
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
★★★★★
★ 8.8/10 (1,817 reviews)
less than 1 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Kota Kinabalu · Malaysia
5.010 Google reviewsExperience personalised diving with a PADI 5 Star IDC centre where a marine biologist can join your boat trip upon request.
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Located in Kota Kinabalu, Dive Borneo Bah! serves as the diving branch of Borneo Wildlife Adventure Sdn Bhd. The centre is established as a PADI 5 Star IDC, providing a professional foundation for both recreational divers and those pursuing a career in the industry.
Whether you are looking for a relaxed pace to enjoy your bottom time or seeking to advance your skills, the centre emphasises a personalised approach. Their operations are built around a respect for the local environment, ensuring that your time in the water supports the health of the Borneo reefs.
The team is comprised of professional PADI Course Directors, Instructors, and Divemasters, some of whom bring up to 30 years of experience to the water. This depth of knowledge ensures that whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran, you are in capable hands.
For divers interested in the science behind the scenery, a marine biologist is available to accompany outings upon request. This adds a layer of educational depth to the dive, helping you better understand the ecosystems you are exploring.
Instruction is available for all ages, with programmes specifically designed for young divers starting from 10 years old. The centre maintains a professional standard that has made them a preferred choice for high-profile guests and VIPs seeking a reliable diving experience.
The centre provides a comprehensive range of PADI training, starting from the PADI Discover Scuba Diving programme for beginners. You can progress through the standard certification path, including the PADI Open Water Course and the PADI Advanced Open Water Course.
For those looking to enhance their safety and skills, the centre offers the Emergency First Responder and PADI Rescue Diver courses. Professional divers can also train here through the PADI IDC Staff Instructor Course, taking advantage of the high-level expertise available on site.
The centre operates purpose-built dive boats designed specifically for the needs of divers. These vessels are equipped to provide a comfortable platform for your trips out to the islands.
On board, you will find drinking water and meals provided in reusable lunch boxes, reflecting the centre's commitment to reducing single-use plastics. The boats are also set up to facilitate night dives, allowing you to explore the reefs after the sun has gone down.
Sepanggar Island offers various dive opportunities, including the Peaceful Garden, which provides a specific location for exploring the local reef structures.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Islands are a staple of the area, providing accessible diving environments that showcase the local marine biodiversity.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
The reefs are home to a diverse array of larger species, including Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and various snapper schools. You may also encounter scorpionfish, moray eel (Muraenidae), and various species of goby (Gobiidae) amongst the reef structure.
Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, from the flamboyant cuttlefish and mimic octopus to the elusive Mandarinfish (Synchiropus). The area is also excellent for spotting various species of frogfish, including the giant, painted, and clown varieties.
Small, intricate life is abundant, with sightings of Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti), and Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae). Keep a close eye on the substrate for Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), harlequin shrimps, and various types of shrimp (Caridea).
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