published throughout the world in books plus dive and travel magazines, he has won numerous medals and prizes and is happy to share some of his knowledge and experience with clients of Downbelow.

Our group from Japan were keen photographers all with their own camera set ups. They enjoyed discovering new features of their own equipment and learning tips on how to get close to marine life and capture that priceless image and keepsake.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is the ideal play ground for underwater photographers, providing endless subjects in reasonably shallow waters allowing for extended bottom time.

Low visibility presented us with challenging conditions but we still managed to experience some great diving which produced some lovely images.

Some of the creature highlights include, a Seahorse, Turtles, Moray Eel, Nudibranchs, String Rays, a Cat Shark, Scorpionfish plus the usual always visually pleasing Snappers, Fusiliers and Barracudas.

After the rewarding days clinic our group enjoyed relaxing with a beer at our Beach House Dive & Adventure Centre on Gaya Island.

If you would like to get the most of your own underwater equipment or practice with ours, why not book an Underwater Photography Clinic along with our Daily Scuba Diving Program in Kota Kinabalu.

Whatever level of diver or photographer we can tailor a Photo Clinic to suit.

The length of the program also depends on you, our clinics incorporate, dry sessions and open water dives meeting individual requirements.

For more information please Contact Us.

We have a Dive Shop and Classroom located on the KK mainland, please feel free to drop in, we offer free wireless internet, tea,coffee and biscuits !!!

TEL: +6 012 866 1935
www.divedownbelow.com

Mt Kinabalu - Climbing Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo

Climbing Mount Kinabalu - 2D/1N Program with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures

Rising to 4,101m Mount KInabalu is the highest peak between the Himalayas and Irian Jaya (New Guinea).

Protected within the Kinabalu Park of some 753.7 sq.km, its biological diversity has captivated scientists the world over.

The Climb

The climb itself is very hard but not technical, an element of fitness is a real help

The climb to Laban Rata takes between 4-6 hours, it's 99% uphill, unrelenting and the steps are seemingly endless, you'll be dreaming steps for days ! The secret to climbing is take it slowly, unless you're competing in the Climbathon its not a race.

The summit ascent starts at 0230 hrs, take a good torch as the ones for rent usually don't last the climb. If it’s a clear night take a moment to look a the sky as its simply stunning.  The summit itself is ........ well you have to go and find out, its worth it !! The descent takes 5-7 hours.

Book Now To Secure Your Place

We offer a private package, so you are not part of a tour group.

Bookings should be made in advance, for more information please visit our Travel Packages Mt Kinabalu section.

For more information on the flora and fauna of this incredible mountain please peruse our dedicated Mt Kinabalu section.

To see images of some of the flora and fauna of the area view our Photo Collection pages.

Day trips are also a great way to spend a day in Sabah.

BOOK NOW and ensure availability.

We have a Dive Shop and Classroom located on the KK mainland, please feel free to drop in, we offer free wireless internet, tea,coffee and biscuits !!!

TEL: +6 012 866 1935
www.divedownbelow.com

Sipadan - Kapalai Dive Resort & Lankayan Resort under Downbelow's Price Promise !

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort in the Celebes Sea and Lankayan Resort in the Sulu Sea are under Downbelow's Price Promise.

We are so confident that our clients will not find better rates at these resorts that if a genuine quote is presented to us from another agent we will beat it by 2% !!

Kapalai and Lankayan are the only environmentally friendly resorts in their regions - thats one very good reason to support them above the others !!

Pulau Kapalai

Sipadan - Kapalai Dive Resort

We have stayed at many resorts in the area and without doubt our first choice of residence is Kapalai. Once a vegetated Island, now a sandbank on Litigan Reefs and home to the stilt village resort of Sipadan - Kapalai Dive Resort.



Comprising 40 wooden chalets, double, twin and triple sharing, ensuite bathrooms with a shower and bathtub, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, you really do get a lot for your money, this is true style at a very affordable price.

Reminiscent of the Maldives, the accommodation huts are build over the water with shutter doors opening to reveal breathtaking ocean views. The soothing sound of the water laps beneath you and reflections dance across the high ceilings.

Downbelow Directors, Richard and Joanne have featured Kapalai Resort in their latest article "Much and Magic" in Sport Diving Magazine (on the shelves next month).

To read more about this fabulous resort paradise and see a slideshow of images please click here.

Lankayan Island Resort

"One Island - One Resort"

Lankayan Island, located within the Sulu Sea, 80km off the northeast coast of Sabah, Borneo takes Eco Tourism to another level.



Stunning white sandy beaches surround the small four hectare island. Palm and casuarinas trees form the interior and sparkling turquoise waters lap the shore. One resort operates here under the same management and ownership as Sipadan - Kapalai Dive Resort in the Celebes Sea and Sepilok Nature Resort near Sandakan.

Comprising 20 luxury-detached chalets, each on the beach with balconies over looking the ocean, open air buffet style restaurant, dive station, turtle hatchery and conservation centre, the resort oozes peace and tranquillity.

To read more about this fabulous island paradise and see a slideshow of images please CLICK HERE.

"Two Centre" tailor made packages are available at both resorts at generous discounts.

Feel free to call us on +6 012 866 1935 or Email Us with your enquiry.

Scuba Diving Professional Training Internships & Instructor Development Course (IDC)

Looking for a Career Change ? Are you a Gap Year Student ? Are you looking for a Challenging Internship Program in Asia ? Do you thrive on Adventure Sports ? Looking to live and learn about another culture, meet new people and learn new languages ?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you should consider joining one of our Professional Scuba Diving Internship Programs in the exciting city of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Borneo South East Asia.

Our great value internship programs can be suited to non divers wishing to enter the professional sport of scuba diving or qualified divers wishing to continue their scuba diving education.

The minimum internship period is 1 month.

To co-inside with these internships we run at least two PADI Instructor Development Courses (PADI IDC) annually which are followed by the PADI Instructor Examination (PADI IE)

On all our internships you receive UNLIMITED scuba diving.

We can offer this because our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre is actually based within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP)with direct access to our training lagoon & house reef and just a handful of minutes boat ride from TARPs surrounding dive sites.

Based only 10 minutes from the City of Kota Kinabalu, we dive everyday!

We also have a Dive Shop and Classroom in Kota Kinabalu City.

We can also include very affordable accommodation to participants.

At Downbelow we also offer internship programs to local people under long term contract, providing opportunity and security for their career development.

Local and international candidates mutually benefit from the mixed program by providing opportunity to learn new languages, cultures and traditions and most importantly it brings people together forging new friendships.

For more information please visit the Scuba Diving Internship section of our website.

To follow James (one of our internship candidates) blog please check out this link. IDC Scuba

Feel free to call us on +6 012 866 1935 or Email Us with your enquiry.

Multi Activity Day Trip - Christmas Day Celebration

What an amazing year we have enjoyed this 2008, with a fabulous Christmas Day Celebration at our Beach House Island Paradise on Gaya Island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park to round it all off !

There were 55 people in total, including Guests from the UK, Australia, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Finland and Denmark plus Downbelow staff and Sabah Parks staff.

The day was Multi Activity day trip with Snorkeling, Trekking, Scuba Diving, Treasure Hunt, a Raffle and Beach BBQ - we had planned a Sunset Dive but a fews drinks soon put an end to any late diving so we relaxed at sunset with some wine and beers !!

Our Dive and Adventure Centre on Gaya Island provides the perfect location for marine and wildlife lovers wishing to take part in various activities or simply relax away from the crowds.

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.

Often Grandparents will relax or try our guided Snorkelling program, Mums and Dads will Scuba Dive or go Trekking whilst Children can play on the beach or grassy lawns or try our Kids Discover Snorkelling Program.

Our Adventure Centre is at the base of the best trekking trails in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

We have a confined lagoon, a fabulous house reef for snorkelers and divers and all snorkel and dive sites in the park are within a few minutes from our Adventure Centre.

The ultra adventurous visitor can camp overnight at our centre, we provide waterproof tents, dinner and breakfast and guests enjoy a safe environment with a 1 million star hotel accommodation !

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 it 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 follow British HSE Guidelines. 

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

Please contact us or peruse our Travel Packages section to discover more about the activities we offer.


www.divedownbelow.com

HOTLINE: +6 012 866 1935

Downbelow Dive Shop

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

Scuba Diving Packages - TARP, Mantanani, West Coat Kota Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia

Downbelow PADI 5 Star Dive and Adventure Centre offer Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Packages to the Best Dive locations in West Coast Sabah.

We also offer a wide range of different diving experiences within these packages including Sunset Diving, NIGHT diving, Mangroves and Muck Diving.

For divers with a buddy and more than 20 logged dives, we offer unlimited scuba diving on our Dive Centre House Reef - home to many secrets including the rare and beautiful Mandarin Fish !.

Our unique location is especially beneficial to underwater photographers wishing to explore the reefs without the crowds and air and bottom time permitting stay as long as they like.

Recently we conducted a Sunset and Night Dive package, our divers (image left) went out specifically to search for Mandarin Fish (image right) and were fortunate to find them. Mandarin Fish are seen at sunset when males and females rise together in the water column and mate.

To read more about these fascinating creatures, please take a look at one of Richard and Joanne (Downbelow's founders and company Directors) critter articles published in Sport Diving Magazine - Australia.

Please contact us or peruse our Travel Packages section to discover more about the Scuba Diving we offer.


www.divedownbelow.com

HOTLINE: +6 012 866 1935

Downbelow Dive Shop

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