Quick takeaway
The short answer is that it’s not as hard to learn to scuba dive as you might expect. While you need to be skills trained to an initial level, and require access to scuba diving equipment, tour operators offer accessible diving opportunities for total beginners.
Table of contents
Learn to scuba dive on your holiday
Beginner diving options in Kota Kinabalu
Comparing your beginner options
Practical details for your first dive
Start your underwater adventure today
Have you always wanted to explore the underwater world? Watching jaw dropping nature documentaries in ultra HD and marvelling at the intricate coral reefs and unusual creatures. But then, when it comes to it, you decide that it’s just too complicated or daunting. Scuba diving is one of those skills that can appear more challenging than it is. Perhaps it’s all the kit, or the fact that you need to achieve a certification to dive beyond the shallows. However, it really isn’t so hard. Here at Borneo Dream, we love to spend time underwater so we’ve made sure to offer the most accessible opportunities to scuba dive.
That’s why a holiday is actually a brilliant time to learn to scuba dive! You’re relaxed, you’re already in stunning surroundings, and you have the time and expertise on hand to get your training in and enjoy some stunning experiences while you’re at it.
Learn to scuba dive on your holiday
Borneo is known for being a great destination to start scuba diving. Learning to dive requires focus, and being in a tropical destination allows you to absorb the training without distractions. There’s also a huge incentive to get going, since you’ll be rewarded with some once in a lifetime views!
Sabah has reliably good conditions for learning. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park consists of protected bays, shallow waters, and warm sea temperatures which tend to be around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius. These calm, clear waters remove the stress of battling strong currents or poor visibility. Beginners can focus entirely on mastering their buoyancy and breathing.
Beginner diving options in Kota Kinabalu
You have a choice of learning pathway depending on your time and commitment levels. Borneo Dream provides two primary options for scuba diving, both of which are supported and accredited by RAID diver training.
The one-day RAID try dive experience
The RAID Try Dive is a one-day introductory programme for individuals who want to experience scuba diving without committing to a full certification course. It involves no pre-study. You spend the morning in a confined skill session learning five basic diving techniques. After mastering these fundamentals, your instructor guides you on a shallow beach dive.
Following lunch on a tropical island, you head out on an afternoon boat dive. The maximum depth you’ll reach is 12 metres, but a lot of vibrant marine life is typically found between 5 and 10 metres so you’ll make plenty of memories (which is why underwater camera rental is a great idea!)
The three-day RAID open water 20 diver course
If you’d like more comprehensive learning culminating in an internationally recognised certification, choose the RAID Open Water 20 Diver Course. This three day programme allows you to dive to a maximum depth of 20 metres alongside a buddy anywhere in the world.
The training includes about 10 hours of online pre-study (you can do this before your holiday!) followed by three days on a dive boat. You complete confined water skill sessions, four open water dives, and a basic swim and float test. RAID’s modern training methods focus heavily on precision buoyancy control and eco-conscious diving practices.
Comparing your beginner options
| Feature | RAID Try Dive Experience | RAID Open Water 20 Course |
| Duration | 1 Day | 3 Days |
| Pre-study required | No | Yes (Approx. 10 hours online) |
| Certification earned | None (Introductory only) | Yes (Internationally recognised) |
| Maximum depth | 12 metres | 20 metres |
| Number of dives | 1 beach dive, 1 boat dive | Confined sessions, 4 open water dives |
What to expect underwater
The waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are teeming with biodiversity. Beginners are often amazed by the sheer volume of colourful life swimming around them. The coral reefs form part of the Coral Triangle, recognised globally as a vital marine habitat.
During your shallow dives, you can expect to encounter a wide variety of species, including Clownfish, Parrotfish, Schools of yellow snappers, and Blue Spotted Rays on the sea floor. Go deeper on your 3 day RAID course, and you’re more likely to add Barracuda, and if you’re lucky, a Hawksbill Turtle.
Practical details for your first dive
Preparation is key to a smooth and enjoyable first diving experience. Booking with an established operator like Borneo Dream ensures all heavy equipment is provided, but you must bring a few personal items.
- Swimwear to wear under your wetsuit
- A towel for drying off on the boat
- Reef-safe suntan lotion to protect your skin
- A reusable drinking bottle to stay hydrated
There are also a few basic prerequisites to meet in order to book onto the RAID courses.
- Participants must be aged ten years or older
- You need basic swimming skills and comfort in deep water
- You must self-certify your health via a standard medical form
Start your underwater adventure today
Learning to scuba dive opens the door to an entirely new world of adventure and serenity. By completing your training in the warm, clear waters of Sabah, you build a strong foundation of skills while surrounded by incredible marine life. Borneo Dream provides the expert guidance, modern equipment, and patience required to turn nervous beginners into confident explorers.
Take the leap and book your RAID Try Dive or Open Water 20 course as part of your holiday with Borneo Dream today.
FAQs
What medical and physical fitness requirements are there to scuba dive?
Diving requires a baseline level of physical fitness. You must complete a medical questionnaire before participating in any scuba activity. If you have known medical conditions, such as asthma or heart issues, you must obtain a signed clearance letter from your doctor.
Should I be worried about tropical weather conditions?
Rain does not affect the safety or enjoyment of the dive. The tropical sea temperature remains warm regardless of the weather above the surface. Marine life continues its daily routines, meaning your underwater experience remains entirely unaffected by afternoon showers.
How soon after diving can I fly?
International safety standards dictate that you must wait a minimum of 18 hours after repetitive diving before flying on an aeroplane or travelling above 300 metres in altitude. This waiting period allows your body to safely release absorbed nitrogen. Visitors planning to climb Mount Kinabalu or fly home should schedule their dives accordingly.