PADI IDC - Instructor Development Course Update - Kota Kinabalu Sabah

Congratulations to our PADI Instructor Development Candidates on passing their IDC Course with Downbelow PADI 5 Star IDC Center in Kota Kinabalu.

Now its time for the final Instructor Examination !

Looking tired and thirsty - Course Director Joseph Chung, company directors and Richard and Joanne who, together conducted the IDC within Downbelow can now relax - their job is done - beers and wine all round !!

Over the next 2 days our candidates will be assessed by PADI Instructor Examiners who have flown in from Sydney Australia to assess the candidates.

Nerves are at their all time high because if they don't pass this 2 day Examination they will have to re-sit the their non successful portions of the IE next time in Kota Kinabalu or fly elsewhere for another IE after a cooling off period of 5 days !!

Lets hope all our candidates won't need to resit !!!

We will keep everyone updated !!!!

Should you wish to join our nest IDC beginning 19th May please contact us either by email, telephone or visit our Dive Shop and Travel Centre.

Our international staff team provide premier 5 Star service which it to be expected from a 5 Star Instructor Training 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. 

We have the largest Dive Shop in Sabah selling brands such as Suunto, Atomic Aquatics, BARE Wetsuits, Sherwood, AKONA, Unidive and Dive Rite. Also on the mainland is our head office and classrrom located in the same building. Please drop  by and see us, we offer free wireless internet, tea,coffee and biscuits !!!.

To find us on the mainland please take the CITY BUS from the City Hall in KK ( MYR 1.00 per person) or take a taxi to LIKAS Square Plaza MYR 12.00.

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

PADI IDC - Instructor Development Course Update - Kota Kinabalu Sabah

PADI Instructor Development Course - Kota Kinabalu - UPDATE !!

Just a small update, everyone is scoring high feeling that they will be ready for the final IE on 30th & 31st March !!

Our candidates are feeling pretty confident and we're on schedule.

Today at our island based PADI 5 Star Dive Centre on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Joseph and Richard had time for a little sing song between confined and open water dives !!

Whilst the Instructor candidates practiced their dive briefings with Susan who is here taking her Staff Instructor course with us.

At Downbelow we run IDC courses 3 times per year, our next course begins 19th May 09, with the PADI Instructor Assessment on 4th & 5th June also in Kota Kinabalu.

Should you wish to join our nest IDC beginning 19th May please contact us either by email, telephone or visit our Dive Shop and Travel Centre.

Our international staff team provide premier 5 Star service which it to be expected from a 5 Star Instructor Training 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. 

We have the largest Dive Shop in Sabah selling brands such as Suunto, Atomic Aquatics, BARE Wetsuits, Sherwood, AKONA, Unidive and Dive Rite. Also on the mainland is our head office and classrrom located in the same building. Please drop  by and see us, we offer free wireless internet, tea,coffee and biscuits !!!.

To find us on the mainland please take the CITY BUS from the City Hall in KK ( MYR 1.00 per person) or take a taxi to LIKAS Square Plaza MYR 12.00.

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

Pulau Tiga - Survivor Island Day Trip, Dolphins, Whaleshark, Buffet Resort Lunch, Mud and More !

Day Trips to Pulau Tiga - Survivor Island just gets better and better, last Sundays trip to Pulau Tiga was superb.



Flat seas enabled us to arrive within 40 minutes of leaving Jesselton Point Jetty so we could make the most of our day trip.

En route with stunning views of Mt Kinabalu and the Crocker Range.

Cruising along Sabahs West Coast we spotted a large pod of Dolphins, they stayed around for a while enabling Richard to snap a few photos and we saw them again on our way to our first dive site.

Our dives were excellent, large schools of snappers, fusiliers and jacks, lots of nudibranchs, excellent soft corals and a whaleshark (well to be fair it was only our boat captain that saw the whaleshark) but our guests saw one the following day in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park !

We have the fastest dive boat in Kota Kinabalu, which makes a trip to Tiga very comfortable and quick. This is a superb trip for divers and non divers !

Quick transfer times means more time to spend diving, playing in the mud volcano and enjoying the delicious cuisine of Tiga resorts buffet lunch - resort style !

This paradise island surrounded by pristine tropical waters is located 6 miles offshore Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. 

Formed on September 21st 1897 when an earthquake on the Philippine island of Mindanao triggered a volcanic eruption just north of Borneo.

The eruption of mud and rock formed a new island 20 meters wide. The last eruption of the volcano was in 1941 but to this day warm mud continues to ooze from geometric vents on the island.

These mud baths are safe to bath in and although not proved by science the mud bath is claimed to improve the complexion, relieve joint and muscle pain and remove toxins.

If nothing else they are great fun and very relaxing !!

The pristine natural environment of Pulau Tiga Park is protected by the Malaysian government.

Pulau Tiga is also home to some fascinating land based wildlife, proboscis and macaque monkeys, flying foxes, bats, monitor lizards and a plethora of birds - including megapodes, hornbills and sea eagles.

The islands fine white sandy beach provides an idyllic place to relax, swim and enjoy the peace and serenity of this uncrowned tropical paradise.

Those who are a little more energetic can trek through the 7 miles of trails now carved through the rain-forest.

Close by Pulau Tiga is Snake Island - named for the many Sea Snakes that inhabit and lay their eggs on the tiny rocky uninhabited island. 

Aboard our 37ft spacious speed boat a day trip to Palau Tiga, Survivor Island departs at 0730 hrs.

Day Trips include the following:

Return sea transfers from Kota Kinabalu, Unlimited Snacks and Refreshments, BBQ or Buffet Lunch. Park Entry Fees, Jetty Fees. Guided Snorkelling and/ or Scuba Diving 2 x Boat dives (depending on package). Guided Trip to Mud Volcano and Optional overnight stay.

This is a superb trip for divers and non divers !

To discover more about this fascinating island and great day trip please visit our Pulau Tiga pages.



We run Trips to Pulau Tiga daily on our largest 37ft dive boat whilst our 32ft dive boat is based within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park running dive trips from our island based PADI 5 Star IDC Center.

Our international staff team provide premier 5 Star service which it to be expected from a 5 Star Instructor Training 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. 

We have the largest Dive Shop in Sabah providing the best all round diving services to our clients. 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

Reef, Wreck and Critter - 3 Day Scuba Diving Package - Kota Kinabalu & West Coast Sabah.

Calmer sea's and whalesharks are here and we are very excited about this years scuba diving trips which have already begun to WWII Wrecks, Pulau Tiga, Mayne Rock, Little Rock, Secret Schoals and more. A very popular scuba diving package is our 3 day "Reef, Wreck and Critter" package.

Reef, Wreck & Critter - 3 Day Dive Package

MYR 1,620.00 per person based on 4 pax booking.

Day 1. The Reef - Dive some of the beautiful reefs around Pulau Tiga (3 Dives)
Day 2. The Wrecks - Dive World War 2 - Usukan Bay Wrecks (2 x Wreck Dives, 1 x Reef Dive = 3 Dives)
Day 3. The Critters - Dive TAR Park to search for the beautifully ugly and wonderfully weird marine life on our doorstep. (3 Dives)
TOTAL: 9 Dives.
Includes, tranfers, all park & jetty fees, equipment, tea/coffee, water, freshly cooked lunch daily.

All Inclusive Package - No Hidden Extras !

FREE NITROX for the Wreck Dives, for Nitrox Qualified Divers !!

This 3 day package is designed for experienced divers with PADI Advanced Diver qualifications or equivalent.

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures have by far fastest dive boat in KK - this means more time diving less time on the boat !!

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

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

PADI IDC - Instructor Development Course Update - Kota Kinabalu Sabah

PADI Instructor Development Course - Kota Kinabalu - UPDATE !!

Classes, exams and presentations are going very well indeed !



Our candidates are now Assistant Instructors and with the last few days to go the pressure is increasing.

During the IDC, candidates learn how to teach the PADI System of Diver Education through classroom and in water instructional sessions.

The course director and staff instructors who conduct the course teach and assess the candidates during the practical sessions, preparing them for the final Instructor Examination held by PADI at the end of the course.

At Downbelow we don't outsource our IDC's we teach them in-house using our own facilities.

Only PADI 5 Star IDC Centers and CDC Centers can conduct IDC's.



Should you wish to join our nest IDC beginning 19th May please contact us either by email, telephone or visit our Dive Shop and Travel Centre.

Our international staff team provide premier 5 Star service which it to be expected from a 5 Star Instructor Training 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. 

We have the largest Dive Shop in Sabah selling brands such as Suunto, Atomic Aquatics, BARE Wetsuits, Sherwood, AKONA, Unidive and Dive Rite. Also on the mainland is our head office and classrrom located in the same building. Please drop  by and see us, we offer free wireless internet, tea,coffee and biscuits !!!.

To find us on the mainland please take the CITY BUS from the City Hall in KK ( MYR 1.00 per person) or take a taxi to LIKAS Square Plaza MYR 12.00.

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

PADI IDC - PADI Instructor Development Course BEGINS TODAY !!

Today our PADI IDC - Instructor Development Course begins and we'd like to wish our candidates all the best for the forthcoming 2 weeks !!!

James, Strike, Navin & Susan - we wish you SUCESS!

The instructional team, Course Director Joseph Chung, and Downbelow Company Directors Richard and Joanne Swann will over the next two weeks be developing the Instructor candidates to becoming PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors.

Covering areas as diverse as risk management, teaching children, the business of diving and PADI standards and procedures, the IDC is designed to develop a rounded diving educator who can work anywhere in the world.

Our IDC candidates have already completed their independent self-study Knowledge Reviews and IDC Preparation sessions. Now their IDC begins and encompasses two PADI programs: The Assistant Instructor Course and The Open Water Scuba Instructor Course.

Together these two programs make up the full IDC.

Certification as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor is by successful completion of the PADI Instructor Examination scheduled at the end of the IDC, confirmed for the 30th and 31st March 2009 also in Kota Kinabalu.

This is where PADI Instructor Examiners fly from Sydney Australia to assess and examine the IDC Candidates.

We will keep you posted !!!!

Should you wish to join our nest IDC beginning 19th May please contact us either by email, telephone or visit our Dive Shop and Travel Centre.

Our international staff team provide premier 5 Star service which it to be expected from a 5 Star Instructor Training 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. 

We have the largest Dive Shop in Sabah selling brands such as Suunto, Atomic Aquatics, BARE Wetsuits, Sherwood, AKONA, Unidive and Dive Rite. Also on the mainland is our head office and classrrom located in the same building. Please drop  by and see us, we offer free wireless internet, tea,coffee and biscuits !!!.

To find us on the mainland please take the CITY BUS from the City Hall in KK ( MYR 1.00 per person) or take a taxi to LIKAS Square Plaza MYR 12.00.

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

Whalesharks - Whale Sharks at Gaya Island TARP Kota Kinabalu Sabah

Whale Sharks have arrived on Gaya Island Kota Kinabalu Sabah !!

March to April is traditionally Whaleshark season in the surrounding waters of Kota Kinabalu and along the west coast Sabah.

At Downbelow we run daily dive packages, visiting their favorite feeding grounds around Gaya Island and within TARP in search of these beautiful creatures.

Yesterday to every ones delight our divers came across a huge school of Krill whilst on their 1st boat dive of the day.

Knowing that the Sharks would not be far away they began searching the shallow waters.

In total 3 of these enormous fish were spotted, 2 of the Whale Sharks were 4-6m in length with 1 of them around 12m long !!

What a spectacle !! The divers spent an hour with them cruising back and forth the bay.

In the excited frenzy they didn't manage to get a great picture and unfortunately Richard did not have his camera but thanks to Tan from Sarawak we do have a couple of images of the actual sharks.

Among our guests that day were two people on a 3 Day Dive Package, specifically to see the Whale Sharks and they have both written very some lovely comments for our guest-book.

"I herewith attached the whale shark pictures that I took on Friday the 13th March 2009. These are the only pictures that I have in my cam.
 
I really have a great times diving with your team! Only two words that I can describe your team, and that is  VERY GOOD!
 
That's all from me now and I hope I will manage to get the divers from Kuching to dive in KK for Whale Shark next year!
 
Thanks for everything! Warmest regards,
Tan (Sarawak)

Your centre have got yourself great staff with superb eyes sight.. I'm so glad I did see the whale shark... The excitment in me is like so so huge... Really enjoyed myself. Thank you so much...

Warmest Regards
Lirene

Should you wish to join us for the Whale Shark season this year please contact us either by email, telephone or visit our Dive Shop and Travel Centre.

Our international staff team provide premier 5 Star service which it to be expected from a 5 Star Instructor Training 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. 

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

Pulau Tiga - Survivior Island Day Trip - what a fabulous day out !

Pulau Tiga - Survivor Island - Downbelow run the fastest Dive Boat in Kota Kinabalu which makes a trip to Tiga very comfortable and quick !!!

This was put to the test on a recent day trip when we arrived at Pulau Tiga in 45 minutes from Kota Kinabalu !

Quick transfer times means more time to spend diving, playing in the mud volcano and enjoying the delicious cuisine of Tiga resorts buffet lunch - resort style !

This paradise island surrounded by pristine tropical waters is located 6 miles offshore Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. 

Formed on September 21st 1897 when an earthquake on the Philippine island of Mindanao triggered a volcanic eruption just north of Borneo.

The eruption of mud and rock formed a new island 20 meters wide.

The last eruption of the volcano was in 1941 but to this day warm mud continues to ooze from geometric vents on the island.

These mud baths are safe to bath in and although not proved by science the mud bath is claimed to improve the complexion, relieve joint and muscle pain and remove toxins.

If nothing else they are great fun and very relaxing !!

The pristine natural environment of Pulau Tiga Park is protected by the Malaysian government.

Pulau Tiga is also home to some fascinating land based wildlife, proboscis and macaque monkeys, flying foxes, bats, monitor lizards and a plethora of birds - including megapodes, hornbills and sea eagles.

The islands fine white sandy beach provides an idyllic place to relax, swim and enjoy the peace and serenity of this uncrowned tropical paradise.

Those who are a little more energetic can trek through the 7 miles of trails now carved through the rain-forest.

Close by Pulau Tiga is Snake Island - named for the many Sea Snakes that inhabit and lay their eggs on the tiny rocky uninhabited island. 

Aboard our 37ft spacious speed boat a day trip to Palau Tiga, Survivor Island departs at 0730 hrs.

Day Trips include the following:

Return sea transfers from Kota Kinabalu, Unlimited Snacks and Refreshments, BBQ or Buffet Lunch. Park Entry Fees, Jetty Fees. Guided Snorkelling and/ or Scuba Diving 2 x Boat dives (depending on package). Guided Trip to Mud Volcano and Optional overnight stay.

Non divers and snorkelers are also welcome !

To discover more about this fascinating island and great day trip please visit our Pulau Tiga pages.

Our international staff team provide premier 5 Star service which it to be expected from a 5 Star Instructor Training 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. 

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

PADI 5 STAR IDC Center Kota Kinabalu - Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures based in Kota Kinabalu and Gaya Island are thrilled to announce themselves as a PADI 5 STAR Instructor Development Center - a status awarded to premier dive centers for Professional Scuba Diving training.

Already a prestigious PADI 5 Star Dive Center that excel in providing dive consumers with a full range of diver education programs, equipment selection, recreational diving and experience opportunities we are very happy to announce our Instructor Development Course - IDC commencing 19th March 2009 with the IE in Kota Kinabalu on the 30th & 31st March 09.

Covering areas as diverse as risk management, teaching children, the business of diving and PADI standards and procedures, the IDC is designed to develop a rounded diving educator who can work anywhere in the world.

The IDC begins with independent self-study Knowledge Reviews and encompasses two PADI programs: The Assistant Instructor Course and The Open Water Scuba Instructor Course.

Together these two programs make up the full IDC.

Certification as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor is by successful completion of the PADI Instructor Examination scheduled at the end of the IDC, confirmed for the 30th and 31st March 2009 also in Kota Kinabalu.

During the IDC you will learn how to successfully transfer knowledge and skills to others. Furthermore you will develop a clear understanding of The PADI Philosophy of Continuing Education and the full range of PADI programs, teaching materials and tools, including digital products, that are available to you as a PADI Instructor.

Once you have understood the basic teaching methods employed in teaching scuba and how to use the PADI system to it’s fullest, you will find teaching an easy and exhilarating experience !!

We would like to thank all friends and clients of Downbelow past and present who have contributed to the success of our PADI Dive Centre and we look forward to exciting times ahead.

From the Team at Downbelow !!

Please visit our Dive Shop in Kota Kinabalu or email us for more information on our full Range of Scuba Diving Opportunities, Programs and Equipment Sales.

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935
Dive Shop: +6 088 23 23 75 (with answer phone)

PADI 5 STAR IDC Center Kota Kinabalu - Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures based in Kota Kinabalu and Gaya Island are thrilled to announce themselves as a PADI 5 STAR Instructor Development Center - a status awarded to premier dive centers for Professional Scuba Diving training.

Already a prestigious PADI 5 Star Dive Center that excel in providing dive consumers with a full range of diver education programs, equipment selection, recreational diving and experience opportunities we are very happy to announce our Instructor Development Course - IDC commencing 19th March 2009 with the IE in Kota Kinabalu on the 30th & 31st March 09.

Covering areas as diverse as risk management, teaching children, the business of diving and PADI standards and procedures, the IDC is designed to develop a rounded diving educator who can work anywhere in the world.

The IDC begins with independent self-study Knowledge Reviews and encompasses two PADI programs: The Assistant Instructor Course and The Open Water Scuba Instructor Course.

Together these two programs make up the full IDC.

Certification as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor is by successful completion of the PADI Instructor Examination scheduled at the end of the IDC, confirmed for the 30th and 31st March 2009 also in Kota Kinabalu.

During the IDC you will learn how to successfully transfer knowledge and skills to others. Furthermore you will develop a clear understanding of The PADI Philosophy of Continuing Education and the full range of PADI programs, teaching materials and tools, including digital products, that are available to you as a PADI Instructor.

Once you have understood the basic teaching methods employed in teaching scuba and how to use the PADI system to it’s fullest, you will find teaching an easy and exhilarating experience !!

We would like to thank all friends and clients of Downbelow past and present who have contributed to the success of our PADI Dive Centre and we look forward to exciting times ahead.

From the Team at Downbelow !!

Please visit our Dive Shop in Kota Kinabalu or email us for more information on our full Range of Scuba Diving Opportunities, Programs and Equipment Sales.

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935
Dive Shop: +6 088 23 23 75 (with answer phone)

Discover Scuba Diving Mania !! Diving for Beginners - Gaya Island, TARP, Kota Kinabalu

Downbelow PADI 5 STAR IDC Dive and Adventure Centre based on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park have the daily pleasure to show some first time beginner scuba divers the beauty of our underwater world.

The PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program - aka DSD is one of our most popular 1 day programs.



Introducing people to scuba diving in a highly supervised and relaxed manner. It dispels common misconceptions about scuba by letting individuals try it for themselves. 

In a day trip from Kota Kinabalu City 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. 

Based at The Beach House, Gaya Island where rainforest meets reef,  Downbelow's PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Centre in 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.  

Located just 8 minutes speedboat ride from central Kota Kinabalu the Beach House is ideally situated for visitors on day trips from the city and nearby resorts. 

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. 

Daily Program MYR 260.00 pp or MYR 340.00 pp(with additional afternoon dive)

0810 - 0820 hrs  Hotel pickup (KK City)  transfer to Mainland Jetty 
0830 hrs Meet Downbelow Staff and Transfer to our little "Piece of Paradise" on Gaya Island
0845 hrs Registration / Dive & Equipment Briefing 
1030 hrs Confined Water Dive
1200 hrs Open Water Dive
1300 hrs Lunch
1400 hrs Optional Scuba Dive (from the dive boat or shore)
1600 hrs Boat Transfer to Mainland Jetty
1615 hrs Return to Hotel

Cost includes hotel pick up (KK City including Tanjung Aru & Sutera Harbour), boat transfers, park entry fees, jetty fees, equipment rental, instruction, free flow tea/coffe/water and freshly cooked lunch.

There are NO HIDDEN EXTRAS !!!!

Our international staff team provide premier 5 Star service which it to be expected from a 5 Star Instructor Training 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. 

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