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.


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

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 !

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 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.

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

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 !

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

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

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

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


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

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 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.


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

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

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

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


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

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 :))


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

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

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

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


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

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

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.


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

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

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

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


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

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.


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

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.


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

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

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

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


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

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.


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

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 !

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 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.

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

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 - 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


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 !

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.

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

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.


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

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.


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

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 !!!!


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

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

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 !


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

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

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

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 !

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

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 !


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

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.

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

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.

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

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 !


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

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 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

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.

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

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 !


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

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.


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

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

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

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.


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

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 !!!!!

Please visit our GUESTBOOK.

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.


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

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.


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

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

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

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


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

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 !

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 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.

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

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.


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

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

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

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


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

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.

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

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 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

Dive and Snorkel for Earth Day.

Earth Day on 22nd April has encouraged communities to think and act even greener than the norm and to participate in an event that will raise public awareness for our challenged planet !!



On 25th April Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures Sdn Bhd and Sabah Parks held a Project Aware - Beach & Reef Clean Up plus Mangrove Tree Planting Event at Downbelow's Island Based PADI 5 STAR IDC Dive Centre on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

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 kindly waived the Diving and Snorkeler permit fee for everyone involved in the clean up !

More than 60 volunteers joined the program and 111 kg of rubbish was collected.

Downbelow also donated a Brand New Suunto GEKKO Dive Computer to raffle and raise money for Project  Aware - PADI's Conservation Foundation.

In total MYR 850.00 was raised from the sale of the raffle tickets thanks to all those that bought a ticket:

Jagjeet Singh, Kong Lih Shan, Joanne Swann, Richard Swann, Ramesh Salimun, Tania & Navin Rajah, Murphy Ng, David De La hap, Sebastian, James M.Matthews, Evelyn Bernadinus, Sadli Bin Md. Sawfi, Mohd Hafiz Bin Mat Husni, Nordin Bin Che Man, Robert, Ericc Chong, Jaco Swanepoel.

CONGRATULATIONS to Sebastian who won the Gekko Dive Computer (Image right) !!

Aswell as the clean up - guests enjoyed a beach BBQ and generally celebrated the communities commitment to Dive and Snorkel for Earth !!!!

Big thanks go out to all those who took part in this event: Agensi Penguartkuasa Maritim Malaysia, Tendera Laut Diraja Malaysia, Sabah Tourist Board, Asian Tourism International School, Downbelow's KK Dive Club and lots of individual volunteers local people and ex-pats. 

At the end of the day, we enjoyed a few beers, ate the leftover BBQ food and played some games while the sun set over the park!!


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. 

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.

To join us on our next Project Aware program, please contact us.

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 again last week when we arrived at Pulau Tiga in 40 minutes from Kota Kinabalu !

We are the only operator to run trips to Pulau TIGA WEEKLY and the only operator to offer resort facilities !!!

We have a dedicated 37ft speedboat for Pulau TIGA day trips which can be chartered for group trips or we can accommodate independent travelers.

Currently we have trips scheduled every SUNDAY so book now to secure your place !!!

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 !

Scuba diving is excellent with schools of fish - snappers, fusiliers and trevally. Soft corals are stunning, even the most seasoned divers are impressed !

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 Jesselton Jetty
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

Approximate return time 1630 hrs.

What's Included ?

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

Non divers and snorkelers are also welcome !

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


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

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

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

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


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

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 !!!

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

Scuba Divers and Snorkelers with Downbelow were once again treated to sighting a Whaleshark just in front of Downbelows Beach House PADI 5 Star IDC Center on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.


After a fun filled day trip to our paradise island location scuba divers, snorkelers and trekkers had boarded our transfer boat for their return trip to Kota Kinabalu mainland - only 10 minutes away.

En-route our eagle eyed boat captain saw a huge school of Krill (image right) close to the surface. Whalesharks feed on the krill so he figured they might be close by.

Circling a couple of times, they then saw a fin and the Whaleshark itself. Pictured above are our guests rushing to the starboard side of the boat looking at the fish that was almost the size of the dive boat !!!

When the news spread that there was a Whaleshark in our bay the boat carrying our staff swiftly departed attempting to catch a glimpse - they were too late but instead they saw a Giant Manta Ray come to the surface !!!!!

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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 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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day Trips include the following:

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

This is a superb trip for divers and non divers !

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



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

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

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

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

We have the largest Dive Shop in Sabah providing the best all round diving services to our clients. Located on the KK mainland, please feel free to drop in, we offer free wireless internet, tea,coffee and biscuits !!!


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warmest Regards
Lirene

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Day Trips include the following:

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

Non divers and snorkelers are also welcome !

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


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

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

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

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


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

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)

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

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



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

In a day trip from Kota Kinabalu City It could not be easier to try Scuba Diving and within the same few hours see the beauty of the underwater world in a safe, warm paradise location. 

Based at The Beach House, Gaya Island where rainforest meets reef,  Downbelow's PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Centre in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is ideally suited to beginner divers providing shallow, sandy confined water environments which slope to slightly deeper coral reef habitats.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are NO HIDDEN EXTRAS !!!!


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

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

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

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


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

Company directors Richard and Joanne Swann's latest article - Muck & Magic, is featured in this months Australian Sport Diving Magazine.

Posing the question " Without Sipadan can Kapalai Dive Resort still compete for the divers dollar?"

Although divers are still permitted at Sipadan - permit numbers are low and no resort can with confidence guarantee their divers a place.

However Kapalai Dive Resort have a good quota and can still hold their own as a divers destination.

The resort has much to offer divers and non divers at very reasonable rates.

Our images within the piece show some stunning shots of the resort and marine life that can be found in the surrounding waters.

Kapalai Dive Resort is under Downbelows Price Promise, we guarantee that you won't be able to find better rates elsewhere, if proven wrong we'll give you an additional 2% discount.

Please peruse our dedicated CELEBES ISLAND ACCOMMODATION website section for information and booking Kapalai Dive Resort or CONTACT US for a quotation.

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.


We have an island based full service PADI 5 Star Dive Centre within the state National Park of TARP. PLUS a well stocked 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

Just one of our recent critter discoveries was this beautiful little Mimic Octopus, found on the sandy bottom in at 15m on one of our out lying dive sites close to our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre.

Richard was leading a couple of divers who had joined us for a multiple day dive package within TARP when they came across this master of disguise and camouflage.

Unlike many other Octopodidae the Mimic is active during the day foraging for crustaceans, often using the same resting burrow for days at a time the Mimic Octopus can sometimes be revisited.

This octopus gets its name from its ability to impersonate the appearance and behavior of other animals, particularly poisonous ones such as lionfish and banded seasnake.

For more information on Octopus and Squid please visit our field guide.

Our guests are often surprised to see such rare and fascinating marine life on dive sites within the national park. Please join us next time you are passing Kota Kinabalu, visit our paradise island based Dive and Adventure Centre on Gaya Island and Dive or Snorkel Downbelow to catch a glimse of some of our wonderful mairne life.

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to Steve Farlow who has recently completed his PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Course with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures in Sabah.



This scuba diving course is one of PADI's most popular specialties.

Diving with enriched air nitrox lets you safely extend your no stop time beyond the no decompression limits for air. Diving with enriched air means more time underwater - but you need to be certified as an Enriched Air Diver to get enriched air fills.

Whether you' re into underwater photography or macro diving, at home or on holiday the PADI Enriched Air Diver course helps you get more out of diving by giving you more time underwater. Certification counts toward the Master Scuba Diver rating

To enrol on the course you must be a PADI Open Water Diver (or qualifying certification from another organization).

For more information on this popular speciality please see our dedicated PADI Enriched Air Nitrox website section.



For information on just some of the other PADI Courses we offer please peruse our dedicated web pages.

Qualified Nitrox divers can rent Nitrox Tanks from us during their Daily Dive Packages in TARP and West Coast Sabah !

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

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

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

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

With calmer sea's just around the corner we are getting very excited about this years scuba diving opportunities and are very happy to announce our 3 day "Reef, Wreck and Critter" package.

Inspired by our very good friends Jeff and Dawn Mullins - Underwater Photojournalist, Underwater Model and Authors with over 30 years of diving, photography and writing experience.

We have named our package after their recently published book and website.

Jeff and Dawn are fellow ex-pats living in Bali, their specialty is personally guiding small groups of photographers or divers interested in critters and rare marine life around Tulamben and surrounding areas.

For more information please contact them at www.reefwreckandcritter.com

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.

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

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

Home to PADI 5 Star 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 PADI 5 Star Dive and Adventure Centre which is surrounded by primary rain-forest and tropical ocean.

Our 37ft Speed Boat provides 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Sabahs Government statutory conservation department - Sabah Parks part of which is located within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park have an ongoing commitment to protect and ensure the well-being of the states national parks.

As part of their role many of the staff learn to scuba dive and embark in the PADI System of education.

Pictured left, standing infront Downbelows Beach House are Sabah Parks latest newly qualified divers having recently completed their Scuba Diving Course with PADI 5 Star Dive Centre Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures.


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.

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

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

Trekking trails through primary rain-forest, snorkel unspooilt lagoons, scuba dive pristine coral reef !!

From our Beach House Dive Centre on Gaya Island based within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park there are some great walking trials through tropical rain-forest.

Join us for guided Trekking along coastal jungle trails, visit the "Spirit Forest", search for bats, orchids and flying lizards, rare birds and reptiles !

Historically, Pulau Gaya was the site of the British North Borneo Company's harbour, razed by the rebel Mat Salleh in 1881.

Nowadays the 1,465 hectare island is mainly uninhabited except on the eastern shore which is home to a community of people living in stilt houses.

Together with our resident Wildlife Expert, explore the the virgin tropical rain-forest of the island.

Learn of natural herbal remedies and medical plants that have been used for generations of native people.

Trek along jungle trails in search of flora and fauna, examine tropical hardwood trees and mangrove forests in the knowledge that this protected jungle has been in existence for thousands of years, unaffected by mans destructive farming and agricultural practices.

Before or after lunch go "Downbelow" and snorkel the warm waters of the South China Sea within the marine park from Gaya Island.

Swim alongside colourful marine-life, butterfly fish, parrot fish, cardinals, snappers and if you're very fortunate the occasional turtle may swim by to see what's going on.

For more information on our fabulous paradise island please Contact Us.

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

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

Combine a Scuba Diving Package with Underwater Camera Rental and enjoy Underwater Photography in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park TARP - Kota Kinabalu.

Having climbed Mount Kinabalu at the weekend Tim Bolton (image left and below) joined Downbelow Marine & Wildlife for a 3 Dive Package in TARP and rented one of our Cannon A640 10 megapixel cameras with Cannon U/W housing - all functions are fully controllable and included within the cost is image download to CDROM.

Tim dived with Richard for the day. Richard is a professional underwater photographer and took his camera along just incase the already present Whalesharks passed by.

Richard was happy to share some tips with Tim, they didn't see any Whalesharks but saw Turtles Hawksbill and Green Turtles, Cat Shark, Cuttlefish, Lionfish, Nudibranchs, Moray Eel, Seahorses, Barracuda and numerous schooling fishes.

Tims Mum Doris also came along for the day trip and spent the day snorkeling and trekking from our Paradise Island Beach House.

Duncan was her snorkel guide for morning and took Doris to some pristine coral reef which they had all to themselves, they saw numerous clownfish, tropical reef fish and a Flying Gurnard.

In the afternoon JC, our resident wildlife expert took Doris trekking through the primary rain-forest that surrounds our Dive and Adventure Centre on Gaya Island.

They took the Padas Point route, fondly known as the Spirit Forest Trail which follows the coastal path along the southern side side of the Gaya Island providing stunning views across the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Downbelow's eagle eye guide spotted an endemic Bornean Angle-headed Lizard, Orchids, Horseshoe Bats and many more insects and reptiles.

The Beach House at Gaya Island offers so much for marine and wildlife lover.

Should you wish to join us at our tropical island paradise - just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu please EMAIL US, for a quick response.

Or call our Telephone Hotline: +6 012 866 1935


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

Congratulations to our recent divers who have just completed their PADI Open Water Course and Discover Scuba Diving Program - Scuba Diving lessons with Downbelow PADI 5 Star Dive Centre - Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Also, thank you for joining us to the rest of our clients who have been diving with us for 1 - 4 day dive packages over the past week. (Pictured Below)

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

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.

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

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

Adam, (first left above) chose to save a day on this course and completed the academic portion online in his own time through the PADI eLearning system of education.

Our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre known as the Beach House is located within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park on Gaya Island where "Rainforest meets the Reef" located just 10 mins boat ride from the City of Kota Kinabalu (KK), we have a stunning island paradise which is very unique and not crowded.

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

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

So please join our recent clients and become a PADI Open Water Diver in Kota Kinabalu, join our Daily Scuba Diving program for qualified divers or try diving for the first time with our PADI Discover Scuba Diving program.

Please email us now for a quick response.

Telephone: +6 012 866 1935

www.divedownbelow.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

All images here were taken of the dolphins yesterday.

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information please Contact Us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Book Now To Secure Your Place
We offer a private package, so you are not part of a tour group.


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

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

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

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

BOOK NOW and ensure availability.


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

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

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort 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.

Our Christmas Day celebration was so much fun that by popular demand we're doing it all over again to Celebrate Chinese New Year !!!!!


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The days itinerary is as follows:

Chinese New Year Celebration

Diver Rate: MYR 460.00 p/p
Non Diver Rate: MYR 270.00 p/p
Non Diver Rate 4-16 years: MYR 180 p/p

0825 hrs
Meet Downbelow Staff & Transfer on Boat to Downbelow PADI 5 Star Dive Centre at The Beach House - Gaya Island, TARP
0915 hrs
1st Boat Dive/ Games / Snorkeling/ Trekking
1030 hrs
Surface Interval for Divers
1115 hrs
2nd Boat Dive/ Games / Snorkeling/ Trekking

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

All our programs are ALL Inclusive, the only additional option extra is the RAFFLE Ticket costing MYR 50.00, the chances of winning the SUUNTO Dive Computer are very good with only 12 tickets for sale per computer !!!!

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

Overnight camping is available for the intrepid adventurer !!

Click HERE to read about our Christmas Day Celebration.

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

www.divedownbelow.com

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

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


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

The minimum internship period is 1 month.

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

On all our internships you receive UNLIMITED scuba diving.

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

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

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

We can also include very affordable accommodation to participants.

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

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

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

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

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

Scuba Diving Package and Day Trips - Unlimited Shore and Jetty Dives. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, TARP Kota Kinabalu.
MYR 340.00 per person - All INCLUSIVE !!

Based at The Beach House - Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park our PADI 5 Star Dive Centre is ideally situated to offer divers non limited Scuba Diving on our House Reef and Home Corner Dive Sites.

These fascinating dive sites hold many secrets and divers can enjoy having the reef to themselves and taking their time to search out the weirdly wonderful and beautifully ugly critters that live here from Nudibranchs, Stonefish, Demon Stingers, Sea Snakes, Eagle Rays and much more ...

This is especially suited to Macro Lovers and Underwater Photographers who don't want to the restrictions of boat diving.

During our Unlimited Diving Program divers can stay as long as they choose bottom time and air permitting. We will even provide a buddy for single divers.

Our House Reef and Home Corner Dive Sites can be accessed directly from our Dive and Adventure Centre on Gaya Island.

Divers can also combine boat dives with unlimited shore dives providing even more flexibility.


Nitrox is also available as an option extra to extend your bottom time underwater.

Our Unlimited Diving Program follows the same shedual as our Daily Diving Program with hotel picks ups from 0815 hrs returning around 1630 hrs and is ALL INCLUSIVE - with no hidden extras !

Boat transfers, jetty and park fees, equipment rental, free flow tea/coffee/water and snacks, freshly cooked lunch are all included and the cost is MYR 340.00 per person.

Digital Underwater Cameras and Dive Computers are also available to rent.

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

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

www.divedownbelow.com

HOTLINE: +6 012 866 1935

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


www.divedownbelow.com

HOTLINE: +6 012 866 1935

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