Go Aquatic

Located in Kota Kinabalu, Go Aquatic serves as a gateway to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP). This marine park, established in 1974, encompasses five distinct islands: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug, offering a variety of reef environments just a short boat ride from the mainland.

Since its founding in 2016, the centre has established itself as a reliable local operation. It is a PADI 5 Star Dive Centre, recognised for its commitment to training and its deep connection to the local diving community in Sabah.

The team is composed of local PADI professionals who bring over a decade of experience diving within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. This local knowledge is central to their approach, ensuring that trips are tailored to the specific conditions of the area.

Safety is integrated into their core operations, with staff trained in Emergency First Response (EFR). The centre is also noted for its contribution to beginner divers within the Asia-Pacific region, maintaining a professional and structured environment for those starting their diving journey.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses, catering to every stage of a diver's progression. For those beginning their journey, they provide the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses.

For divers looking to professionalise or specialise, the curriculum includes Rescue Diver, Divemaster, and Enriched Air Nitrox. They also provide Emergency First Response training to ensure all divers have the necessary safety skills.

The centre operates two dedicated dive boats, the Aquaman and the Princess Mera. Both vessels are equipped for safe and comfortable outings, featuring marine VHF radio, GPS systems, and emergency oxygen.

For day trips, departures are scheduled from Jesselton Quay at 08:15, while night dive excursions depart at 17:00. During the day, lunch is provided at an island restaurant, offering various dietary options including vegetarian, vegan, and halal meals.

Go Aquatic provides full kit hire for divers, featuring equipment from Mares. The centre ensures that all rental items are maintained in excellent condition to meet the needs of both novice and experienced divers.

Nitrox is available for use, and the centre maintains emergency oxygen and first aid kits on-site and on the boats. The facility is designed to support a smooth transition from shore to boat, with a focus on organised and safe equipment handling.

The reefs of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are teeming with life, from large pelagics to schooling fish. You will regularly encounter barracuda, fusiliers, and snapper schools moving across the reef. Sea turtles, including Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtles, are also frequent visitors to these waters.

For those interested in larger predators, reef sharks and various rays can be seen patrolling the sites. Depending on the season, there are also opportunities to encounter whale sharks.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to explore among the corals and crevices. The area is home to a diverse array of nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of shrimp (Caridea). You can also find frogfish (Antennarius), scorpionfish, and many types of gobies.

Other interesting inhabitants include moray eels (Muraenidae), lionfish, and octopus (Octopus vulgaris). Look closely near the anemones to find anemone fish and keep an eye out for the occasional flamboyant cuttlefish or mimic octopus.

Diving in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is possible year-round due to the tropical climate. The islands are located just 15 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu, making them highly accessible for day trips.

Visibility in the area typically ranges between 8 and 30 metres, providing clear sightlines for both reef exploration and macro spotting.