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<title>Downbelow RSS Feed</title><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/index.html</link><description>News and Events </description><dc:language>en</dc:language><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><dc:rights>Copyright 2007 Downbelow</dc:rights><dc:date>2010-12-15T23:27:27+08:00</dc:date><admin:generatorAgent rdf:resource="http://www.realmacsoftware.com/" />
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<lastBuildDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2011 08:27:14 +0800</lastBuildDate><item><title>Borneo&#x27;s Extreme Adventure Experience with Downbelow &#x21;&#x21; </title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>News</category><category>Travel Packages</category><dc:date>2010-12-15T23:27:27+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/ffd5d68d4869507e2975a19f89de4180-222.shtml#unique-entry-id-222</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/ffd5d68d4869507e2975a19f89de4180-222.shtml#unique-entry-id-222</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[We take you on a journey of challenge & adventure with a program to experience three (3) of Borneo&rsquo;s most popular adventure activities including scuba diving & interaction with our fascinating marine-life, to the raging rapids of the Padas river and to the top of South East Asia's highest mountain - Mt Kinabalu. 


...Our PADI 5 Star IDC Dive & Adventure center based on Gaya Island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah provides a very special experience, with a resort like feel it is a fun place to spend a few days, enjoying the tropical surroundings and chatting about all the wonderful creatures you will have spotted. &nbsp;


...The climb to Laban Rata takes between 4-6 hours, it&rsquo;s 99% uphill, unrelenting and the trail is seemingly endless; you&rsquo;ll be dreaming steps and trails for days! 


...This is a 9 Day /  8 Night adventure, there is NO peak season surcharge, single travelers may need to pay single supplements but we try to group likeminded people together to avoid this  !!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Shark Dives - Gaya Island&#x2c; Tunku Abdul Rahman Park&#x2c; Kota Kinabalu</title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>News</category><category>Creature Features</category><category>Scuba Diving Package</category><dc:date>2010-12-15T23:26:44+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/c74b62652713fbd02b132aafb8c9a90e-221.shtml#unique-entry-id-221</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/c74b62652713fbd02b132aafb8c9a90e-221.shtml#unique-entry-id-221</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[During the early weeks of December even more excitement than usual has filled the dive centre, with regular daily sightings of Black Tip Reef Sharks at one of our favorite dive sites just offshore Gaya Island, TARP.


Adult Black Tip Reef Sharks grow to a maximum of 2m in length and are harmless to humans, favoring crustaceans, small rays and schooling fish as their food source. 


...Over 150 million are killed each year and because their reproduction rates are low, they have long gestation periods and do not mature until about the age of 20 years, the millions that are killed are not being replaced.&nbsp;


...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 !!! 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Say No To Plastic Bags &#x21;&#x21;&#x21; Project AWARE </title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>News</category><dc:date>2010-11-29T20:38:42+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/822ade67b5a91c4f66cc8df30cedc805-220.shtml#unique-entry-id-220</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/822ade67b5a91c4f66cc8df30cedc805-220.shtml#unique-entry-id-220</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[There is one simple action we can all take that will have an enormous impact on the health of our planet and its inhabitants. 

...TODAY,  Downbelow hosted and funded another Project AWARE Beach & Snorkel cleanup at their base on Gaya Island with a clear message " SAY NO TO PLASTIC BAGS"


...We would like to say a big thankyou to all the gang for their help and as always a special thanks to the Downbelow staff team who not only ensured the day ran safely & smoothly but also took great care of our regular guests who were doing all kinds of activities from various PADI courses & fun dives to discover scuba & snorkeling programs.


...Downbelow will be making a donation to the Project Aware Foundation as part of this program in support of their good work.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>PROMOTION Learn to Scuba Dive PADI Open Water Course &#x26; Advanced Diver with Accommodation </title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>News</category><category>PADI Scuba Diving Courses</category><dc:date>2010-11-14T18:50:29+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/6416df0430e8796d970cb48d07aa04e6-219.shtml#unique-entry-id-219</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/6416df0430e8796d970cb48d07aa04e6-219.shtml#unique-entry-id-219</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[The fun does not stop here: if you are serious about not just learning to dive but also extending your skill level then complete the PADI Open Water Course & PADI Advanced Open Water Course with us on Gaya Island.


...Package Includes:&nbsp;Return&nbsp;transfers from lodge, return boat transfers to Gaya Island, required PADI Materials (yours to keep), PADI&nbsp;qualification&nbsp;and registration fees, park and jetty fees, equipment (except dive computer) refreshments - free flow water / tea / coffee, freshly and cooked lunch. &nbsp;


...Gaya Island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park in Kota Kinabalu Sabah provides an ideal venue for both of the courses with confined shallow, sandy areas right in front of our PADI 5 Star Dive & Adventure Centre which are ideal for skill practice and we also have&nbsp;49 dive sites accessible to us with Wreck, reefs and lots of critters to explore which is perfect for PADI Advance Open Water Course.


...The PADI Open Water Course is the first certification within the PADI system of education, you complete a Knowledge Development session (Home Study) with elaboration from your instructor throughout the academic portion of the course, quizzes and a final exam, 5 confined water dives - this is where you learn diving skills, plus 4 open water dives where you put your skills into practice.
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Take the MASTER SCUBA DIVER CHALLENGE with Downbelow on Gaya Island</title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>News</category><category>PADI Scuba Diving Courses</category><dc:date>2010-11-07T17:21:08+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/4572c6a3a42ccd32758bf284311c9593-218.shtml#unique-entry-id-218</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/4572c6a3a42ccd32758bf284311c9593-218.shtml#unique-entry-id-218</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Participants can join us for a 1 month internship or for the amount of time required to complete your training, which could be as little as 1 day, this all depends on what diver qualifications and how many dives you have completed at the time of beginning the program. 

...You can decide to take the challenge at any point of your diving education because we will tailor the course to your specific diving ability and interest in order for you to achieve this rating and to make it fun and rewarding. 

...Note that if during your PADI Advanced Course you completed one of the dives that correspond to your chosen speciality this can be credited towards your speciality course therefore reducing the time and and cost of the course. &nbsp;


...Please contact us, telling us your current diver level, how many dives you have completed, how much time you have to complete the challenge and what level of accommodation you require and we will put a fantastic quotation together for you !!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>PROMOTION - Begin your PADI Dive Course NOW via eLearning &#x26; get a FREE Scuba Dive</title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>News</category><category>PADI Scuba Diving Courses</category><dc:date>2010-11-01T16:55:40+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/393525e8aa1982d491f268290c1e9dbc-217.shtml#unique-entry-id-217</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/393525e8aa1982d491f268290c1e9dbc-217.shtml#unique-entry-id-217</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[It could not be easier to start your PADI Diving Course right now ... in the comfort of you own home, office, garden or whilst travelling you can log onto our PADI eLearning portal and begin your diving adventure. 


Once completed you are ready to join us on Gaya Island for the fun part of the course !!


...Why wait until you're on holiday, sign up now and we will give you 1 extra dive for FREE at Gaya Island !!!!


If diving isn't for you - then why not buy a voucher for a friend or family member !!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Successful IDC &#x26; IE Gaya Island&#x2c; TARP Kota Kinabalu</title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>News</category><category>Scuba Diving Package</category><category>Internships</category><dc:date>2010-11-01T16:55:08+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/53451b6036bd8e92d2cb39a432198179-216.shtml#unique-entry-id-216</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/53451b6036bd8e92d2cb39a432198179-216.shtml#unique-entry-id-216</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Well done to our Course Director Joseph Chung, Master Instructor & DDB Director Richard Swann, Staff Instructor James Matthews and Susan for staffing the course and putting in so many hours to ensure the candidates success :) 


...Should you wish to join our next IDC 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 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 !!! 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Course in Kota Kinabalu</title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>News</category><category>PADI Scuba Diving Courses</category><category>Internships</category><dc:date>2010-10-18T09:19:36+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/1a3ba57a9c80bcb38cc8090de7feb49b-215.shtml#unique-entry-id-215</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/1a3ba57a9c80bcb38cc8090de7feb49b-215.shtml#unique-entry-id-215</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Having only just completed an additional IDC Course in September it seems more and more people are entering the world of professional scuba diving in Sabah.


...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.


...Certification as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor is by successful completion of the PADI Instructor Examination scheduled at the end of the IDC, on 26th & 27th October held in KK Times Square & Gaya Island.


All the best to our 8 candidates (seen above left hard at study at Downbelows mainland classroom in KK Times Square) - keep up the hard work, it will be worth it in the end !!!
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Project Aware - Beach &#x26; Underwater Clean Up Gaya Island </title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>News</category><dc:date>2010-10-10T09:19:04+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/1685d6702f4fa90984a829e2b81e4983-214.shtml#unique-entry-id-214</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/1685d6702f4fa90984a829e2b81e4983-214.shtml#unique-entry-id-214</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[With Downbelow hosting the event providing organization, logistics, lunch and all day refreshments, volunteers collected 604KG of rubbish and raised MYR 1341.00 for The Project Aware Foundation.


...All in all a fabulous day was had by all, fun but educational talks were given by some of the senior staff on marine and environmental conservation.


Thanks to everyone for their support and thank you to Sabah Parks who waived the diving permit fee and Sutera Harbour Marina for waiving the jetty fee. 


Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures heavily promotes the TAR Park&rsquo;s diverse and vibrant underwater life and, when not on a mission to clean it, conducts daily diving and island activities to explore it. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Course Kota Kinabalu</title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>News</category><category>PADI Scuba Diving Courses</category><dc:date>2010-09-14T01:32:25+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/ceb99c4325ca20062608d721fe6df1ee-213.shtml#unique-entry-id-213</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/ceb99c4325ca20062608d721fe6df1ee-213.shtml#unique-entry-id-213</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Downbelow Marine & Wildlife - hosted the PADI IE in KK at the Kingston Hotel in KK Times Square and at our PADI 5 Star IDC Centre on Gaya Island. 

...Well done also to our Course Director and our Guru Mr Joseph Chung and to company Director Richard Swann - who both committed their time, and shared their wealth of experience to ensure our candidates success.   


...Should you wish to join our IDC  next month or next year in March please contact us either by email, telephone or visit our Dive Shop and Travel Centre. 


...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 !!! 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Try Dive - Discover Scuba Diving DSD - Scuba Diving Lessons for Beginners </title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Scuba Diving Package</category><category>PADI Scuba Diving Courses</category><dc:date>2010-08-16T01:31:15+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/9c600936a90890ba36e7e4961923259b-212.shtml#unique-entry-id-212</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/9c600936a90890ba36e7e4961923259b-212.shtml#unique-entry-id-212</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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 PADI Instructor Strike,  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.  


...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. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Travel Centre for your Sabah Holiday in Borneo</title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Travel Packages</category><category>Resort Bookings</category><dc:date>2010-08-07T01:30:31+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/d21d358579ac4945932a6640d3e6988c-211.shtml#unique-entry-id-211</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/d21d358579ac4945932a6640d3e6988c-211.shtml#unique-entry-id-211</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[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.  


...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 !
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Scuba Diving - Kota Kinabalu </title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>Scuba Diving Package</category><category>News</category><dc:date>2010-08-07T07:56:11+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/41f51d9ecf337335b7575a536ee80dac-210.shtml#unique-entry-id-210</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/41f51d9ecf337335b7575a536ee80dac-210.shtml#unique-entry-id-210</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Generally people look at the TAR Park and think that surely there's no great diving so close to a busy city like KK, especially when they go to the tourist beaches on Manukan and Sapi and see the coral damage from crowds of people.


...On 25 May Eric & Isabelle who dived with Downbelow said "We enjoyed our diving at great length,&nbsp;in particular, we saw the two painted frogfish, boxer shrimp and also the orang utan crab, all in one dive. 

...On 23 April, James, a guest of Downbelow, said "thanks for our visit to Gaya &ndash; we were really surprised &ndash; given past experiences of KK bay, our expectations weren&rsquo;t really up there, but we had a great time, enjoyed the snorkeling and loved your dive centre"


...On Nov 18 Charles Silva said "I just got back to grey, cold and rainy Stockholm and already miss Borneo and my wonderful long sunny days and diving adventures among the turtles, sharks and nudibranchs in the TARP."
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Scuba Diving Internships - Kota Kinablau</title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>News</category><category>Scuba Diving Package</category><category>Internships</category><dc:date>2010-08-05T18:01:44+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/9b8ef8d0c52f078ee7e6b518fe937f4b-209.shtml#unique-entry-id-209</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/9b8ef8d0c52f078ee7e6b518fe937f4b-209.shtml#unique-entry-id-209</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Pictured left: Tom (aka: Rambo) a KK dive club member joins our scuba diving internship candidates, Gabriel, Simon & Joe for the PADI Rescue Diver portion of their program. 


...Please take a look at our FACEBOOK account to see up to date information on Gaya Island happenings and see how the scuba diving internship candidates are progressing with their training. 


...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. 


...Annually we run a minimum of two Instructor Development Courses (IDC) to co-inside with these two IDC courses we run 1 month - 1 year internship programs, which can be joined at any time throughout the year. 
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title>Promotion Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort &#x26; Scuba Diving or Snorkeling Pacakge </title><dc:creator>images@downbelow.co.uk</dc:creator><category>News</category><category>Resort Bookings</category><dc:date>2010-07-20T18:00:50+08:00</dc:date><link>http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/c6244c26b3763083d1cda35f64682b01-208.shtml#unique-entry-id-208</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.divedownbelow.com/pages/news_files/c6244c26b3763083d1cda35f64682b01-208.shtml#unique-entry-id-208</guid><content:encoded><![CDATA[Stay at the Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort for 4 nights, Scuba Dive for 2 days (6 Dives). 


...Qualified Divers enjoy 6 boat dives, non qualified divers enjoy first morning Discover Scuba Diving Program followed by 4 Boat dives.


Non divers enjoy fully guided snorkeling or relaxing on the beach or trekking the rainforest trails of Gaya Island. 


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