Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures
from 41 reviews
The dive centre, surrounded by tropical jungle and vibrant reefs, is where you can learn to dive in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Downbelow uses the latest training methods and regularly serviced, quality diving equipment to conduct all levels of diver training, from Discover SCUBA through to IDC Staff Instructor.
For novices, who want to get a taste of what the underwater world has to offer, the Discover SCUBA Diving course is an opportunity to dive today. The Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses awards the freedom of the ocean to divers, and the many specialty courses offered by Downbelow’s dive centre help divers get the most out of every experience.
For the aspiring professional SCUBA diver, diving internships are on offer and ranges in length from 1 to 6 months, enabling even non-divers to quickly progress from zero to fully qualified open water diving instructors, ready for employment anywhere in the world.
Under the leadership of resident PADI Course Director Richard Swann, Downbelow’s Go Pro Instructor Development team team-teaches, giving candidates the full advantage of their collective decades worth of experience.
Affordable diving internship packages, which include accommodation in Kota Kinabalu, are available through Downbelow’s travel centre. For the recreational diver Downbelow offers daily diving in the Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) Park. 5 islands lie just offshore from the capital, which is easily accessed from Downbelow’s Gaya island dive station and is a haven for rare and unusual marine life, quite unique considering the close proximity of the park to the city.
Non-divers too get to enjoy the paradise location of the dive centre with snorkeling activities, jungle trekking, sea kayaking or just enjoying the beach with the jungle providing a tropical backdrop to a laidback, all inclusive day at the beach.
At Downbelow’s city-based headquarters, experienced and knowledgeable travel consultants are eager to provide information and access to Sabah’s land-based wildlife and cultural treasures. They offer all inclusive packages to climb Mt. Kinabalu, jungle trekking expeditions, wildlife safaris, river cruises and visits to cultural villages through which to explore all Sabah, her people and her nature, all tailored to fit each traveler’s unique interests, requirements, schedule and budget. For a one-stop shop that provides the best PADI SCUBA diving facilities and the widest range of PADI courses in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah; when you dive Sabah, DiveDownbelow.
WINNER of the Project AWARE Conservation Award - Asia Pacific 2010
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| Technical: | Yes |
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| Snorkelling: | Yes |
| Accreditation: |
PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center |
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Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures KK Times Square Lot L-5-67 Off Jalan Coastal Kota Kinabalu Sabah 88100 Malaysia |
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Reviews
| Review Date | Title | Photos | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23rd April 2013 | Amazing team at Downbelow! | No | |
| 18th April 2013 | GREAT DAY OUT | No | |
| 6th April 2013 | Quality dive center | No | |
| 3rd April 2013 | First Time Diving - Excellent experience with Downbelow | No | |
| 30th December 2012 | Best Vacation Yet! | No |
23rd April 2013 by charitylindsay
Amazing team at Downbelow!
Visit Date: March 2013
I recently returned from a 2.5 week trip to Sabah, Borneo. I booked, via Downbelow, 2 different wildlife programs that took me to multiple places throughout Sabah, as well as my PADI Open Water Diver course in Kota Kinabalu.
I have nothing but amazing things to say about this company! Starting from my original email enquiries, during my travel, and throughout my dive course, all of the staff were helpful, friendly and professional.
For diving/snorkeling they offer pickup and dropoff service from your KK hotel, to the harbor, and from there you board one of their boats to take you to the dive center on Pulau Gaya Island. Unlimited tea, coffee, water, fruit and biscuits throughout the day, as well as lunch are included.
My dive instructor (Sam Brodie) was fantastic. He was extremely patient, catered to my specific needs, and did a great job helping me push through my fears! I felt so safe and comfortable with the entire Downbelow team that I continued and completed my Advanced Open Water course, then stuck around for another day of fun diving!
I absolutely recommend using Downbelow whether you are looking for a day of snorkeling or diving on Gaya Island, to take a diving course, or for an adventure trip throughout Sabah. They have a large variety of things to offer. Don’t hesitate- email them today!
18th April 2013 by hazelbanks
GREAT DAY OUT
Visit Date: March 2013
We made a one day trip to Gaya Island from Rasa Ria Hotel in KK. Although we had contacted Downbelow directly, the booking and payment actually went via the hotel as they are partners with this hotel.
We were collected promptly from the hotel and driven to the Marina in KK where we transferred to a covered boat for the short trip to Gaya Island. All along the way, the crew were extremely friendly and helpful.
On arrival at Gaya Island we were given soft drinks, tea, coffee and fruit and those needing snorkel equipment were allocated the necessary items.
There were excellent briefings beforehand for both snorkelers and divers. The first snorkel started from the beach and ended with a boat collection. There was plenty to see and the guides did an excellent job of giving as much help as anyone wanted and also finding and pointing out the various marine life.
After going out on the boat for the second snorkel trip it was back to the island for buffet lunch and a chance to chat to other snorkelers and divers about what they had seen.
The staff at the resort were extremely well informed and knowledgeable and it was helpful and interesting to learn so much from them.
All three snorkelling trips were really good with plenty to see and the divers also came back enthused by their dives and what they had seen.
At the end of the day, the short boat trip back to mainland and bus transfer back to the hotel all went just as smoothly as in the morning and there were no delays.
If you want a great day out snorkelling or diving then Gaya Island is certainly worth a visit
6th April 2013 by Katiewoo
Quality dive center
Visit Date: March 2013
Downbelow is a great place to fun dive or continue your diving education. I have completed three courses there, over the last three years, and felt all three were very fun and professional. The fun dives I have been on with Downbelow were also well organized and executed. The team of DMs, instructors and other staff feel like a family and the facilities are a jungle/sea home for the day.
I highly recommend Downbelow to anyone looking to dive while on vacation in KK
3rd April 2013 by tseagrave
First Time Diving - Excellent experience with Downbelow
Visit Date: March 2013
Having never Scuba Dived before and knowing we would be in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah I decided to arrange a PADI diving course with "Downbelow" for my son and I and am pleased to report I made a good choice.
From my first contact and through several exchanges the staff took great care of our needs and everything went flawlessly despite my need to break the 3 day course up midway. The office staff took care of everything including my last minute changes.
Our PADI instructor was excellent in his ways and manner, his instruction was excellent and neither my Son or I had any concerns or difficulties with the various exercises, the instruction was well presented. I would highly recommend "Downbelow" for anyone considering Diving in Sabah and I would hope that my son and I will have the opportunity to dive again with "Downbelow".
30th December 2012 by menesesat
Best Vacation Yet!
Visit Date: December 2012
As soon as I reached Downbelow, I was treated like a special guest! The entire staff was professional, helpful, friendly, and patient! I felt like everyone was treated like family, allowing for an open atmosphere where it was easy to make friends. I certainly plan to return next year for the whale shark season! This organization also does more than diving, but offers other opportunities for hiking, diving in other areas, and day trips. You will be in great hands with them!