Downbelow PADI 5 Star Dive Centre Kota Kinabalu

Scuba Diving Internships - Kota Kinablau

2010-08-05T19:19:00.000+08:00

Scuba Diving internships are great way to spend the summer months, between university holidays, gap years or sabbaticals from work !!!

Pictured left: Tom (aka: Rambo) a KK dive club member joins our scuba diving internship candidates, Gabriel, Simon & Joe for the PADI Rescue Diver portion of their program.

Our Internship program has become very popular and successful. Please take a look at our FACEBOOK account to see up to date information on Gaya Island happenings and see how the scuba diving internship candidates are progressing with their training.

The internships represent great value for money, provide exceptional experiences and training and at the same time they are great fun.

On all our internships you receive UNLIMITED scuba diving. We can offer this because our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre is based within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park with direct access to our training lagoon & house reef.

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

Annually we run a minimum of two Instructor Development Courses (IDC) to co-inside with these two IDC courses we run 1 month - 1 year internship programs, which can be joined at any time throughout the year.

Our internship programs cater for people who are complete beginners to the sport of diving and those more experienced.

We include very affordable accommodation to participants.

Continuing education is offered to the already certified PADI Instructor as Emergency First Response Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer and IDC Staff Instructor.

Anyone can apply to join our program, for more information please see our Professional PADI Internship Program dedicated web pages or contact us.

Promotion Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort & Scuba Diving or Snorkeling Pacakge

2010-07-20T19:19:00.000+08:00

Shangri La Rasa Ria & Scuba Diving Promotional Package

Stay at the Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort for 4 nights, Scuba Dive for 2 days (6 Dives).

What a perfect way to spend your holiday in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah !!!

Promotional Rate - based on 2 people sharing NETT .

Garden Wing
Garden View: MYR 1,950.00 per person

Ocean Wing
Ocean View: MYR 2,735.00 per person

Includes:
4 Nights Room with Buffet Breakfast for Two People
2 Days Scuba Diving in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park from Gaya Island with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures.
Hotel - Island return transfers, all park fees, jetty fees, refreshments, lunch, equipment rental included. Qualified Divers enjoy 6 boat dives, non qualified divers enjoy first morning Discover Scuba Diving Program followed by 4 Boat dives.
Non divers enjoy fully guided snorkeling or relaxing on the beach or trekking the rainforest trails of Gaya Island.

NO HIDDEN CHARGES !!!!

Only - additional peak season surcharges apply to accommodation during:
From 15th July to 31st August 2010 (Summer Holidays)
From 21nd December 2010 to 4th January 2011 (Christmas, New Year)
From 1 – 7 February 2011 (Chinese New Year 2011)
Please contact us for peak season rates !

For more information and to see images of the Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort please peruse the website.

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

Pulau Tiga Resort Overnight Trip, Guided Snorkeling & BBQ Dinner & Snake Island

2010-07-12T19:59:00.000+08:00

We recently conducted an overnight trip to Pulau Tiga for a group of 21 guests and what a fabulous trip it was !!

We have the fastest dive boats in Kota Kinabalu, able to transfer 21 and more in one group to P Tiga in less than 1 hour ;) which makes a trip to Tiga very comfortable and quick.

This was put to the test again last week when we arrived at Pulau Tiga in 40 minutes from the Sutera Harbour Marina - our mainland departure location.

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 !

Our guests enjoyed a morning of guided snorkeling, a buffet lunch then off to the mud volcano. In the evening we organized a BBQ dinner with overnight accommodation on the island then a boat trip to snake island the following day, lunch then back to Kota Kinabalu.

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 !!

Day Trip Itinerary

0730 hrs: Depart Sutera Harbour Marina
0830 hrs: Tea/ Coffee on Pulau TIGA Island
0900 hrs: 1st Boat Dive / Guided Snorkelling / Free & Easy Relaxation
1015 hrs: Tea/ Coffee on Pulau TIGA Island (time to relax)
11:00 hrs: 2nd Boat Dive / Guided Snorkelling / Free & Easy Relaxation
1230 hrs: Buffet Lunch & Free & Easy Relaxation
1400 hrs: Guided Trip to the Mud Volcano (fabulous fun for all)
1500 hrs: Frolic in the Ocean washing off all that Mud !!
1530 hrs: Depart for Kota Kinabalu OR evening BBQ and overnight stay. Trip to Snake Island on day 2, lunch and transfer back to Kota Kinabalu !

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

Jeredong International School complete PADI Open Water Course, Kota Kinabalu

2010-07-12T19:58:00.000+08:00

Congratulations and thanks goes out the kids and teachers at Jeredong International School in Brunei for completing their PADI Open Water Diver Course, Scuba and Snorkeling experience in TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

The group of 11 lead by Wendy & Stewart completed PADI openwater courses while others improved their diving and snorkeling skills with pleasure dives & guided snorkeling.

Before coming to our Gaya Island PADI 5 Star IDC Dive & Adventure centre the group joined the Downbelow Bus for a day of KK sightseeing with Humpfrey our registered guide.

The day trip included visiting the Orangutans and Cultural village.

At Downbelow we specialize in Group Events, Schools, Colleges, University, Clubs and Organizations.

Taking the brief from the client and formulating itineraries to suit group size and duration.

For more information on Adventure Training and Corporate Events please see our dedicated webpages or contact our International Events Organizers Richard or Joanne

Lots more images from the event can be found on our FACEBOOK

PADI Divemaster Internship Gaya Island Sabah Malaysia

2010-07-01T16:52:00.001+08:00

Two years ago we began a Professional Scuba Diving Internship Scholarship Program for local people in Sabah Malaysia.

Local people who would like a professional career in the scuba diving industry are invited to apply for this 1 year program to become PADI Divemasters, an education that would otherwise be too expensive for them to achieve.

Our company Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures Sdn Bhd, provides the financial support for such training within our PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center on Gaya Island and the Internship Trainees also receive a monthly allowance.

We are very proud to welcome Fidelis, Lester and Alvin to the professional world of diving. All three of them have successfully achieved their goal of becoming a PADI Divemaster with us.

Now they have their sights on becoming a PADI Scuba Instructor, the next stage of the their diving career

They serve as a great example to others who have enrolled on this rewarding program. One of Downbelow's missions is to bring local people up to this professional level within the diving industry and help them become among the best diving professionals in Sabah enabling them to earn a respectable income and provide a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

Our local Professional Scuba Diving Internship Scholarship Program complements our International Internship Program. Should you be interested to join either the Local or International Internship Program, please Contact Us.

Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off for Island Day Trips

2010-07-01T16:52:00.000+08:00

We have added a van to our fleet of vehicles providing comfort & service to our guests joining us on Gaya Island for the day scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking & sea kayaking.

We offer free hotel pick up and drop offs from KK & Tanjung Aru for all confirmed bookings which makes a day on Gaya Island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park very easy to organize.

Gaya Island is only 5-8 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu.

We are an authorized commercial operator at Sutera Harbour Marina which is our mainland departure point where guests join our boats bringing them to our PADI 5 Star IDC Dive & Adventure Centre nestled in Hornbill Bay - Gaya Island. Surrounded by primary jungle rainforest and tropical ocean this paradise island is draped in history and so full of life - a perfect getaway from the city.

Offering daily scuba diving to 49 surrounding reefs and wrecks, PADI scuba diving courses from beginner to master instructor, snorkeling, sea kayaking and guided trekking.

A day or multiple day trip to Gaya Island should not be missed when visiting Sabah, Borneo.

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 & Travel Centre 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

Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs Day Trip from Kota Kinabalu

2010-07-01T16:51:00.000+08:00

Kinabalu Park Day Trip – “A Walk In The Park”
“Offering Great Flexibility – so much to see in One Day !!”

The ecosystems of Mt Kinabalu are very special with climatic zones ranging from tropical lowland forests to polar type summit zones.

This great mountain has become an icon of natural history and successful conservation whilst maintaining its position as the most accessible of high mountains to climb and explore.

This private day trip to Mt Kinabalu offers great flexibility – whether you wish to take relaxed walks along the river and through mountain trails, enjoy the beautiful and rare flowers of the Botanical garden, see the rainforest from a different perspective at 45m above the canopy floor, take a dip into sulfur springs or try your luck at searching for the Raflessia Flower – all this can be experienced on a one day trip from Kota Kinabalu.

For the more adventurous you can climb HALF WAY to the summit !!!

This 8 KM return climb follows the same route that climbers of Mt Kinabalu take but instead of continuing to Laban Rata you will turn around at Layang Layang (2700m) and return to the comfort of your car and driver It’s a very physical climb and can get a little cold at 2700m but well worth the views.

For more information on this fabulous day trip from Kota Kinabalu please CONTACT US.

Please contact us should you wish to come and spend the day on Gaya Island, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Sea Kayaking or just relaxing.

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 & guiding providing a very personal service.

We have extremely high safety standards and procedures and follow British HSE Guidelines.

We have a Dive Shop & Travel Centre 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 Course OWSI Scuba Instructor Asia

2010-06-13T18:19:00.001+08:00

IDC - Instructor Development Course, AI, OWSI & EFRI Course - Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo Malaysia.

If you are hoping to become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor we have 2 great programs that you can join.

We are offering an IDC 1 month Internship which offers exceptional value for money, you enjoy UMLIMITED Scuba Diving from our island based PADI 5 Star IDC Centre and free IDC prep. OR if you are short on time you can join us for your IDC Course which also includes free IDC Prep.

Dates:

AI & OWSI (IDC) & EFRI Course
Dates: 27th August - 10th September 2010
IE: 11th & 12th September in KK

1 month IDC Internship with Unlimited Scuba Diving & OWSI (IDC) & EFRI Course
Dates: 11th August - 10th September 2010
IE: 11th & 12th September in KK

With our staff team of Course Director, Master Instructor and 2 Staff Instructors our staff to candidate ratio is very high which helps to ensure 100 % success !!!!

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 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 11th & 12th September 2010 also in Kota Kinabalu.

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

More information on our courses and internships can be found at our IDC Course Asia website.

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

Learn to Scuba Dive, PADI Scuba Diver Course TARP Kota Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia

2010-06-13T18:19:00.000+08:00

Short of time but still want to join a Scuba Diving course, learn how to scuba dive and experience the beauty of the Underwater World ?

Then we have the perfect solution for you - The PADI Scuba Diver Course which takes 2 days to complete.

PADI Scuba Diver Course - 2 days

The PADI Scuba Diver program is a pre-entry level certification that is perfect for vacationers or people who only plan to dive a couple times a year.

As a subprogram of the PADI Open Water Diver program, the PADI Scuba Diver rating allows you to get certified quickly and easily by minimizing time constraints.

With the PADI Scuba Diver certification you can dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, Instructor or higher professional on your next vacation or dive trip to a maximum of 12m.

What do I need to start?

Virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water can earn a Scuba Diver certification. If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI Junior Scuba Diver program available

What will I do?

Throughout the course, you’ll learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques.

You earn this rating by completing confined water dives in our lagoon in front of our island based dive centre (pictured below). You will also complete knowledge development sessions which take place at our island paradise below, plus you will make two open water dives in the surrounding tropical ocean.

How long will it take?

PADI programs are performance based. You proceed as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows you to work at a pace that is comfortable for you, we allocate 2 days for this course.

Where can I go from here?
After completing the Scuba Diver program, you can at anytime continue your diving education by completing the PADI Open Water Course with any PADI Dive Center which will take an additional 2 days.

How do I book my place ?

Please send us an email with your preferred dates and we'll schedule your course.

Painted Clownfish, The Best Dive Sites, Reef Clean Ups, PADI Courses and Leisure Diving

2010-05-22T20:58:00.000+08:00

New scuba diving sites, reef & fishing net clean ups, lots of new divers, budding underwater photographers and an abundance of critters are just some of what’s been happening at Downbelows PADI 5 Star Dive & Adventure Centre on Gaya Island over the past couple of weeks !!

Scuba diving with us at Downbelow is very exciting because we have some of the very best dive guides in the region. With many years of local knowledge and experience we know exactly where to look for the beautifully ugly creature critters of the reef !!!

This week causing much excitement has been the discovery of 2 - yes TWO juvenile painted frog fish on one of the reefs close to our dive centre. We hope that these shy and sensitive creatures will stay in the area for a long while.

We found a fishing net washed up on North Sulug, one of our favorite dive sites, the very next day Richard, a few members of staff and our Divemaster trainees spent almost the whole day cutting it away, fish were saved and the reef was left with only a little damage.

Lots of guests have enjoyed leisure diving to some of the best dive sites at TARP offshore to Usukan Bay WW2 Wrecks, The Rock and Mayne Rock.

The visibility has been great too this week, surface waters were a little low at times due to some heavy rain but still very enjoyable.

Should you wish to come and visit us at our island based dive & adventure center located on the beach with a resort like feel it is a fun place to spend the day, enjoying the tropical surroundings and chatting about all the wonderful creatures you will have spotted.

For more information on scuba diving Gaya Island, TARP and Sabah’s West Coast please peruse our links to the left, starting with the Dive Trip section.

For more information on the marine creatures you are likely to see please peruse our Marine Biology Section of the website. All information and photography is the work of Richard and Joanne, Directors of Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures.

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

FIND US ON GOOGLE MAPS !

Promotion Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort & Scuba Diving or Snorkeling Pacakge

2010-05-19T12:29:00.001+08:00

Shangri La Rasa Ria & Scuba Diving Promotional Package

Stay at the Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort for 4 nights, Scuba Dive for 2 days (6 Dives).

What a perfect way to spend your holiday in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah !!!

Promotional Rate - based on 2 people sharing NETT .

Garden Wing
Garden View: MYR 1,950.00 per person

Ocean Wing
Ocean View: MYR 2,735.00 per person
Save more $$$ with extra days & nights !

Includes:
4 Nights Room with Buffet Breakfast for Two People
2 Days Scuba Diving in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park from Gaya Island with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures.
Hotel - Island return transfers, all park fees, jetty fees, refreshments, lunch, equipment rental included. Qualified Divers enjoy 6 boat dives, non qualified divers enjoy first morning Discover Scuba Diving Program followed by 4 Boat dives.
Non divers enjoy fully guided snorkeling or relaxing on the beach or trekking the rainforest trails of Gaya Island.
Pre-payment is required.

NO HIDDEN CHARGES !!!!

Only - additional peak season surcharges apply to accommodation during:
From 15th July to 31st August 2010 (Summer Holidays)
From 21nd December 2010 to 4th January 2011 (Christmas, New Year)
From 1 – 7 February 2011 (Chinese New Year 2011)
Please contact us for peak season rates !

For more information and to see images of the Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort please peruse the website.

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

Kota Kinabalu’s Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP) sees Conservation Dividends.

2010-05-19T12:29:00.000+08:00

Ghostpipefish – a prize find in any location haven’t been this plentiful for long while and we believe the return of fantastical creatures to Kota Kinabalu’s Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP) is pure conservation dividends.

Like many marine creature Ghostpipefish are seasonal and now is their peak season but its been years since they were in such abundance.

TARP has historically been shunned by divers thinking anywhere in Sabah other than Sipadan is boring.

However with marine life returning to the reefs and rare creature encounters frequent, Downbelow is convinced that conservation efforts are rejuvenating the park.

We see something wonderful on every dive - vibrant corals, unusual Nudibranches, Marble & Eagle Rays, Schools of Chevron Barracuda, Orang Utan Crabs, Pajama Cardinals; they’re all here within sight of the city.

Gaya Island & TARP have enjoyed increased protection from Sabah Parks and it’s the reduction of illegal fishing practices that’s a major contributor to the return of marine life.

To discover more about diving Borneo and to dive Gaya Island & TARP, please peruse our website.

For more information on the marine creatures you are likely to see please peruse our Marine Biology Section of the website. All information and photography is the work of Richard and Joanne, Directors of Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures.

Hartpury College enjoy Discover Scuba Diving on Gaya Island TARP

2010-05-19T12:28:00.000+08:00

Downbelow hosted 19 students and their teacher from Hartpury College in UK for a fabulous day of Scuba Diving from Gaya Island.

It was a mental day on the island with 36 people in total enjoying the activities - 21 of them were Discover Scuba Divers !! But everyone split into their small groups with their instructors - even with this many people we maintain our very personnel attention to instruction and safety - the more the merrier - and this day sure was !!!!

As usual the whole Downbelow team did a top job well done guys you made us very proud !

The group from Hartpury College in the UK and all our other divers and snorkelers had a great time on the island today discovering scuba and enjoying our little piece of paradise with their Downbelow Instructors (not sure who had the most fun ;)

At Downbelow we specialize in Group Events, Schools, Colleges, University, Clubs and Organizations.

Taking the brief from the client and formulating itineraries to suit group size and duration.

For more information on Adventure Training and Corporate Events please see our dedicated webpages or contact our International Events Organizers Richard or Joanne

Lots more images from the event can be found on our FACEBOOK

Holiday Promotion ! Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort & Lankayan Dive Resort, Discounts & Special Rates & Packages, Sabah Malaysia

2010-04-28T08:38:00.000+08:00

We are very pleased to offer a special holiday promotion with additional discounts for bookings at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort and Lankayan island Resort from 1st November to 15th December 2010.

Further discounts are available if you book TWO Centre Packages with us at Gaya Island !!!

We are taking bookings NOW for these dates.

We are offering an additional 10% discount to our already discounted rates which make staying at these beautiful resorts a must when visiting Sabah !!

Please see our dedicated web pages of Celebes Sea Accommodation and Lankayan Island to learn more about these tropical destinations and see some stunning images.

Both resorts are protected under our "Price Promise".

Please email us for more information and to check availability.

Why not start begin your holiday in Kota Kinabalu and Scuba Dive, Snorkel or come Trekking with us on Gaya Island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Our Dive and Adventure Center offers Marine & Wildlife lovers an unforgettable day trip in paradise !

Why Scuba Dive Borneo with Dive Downbelow !!

2010-04-22T09:50:00.003+08:00

Dive Borneo - Dive Downbelow - What makes Downbelow Different ?

There are only two Dive Centres actually based in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park - we are one of those two !!!

We also have our Head Office in KK Times Square offering tailor-made Travel in Sabah.

Our island based dive & adventure center provides a very special experience. Located on the beach with a resort like feel it is a fun place to spend the day, enjoying the tropical surroundings and chatting about all the wonderful creatures you will have spotted.

Plus ....

Safety & Equipment
New and maintained Dive Equipment with Documented Service History
Boats equipped with Sounders, GPS and Marine Radios for Complete Safety and Enjoyment
Marine Radio & Handheld Radio Communication links the Team & Dive Centre
DAN Emergency Oxygen Kit and First Aid Kits on Boats and at Dive Centre
Emergency Assistant Plan & Risk Assessment Updated and Displayed
All staff members trained in Emergency First Response with 7 in house EFR Instructors

Enjoyment
Offering the widest range of Scuba Diving Courses - Try Dives to Staff Instructor - in house !
Offering the widest range of Scuba Diving Day Trips on comfortable, fast dive boats.
37ft, 35ft & 32ft Comfortable Powerful Dive Boats – plenty of space with cover from the Sun & Rain !
Small Groups & Personal treatment - No Crowds !
Fresh Water Showers and Toilets !
Marine Biology Information & Enthusiastic Staff
Over 50 dive sites within easy reach of our Dive Centre
Only 5 minutes by Speedboat from Kota Kinabalu City

Experience
Authorized PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive & Adventure Centre
PADI Professionals in Active Teaching Status
International Team - British, Malaysian, Chinese
7 x PADI Instructors, 2 x PADI Assistant Instructors, 2 x PADI Divemasters, 4 x Snorkel Guides and 24 members in the Downbelow Team resulting in an Exception Level of Service
Underwater Photography Experts - in House
Fully Licensed through the Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism

FIND US ON GOOGLE MAPS !

For bookings please call or email us

TEL: +6 012 867 7375
www.divedownbelow.com

Criptic Critters ! Ghostpipefish, Gaya Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu

2010-04-22T09:50:00.002+08:00

Ornate or Harlequin Ghostpipefish - Solenostomus paradoxus

Closely related to the family Syngnathidae - Seahorses and Pipefish they are from same order and share the long tube like snout.

Easily identified and arguably the most elaborate of Syngnathiformes, the Ornate or Harlequin Ghostpipefish is a highly prized discovery among divers and underwater photographers and we have several pairs around Gaya Island and within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

The fins of the Ornate Ghostpipefish are well developed, large and as the name suggests ornately decorated.

Spending most of its time in a head down position, drifting or slowly swimming in gentle surge and currents. In our image to the left, photographed by Richard just a couple of minutes from our PADI 5 Star IDC Centre on Gaya Island, you can see a pair of Ghostpipefish cryptically nestled among the branches of a feather star.

Their coloration is variable and the female has much larger ventral fins to store her eggs. Males are generally smaller in size than females, who grow to approximately 10cm in length. If undisturbed they will remain in the same host fauna for many weeks allowing us to revisit and respectfully show our divers !!!

Gaya Island and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park - TARP offers some fabulous scuba diving possibilities, teeming with marine life it should not be missed by divers coming to Sabah.

For more information on scuba diving Gaya Island, TARP and Sabah’s West Coast please peruse our links to the left, starting with the Dive Trip section.

For more information on the marine creatures you are likely to see please peruse our Marine Biology Section of the website. All information and photography is the work of Richard and Joanne, Directors of Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures.

Downbelow Travel Centre Girls go Scuba Diving - Gaya Island

2010-04-22T09:50:00.001+08:00

Downbelow’s Travel Centre girls took to the reefs last weekend and spend the day Scuba Diving on Gaya Island.

PADI Staff Instructor Joanne conducted a Discover Scuba Diving program with Azlina & Shiau Lee - already a qualified diver joined for a Scuba Review as its been a while since her last.

The water was stunning and we saw schools of fish, some beautiful coral reef and had a fabulous day all round !!!

More information on our courses, day trips and travel packages please peruse our links to the right.

Project Aware - Dive for Earth Day Awareness on Gaya Island

2010-04-22T09:50:00.000+08:00

REVERSING THE TIDE – CLEANING UP GAYA ISLAND

Last Sunday, dive operator Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures invited 40 volunteers, both local and foreign, to lead by example and clean up the rubbish choking the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Working from 9am till 2pm on the shores near Sabah Parks Headquarters & Downbelows PADI 5 Star IDC Centre, the trekking trail and in the mangrove swamps, Downbelow staff and the volunteers managed to rid the environment of the TAR Park of a staggering amount of rubbish, which included
• 180kg of glass bottles (mostly discarded beer bottles);
• 50kg of plastic items (plastic bags and drinks bottles the main culprits); and
• 40kg of aluminium and tin cans.

The clean-up is to help raise awareness for Dive for Earth Day coming up in April, a PADI Project AWARE initiative that encourages the conservation of our oceans, be it below the surface or on the shorelines.

“Every year we sponsor several clean-up operations to collect rubbish on Gaya Island”, said Evelyn Bernadinus, Downbelow’s Regional Manager. “We transport participants to the island and provide refreshments and lunch in exchange for trash collected”, she said.

Sabah Parks, as well as Sutera Harbour Resort, contributed to the initiative by waiving their respective jetty fees for the volunteers.

“As part of the clean-up initiative, we also donated RM888, and collected an additional RM310 from participants,” added Bernadinus, “which is for the PADI Project AWARE Foundation in support of their mission to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action.”

Bernadinus hopes that more dive operators would step up to support awareness of Dive for Earth Day and contribute to keeping Kota Kinabalu’s national marine park clean, as both local and foreign volunteers expressed their satisfaction with the results of the cleanup.

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures heavily promotes the TAR Park’s diverse and vibrant underwater life and, when not on a mission to clean it, conducts daily diving and island activities to explore it.

Feel free to call us on +6 012 866 1935 or Email Us with your enquiry or peruse our links to the right.

Check out our Hammerhead Shark Underwater Video from Sipadan, Borneo

2010-04-22T09:49:00.001+08:00

Videographer Richard Swann from Downbelow managed to capture some of our Hammerhead Shark encounter on film, we were deep and it was dark but you can still see the school of Hammerhead Sharks at Sipadan, there were more than 100 sharks in total - AWESOME !!!!

We offer TWO Centre Scuba Diving Packages to Sipadan - Kapalai Dive Resort & Gaya Island with very generous discounts.

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

Underwater Camera Rental & Sale - Canon Powershot G11 Camera & Underwater Housing.

2010-04-22T09:49:00.000+08:00

NEW in the Downbelow KK Dive Shop - The Canon Powershot G11 Camera & Underwater Housing.

In stock now at our Scuba Dive Shop and Dive Centre - Kota Kinabalu.

Advanced amateurs who have overwhelmingly embraced the G Series will be delighted with the PowerShot G11, which features RAW mode for unlimited editing options, a 28mm wide-angle lens, and a 2.8-inch Vari-Angle PureColor System LCD.

Add to that Canon's new High Sensitivity System and high-speed ISO for incredible image quality, and Canon's top-range compact digital camera is a truly groundbreaking successor.

This is a camera that supports and nurtures creativity, with a full range of shooting and recording modes and compatibility with exciting accessories including Speedlite flashes.

Includes:
Canon Underwater Housing
Toshiba 4 GB SDHC Card
Leather Camera Case
Moisture Alarm

When in Kota Kinabalu please visit our Dive Shop and Travel Centre - its is a place for existing and potential clients to visit and discover what Sabah has to offer both on land and Downbelow !

Reservations for Adventure Travel, Sepilok and Kinabatangan Wildlife Packages, Lankayan, Kapalai and Layang Layang among others can also be explored and booked at our Travel Centre.

Our Dive Shop & Travel Centre is a hive of activity and information.

We are resellers for Suunto, Atomic Aquatics, BARE Wetsuits, Sherwood Scuba, AKONA, Unidive, Dive Rite and more. We sell a selection of clothing and cool boxes plus many diving accessories.

For more information please visit our dedicated Dive Shop section of the website or Contact US.

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

Magellan Sutera Resort Hotel & Manukan Beach Resort, Scuba Diving Package, Manukan & Gaya Island - Kota Kinabalu

2010-03-14T20:57:00.001+08:00

Resort & Island Accommodation & Scuba Diving Promotional Package

Stay in the Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort - for 4 nights, Scuba Dive for 3 days (9 Dives) then relax in a Beach Chalet on Manukan Island for 2 nights !!!

What a perfect way to spend your holiday in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah !!!

MYR 2,650.00 per person. Promotional Rate - based on 2 people sharing NETT

Includes:
4 Nights Sea View Room with Buffet Breakfast for Two People
3 Days Scuba Diving in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park from Gaya Island.
Hotel - Island return transfers, all park fees, jetty fees, refreshments, lunch, equipment rental included. Qualified Divers enjoy 9 boat dives, non qualified divers enjoy first morning Discover Scuba Diving Program followed by 7 Boat dives.
2 Nights Beach Chalet on Manukan Island including Breakfast for two and boat transfers on arrival and departure days.

Peak season surcharges apply to accommodation during:
From 15th July to 31st August 2010 (Summer Holidays)
From 21nd December 2010 to 4th January 2011 (Christmas, New Year)
From 1 – 7 February 2011 (Chinese New Year 2011)

Extra beds at RM 150 nett inclusive of breakfast
Peak season surcharge at RM 140 nett per room per night

For more information and to see images of the Magellan Sutera Harour Resort & Manukan Island - Beach Chalets please peruse the website.

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

Super Macro Critters on Gaya Island - Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

2010-03-11T08:10:00.001+08:00

Richard has been in Macro heaven recently armed with his 105mm lens he has been diving with Underwater Photography enthusiasts to photograph some of the little critters of the reef.

This beautiful Seahorse can be seen on one of Gaya Islands nearby reefs, shot full frame with a 105mm lens, we will no doubt print it and add it to the gallery of images at our Dive Shop & Travel Centre in KK City.

Check out our FACEBOOK and see “Super Macro Fun in the TAR Park by Richard Swann” - the images are stunning, so too is Richards Nudibranch Album.

You can learn the art of Underwater Photography with us at our PADI 5 Star Dive & Adventure Island on Gaya Island, we have the perfect location, facilities and critters. Our staff team led by Richard have a wealth of knowledge that goes beyond standard courses.

Richard has many many years of experience in Underwater Photography and is more than happy to share this with friends & guests of Downbelow.

Enjoy UNLIMITED scuba diving where you can spend as long as you like (bottom time and air permitting) underwater getting that perfect shot !!

PADI Underwater Digital Photography Speciality Courses are available as well as Photography Clinics and underwater camera rental.

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

PADI Courses & What can we see Scuba Diving at Gaya Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

2010-03-11T08:10:00.000+08:00

We have been so busy recently in the Travel Centre & on Gaya Island that we have not had time to keep every body updated.

The dive sites around Gaya Island and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park are teaming with Marine Life right now, Seahorses, facinating Nudibranchs, Turtles, White Tip Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Lobsters and more - we have been posting a lot of finds on FACEBOOK

We have been running lots of PADI Dive Courses from Try Dives, PADI Open Water Courses, Advanced Open Water Courses, Rescue Courses, Divemaster Courses and now the IDC Preparation sessions where the IDC Candidates prepare for the upcoming IDC Course later this month.

Congratulations to Fidelis Lester and Alvin (AKA Bob) for passing their rescue program and have now officially started the Divemaster course !

All three trainees are part of Downbelows long term staff training program for local team members.

More information on our courses and internships can be found at our IDC Course Asia website.

WINNER of The Project AWARE Conservation Award- Asia Pacific 2010

2010-02-26T08:51:00.000+08:00

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures are the proud winners of The Project AWARE Conservation Award- Asia Pacific 2010

“To better recognize the achievements of those PADI Dive Centres and Resorts who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of diving.

PADI Asia Pacific is pleased to announce the finalists and winners of this year’s PADI Asia Pacific Member Awards program which recognizes their efforts from 2009.

The PADI Member Awards program was based on nine separate Asia Pacific regions; a system that ensured PADI Members compete with other PADI Members within their own geographical region for one of five Awards.

All PADI Dive Centres and Resorts within each of the nine regions were considered for nomination by a specially convened selection panel, who selected up to three finalists for each of the awards.

A panel of PADI judges then considered all of the finalists within each region and we are very pleased to announce the following finalists and winners of this year’s awards.

PADI congratulates all of our Members on the outstanding job you do training divers and we wish you the best of success for the remainder of 2010”

Project AWARE Conservation Award 2010

WINNER: Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures S-36441

Canon Powershot G10 Camera & Underwater Housing for Sale & Rental - Scuba Dive Shop and Dive Centre, Kota Kinabalu

2010-02-22T11:21:00.000+08:00

The Canon Powershot G10 Camera & Underwater Housing is proving to be a fabulous unit for Underwater Photographers.

We have it for Sale & Rental at our Scuba Dive Shop and Dive Centre - Kota Kinabalu.

Advanced amateur photographers are a discerning group, and they've flocked to Canon's G-Series for its ability to meet and exceed their demands.

The third-generation PowerShot G10 is a stunning successor, loaded with uncompromising specs like 14.7 megapixels, a 28mm wide-angle lens, and Canon's new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for notably improved face and motion detection.

This is a camera that supports and nurtures creativity, with a full range of shooting and recording modes and compatibility with exciting accessories including Speedlite flashes.

Includes:
Canon Underwater Housing
Toshiba 4 GB SDHC Card
Leather Camera Case
Moisture Alarm

When in Kota Kinabalu please visit our Dive Shop and Travel Centre - its is a place for existing and potential clients to visit and discover what Sabah has to offer both on land and Downbelow !

Reservations for Adventure Travel, Sepilok and Kinabatangan Wildlife Packages, Lankayan, Kapalai and Layang Layang among others can also be explored and booked at our Travel Centre.

Our Dive Shop & Travel Centre is a hive of activity and information.

Run by experienced marine and wildlife enthusiasts who love to explore, research and photograph the surrounding rainforest & reefs of the T unku Abdul Rahman Park , Pulau Tiga and beyond!

There are books and posters to help identify your latest underwater discoveries and helpful friendly staff to assist and inform you of the activities, courses and programs we run.

We are resellers for Suunto, Atomic Aquatics, BARE Wetsuits, Sherwood Scuba, AKONA, Unidive, Dive Rite and more. We sell a selection of clothing and cool boxes plus many diving accessories.

For more information please visit our dedicated Dive Shop section of the website or Contact US.

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

Borneo Scuba Diving Day Trip to Pulau Tiga Sabah Malaysia

2010-02-21T10:08:00.000+08:00

Borneo Scuba Diving Day Trips & Packages TARP, Kota Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia

Due to popular demand and a number of requests we have published a collection of images from our day trips to Pulau Tiga on our company Facebook.

Please following the link below to have a look at this popular day trip from TARP and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah.

To read more about the day please visit our dedicated Pulau Tiga pages within our website.

Please peruse our company Facebook here.

Should you wish to join us for a day at Pulau Tiga, at our PADI 5 Star Dive & Adventure Centre on Gaya Island or for a days Scuba Diving to the Wrecks, Mantanani, The Rock or elsewhere -

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

Scuba Diving Package - Gaya Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

2010-02-15T15:44:00.000+08:00

Downbelow were pleased once again to accommodate Malaysian Underwater Group Members for a 3 day - 10 dive package which included sunset & a night dives.

Visibility is reduced at the moment - which has its positives because this makes us focus on the reefs smaller critters, Nudibranchs, Seahorses, Cuttlefish, Scorpionfish, Orang Utan Crabs among others we abundant.

There is also the excitement this time of year in perhaps seeing a Whale Shark - although its still a little too early but there has been one sighting so far.

Scuba Diving is becoming more and more popular and this year has seen a busy start to the year. We can offer Scuba Divers a very enjoyable day out and provide the best facilities available on the West Coast of Sabah.

We own 3 speedboats that take our divers to different dive sites within the TAR Park and offshore daily.

We choose the best dive sites to suit our divers that day - operating very small groups with their own Divemasters and Instructors ensuring a very personal and safe service.

Between dives we return to our paradise dive & adventure centre located on Gaya Island for refreshments, buffet or BBQ lunch.

Our island based dive & snorkel center provides a very special experience, with a resort like feel it is a fun place to spend the day, enjoying the tropical surroundings and chatting about all the wonderful creatures you will have spotted.

We're only 10 minutes speedboat ride from the mainland of Kota Kinabalu so less time is wasted on boat trips leaving more time for Scuba Diving ! Our International staff team are highly skilled with many years of experience in their field, we pride ourselves on an exceptional level of service and safety.

We have an ALL INCLUSIVE POLICY with NO HIDDEN EXTRA CHARGES.

Please contact us should you wish to come and spend the day on Gaya Island, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Sea Kayaking or just relaxing.

We have extremely high safety standards and procedures and follow British HSE Guidelines.

We have a Dive Shop & Travel Centre 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

Adventure Sports Training AT & Team Building - Royal Gurkha Rifles - British Army in Sabah Borneo

2010-01-28T10:01:00.000+08:00

We were very proud to again host the British Army Adventure Sports Training AT & Team Building for the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles - British Army in Sabah Borneo.

For many years the British Armed Forces have chosen us - Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures to organize and conduct the adventure training.

Our island based PADI 5 Star Dive & Adventure Centre on Gaya Island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is an ideal location for such events.

This group of 40 men took part in various activities, including the PADI Scuba Diver Course, Sea Kayaking, Sailing & Snorkeling.

They enjoyed beach BBQ’s and in the evening painted the town blue .... i their DIVE Downbelow T.Shirts (image below).

An incredible amount fun was had by all and at the same time everyone achieved their qualification.

We would like to thank the British Army once again for bringing their boys to us, it’s a great honor for us to organize and conduct such an event and we look forward to the next group.

Adventure Training and Team Building - Gaya Island, KK, Sabah, Borneo

Using the countries natural environment and skills of our international staff team, we run a wide range of programs, activities and courses for many different people.

On each you will find high standards of safety, experienced and well qualified staff and flexibility to your needs and to the conditions.

We are activity involved in a number of marine and environmental conservation and awareness initiatives, we include these concepts within our programs.

Adventure training complements both individual and collective development and should:

- Planned and executed with proper supervision by qualified staff

- Have well defined objectives, with clear instruction

- Provide mental stimulation by exposure to the perceived element of risk

- Stimulate initiative and teamwork

Throughout our programs participants face personal challenges and as a group work together to achieve a common goal.

Often in alien environments, understanding and camaraderie is key to success.

We specialize in bespoke Adventure Training, taking the brief from the client and formulating itineraries to suit group size and duration.

For more information on Adventure Training and Corporate Events please see our dedicated webpages or contact our International Events Organizers Richard or Joanne

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com
Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

Lots more images from the event can be found on our FACEBOOK

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Pajama Cardinalfish -Sphaeramia nematoptera Gaya Island TARP, Kota Kinabalu

2010-01-23T19:54:00.000+08:00

We have discovered a wonderful colony of Pajama Cardinalfish just outside our island based PADI 5 Star Dive Centre on Gaya Island - Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

These spectacular but shy fish are quite rare in the park however we can occasionally find them in sheltered bays where they prefer the calmer protected waters.

They are particularly sensitive to pollution so it's a good sign of a healthy reef to find them in any numbers.

Richard got a few pix for you to enjoy and help you know what to look out for !

Request your Downbelow dive guide to show you them next time you are here with us ;-)

You can see more images on our FACEBOOK.

Please contact us should you wish to come and spend the day on Gaya Island, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Sea Kayaking or just relaxing.

Pajama Cardinalfish -Sphaeramia nematoptera Gaya Island TARP, Kota Kinabalu

2010-01-23T17:59:00.000+08:00

We have discovered a wonderful colony of Pajama Cardinalfish just outside our island based PADI 5 Star Dive Centre on Gaya Island - Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

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

2010-01-19T21:37:00.001+08:00

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort in the Celebes Sea and Lankayan Resort in the Sulu Sea are under Downbelow's Price Promise and our 2009 holiday price remains for 2010 !!!!!

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.

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

2010-01-19T21:37:00.000+08:00

Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs Day Trip from Kota Kinabalu

2010-01-19T21:36:00.001+08:00

Kinabalu Park Day Trip – “A Walk In The Park”
“Offering Great Flexibility – so much to see in One Day !!”

Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs Day Trip from Kota Kinabalu

2010-01-19T21:36:00.000+08:00

Kinabalu Park Day Trip – “A Walk In The Park”
“Offering Great Flexibility – so much to see in One Day !!”

Emergency First Response Course, Gaya Island, TARP, Kota Kinabalu

2010-01-17T21:53:00.000+08:00

All the Downbelow Divemaster Trainees are taking part in our PADI Emergency First Response Course - EFR (some for the second time to keep skills fresh) the difference is this time Roy and Cyril are the instructors !

Richard and all the Downbelow instructors like this ! ... hang on a minute, take a look at someone not taking it seriously !

Downbelow are committed to training all our staff to be able to handle emergency medical situations and who knows maybe this time next year it will be these trainees conducting the program with the next interns.

Please contact us should you wish to come and spend the day on Gaya Island, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Sea Kayaking or just relaxing.

Wildlife - Gaya Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

2010-01-17T21:52:00.000+08:00

This harmless & stunning Green Snake is frequently seen hunting nearby our Dive & Adventure Centre on Gaya Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

There is so much wildlife to be seen at our little piece of paradise on Gaya Island - surrounded by Tropical Ocean & Primary Rainforest - we love it !!

Referred to locally as the simple Green Snake - found among the island palm trees - this is one of the only snakes to have a horizontal pupil.

Please contact us should you wish to come and spend the day on Gaya Island, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Sea Kayaking or just relaxing.

Snorkeling, Trekking, Sea Kayaking Day Trip at Gaya Island, TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo

2010-01-12T09:29:00.001+08:00

Join us for a multi activity day on Gaya Island, where you can go snorkeling, trekking all in one day trip from Kota Kinabalu.

Based 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). Our paradise island location is perfect for friends, couples, groups and families to enjoy a day trip from Kota Kinabalu.

Our Multi Activity Day Trip offers the flexibility to Snorkel some beautiful sites from our island base, go Trekking through the primary rainforest & mangroves and Sea Kayak to explore some secluded bays and see the island from a different perspective.

A member of our staff team will guide you throughout the Snorkleing & Sea Kayaking taking you to the most interesting places and pointing out fascinating marine & wildlife. Our guide will also bring along all the required safety equipment. Life ring & snorkel vests (if required) and marine hand held radio. This enables non swimmers to enjoy the activity. For Trekking it is very safe to wander through the Jungle Trails without a guide, we will give you a hand held radio for communication with the Dive & Adventure Centre and provide an area orientation.

Lots of fun actives but also plenty of time to relax and enjoy our tropical surroundings. We are the only operator at this location so we enjoy no crowds, pristine corals, walking trails through primary rain-forest that meets the reef and mangrove treks teaming with wildlife.

We provide full snorkeling equipment including snorkel vests for adults and children.
Itinerary

0800 - 0815 hrs Hotel pickup (KK City) transfer to Sutera Harbour Marina
08.30 hrs Meet Downbelow Staff & Transfer on Boat to Downbelow Dive Station on Gaya Island
09:00 hrs Welcome Briefing / Payment & Registration
09.15 hrs Snorkeling & Trekking
13.00 hrs Lunch at Adventure Centre
14.00 hrs Sea Kayaking
16.00 hrs Boat Transfer to Mainland Jetty
16.30 hrs Return to Hotel

Please contact us should you wish to come and spend the day on Gaya Island, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Sea Kayaking or just relaxing.

Scuba Diving Day Trips from Gaya Island, TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

2010-01-12T09:29:00.000+08:00

Scuba Diving is becoming more and more popular and January has seen a busy start to the year. WE can offer Scuba Divers a very enjoyable day out. We own 3 speedboats that take our divers to different dive sites within the TAR Park and offshore daily, we choose the best dive sites to suit our divers that day - operating very small groups with their own Divemasters and Instructors ensuring a very personal and safe service. Between dives we return to our paradise dive & adventure centre located on Gaya Island.

Our island based dive & snorkel center provides a very special experience, with a resort like feel it is a fun place to spend the day, enjoying the tropical surroundings and chatting about all the wonderful creatures you will have spotted.

We're only 10 minutes speedboat ride from the mainland of Kota Kinabalu so less time is wasted on boat trips leaving more time for Scuba Diving !

Our International staff team are highly skilled with many years of experience in their field, we pride ourselves on an exceptional level of service and safety.

We have an ALL INCLUSIVE POLICY with NO HIDDEN EXTRA CHARGES.

This means that you pay one price which includes: return transfers from your hotel - subject to confirmed bookings and availability, (KK City including Tanjung Aru & Sutera Harbour), boat transfers, park and jetty fees, equipment (except dive computer) refreshments - free flow water / tea / coffee, freshly cooked lunch and 3 guided boat dives are all included. If you bring your own equipment we offer 5% discount from the prices below.

Scuba Diving Kota Kinabalu Daily Dive Package from MYR 340.00 per person ALL Inclusive.
Diving here in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is very good, our guests are always very surprised to see such a variety of Marine Life and healthy corals. The park offers some great diving for beginners and experienced divers alike, lots of hard and soft coral, great macro life, schools of tropical fish and many prized critters.

TARP Dive Sites, Offshore Dive Sites and The Wrecks !!
Our Daily Diving Program is an all inclusive day out. We offer day trips and multiple day trips, night dives and sunset dives, costs are as follows:

We have 37ft, 35ft and 32ft dive boats which are very spacious and comfortable to dive from, we have a great variety of dives sites just minutes from our island dive center.

We limit the number of divers on the boat and try to keep people with similar levels of experience on the same boat. Our staff to client ratio is very high so we can accommodate all levels of divers with their own Divemasters. We offer NITROX and dive computer rentals.

Daily Itinerary for TARP

0800 - 0815 hrs Hotel pickup (KK City) transfer to Mainland Jetty
08.30 hrs Meet Downbelow Staff & Transfer on Boat to Downbelow Dive Station on Gaya Island
Welcome Briefing
0900 hrs Registration & Payment. Equipment Selection.
0930 hrs Dive Briefing
0945 hrs 1st Boat Dive
Return to Dive Center for Tea / Coffee / Fruit & Biscuits
1130 hrs Dive Briefing
1145 hrs 2nd Boat Dive
13.00 hrs Lunch at Dive Center
1400 hrs Dive Briefing
1415 hrs 3rd Boat Dive
16.00 hrs Boat Transfer to Mainland Jetty
16.30 hrs Return to Hotel

Please contact us should you wish to come and spend the day on Gaya Island, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Sea Kayaking or just relaxing.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2010 from KKK- Sabah

2009-12-27T15:06:00.000+08:00

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures wishes friends & clients past, present & future A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010 !!!

This year has been an amazing year for us and we could not achieve such success without everybody’s support.

We have some really exciting plan for next year and can’t wait to share them with you all, please keep an eye on this page and all will be announced soon.

Meanwhile ..... the BBQ is still burning and its time for more BBQ lamb & Chicken, then perhaps a little late afternoon dive to look for the Frogfish that Evelyn found .....

Bye for now .......

More images from the event can be seen on our Facebook , here you can also see what we all get up to over here in Paradise !

Please contact us should you wish to come and spend the day on Gaya Island, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Sea Kayaking or just relaxing.

Activities for School Kids, Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking - Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

2009-12-20T16:12:00.000+08:00

School kids form KL International School join us for the weekend for a Snorkeling, Camping and Sea Kayaking 2 Day / 1 Night Adventure Activity Program.

The youngsters have had a fabulous time making the most of our Dive & Adventure Centre on Gaya Island - image left shows the group in front of our newly expanded Dive & Adventure Centre.

They have learned snorkeling & sea kayaking over the two day program and at the same time have enjoyed some exciting encounters with the local wildlife.

Pictured below, you can see them returning from a snorkel session to find a Monitor Lizard waiting on the beach and perhaps hoping to join in the fun !!!

Our PADI 5 Star Dive and Adventure Centre on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is ideally suited to groups - friends and families because we can accommodate large groups with different levels of experience and at the same time the group can be together.

We have a large staff team of international divemasters and instructors so we are able to maintain high staff to guest ratios’s, we have three speed boats 37ft, 35ft, & 32ft so groups can enjoy a dedicated team of people and private boat charters.

Should you be visiting Kota Kinabalu and want us to host your friends & family day trips to the island of Tunku Abdul Rahman please contact us. We have many non diving activities which include, Snorkeling, Sea Kayaking, Trekking and not to forget - just relaxing with a book to the sound of the ocean !!

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 & Travel Centre 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

You can also take a look at our Facebook to see what we all get up to over here in Paradise !

Holiday & Travel Centre - Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo

2009-12-19T16:13:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures !
A Tours and Travel Centre for your Sabah Holiday

Our Holiday Travel Centre & Dive Shop are based in the city of Kota Kinabalu Sabah
, Malaysia, Borneo and we are here to make planning and enjoying your holiday to Sabah in Borneo hassle free whilst saving time and money !

Whether you wish to climb Mt Kinabalu, visit the Orangutans at Sepilok, Scuba Dive, visit the Islands off Kota Kinabalu, Kapalai, Lankayan, take river safaris to the Kinabatangan or relax in some wonderful Resorts - we can assist.

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures Sdn. Bhd is the brainchild of British expats and award winning Photo Journalists Richard and Joanne of Downbelow Dive Centre UK.

Upon realizing that the country is not only a biological melting pot but also a hidden treasure for Travelers, we felt we wanted to share our knowledge and passion for this wonderful country and put together some fabulous Marine & Wildlife Adventures - please peruse our TRAVEL PACKAGES and create your ideal holiday adventure.

We also have a PADI 5 Star IDC Dive & Adventure Centre based on Gaya Island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, just 8 minutes offshore Kota Kinabalu City - a perfect day trip location for those staying in Kota Kinabalu wishing to Snorkel, go Trekking, Sea Kayak, Scuba Dive or relax in paradise !

On all our courses and activities you will find high standards of safety, very high staff to guest / student ratio, experienced, well qualified staff and flexibility to your needs and to the conditions.

As part of our internal staff training our office staff spend time at our Dive & Adventure Centre on Gaya Island, learning about all the activities that we offer in TARP (image above - you an see Assistant Instructor Roy giving Naura an entry level snorkeling experience).

Should you wish us to help plan your holiday in Sabah, drop us a line and our Travel Centre girls will assist you. Please visit our Travel Centre & Dive Shop in Kota Kinabalu or email us for more information on our full Range of Scuba Diving Opportunities, Programs and Equipment Sales.

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

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

2009-12-18T15:54:00.000+08:00

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.

PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor - OWSI Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo

2009-12-04T22:09:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to our IDC candidates for succefully passing their PADI Instructor Examination and becoming PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors.

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife - Sabah have conducted the first Chinese PADI Instructor Development Course - IDC Course in Kota Kinabalu.

We owe a huge thankyou to Susan who acted as translator throughout the entire program including the IE.

We are pleased to say all our Chinese candidates were successful so their journey was not wasted !

Well done also to James who is now a fully qualifed Staff Instructor and Mark who is now a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor successfully completing his 3 month Professional Scuba Diving Internship Program, with us.

Big thanks to the team at Downbelow Marine and Wildlife Adventures - DIVE DOWNBELOW - who's support was key to the guys success.

Well done to our Course Director Joseph Chung, Richard, Susan and James for staffing the course and putting in so many hours to ensure the candidates success :)

Thank you to PADI and PADI's Instructor Examiner from Sydney - Rob Scammel.

WELL DONE and lets look forward to the next IDC on starting 17th March 2010 !!!!!!

Should you wish to join our next IDC beginning 17th March 2010 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. We adhere to PADI 5 Star standards 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 Open Water Course & Suunto Gekko Wrist Dive Computer Package, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Asia

2009-12-03T22:08:00.000+08:00

Downbelow PADI 5 Star Dive Centre in Kota Kinabalu and Gaya Island are very pleased to offer the PADI Open Water Course & Suunto Gekko Wrist Dive Computer at an Incredible bundled price promotion of MYR 2140.00!

Nope we have not gone crazy we just have great dive equipment prices in our dive shop and are happy to pass them on !!

Throughout the PADI Open Water Diver Course, you'll learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques. You will also be taught using the Suunto Gekko Dive Computer (Brand New with Warranty) which will be yours to keep at the end of the course.

Suunto Gekko can be used with both air and enriched air nitrox, and it is designed to give the specifics of any diving situation, including decompression, at a glance.

Easy to use push buttons and a straightforward menu structure make Gekko simple to operate.

The extensive logbook memory stores up to 50 hours of dive profiles and logbook data including dive start time and date, dive time, maximum depth attained and temperature at maximum depth. In addition the dive history keeps track of up to 999 dives and 999 dive hours, as well as the maximum depth ever reached.

Scuba Diving with a dive computer has many benefits, very simply put - dive computers constantly track a divers decompression status, allow for more time underwater by using multi level techniques, provide accurate depth/time recordings and decompression status is made simple with automatic calculations.

What better way to become familiar with using and diving with a dive computer than learning to scuba dive with your very own !!

Please contact us to book you PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Course with the Suunto Gekko Dive Computer - only available while stocks last - In Stock Now !

PADI IDC & IE - Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo

2009-12-02T22:07:00.000+08:00

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

Now its time for the final Instructor Examination !

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.

We will keep everyone updated !!!!

Should you wish to join our next IDC beginning 17th March 2010 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. We adhere to PADI 5 Star standards 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 (IDC) Update - Kota Kinabalu Sabah

2009-11-29T20:53:00.000+08:00

PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) - Kota Kinabalu - UPDATE !!

IDC is in full swing with all six candidates working hard until late at night.

This is a particularly challenging course for the staff team (Richard Joseph and Susan along with James on IDC Staff Instructor Course) as we have two Malay and three Chinese candidates that all require translation even in the IE.
 
IE is just around the corner so keep up the good work guys & Roy please try to stay away (poor mite) !

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

During the PADI Instructor Development Course ( AI & OWSI which forms 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 17th March 2010 please contact us either by email, telephone or visit our Dive Shop and Travel Centre.

More informaion on our courses and internships can be found at our IDC Course Asia website.

Learn to Scuba Dive - PADI Open Water Course with Accommodaion Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

2009-11-15T17:33:00.000+08:00

Learn to Scuba Dive in warm tropical waters - PADI Open Water Course with Accommodaion Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia.

We are offering some fabulous Learn to Dive packages staying in Budget, Mid Range or High End Accommodation in Kota Kinabalu and joining us at our PADI 5 Star IDC Centre based on Gaya Island during the day for your course.

The PADI Open Water Course takes 3 to 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 International staff team to accommodate different client requirements.

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

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.

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Candidates. IDC Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

2009-11-15T17:32:00.000+08:00

Wishing Roy and Cyril all the best for their Instructor Development Course (AI,OWSI & EFRI) which begins with us in 3 days time.

They were our first Divemaster Trainees and successfully completed their PADI Divemaster 1 year internship in August 2009.

Together with Mark our International IDC Intern and several other candidates they will all soon begin their IDC in with us in Kota Kinabalu & Tunku Abdul Rahman Park on 19th November.

Good luck guys !!!

Should you wish to join there is still time - you can also take advantage of our Early Bird offer for a 2 month IDC Internship beginning February 2010 or join our IDC in March 2010 - WOW its ALL GO :))

Open Water Scuba Instructor Course -IDC Course PADI Instructor Development Course, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

2009-11-12T19:16:00.000+08:00

Countdown to our IDC - Instructor Development Course- Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo Malaysia.

Our IDC begins one week from today !!!! Yippeee, with lots of nervous excitement throughout the centre our candidates are busy with IDC preparation.

Its not too late to join us, we have 6 candidates and can easily accommodate 1 or 2 more candidates. With our staff team of Course Director, Master Instructor and 2 Staff Instructors our staff to candidate ratio is very high which helps to ensure 100 % success !!!!

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 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 2nd & 3rd December 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 on our candidates progress and we wish you all success !!!!

More informaion on our courses and internships can be found at our IDC Course Asia website.

PADI Scuba Diver - 2 Day Scuba Diving Course Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo

2009-10-29T08:05:00.000+08:00

PADI Scuba Diver Course - 2 days

The PADI Scuba Diver program is a pre-entry level certification that is perfect for vacationers or people who only plan to dive a couple times a year.

As a subprogram of the PADI Open Water Diver program, the PADI Scuba Diver rating allows you to get certified quickly and easily by minimizing time constraints.

With the PADI Scuba Diver certification you can dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, Instructor or higher professional on your next vacation or dive trip to a maximum of 12m.

What do I need to start?

 Virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water can earn a Scuba Diver certification. If you are between 10 and 14 or have a child between these ages, there is a PADI Junior Scuba Diver program available

What will I do?

 Throughout the course, you’ll learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques.

You earn this rating by completing confined water dives in our lagoon in front of our island based dive centre (pictured below). You will also complete knowledge development sessions which take place at our island paradise below, plus you will make two open water dives in the surrounding tropical ocean.

How long will it take?

 PADI programs are performance based. You proceed as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows you to work at a pace that is comfortable for you, we allocate 2 days for this course.

Where can I go from here?

After completing the Scuba Diver program, you can at anytime continue your diving education by completing the PADI Open Water Course with any PADI Dive Center which will take an additional 2 days.

How do I book my place ?

Please send us an email with your preferred dates and we'll schedule your course.

PADI Divemaster Internship Program, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Asia

2009-10-21T09:00:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Downbelow's new Professional Internship Candidates - Mark, Lawrencius (fondly known as Tim Tam) and Nizam. Who will complete our PADI Divemaster Internship and PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Internship.

Mark (pictured -far right) has joined us for 3 months, to complete his PADI Divemaster and PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Course. Also pictured with Mark are Ashley and Ken, who have just began their PADI Divemaster Course and are coming to the end of their one year training program with us.

Lawrencius and Nizam (image: below,left) have just joined our local internship program that will see them become PADI Divemasters within 1 year of full time training.

Our Internship program has become very popular and successful.

The programs represent great value for money, provide exceptional experiences and training and at the same time they are great fun.

On all our internships you receive UNLIMITED scuba diving. We can offer this because our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre is based within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park with direct access to our training lagoon & house reef.

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

Annually we run a minimum of two Instructor Development Courses (IDC) to co-inside with these two IDC courses we run 1 month - 1year internship programs, which can be joined at any time throughout the year.

Our internship programs cater for people who are complete beginners to the sport of diving and those more experienced.

We include very affordable accommodation to participants.

Continuing education is offered to the already certified PADI Instructor as Emergency First Response Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer and IDC Staff Instructor.

Anyone can apply to join our program, for more information please see our Professional PADI Internship Program dedicated web pages or contact us.

Friends Scuba Diving Group, TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Borneo

2009-10-10T09:27:00.001+08:00

Thank you to Edith and her group of friends who came from Hong Kong & the UK and chose us to accommodate their 2 day scuba diving trip in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Borneo !!!!

This special event had been organized for quite dome time and as the day neared, we all prayed for good weather and we were very fortunate as every day before and after their 2 days program bought rain, however for this group of friends who are attending a friends wedding here in Sabah the sun shined all day !!!!

In total we accommodated 25 divers all wanting to dive together - 20 qualified divers, 5 Discover Scuba diving and 9 night divers.

We all enjoyed a wonderful BBQ lunch and great fun was had by all, a special thanks goes out to the staff team who pulled out all the stops to ensure they all had a great time.

Our PADI 5 Star Dive and Adventure Centre on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is ideally suited to large groups - friends and families because we can accommodate many divers with different levels of experience and at the same time the group can be together.

We have a large staff team of international divemasters and instructors.

Should you be visiting Kota Kinabalu and want us to host your friends & family day trips to the island of Tunku Abdul Rahman please contact us. We have many non diving activities which include, Snorkeling, Sea Kayaking, Trekking and not to forget - just relaxing with a book to the sound of the ocean !!

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 & Travel Centre 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

You can also take a look at our Facebook to see what we all get up to over here in Paradise !

PADI IDC, Instructor Development Course - PADI OWSI, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia, Borneo, Asia

2009-10-10T09:27:00.000+08:00

Become a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor - OWSI . There is still time to join our PADI IDC, Instructor Development Course OWSI in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo beginning 19th November 2009.

Our IDC Package - AI & OWSI & EFRI in Kota Kinabalu is very competitively priced and our teaching facilities are ideally suited to professional diver training. We are also very proud to say that so far we have experienced 100% success rate with our candidates.

Introducing you to the PADI system of diver education our PADI IDC provides you with the tools to train scuba divers in the classroom, confined water and open water.

Our IDC package includes the PADI Assistant Instructor Course (AI) & PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) and Emergency First Response Instructor Course (EFRI).

Upon successful completion of these three courses you will be ready for the PADI Instructor Examination, which is a 2 day standardized, objective evaluation conducted by PADI Instructor Examiners from PADI Asia Pacific who fly to Kota Kinabalu several times a year.

Certification as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor is by successful completion of the IE.

Our NEXT IIDC Course Begins: 19th November - 1st December 2009

The NEXT I.E in Kota Kinabalu is: 2nd & 3rd December 2009

OUR PADI IDC PACKAGE

This course takes the already certified PADI Divemaster to another level.

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 !!  The programs are performance based and focused on development, they are candidate centred, so you will receive feedback throughout the course informing you of your progress and level of proficiency.

They are also great fun and a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

PADI IDC, Instructor Development Course - PADI OWSI, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia, Borneo, Asia.

2009-10-08T19:18:00.000+08:00

Our NEXT IIDC Course Begins: 19th November - 1st December 2009

The NEXT I.E in Kota Kinabalu is: 2nd & 3rd December 2009

Canon Powershot G10 Camera & Underwater Housing for Sale & Rental - Scuba Dive Shop and Dive Centre, Kota Kinabalu

2009-10-04T10:57:00.001+08:00

We now have the Canon Powershot G10 Camera & Underwater Housing for Sale & Rental at our Scuba Dive Shop and Dive Centre - Kota Kinabalu.

Advanced amateur photographers are a discerning group, and they've flocked to Canon's G-Series for its ability to meet and exceed their demands.

The third-generation PowerShot G10 is a stunning successor, loaded with uncompromising specs like 14.7 megapixels, a 28mm wide-angle lens, and Canon's new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for notably improved face and motion detection.

This is a camera that supports and nurtures creativity, with a full range of shooting and recording modes and compatibility with exciting accessories including Speedlite flashes.

Includes:
Canon Underwater Housing
Toshiba 4 GB SDHC Card
Leather Camera Case
Moisture Alarm

When in Kota Kinabalu please visit our Dive Shop and Travel Centre - its is a place for existing and potential clients to visit and discover what Sabah has to offer both on land and Downbelow !

Reservations for Adventure Travel, Sepilok and Kinabatangan Wildlife Packages, Lankayan, Kapalai and Layang Layang among others can also be explored and booked at our Travel Centre.

Our Dive Shop & Travel Centre is a hive of activity and information.

Run by experienced marine and wildlife enthusiasts who love to explore, research and photograph the surrounding rainforest & reefs of the T unku Abdul Rahman Park , Pulau Tiga and beyond!

There are books and posters to help identify your latest underwater discoveries and helpful friendly staff to assist and inform you of the activities, courses and programs we run.

We are resellers for Suunto, Atomic Aquatics, BARE Wetsuits, Sherwood Scuba, AKONA, Unidive, Dive Rite and more. We sell a selection of clothing and cool boxes plus many diving accessories.

For more information please visit our dedicated Dive Shop section of the website or Contact US.

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

Suunto Dive Computer Special Offer Price, Dive Shop Kota Kinabalu Sabah

2009-10-04T10:57:00.000+08:00

If you are considering to buy a Dive Computer you have to look to Suunto.

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.

Alternatively, you can customize your setup by dedicating different instruments to your wrist, HP hose or Suunto Combo console. Whatever your preference, the freedom is yours.   Take a moment to explore the full line of Suunto dive computers, pressure gauges and compasses. Then visit our Dive Shop in KK Times Square to make your purchase !!!  Check out also the latest Suunto diving product catalogue in English to learn more about Suunto's diving products.
Click here to view the catalogue online.

For more information please visit our dedicated Dive Shop section of the website or Contact US.

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

Try Dive -Discover Scuba Diving DSD - Scuba Diving Lessons for Beginners, TARP Islands Kota Kinabalu

2009-09-23T21:54:00.000+08:00

Try Dive - Discover Scuba Diving DSD - Scuba Diving Lessons for Beginners - An ideal day trip to the TARP Islands offshore Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Borneo.

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.

Just take a look at some of our recent guests, pictured left with their Divemaster Cyril, they all chose to take their first breaths underwater with us, gaining our "Dived and Survived with Downbelow Stamp !!!!

Our Island based PADI 5 Star Instructor Development & 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.

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.

Our half day program competes before lunch time so you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the tropical beaches, snorkeling, trekking or sea kayaking.

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

International Clean Up Event - Gaya Island, TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo

2009-09-19T21:54:00.000+08:00

Big thanks goes out to supporters and participants who took part in our annual International Clean Up Event today at our PADI 5 Star Instructor Development and Adventure Centre on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Park (TARP) Kota Kinabalu.

Hosted by us Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures Sdn Bhd and supported by Sabah Parks and Sabah Tourism.

Twenty Eight volunteers offered their valuable time cleaning up the already beautiful Gaya Island in Tunku Abdul Park (TARP) Kota Kinabalu.
Blessed with many tropical bays and mangroves the daily litter bought in by tides accumulates in these secluded beauty spots.

Although Sabah Parks daily pick littler from the beaches in front of our Dive Center some of the more seculded beaches are much harder to reach.

Armed with littler bags, snorkeling equipment and speedboats our volunteers cleaned it all up !!!

249KG of plastic, styrofoam, flip flops and other debris was collected from our beaches and shorelines before seabirds, sea turtles, marine mammals and other marine-life can get entangled or eat it.

Remember "Prevent plastic pollution, save the oceans" !!

Sabah Parks kindly waived the park fee for all volunteers and contributed staff, clean up equipment and a speedboat whilst, we - Dive Downbelow provided logistics, speedboats, a delicious beach BBQ, refreshments and staff.

The day was as always FREE of charge to everyone who kindly donated their time.

Thankyou to all that took part !!

Together with Sabah Parks we run these events 2 / 3 times annually.

More images from the event can be seen on our Facebook , here you can also see what we all get up to over here in Paradise !

Please contact us should you wish to come and spend the day on Gaya Island, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Sea Kayaking or just relaxing.

Daily Scuba Diving to the Best Dive Sites on West Coast Sabah. Kota Kinabalu

2009-09-19T19:14:00.000+08:00

Base yourself on Gaya Island with us and visit some of the best Scuba Diving dive sites on the West Coast Sabah.

Our island based dive & snorkel center provides a very special experience, with a resort like feel it is a fun place to spend the day, enjoying the tropical surroundings and chatting about all the wonderful creatures you will have spotted.

We're only 10 minutes speedboat ride from the mainland of Kota Kinabalu so less time is wasted on boat trips leaving more time for Scuba Diving !

Our International staff team are highly skilled with many years of experience in their field, we pride ourselves on an exceptional level of service and safety.

We have an ALL INCLUSIVE POLICY with NO HIDDEN EXTRA CHARGES.

This means that you pay one price which includes: return transfers from your hotel - subject to confirmed bookings and availability, (KK City including Tanjung Aru & Sutera Harbour), boat transfers, park and jetty fees, equipment (except dive computer) refreshments - free flow water / tea / coffee, freshly cooked lunch and 3 guided boat dives are all included. If you bring your own equipment we offer 5% discount from the prices below.

Scuba Diving Kota Kinabalu Daily Dive Package from MYR 340.00 per person ALL Inclusive.

Diving here in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is very good, our guests are always very surprised to see such a variety of Marine Life and healthy corals. The park offers some great diving for beginners and experienced divers alike, lots of hard and soft coral, great macro life, schools of tropical fish and many prized critters.

TARP Dive Sites, Offshore Dive Sites and The Wrecks !!

Our Daily Diving Program is an all inclusive day out. We offer day trips and multiple day trips, night dives and sunset dives, costs are as follows:

We have 37ft, 35ft and 32ft dive boats which are very spacious and comfortable to dive from, we have a great variety of dives sites just minutes from our island dive center.

We limit the number of divers on the boat and try to keep people with similar levels of experience on the same boat. Our staff to client ratio is very high so we can accommodate all levels of divers with their own Divemasters. We offer NITROX and dive computer rentals.

Daily Itinerary for TARP

0800 - 0815 hrs Hotel pickup (KK City) transfer to Mainland Jetty
08.30 hrs Meet Downbelow Staff & Transfer on Boat to Downbelow Dive Station on Gaya Island
Welcome Briefing
0900 hrs Registration & Payment. Equipment Selection.
0930 hrs Dive Briefing
0945 hrs 1st Boat Dive
Return to Dive Center for Tea / Coffee / Fruit & Biscuits
1130 hrs Dive Briefing
1145 hrs 2nd Boat Dive
13.00 hrs Lunch at Dive Center
1400 hrs Dive Briefing
1415 hrs 3rd Boat Dive
16.00 hrs Boat Transfer to Mainland Jetty
16.30 hrs Return to Hotel

Please contact us should you wish to come and spend the day on Gaya Island, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Sea Kayaking or just relaxing.

Fish Trap Rescue on Sea Kayaks, Tunku Adbul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo

2009-09-19T19:13:00.000+08:00

Whilst taking some guests on their Guided Snorkeling Program at our nearby snorkel & scuba dive site "Turtle House" Kenny, one of our Snorkel Guides found a Fish Trap.

Disturbed by his find he reported back to the dive center and once all our guests had left for the day the crew led by Kenny, set about retrieving the trap and freeing the fish inside.

Fish traps are a destructive and illegal fishing method that wastefully catch many reef fish that are too small to be eaten or inedible.

The trap will also damage the reef in the process, in addition many fishermen loose the trap altogether leaving the menace permanently abandoned and continuing to trap fish.

The fish trap was in shallow enough water to retrieve whilst snorkeling so they paddled out on our Sea Kayaks and successfully safely destroyed the fish trap and set free the fish inside with no casualties.

More images from the event can be seen on our Facebook , here you can also see what we all get up to over here in Paradise !

Please contact us should you wish to come and spend the day on Gaya Island, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking, Sea Kayaking or just relaxing.

Celebrations on Gaya Island, TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Borneo

2009-09-19T19:11:00.000+08:00

Make your special day even more special and celebrate on a beautiful Tropical Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, just offshore Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia Borneo.

Our guests Tim and Valerie (pictured left) decided to spice up their birthday celebrations by spending the day with us at our Paradise Beach House Dive and Adventure Centre on Gaya Island.

They joined us for fully guided snorkeling and trekking enjoyed a birthday song from the entire crew.

They saw a Turtle, Clownfish, Bats and much more ....

More images from the day can be seen on our Facebook , here you can also see what we all get up to over here in Paradise !

Should you wish to join us for one or more days during your trip to Sabah, whether as a celebration or day trip please contact us.

We scuba dive the very best of dive sites on the West Coast Sabah, conduct PADI Scuba Diving Courses from beginner to Instructor and beyond, Daily Snorkeling & Trekking to most beautiful parts of the islands and Sea Kayak to some of the prettiest beaches and lagoons.

Delicious BIRTHDAY, ANNIVERSARY, CELEBRATION cakes can be ordered by email or telephone !!!!

PADI Open Water Course for Adventurous Training - TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia, Borneo

2009-09-09T06:29:00.000+08:00

The PADI Open Water Course formed the perfect basis for this years Military Adventure Training.

Hosed by us at Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures on Gaya Island, TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

This June and July we were very pleased to welcome back our old friends from the British Army - 7 Flight and Workshops for a 7N/6D Adventure Training Program.

Joining us for their PADI Open Water Courses and White Water Rafting, great fun was had by all !!

As always there was never a dull moment !!!

To see more images from the Adventurous Training please take a look at our Dive Downbelow Facebook.

It was our pleasure to organize and conduct the training for the Flight & Workshops for the 4th consecutive year and look forward to the next time !

Based on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park our facilities are ideally suited to Adventurous Training and Team building. We are surrounded by primary rain forest and tropical ocean.

Year round Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Trekking and Sea Kayaking are all available from our PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre just minutes from the city of Kota Kinabalu and overlooked by Mt Kinabalu.

For more information on Adventure Training and Corporate Events please see our dedicated webpages or contact our International Events Organizers Richard or Joanne

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com
Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

Underwater Net Removal Tunku Abdul Rahman Park TARP - Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

2009-08-31T18:47:00.000+08:00

Our daily dive package from Kota Kinabalu includes 3 boat dives, on the the 3rd boat dive last week our divemaster and divers were very disturbed to find a fishing net on one of our best dive sites in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park - TARP.

We think it had already been there for one night as it had claimed the lives of Bamboo Sharks and a few fishes.

So, after the guests had departed from our paradise Beach House Dive Centre for the day our staff team, decided to go and cut the net down.

It took about 1 and half hours to clear the net but we managed to remove it entirely with very little damage to the coral reef.

Should you wish to join us for a days Scuba Diving please peruse our website and contact us !

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.

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

Try Dive -Discover Scuba Diving DSD - Scuba Diving Lessons for Beginners, TARP, Kota Kinabalu

2009-08-31T18:46:00.000+08:00

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

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.

Just take a look at some of our recent guests, pictured left and right, they all choose to take their first breaths underwater with us, gaining our "Dived and Survived with Downbelow Stamp !!!!

Our Island based PADI 5 Star Instructor Development & 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

PADI Dive Master Course - Scuba Diving Internship, Malaysia Asia

2009-08-31T18:45:00.000+08:00

Soon we must say Goodbye to Mairi, one of our International Internship Candidates.

Mairi joined us as a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and completed her Rescue Diver Course, Divemaster Course and Divemaster Discover Scuba Diving Internship.

We would like to say a big well-done from all the team for achieving your goal and becoming a professional PADI Divemaster with the Discover Scuba Diving Upgrade.

Mairi completed a two month program then put her new found skills into practice by helping us out for a week throughout our very busy season.

She then decided to complete her Underwater Photography Course and NITROX Course with us.

Just like William and James, Mairi became part of the Beach House Balcony furniture and the porch is not the same without her :)

Now that her internship is complete she is traveling around Sabah, she will soon return to Scotland to complete her Marine Biology Degree - all the best Mairi !!!!!

Should anyone wish to join us for a Professional Scuba Diving Internship Program, please peruse our dedicated website.

You can also take a look at our Facebook to see what we all get up to over here in Paradise !

Scuba Diving Internships - TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Borneo

2009-08-13T21:36:00.001+08:00

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures based on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is very pleased to welcome Lester and Fidelis to our team of Scuba Diving Internship candidates.

Pictured left are old and new interns with PADI Master Instructor Richard. (Topright: Mairi, Ashley, James, Richard, William (AKA Harry Potter), Kenny, Fidelis. Bottom Left: Cyril, Roy (NinjaBoy) and Lester.

We are currently going through a period of change where some candidates are leaving due to their program completing, others have been offered full time employment with us and some are continuing to become PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors.

Our facilities are ideally suited to Diver Training both professional and non professional courses. You obtain "real life" training in "real life" settings.

UNLIMITED Scuba Diving !!!

We are a young and fun group of people who all love to dive, our center has a 'resort atmosphere" where after the days diving we enjoy sitting with a coffee or a beer and chatting about our days diving experience and all the weird and wonderful creatures we spotted.

Our 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 are the only operaor here - away from the crowds.

In front of our dive centre 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.

On all our internships we offer UNLIMITED Scuba Diving !!!

Pictured right, 3 of our interns studying for their final Divemaster exams.

We have 37ft & 32ft dive boats which are very spacious and comfortable to dive from.

We are usually the only dive boat on the dive sites, we have very high staff to client ratios so we are able to offer a very personal diving service without the crowds. We also offer NITROX diving and we have dive computers available for rent.

Should anyone wish to join us for a Professional Scuba Diving Internship Program, please peruse our dedicated website.

You can also take a look at our Facebook to see what we all get up to over here in Paradise !

Guided Snorkeling & Trekking - Gaya Island Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, TARP Kota Kinabalu

2009-08-13T21:36:00.000+08:00

Our Beach House on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park - TARP, Kota Kinabalu Sabah, Malaysia Borneo is the ideal location for group and family holiday day trip to a paradise island.

Recently two groups of young travelers joined us for a couple of days. Both groups are on Adventure School Trips form the UK.

They enjoyed guided snorkeling with our qualified snorkel guides and one group requested a Beach BBQ - which we're always ready to cook up and enjoy with groups !!

Home to PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Dive Centre - Downbelow Marine and Wildlife Adventures it is the perfect setting and provides the perfect venue for friends and family wishing to relax, snorkel, go trekking and scuba diving, snorkelling safaris, island hopping, play football, frisbee and volleyball !!

Fun filled activities are all conducted from our Adventure Centre which is surrounded by primary rain-forest and tropical ocean.

Our 37ft & 32ft Speed Boats provide very comfortable transportation for such activities.

Wildlife lovers will be amazed by the diversity of wildlife that can be seen in one day.

Monkeys, butterflies, snakes, hornbill and lizards are seen regularly.

Wild Boars and Proboscis Monkeys also inhabit the island but they are very shy, occasionally they are heard but rarely seen.

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 join our Daily Scuba Diving Program or go Trekking or even learn to Scuba Dive.

Children can play on the beach or grassy lawns, try our Kids Discover Snorkelling Program or Bubble Maker Discover Scuba for Children 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.

For more information please peruse our PADI Open Water Course website page or CONTACT US for more information.

Scuba Diving - PADI Open Water Course Kota Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia

2009-08-13T21:35:00.001+08:00

Congratulations on completing the PADI Open Water Course - TARP Kota Kinabalu, KK. Sabah !!

Dash, Kay, Stephanie, Tessa, Kathryn and Lauri all just completed their PADI Open Water Course with us on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The six students were taught by Calvin and James two of our PADI Instructors.

At Downbelow we pride ourself on providing well structured courses and an exceptional level of service and safety and

our International staff team are highly skilled with many years of experience in their field

We keep our instructor to student ratio's high so that every student has personal attention from the instructor throughout the course.

It wasn't all hard work and no play during the course, our students enjoyed some great scuba diving and a beach BBQ for lunch time :)

The PADI Open Water Course is not only our most popular course but the most popular Scuba Course in the world.

This Scuba Diving Course is the first level of PADI Certification and as a certified PADI Open Water Diver you have the freedom to dive with a buddy independent of a professional to a maximum depth of 18 meters.

The Beach House on Gaya Island, Downbelow Dive Centres Island Paradise location in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah provides an ideal venue for this course, with a confined shallow, sandy area lagoon - ideal for skill practice and open water coral reef dive sites just minutes from the centre - ideal for open water dives.

Small group learning, no crowds, personal, thorough training and high standards of safely is what draws people to Downbelow !

Throughout the course, students learn fundamentals of scuba diving, including dive equipment and techniques.

Completing five confined sessions, knowledge development sessions and four open water dives. Participants don't have to be super fit to learn, virtually anyone who is in good health, reasonably fit, and comfortable in the water can earn a PADI Open Water Diver certification, are you "Fit to Dive" ?

For more information please peruse our PADI Open Water Course website page or CONTACT US for more information.

Scuba Diving - PADI Open Water Course Kota Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia

2009-08-13T21:35:00.000+08:00

Congratulations on completing the PADI Open Water Course - TARP Kota Kinabalu, KK. Sabah !!

our International staff team are highly skilled with many years of experience in their field

PADI Divemaster Internship Course - Kota Kinabalu Sabah.

2009-08-07T11:46:00.001+08:00

Soon we must say Goodbye William (AKA Harry Potter) our most recent international internship candidate.

William joined us as a Rescue Diver and completed his Divemaster Course and Divemaster Discover Scuba Diving Internship.

We would like to say a big well-done from all the team for achieving your goal and becoming a professional PADI Divemaster.

William has done a seven week program with us and has become part of the furniture - quite literally as the front porch at the beach house wont be the same without him !

Good luck in the future mate !

Should anyone wish to join us for a Professional Scuba Diving Internship Program, please peruse our dedicated website.

You can also take a look at our Facebook to see what we all get up to over here in Paradise !

PADI Divemaster Internship Course - Kota Kinabalu Sabah.

2009-08-07T11:46:00.000+08:00

Soon we must say Goodbye William (AKA Harry Potter) our most recent international internship candidate.

Divemaster Internship Program - A Big SUCCESS ! Kota Kinabalu

2009-08-07T11:28:00.000+08:00

Soon we must say Goodbye William (AKA Harry Potter) our most recent international internship candidate.

Divemaster Internship Program - A Big SUCCESS ! Kota Kinabalu

2009-08-06T09:45:00.000+08:00

One year ago we began a Professional Scuba Diving Internship Scholarship Program for local people in Sabah Malaysia.

Local people who would like a professional career in the scuba diving industry are invited to apply for this 1 year program to become PADI Divemasters, an education that would otherwise be too expensive for them to achieve.

Our company Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures Sdn Bhd, provides the financial support for such training within our PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center on Gaya Island and the Internship Trainees also receive a monthly allowance.

We are now extremely proud to announce Roy Duncan Robert (far left) and Cyril Masuil (far right) as the first two trainees to join the Internship Program and also the first two candidates to become fully qualified professional PADI Divemasters.

Seen pictured above enjoying a beer with Richard on the day of their last exam.

Roy and Cyril have been offered full time positions within Downbelow as PADI Divemasters, now they have their sights on becoming a PADI Scuba Instructor, the next stage of the their diving career

They serve as a great example to others who have enrolled on this rewarding program. One of Downbelow's missions is to bring local people up to this professional level within the diving industry and help them become among the best diving professionals in Sabah enabling them to earn a respectable income and provide a better quality of life for themselves and their families.

Our local Professional Scuba Diving Internship Scholarship Program complements our International Internship Program, more details on these programs can be found here: Scuba Diving Internship Program.

Should you be interested to join either the Local or International Internship Program, please Contact Us.

Our Recent Article Publication "Ultimate Critter - the Blue Ring Octopus" - Sport Diving Magazine

2009-07-24T20:03:00.000+08:00

Downbelow company directors Richard and Joanne Swann's latest article - "Ultimate Critter" is featured in this months Australian Sport Diving Magazine.

The article takes a look at the what makes the highly prized Blue Ringed Octopus the ultimate of critters.

Packed with interesting facts and stunning photography the article makes for a great read !!!

Sport Diving Magazine is in stores now throughout Australasia. You can subscribe to the magazine online and/or read the low res pdf of the article at http://www.divetheblue.net.

The Blue Ring Octopus is seen with some what regularity in the region of Kapalai in the Celebes Sea,

We have also seen the odd individual in TAR Park in the South China Sea where are have our PADI 5 Star Dive Center on Gaya Island.

For more information on this interesting and venomous creature please visit our dedicated Octopus and Squid Marine Biology Section.

For Diving within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park please visit our Daily Dive Package section.

Holiday Promotion ! Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort & Lankayan Dive Resort, Discounts & Special Rates & Packages, Sabah Malaysia

2009-07-16T13:43:00.000+08:00

We are very pleased to offer a special holiday promotion with additional discounts for bookings at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort and Lankayan island Resort from 1st November to 15th December 2009.

We are taking bookings NOW for these dates.

We are offering an additional 10% discount to our already discounted rates which make staying at these beautiful resorts a must when visiting Sabah !!

Please see our dedicated web pages of Celebes Sea Accommodation and Lankayan Island to learn more about these tropical destinations and see some stunning images.

Both resorts are protected under our "Price Promise".

Please email us for more information and to check availability.

Why not start begin your holiday in Kota Kinabalu and Scuba Dive, Snorkel or come Trekking with us on Gaya Island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Our Dive and Adventure Center offers Marine & Wildlife lovers an unforgettable day trip in paradise !

PADI Scuba Diver - 2 Day Scuba Diving Course Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo

2009-07-11T18:16:00.000+08:00

PADI Scuba Diver Course - 2 days

What do I need to start?

What will I do?

How long will it take?

 PADI programs are performance based. You proceed as you demonstrate mastery of the course skills. This allows you to work at a pace that is comfortable for you, we allocate 2 days for this course.

Where can I go from here?

After completing the Scuba Diver program, you can at anytime continue your diving education by completing the PADI Open Water Course with any PADI Dive Center which will take an additional 2 days.

How do I book my place ?

Please send us an email with your preferred dates and we'll schedule your course.

Reviews and Feedback for Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures - Sabah.

2009-07-02T13:08:00.000+08:00

The Travel and Diving industry is a lot of fun and very rewarding. Especially in and era of conservation awareness and exploration.

Over the years we have met so many lovely people, many of whom return year after year and have become good friends.

We just wanted to say "Thank You" to all of our friends and guests that support us and what we are doing here in Sabah.

We would like to share some of our guest comments because you don't just want to hear how wonderful our Dive & Adventure Centre is just from us all the time !!!!!

http://www.divedownbelow.com/guestbook.html

Accommodation & Scuba Diving Packages that Save Money - Sabah

2009-07-02T13:07:00.000+08:00

At Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures we offer a wide range Accommodation & Diving Packages in Sabah.

Starting from 3Days / 2 Nights and more.....

Of course our flagship diving destination is our very own paradise island Dive & Adventure Centre on Pulau Gaya within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP), just 8 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu.

Being so close to the city means we have a large variety of Accommodation options to suit travelers budgets and desires.

Beginning with a 1 million star a night tent !!!! - Camping next to our Dive and Adventure Centre is a wonderful experience.

Alternatively for the less intrepid traveller you can stay on the mainland and we will bring you to our island location daily.

We offer very clean and comfortable budget accommodation / mid range to large 5 Star Hotel complexes with swimming pools and facilitates which are either in or close to the city.

You can stay within the Tunku Abdul Rahman park on Manukan Island or on the other end of the scale you could stay in a family owned, very friendly beach resort approx 40 minutes south of the city.

We combine these packages with 2-6 days Scuba Diving and Snorkeling packages within the TAR park and beyond.

We also offer other destinations such as Kapalai Resort and Lankayan Island Resort plus Pulau Tiga.

We will soon be publishing these Accommodation and Diving Packages Packages on our website but until then, please contact us for your tailored trip that saves you money !!

Should you wish to join us for a day trip to our Island Dive Centre in TAR Park please contact us, we dive every single day and have superb access to the best dive sites. We also venture further afield (weather permitting) to dive locations along the West Coast Sabah.

Shark Sightings - Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

2009-06-26T20:17:00.000+08:00

We are often asked what kind of sharks can be seen in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu Sabah.

So we thought we would write a short post about the Sharks you might see whilst Scuba Diving with us on our local Dive Sites.

The BIG gun is the Whaleshark - Rhincodon typus.

Throughout March and April these beautiful creatures can be seen within the TAR Park when their migration paths bring them to our region.

Easily identified they are the largest fish in the ocean growing up to approx 18m in length.

Dots and lines pattern their huge bodies and they are generally seen here close to the surface waters.

A resident Shark species in the TAR Park is the Black Tip Reef Shark Carcharhinus melanopterus (image above left, photographed on a local dive site)

As its name suggests, the tips of the shark's pectoral fin and dorsal fin are black, with a white underside.

We often see very cute and harmless Juvenile Black Tip Reef Sharks in our bay at Gaya Island.

Another resident and fairly commonly encountered Shark is the Bamboo Shark / Brown Banded Cat Shark - Chiloscyllium punctatum. (Bamboo Sahrk: Image below)

To an in-experienced eye the the Bamboo Shark is often mistaken as a Juvenile Nurse Shark - Ginglymostoma cirratum. (Nurse Shark: Image below right)

However once you've encountered both Sharks and with a little bit of knowledge and experience the Bamboo Shark can be easily identified.

Both Sharks are nocturnal hunters. Nurse Sharks are a larger and bolder Shark, they can be seen resting on the seabed or beneath coral blocks but they do not need to hide away for protection particularly once they have reached maturity.

Whereas the much smaller and timid Bamboo Shark will hide deep in the coral reef during the day, seeking protection from larger predators.

The body of a Bamboo Shark is noticeably slender, especially when compared to the head whereas the Nurse Shark has a very chunky body, as wide if not wider than its head, (notice the head and body shape of the Nurse Shark on the plate below left).

A very quick and easy way to recognize a Bamboo Shark is to look at the gill slits - they are edged in white, differentiating them from the Nurse Shark.

A Juvenile Bamboo Shark has brown bands along the body, as the shark matures these lines fade to a solid grey.

Most often young Nurse Shark have tiny spots which usually fade to a solid dark / grey / brown solid colour as the Shark matures.

Nurse Sharks can grow to 4m in length and are not seen in the TAR Park, their known distribution is Western Atlantic Ocean and Eastern Pacific, a closely related species lives in the Indian Ocean.

The Bamboo Shark grows to approx 1.2m and can be found throughout Indo - West Pacific.

Very occasionally we may see other species of Shark and by nature all are harmless to humans - unless provoked.

For More information on the biology of Sharks please see our dedicated website section: Sharks & Rays Marine Biology.

Should you wish to join us at our Island Dive Centre in TAR Park please contact us, we dive every single day and have superb access to the best dive sites. We also venture further afield (weather permitting) to dive locations along the West Coast Sabah.

PADI Rescue Diver Course - Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu Sabah

2009-06-23T14:49:00.001+08:00

Congratulations on completing your PADI Rescue Diver Course to James, Mairi, Ashley, Kenny and David (pictured left to right) with Richard (far left).

James and Mairi have joined us for long tern Internship Programs, they are enjoying UNLIMITED Scuba Diving throughout their internship.

Now that they have achieved their PADI Rescue Diver qualification they will soon begin the next stage of their training which is the PADI Divemaster Internship Course.

Ashley and Kenny have been with us for several months as local internship candidates.

Ashley also works in the office at our Dive Centre based on Gaya island and Kenny is one of our Snorkel Guides - over then next few months they will both progress on to the PADI Divemaster Course.

David, joined us with his wife for 6 days, he completed his Emergency First Response Course and PADI Rescue Diver Course whilst his wife Jacky completed her PADI Open Water Diver Course, they both then enjoyed 2 Days of Daily Diving in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Well done guys and girls - now enjoy some great diving and we'll progress to the next stage !!

Anyone can apply to join our program, for more information please see our Professional PADI Internship Program dedicated web pages or contact us.

PADI Rescue Diver Course - Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu Sabah

2009-06-23T14:49:00.000+08:00

Scuba Dive Shop & Adventure Travel Centre Kota Kinabalu

2009-06-17T19:40:00.001+08:00

We have expanded again and moved our Scuba Dive Shop and Adventure Travel Centre to KK TIMES Square in the city of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Complementing our paradise Island based Dive & Adventure Centre on Gaya Island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park - together our two facilities make up our PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre.

Our Dive Shop and Travel Centre is a place for existing and potential clients to visit and discover what Sabah has to offer both on land and Downbelow !

Reservations for Adventure Travel, Sepilok and Kinabatangan Wildlife Packages, Lankayan, Kapalai and Layang Layang among others can also be explored and booked at our Travel Centre.

Our Dive Shop & Travel Centre is a hive of activity and information.

Run by experienced marine and wildlife enthusiasts who love to explore, research and photograph the surrounding rainforest & reefs of the T unku Abdul Rahman Park , Pulau Tiga and beyond!

There are books and posters to help identify your latest underwater discoveries and helpful friendly staff to assist and inform you of the activities, courses and programs we run.

We are resellers for Suunto, Atomic Aquatics, BARE Wetsuits, Sherwood Scuba, AKONA, Unidive, Dive Rite and more. We sell a selection of clothing and cool boxes plus many diving accessories.

For more information please visit our dedicated Dive Shop section of the website or Contact US.

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

Scuba Diving The Rock, West Coast Sabah, Borneo

2009-06-17T19:40:00.000+08:00

Downbelow PADI 5 Star Dive Centre are very excited to offer an additional offshore dive site to our dive site portfolio.

"The Rock" is located outside of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park but we can access it on calmer days with our fast speed boats in less than 1 hour from our PADI 5 Star Dive & Adventure Centre which is based on Gaya Island in TAR National Park.

For a very small additional fuel surcharge on top of our Daily Diving Package, we are offering The Rock dive site as a two tank dive package in the morning, returning to our dive centre for freshly cooked lunch with a boat dive in the TAR National park in the afternoon.

Visibility at The Rock dive site is very good, our last trip saw 30m plus visibility.

The Rocks topography and marine life make it a very interesting addition to our range of dive sites.

Unfortunately like many offshore dive sites outside of the protected marine park the coral has experienced damage due to detrimental fishing methods.

However its visibility and hidden treasures more than make up for the lack of soft corals.

In challenging conditions some critters thrive - scorpionfish, lionfish, clownfish and nudibranchs, bamboo sharks, rays and schooling mackrel can be found.

The Rock dive site is suited to novice and more advanced divers alike, photographers won't know whether to go wide angle and bask in the glorious visibility or stick with macro for its diversity of critter life !

Please ask our staff team for more information on this interesting dive site - subject to availability and weather we can go there everyday !!!

We are the only Dive Centre offering this variety of dive locations !!

Visit our Dive Shop and Travel Centre at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE) for bookings or EMAIL Us.

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

All 3 of these images were taken last sunday at The Rock dive site - come join us there on your next diving trip to West Coast Sabah. More images will be posted soon as an album - watch this space !

PADI Divemaster & PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Internship Course Kota Kinabalu Sabah

2009-06-13T20:56:00.000+08:00

Welcome to Downbelow's new Professional Internship Candidates James, Marie, Lee and Fedils.

James (far right) has joined us for 8 months, joining us as a PADI Open Water Diver he will continue his education through to Master Scuba Diver Trainer.

Marie has joined us for 2 months, completing her Recuse and Divemaster Internship.

Lee (far left) and Fedilis have joined our local internship program that will see them become PADI Divemasters within 1 year of full time training.

Our Internship program has become very popular and successful.

The programs represent great value for money, provide exceptional experiences and training and at the same time they are great fun.

On all our internships you receive UNLIMITED scuba diving. We can offer this because our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre is based within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park with direct access to our training lagoon & house reef.

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

Annually we run a minimum of two Instructor Development Courses (IDC) to co-inside with these two IDC courses we run 1 month - 1year internship programs, which can be joined at any time throughout the year.

Our internship programs cater for people who are complete beginners to the sport of diving and those more experienced.

We include very affordable accommodation to participants.

Continuing education is offered to the already certified PADI Instructor as Emergency First Response Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer and IDC Staff Instructor.

Anyone can apply to join our program, for more information please see our Professional PADI Internship Program dedicated web pages or contact us.

British Navy & Royal Marines Adventure Training - Kota Kinabalu Sabah

2009-06-07T10:51:00.000+08:00

Having completed a successful Adventure Training Event for the the British Royal Navy we just wanted to post a few images of their various activities.

Throughout the 10 day program activities included Scuba Diving, Trekking, Climbing Mount Kinabalu, Dingy Sailing and Deep Sea Fishing with approximately 90 participants.

The Royal Navy we visiting Kota Kinabalu and were collected daily from Sabah Ports, previous military and corporate groups have chosen to camp at our PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center & Adventure Center on Gaya Island or stay in the city of Kota Kinabalu - all budgets and objectives can be accommodated.

Sabah is ideally suited as a location for Adventure Training and Team Building Activities.

Within the state we have access to some of the best hiking, mountain biking, mountain climbing, jungle trekking, wildlife safaris, river and sea kayaking, scuba diving, white water rafting, coastline, tropical islands and ocean anywhere in the world.

Using the countries natural environment and skills of our local staff, we run a wide range of programs, activities and courses for many different people.

On each you will find high standards of safety, experienced and well qualified staff and flexibility to your needs and to the conditions.

We are activity involved in a number of marine and environmental conservation and awareness initiatives, we include these concepts within our programs.

Adventure Training and Team Building

Adventure training complements both individual and collective development and should:

Planned and executed with proper supervision by qualified staff
Have well defined objectives, with clear instruction
Provide mental stimulation by exposure to the perceived element of risk
Stimulate initiative and teamwork

Throughout our programs participants face personal challenges and as a group work together to achieve a common goal.

Often in alien environments, understanding and comradery is key to success.

We specialize in bespoke Adventure Training, taking the brief from the client and formulating itineries to suit group size and duration.

Should you choose, from the moment you or your group arrive in Sabah you are greeted by us.

All logistics, meals refreshment and accommodation are taken care of and full equipment provided.

To see images of this event plus previous events please see our Adventure Training Groups Photo Albums.

For more information on Adventure Training and Corporate Events please see our dedicated webpages or contact our International Events Organizers Richard or Joanne

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, we have a large Dive Shop and Travel Centre located at Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and far left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

Please take a look at out Adventure Training Photo Album so see images of this Adventure Training Event plus previous events.

Adventure Training - British Royal Navy. Scuba Diving, Mount Kinabalu Climbing, Trekking, Dingy Sailing

2009-05-26T10:52:00.000+08:00

Our Adventure Training season this year kicked off in style with an invitation to join the Captains Cocktail Party onboard HMS Bulwark that was stationed at KK Sabah Port for 10 days.

The Royal Navy's Adventure Training Program was organized and conducted by Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures and consisted of Scuba Diving, Trekking, Climbing Mount Kinabalu, Dingy Sailing and Deep Sea Fishing.

Throughout the 10 day program approximately 90 British Royal Navy & Royal Marines took part in the various Adventure Training Activities.

Downbelow's PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center and Adventure Center on Gaya island is perfectly suited to Adventure Training and Team Building Events.

Located just 8 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu City, we have primary rainforest that meets reef, ideal for Scuba Diving, Trekking, Snorkeling, Camping, Sea Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Dingy Sailing and Beach BBQ's with copious amounts if cold beer at the end of the day :)

Please look out for more posts on this Adventure Training Event as it continues.

For more information on Adventure Training and Corporate Events please see our dedicated webpages or contact our International Events Organizers Richard or Joanne (pictured above).

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

Image right - HMS Bulwark approaching Sabah Port in Kota Kinabalu

PADI Open Water Course - Singapore Army Scuba Diving Kota Kinabalu

2009-05-23T10:58:00.000+08:00

Congratulations to 5 Singapore Army Soldiers who recently completed their PADI Open Water Course with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures on Gaya Island - Kota Kinabalu.

Also joining them were their friends who, as already qualified Divers, enjoyed some leisure diving from our Beach House Dive Center.

Their instructors Calvin and Strike also had the help of Tanja who is currently a the end of her 6 month professional internship with Downbelow !

Our PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center & Adventure Center on Gaya Island is the perfect venue for groups, individuals, friends and families to take part in Scuba Courses and Professional Scuba Diving Internships.

The PADI Open Water Course takes 3 to 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.

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.

Please find us at KK TIMES SQUARE, Block B, 3rd Floor, Lot 12 (above and left of MOTHERCARE)

www.divedownbelow.com

Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935

Scuba Diving and PADI Courses - TARP Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia Borneo

2009-05-20T21:42:00.000+08:00

Scuba Diving with Downbelow and PADI Courses.

I am sometimes asked "Why should we choose to dive with Downbelow" or "Why should we dive PADI" i thought i'd take 5 minutes to put a few responses on the world wide web for all to see :)

Why Choose Downbelow ?

SERVICE AND SAFETY !

We pride ourself on an exceptional level of service and safety, we adhere to PADI Standards and Procedures at all times and follow British HSE Diving for Work Guidelines.

We have an ALL INCLUSIVE POLICY with NO HIDDEN EXTRA CHARGES !

This means that you pay one price which includes: return transfers from your hotel (KK City including Tanjung Aru & Sutera Harbour), boat transfers, park and jetty fees, equipment, refreshments - free flow water / tea / coffee, freshly cooked lunch and 3 guided boat dives are all included / or the course of your choice (depending on package).

SMALL Group Diving !

We limit the amount of people we bring to our dive center everyday and do not overcrowd, this allows us to give personal attention to new divers and experienced divers alike.

FACILITIES !

We are island based - located less than 10 minutes by speedboat from central Kota Kinabalu. Nestled on Gaya Island - "Where Rain-forest meets Reef" we are surrounded by tropical ocean and virgin jungles.

All dive sites are just minutes from our paradise location so we return to the dive center after every dive which means non diving family and friends can also come along for the day !

PADI 5 STAR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING CENTER

Offering exceptional products and services with World Wide Recognition. PADI system of education is the World lead in Diver Training.

LARGEST DIVE SHOP IN SABAH

Offering brands such as Suunto, Atomic Aquatics, BARE Wetsuits, Sherwood, AKONA, Unidive and Dive Rite and more ......

INTERNATIONAL STAFF TEAM

Speaking Cantonese, Mandarin, Hakau, French and of course English :)

DIVE BOATS, COMPRESSORS AND EQUIPMENT.

37ft and 32ft Dive Boats providing the fastest access to dive sites from Kota Kinabalu. Bauer Compressors and NITROX Station. Excellent quality and well maintained equipment.

Plus we have a fun staff team .... please take a look at our GUESTBOOK to see what people say about us.

Plus check out our FACEBOOK !

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

Global Earth Day - Downbelow's Contribution on 25th April 2009

2009-04-22T21:56:00.000+08:00

Today is Global Earth Day - a day to think and act even greener than the norm and to participate in an event that will raise public awareness for our challenged planet !!

For our part - we - Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures S.B will be holding another Beach & Reef Clean Up plus Mangrove Trees Planting Event at our Island Based PADI 5 STAR IDC Dive Centre on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park this Saturday 25th April 2009.

Sponsored by Downbelow Marine & Wildlife - there is NO CHARGE to join this event, all equipment, fuel, food and fees are paid by Downbelow and Sabah Parks have kindly agreed to waive the Diving permit fee for every diver involved in the clean up !

Downbelow are also donating a Brand New GEKKO dive Computer to raffle and raise money for Project Aware.

Aswell as the clean up - we will enjoy a beach BBQ and generally celebrate the communities commitment to Dive for Earth !!!!

Why is this Day Important ?

Earth Day raises environmental awareness on a global scale.

Since the 30th anniversary of Earth Day in 2000, Project AWARE has helped divers focus attention on aquatic environments for this annual event.

Thousands of diver volunteers in more than 115 countries have helped protect underwater environments and educate local communities for Project AWARE’s Dive for Earth Day.

Earth is a water planet and the planet needs our help - why? - Climate change is a major threat with increased ocean temperatures and ocean acidification impacting fragile underwater environments.

Dive for Earth Day is an extraordinary opportunity to take action, create awareness and to meet like - minded divers and water enthusiasts also wishing to and help and address the underwater issues that concern us most.

How can you help?

Take part !!!

Contact Downbelow Today and book your place !

ALSO ....

"Make Every Day Earth Day"

There are many simple, low-cost things you can do each day and each time you dive to lower your impact on the environment. Begin by following Project AWARE’s Ten Ways a Diver Can Protect the Underwater Environment or check out our Tips to Keep Waters Debris Free.

Hope to see you Downbelow this saturday !!!

PADI IDC & IE - Kota Kinabalu 100% Success for Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures!!!!

2009-04-12T23:40:00.000+08:00

CONGRATULATIONS to our Instructor Candidates on passing their IDC & IE with Downbelow Marine and Wildlife Adventures in Kota Kinabalu !!!!

There we tears of joy and relief when after the 2 day Instructor Examination each of our candidates were told that they had passed the final Open Water Skills assessment and as a result had successfully become PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors !!!

The PADI IDC and IE were the culmination of months of hard work for James, Navin and Streisand (AKA Strike), well done guys !!

Big thanks to the team at Downbelow Marine and Wildlife Adventures - DIVE DOWNBELOW - who's support was key to the guys success.

Well done to our Course Director Joseph Chung and Richard and Joanne for staffing the course :)

Thank you to PADI and PADI's Instructor Examiner from Sydney - George Wegmann.

100% success is a clear reflection of the level of training and commitment from the entire team. Pictures top left is Joanne, Richard, Strike, George, James, Evelyn and Navin.

WELL DONE and lets look forward to the next IDC on starting 19th May !!!!!!

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

2009-03-30T01:35:00.000+08:00

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

2009-03-28T02:33:00.000+08:00

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 !

2009-03-25T05:06:00.000+08:00

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.

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

2009-03-20T05:16:00.000+08:00

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

2009-03-20T02:33:00.000+08:00

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 !!

2009-03-20T02:32:00.000+08:00

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

2009-03-16T05:40:00.000+08:00

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.

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

2009-03-11T05:46:00.000+08:00

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.

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

2009-03-11T05:17:00.001+08:00

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

2009-03-11T05:17:00.000+08:00

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