Friday, February 26, 2010

WINNER of The Project AWARE Conservation Award- Asia Pacific 2010

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

Project Aware Conservation Winner
“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.

PADI_IDC
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


Monday, February 22, 2010

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

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.

Canon_G10

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.

KK-Shop-1

Run by experienced marine and wildlife enthusiasts who love to explore, research and photograph the surrounding rainforest & reefs of the Tunku 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.

PADI_IDC_small
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

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Borneo Scuba Diving Day Trip to Pulau Tiga Sabah Malaysia

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

Pulau Tiga Survivor Island
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.


Monday, February 15, 2010

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


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

IMG_5101
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.  

PADI_IDC
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


Thursday, January 28, 2010

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


Team Building & Adventure Training
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.

Sailing & Sea Kayaking TARP
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.

Adventure Training
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

.
Group-3


Saturday, January 23, 2010

Pajama Cardinalfish -Sphaeramia nematoptera Gaya Island TARP, Kota Kinabalu


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.

Pajama Cardinalfish Sphaeramia nematoptera
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.

PADI_IDC
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


Pajama Cardinalfish -Sphaeramia nematoptera Gaya Island TARP, Kota Kinabalu


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.

Pajama Cardinalfish Sphaeramia nematoptera
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.

PADI_IDC
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


Tuesday, January 19, 2010

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


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

Kapali

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.

Jo-and-Beach-Pana

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 !


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.

Kapali

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.

Jo-and-Beach-Pana

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.