Louis Pung Dive Instructor

Located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, this operation serves as a hub for divers looking to progress from recreational reef diving into the more demanding realms of technical exploration. The area is defined by its diverse marine environments, stretching from the vibrant coral gardens of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park to the deeper, more remote sites around Kudat.

For those looking to venture further north, the Tip of Borneo offers a unique meeting point of the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. This region provides a varied landscape for divers, encompassing everything from shallow reef flats to significant wreck sites that require precise buoyancy and gas management.

The centre is led by Louis Pung, an experienced instructor and underwater photographer. His expertise is particularly suited to divers looking to bridge the gap between recreational diving and technical disciplines, such as Trimix and Sidemount.

Instruction is conducted in English and Chinese. The teaching approach prioritises skill development and safety, making it a reliable choice for those pursuing advanced certifications or specialised photography and videography training.

The course catalogue is extensive, catering to both the novice and the technical diver. For those starting their journey, Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications are available. The curriculum also covers Nitrox and Advanced Nitrox to extend bottom times on recreational dives.

For the technical community, the centre offers a robust range of TDI courses. This includes Trimix, Extended Range, Decompression Procedures, and Advanced Gas Blender training. Divers looking to refine their configuration can also undertake the Sidemount Specialty. Beyond diving skills, there are dedicated programmes for underwater photography and videography.

The reefs are characterised by a healthy abundance of corals and various fish species. You will encounter snapper schools and a wide variety of juvenile reef fish moving through the coral structures.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to explore among the smaller habitats. The area is home to Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), various species of shrimp, and many types of gobies. Look closely for the Mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus), Flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi), and various seahorses or pipefish.

Other specialised creatures to watch for include the Blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena), Leaf scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus), and several types of frogfish. You may also spot Mandarinfish (Synchiropus), Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti), and various scorpionfish.