Borneo Divers & Sea Sports - Sabah

Borneo Divers has been a fixture of the Sabah diving scene since 1982, establishing itself as a primary gateway to some of the most renowned dive sites in the Coral Triangle. With two separate bases, the operation caters to different styles of diving, from the high-octane wall dives of the Celebes Sea to the relaxed, shallow reefs of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

For those targeting the big fish and dramatic drop-offs, the Mabul Resort provides a base near Sipadan, located just 15km away. For divers looking for something closer to the mainland, the Mamutik Island Lodge offers a convenient escape within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu.

As a PADI 5 Star dive centre, the operation maintains high standards of training and safety across all its locations. The team is equipped to handle everything from entry-level Discover Scuba Diving programmes to professional-level Divemaster and IDC courses.

Instruction is available in English, Malay, and Chinese, ensuring clear communication during briefings and underwater training. The centre's long history in the region is backed by a deep commitment to marine conservation and sustainable tourism practices within the local communities.

The centre provides a full spectrum of PADI training. Beginners can start with Bubblemaker or Discover Scuba Diving, progressing through to Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to advance their careers, the centre offers Divemaster and Instructor Development Course (IDC) programmes. This allows divers to transition from recreational enthusiasts to professional instructors in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.

The larger pelagics and reef residents are a constant highlight here. You will frequently encounter Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), great barracuda, jack, and humphead parrotfish. Whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays are common sights along the walls, while snapper schools and various reef fish add movement to the coral landscapes.

For macro photographers, the biodiversity is staggering. The sandy areas and seagrass beds are home to a vast array of small creatures, including pygmy seahorses (Hippocampus bargibanti), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of shrimp (Caridea). Keep a close eye on the rubble and coral heads for flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, and mimic octopus.

The reef architecture supports an incredible variety of specialised life. You can find frogfish (Antennarius), scorpionfish, and ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae) camouflaged against the reef, alongside nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), leaf fish, and various species of goby (Gobiidae). Mandarinfish, dragonets, and pipefish are also frequently observed in the more sheltered areas.

Sipadan Island is subject to seasonal closures for conservation, typically closed from 1st to 30th November each year. Divers should check with the centre for any changes to these mandated Sabah Parks schedules.

Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging between 23°C and 32°C. Currents can be strong, particularly when diving the walls of Sipadan, so an Advanced Open Water certification is required for these sites.