Description
Take the opportunity to learn the PADI Open Water Course in the marine paradise, Gaya Island. Gaya Island is one of the largest islands that make up Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and home to seven out of eight of the largest clam species of the world and an abundance of colourful reef-life.
Highlights
Vegetarian buffet
PADI Open Water Certification
Private air-conditioned room with en-suite bathroom
All park entrance, diving and jetty fees
Return boat transfers
Location
Kota Kinabalu is the lively capital of Sabah, known for its beautiful sunsets and modern boardwalk. This coastal city is also surrounded by thick rainforests with an array of flora and fauna.
Itinerary
Day 1
08:30: Meet Downbelow staff at the jetty and transfer by boat to Downbelow Dive Centre on Gaya Island.
09:15: Meet your instructor for course introduction and registration arrangement. Dive safety briefing/confined water session/open water session.
10:30: Tea/coffee surface interval on island, watch open water video.
11:15: Dive safety briefing/confined water session/open water session.
13:00: Vegetarian buffet lunch at our dive centre and watch open water video.
14:00: Dive safety briefing/confined water session/open water session.
16:00: Boat transfer to marina. Make your own way to Downbelow Eco Lodge (KK Times Square) and check-in.
Day 2
08:30: Meet Downbelow staff at the jetty and transfer by boat to Downbelow Dive Centre on Gaya Island.
09:15: Meet your instructor for course introduction and registration arrangement. Dive safety briefing/confined water session/open water session.
10:30: Tea/coffee surface interval on island, watch open water video.
11:15: Dive safety briefing/confined water session/open water session.
13:00: Vegetarian buffet lunch at our dive centre and watch open water video.
14:00: Dive safety briefing/confined water session/open water session.
16:00: Boat transfer to marina. Make your own way to Downbelow Eco Lodge (KK Times Square) and check-in.
Day 3
08:30: Meet Downbelow staff at the jetty and transfer by boat to Downbelow Dive Centre on Gaya Island.
09:15: Dive safety briefing/confined water session/open water session.
10:30: Tea/coffee surface interval on island, watch open water video.
11:15: Dive safety briefing/confined water session/open water session.
13:00: Vegetarian buffet lunch at our dive centre and watch open water video.
14:00: Dive safety briefing/confined water session/open water session.
16:00: Awarded successful certification followed by boat transfer back to marina. Make your own way back to the lodge.
Day 4
12:00: Check-out from Downbelow Eco Lodge.
Due to the course being performance based, finishing times may vary due to individual achievements. Additional charges may apply should a student diver need an extra day to complete the performance requirements to certify.
Downbelow’s Eco Lodge
An air-conditioned private room with en-suite bathroom to accommodate families and friends travelling together. It is located at the heart of Kota Kinabalu Times Square with a PADI dive centre on the premise.
Vegetarian buffet lunch
Refreshments on the island
During your free time, you can take some time to sight-see around the island or have a swim in the ocean. Other than that, there’s always opportunities to join a snorkeling session or just take your afternoon off sun bathing on the white sandy beach.
If you see any starfishes, feel free to take pictures, however it’s advised to avoid holding them or bringing them away from their natural habitat.
All park entrance, diving, and jetty fees
Air-conditioned private room with en-suite bathroom
Equipment rental (mask, snorkel, fins, BCD, regs, wetsuit)
PADI Open Water Course certification
Refreshments on the island
Vegetarian buffet lunch
Breakfast
Dinner
Diving computer
Personal expenses
Swimwear
Sunscreen
Scuba diving qualification card
Arrival by flights
- You can fly to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) direct from Kuala Lumpur (KUL).
In lieu of the Covid-19 pandemic, you can opt to postpone your trip once it is safe to travel again. Kindly contact the property owner for more information.
Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures is a Destination Management Company specialising in authentic, responsible customised travel for companies, organisations and independent travellers. Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures are fully licensed under the Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism Malaysia.
Due to the course being performance based, finishing times may vary due to individual achievements. Additional charges may apply should a student diver need an extra day to complete the performance requirements to certify.
