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Scuba Dive & Snorkel | Gaya Island Resort | 5D4N

RM4392

Fancy staying in a 5* island resort during your holiday to Kota Kinabalu, Borneo? Then look no further than our 5 day 4 night scuba diving or snorkeling packages at Gaya Island Resort. Stay at a beautiful Resort combined with exploring the nearby tropical waters through a PADI activity with Borneo Dream, and all at a great price. It’s a win : win combination!! Book a package to stay at Gaya Island Resort between 1st October – 19th December 2019 and we include a 10% discount off the accommodation.

Dive computer rental

Monitor your dives with a dive computer rental. We offer Mares Puck Pro dive computers for rental. They are very simple to use and are also Nitrox/Enriched Air capeable. The replacement cost should you lose or damage it is RM 1000.00/unit.

U/Water Digiatal Camera Rental

Why not capture a few underwater memories with an underwater camera rental? We offer a Nikon W300 rated to 30m or GoPro Hero 11 with an underwater housing and float handle rated to 40m. Your images will be uploaded to a Google Drive, and a link will be shared with you. Photos will be available for download for approximately ten days. Please be aware that there will be a charge for loss or damage to the camera and housing RM 2500.00

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Packages at Gaya Island Resort

Welcome to a most amazing accommodation package – stay at the beautiful Gaya Island Resort by YTL Hotels just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia and enjoy exploring the tropical coral reefs of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park during your stay. With Gaya Island Resort offering 5* accommodation in a beautiful, tranquil island location combined with high-quality snorkelling and scuba diving experiences with Borneo Dream, this 5D4N package is a perfect choice for a long weekend break or the end of a longer holiday in Borneo.

Choose from a range of 5 day 4-night packages at Gaya Island Resort with an activity for everyone:

  • For non-certified divers, choose the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience for your first day, followed by Guided Snorkelling on your second day. Your final day will be spent relaxing at Gaya Island Resort.
  • Fancy learning to dive? Choose the PADI Open Water Diver Course, which is the most famous way to learn to dive. You can also choose to take the eLearning version of this package, allowing you to study before you come.
  • Are you a certified PADI Open Water diver wanted to take your diving further? Choose the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course for 2 days and 1 day of Leisure Diving (3 dives). This package can also be turned into an eLearning version.
  • For certified divers wanting to join relaxing guided dives go Leisure Diving for 3 days, completing 9 dives in the local marine park at different sites.

As Borneo Dream is the official PADI Dive Centre provider for Gaya Island Resort, all our diving and snorkelling activities include return transfers from Gaya Island Resort jetty, small groups per PADI Professional, use of our well-maintained rental snorkel or dive gear and transfers on comfortable dive boats.

End to End Stay Package inc. Airport & Speedboat Transfers | Gaya Island Resort

Are you ready to buy your scuba diving package at Gaya Island Resort? Then follow the simple steps below to buy the right package for you (check availability with us first):-

  • Firstly choose the type of villa you wish to stay in at Gaya Island Resort. The price shown is for the villa and is for four nights with two people sharing.
  • Select the dates that best suit you. Your dates must fall within the selections stated. If this is not possible please contact us and we will quote you separately.
  • Now it is time for you to choose your activity – Both people must do the same activity. Please ensure you meet the prerequisites for the PADI activity.
  • Select any add-on options you are interested in e.g. a ride on the Coral Flyer.
  • Then add to your cart and follow the instructions to go through to Checkout and buy your Scuba Diving package at Gaya Island Resort.
Gaya Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Example Itinerary – 5D4N PADI Open Water Diver Package | Gaya Island Resort

You will stay four nights at Gaya Island Resort resort in the Villa of your choice. Your 3 days with us will be spent learning to dive via the PADI Open Water Diver Course. This activity is open to all those aged ten years and above, fit and healthy and able to swim.

Day 1 (Meals: N/A)
Collected from BKI Kota Kinabalu Airport and transferred to Jesselton Point Jetty in central Kota Kinabalu. Go to Gaya Island Check-in Room at the Jetty and join a scheduled boat transfer to the Resort. Check in to your Villa (check-in time is 1500 hrs). The rest of the day is free & easy at Gaya Island Resort.

Day 2 (Meals: B & L)

On the first day of your learn to dive course, enjoy. You will be collected from the Resort’s jetty. Join our crew and take part in a PADI Open Water Diver Course. Transfer back to the Resort. Overnight at Gaya Island Resort.

Day 3 (Meals: B & L) You are almost there. Join our crew and take part in a PADI Open Water Diver Course. Overnight at Gaya Island Resort.

Day 4 (Meals: B & L)
Your final day of the PADI Open Water Diver Course. Upon completing the course today, you will be a certified PADI Open Water diver! Overnight at Gaya Island Resort.

Day 5  (Meals: B)

Time to say goodbye to Gaya Island Resort (check-out time from your villa is 1100 hrs). Join a scheduled boat transfer from the Resort to Jesselton Point Jetty. You will then be transferred by a private minivan to BKI.

Book Today | Scuba Diving/Snorkelling @ Gaya Island Resort.

Package inclusions – Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Package at Gaya Island Resort

  • Four (4) nights accommodation at Gaya Island Resort, including based upon 2 persons sharing a villa (in villa type bought via our online Shop).
  • Breakfast for 2 persons during your stay at Gaya Island Resort (at Feast Village).
  • Airport transfer from BKI on your check-in day and on your check-out day. The transfer is in a private 8-seater minivan with Driver (maximum 6 persons, excludes Transfer Guide).
  • Return speedboat transfer from/to Jesselton Point Jetty on your check-in and check-out days on a scheduled boat transfer (as per the Resort’s boat transfer timetable) – one transfer per person per way when checking in to Gaya Island Resort and checking out of the Resort.
  • Return transfers from the Gaya Island Resort jetty for each day you join a PADI diving or snorkelling activity.
  • PADI snorkelling and/or scuba diving products bought as part of your package. All our snorkelling and scuba diving activities include full equipment necessary for the course, trip or activity. We also include lunch on your diving or snorkelling days, plus drinking water.
Sapi Island, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Package exclusions

  • Private speedboat transfers or unscheduled speedboat transfers for check-in / check-out.
  • Tourism Tax of RM10.00 nett per room per night is applicable to all foreign visitors to Malaysia (payable at Gaya Island Resort).
  • Sabah Parks conservation fee of MYR 30.00 on the first night of stay and an additional MYR 20.00 for each night thereof (payable at Gaya Island Resort).
  • Meals not stated.
  • The eLearning options require an additional payment directly to PADI (contact us for further details on this option).

Book me in! | Firstly, let’s go through some simple rules:-

  • The package prices are valid up to 31st March 2020 and are subject to availability. For package prices from 1st April 2020 please contact us for a quote.
  • For packages bought and staying at Gaya Island Resort between 1st October 2019 to 19th December 2019, a 10% discount has been included in the accommodation (booking code: GIRADO).
  • Maximum occupancy per villa at Gaya Island Resort is 2 adults.
  • Please make sure you meet the prerequisites for the PADI scuba diving or snorkelling activity you are selecting.
  • No partial or full refunds will be given for an uncompleted PADI activity or for activities you choose not to join as part of the package.
  • These promotional packages can only be bought online via our online Shop – just click the button above to buy!

For full details on our products mentioned above, please follow the associated links. If you have any questions or wish to check availability for your scuba diving or snorkeling package at Gaya Island Resort please contact us.

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Kota Kinabalu Diving

  • Do I need a scuba review or a refresher?

    We often get asked, Can I have a scuba refresher? or Do I need a scuba review? The simple answer is it is up to you and your abilities. There is a massive difference between a diver who has not dived for 2 years and had logged 75 dives to a diver who completed his diving course 2 years ago and has not dived since. I’m sure many of you would now be quoting me section from various diving agency manuals and instructor guides, telling anyone who has not dived for 6 months should take a refresher or scuba review.

    Well, this is great advice. But that is all it is. At Borneo Dream, we have seen literally thousands of divers, new and old, since we began in 2006. And what I would say is this: If you are very comfortable in the water, you are in control of your own destiny, such as ascents and descents, with no assistance, and you are able to control your position in the water, buoyancy. Then we are happy to take you leisure diving in Kota Kinabalu.

    It is worth noting that on leisure diving or fun dive trips, your guide, whether it be a Divemaster or Instructor. They are there for the group as a guide, not your personal assistant. He is there to keep the group safe and show them items of interest in the water.

  • Can I fly after diving or climb a mountain?

    Flying after diving or going to Mount Kinabalu Park can be risky, and you need to know and understand this. Anytime you have been scuba diving, you should not go above 300 metres above sea level until you have met the following requirements:

    • A minimum of 12-hour surface interval was recommended for the single no-decompression dive.
    • A minimum of 18-hour surface interval for multi-day repetitive diving.
    • Substantially longer than 18 hours after diving involving compulsory decompression or using heliox and trimix.

    Further information can be found on the Divers Alert Network site or DAN – Please click here.

  • Is it easy to get from the city centre to Jesselton Point Jetty?

    Most watersports trips depart from Jesselton Point Jetty (https://g.page/JesseltonPoint) in central Kota Kinabalu. If you are staying at a city centre hotel or guest house you will often find it far quicker to walk to Jesselton Point. If you are staying at hotels or resorts such as Shangri-La Rasa Ria or Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa then I would certainly grab a taxi.

  • Will we still go diving if it is raining?

    The quick answer is “yes”. Sabah has a tropical climate and as part of this, we will typically have some tropical rain later in the day on most days. This rain is warm, often a welcome relief and for most activities does not stop play. Specifically for our scuba diving and snorkeling activities from Kota Kinabalu:-

    • It is still safe to snorkel and dive when it’s raining.
    • You won’t get cold if it rains as the sea temperature, for most of the year, is a toasty 28C – 30C. We also provide all our divers and snorkeling customers with 3mm tropical wet suits for thermal protection.
    • The tropical marine life will still be there to see as you enjoy your scuba diving or snorkeling activity.

    Whilst Sabah’s tropical climate means there’s a good chance it will rain at some point during your holiday, it’s this climate that also supports the rainforest, and it’s inhabitants, found here. Most days in Sabah, especially during the Dry Season, start off with blue sky, sunshine and a calm breeze with a chance of rain typically later in the day, evening or night time. As long as you come on holiday prepared for a hot, humid and sometimes wet tropical climate you will have a great time! Find to more about Sabah, and Sabah’s climate, on Sabah Tourism’s web site.

  • Where can I see whale sharks in Borneo?

    The whale shark is considered the largest fish in the world and is often on the bucket list of divers for their dream sightings on a dive. The whale shark inhabits tropical and warm-temperate seas and we are lucky to have a Whale Shark migration season on the west and east coast of Sabah, Borneo although possible sightings are quite small in number. If you don’t get to see a Whale Shark during your holiday to Borneo, don’t worry. The tropical waters off Sabah are located in the Coral Triangle making them home to an amazing variety of marine life waiting to be seen. The following are locations in Sabah offer the chance to see Whale Sharks during the Whale Shark migration season (if luck is on your side):-

    Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Kota Kinabalu

    Whale sharks come to feed on the plankton during the cooler months typically between November and February. Most years we have had a handful of Whale Shark sightings during a Borneo Dream snorkeling and scuba diving trip within the Marine Park.

    Lankayan Island, accessible by boat via Sandakan

    Whale shark sightings on Lankayan Island off the east coast of Sabah, Borneo are far from guaranteed. The whale shark season runs from March-May, when the sharks are migrating through the Sulu Sea, often passing close to the island to feed near the drop-offs.

    Layang Layang, accessible by flight via Kota Kinabalu

    Layang Layang is an atoll located 300 kilometres north-west of Kota Kinabalu. The island offers world-class diving along its drop-offs with regular sightings of pelagics in its waters. The diving season at Layang Layan is from

    March to August and divers, of they are lucky, may also encounter whale sharks during their migration season.

    For guaranteed sightings of Whale Sharks, we recommend you visit more famous locations in the world-renowned for Whale Shark sightings such as Ningaloo Reef in Australia. Find out more about the distribution of Whale Sharks.

  • Where can I dive in Borneo?

    In Borneo most of the scuba diving locations are to be found in Sabah, northern Borneo. Sabah is home to a range of popular diving locations including the following:-

    • For World famous dive locations choose Sipadan or Layang Layang. Both offer diving along drop offs, sightings of pelagics and regularly feature in the top diving locations in the World.
    • Muck diving at Mabul – Mabul may not have the stunning reef diving offered by neighbouring Sipadan, but it is compensated by offering some really cool muck diving being home a wide variety of unusual critters including nudibranchs, mandarinfish, frogfish and lots more.
    • The most accessible diving is offered at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – the Marine Park is easy to visit from Kota Kinabalu and offers calm, sheltered coral reef dive sites suitable for beginners as well as offering chilled out diving for more experienced divers.
    • For idyllic island resort diving check out Lankayan Island or Pulau Mataking. Both have just one Resort located offering a secluded stay, white sand beaches and diving along the reefs fringing the island. 

    If you are into wreck diving then check out the wrecks located in the waters near Labuan – the American Wreck, Australian Wreck, Cement Wreck and the Blue Water Wreck. Dive Centre(s) in Brunei typically offer diving trips to the wrecks.

  • PADI Open Water

  • Can I fly after diving or climb a mountain?

    Flying after diving or going to Mount Kinabalu Park can be risky, and you need to know and understand this. Anytime you have been scuba diving, you should not go above 300 metres above sea level until you have met the following requirements:

    • A minimum of 12-hour surface interval was recommended for the single no-decompression dive.
    • A minimum of 18-hour surface interval for multi-day repetitive diving.
    • Substantially longer than 18 hours after diving involving compulsory decompression or using heliox and trimix.

    Further information can be found on the Divers Alert Network site or DAN – Please click here.

  • How long will the eLearning take to complete?

    The PADI eLearning system is simply amazing and has revolutionised the diving industry. To complete your eLearning it should take you around 10 to 15 hours. But we have known those who have busted it out in just a few hours.

  • What is eLearning & Can I study online before the course?

    Our standard or normal PADI Open Water Diver Course, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course and PADI Rescue Diver Course prices now all include online learning. Using PADI’s amazing online learning system called eLearning. Once you have successfully completed your course booking and paid in full we will generally send out your eLearning eCode to you approximately 1 or 2 weeks before your course. This will arrive in the form of an email from PADI directly with a link to your course registration. It can be completed online via a PC/MAC or via an App on your mobile phone. The online academics will take on average around 10 hours to complete.

  • I never received my PADI card?

    Generally, we certify you by a paper PIC (Positive Identification Card) Form that you would have filled out, attached passport photo and mailed to PADI in Australia. We do advise you to take a photocopy prior to sending it as this will help if you lose or never receive your PADI Card.

    If you have done all that and it has been over 6 weeks and still no PADI Card has turned up then download the following form PADI Never Received Card Form (https://www.borneodream.com/forms/10226-never-received-card-form.pdf) and email it to PADI at certsdep@padi.com.au – All the information on the form can generally be taken for your photocopy of the PIC Form mentioned above. If you need help then please contact us but supply us with as much information as possible about you, your instructor and the date you took the course with us.

  • Is it easy to get from the city centre to Jesselton Point Jetty?

    Most watersports trips depart from Jesselton Point Jetty (https://g.page/JesseltonPoint) in central Kota Kinabalu. If you are staying at a city centre hotel or guest house you will often find it far quicker to walk to Jesselton Point. If you are staying at hotels or resorts such as Shangri-La Rasa Ria or Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa then I would certainly grab a taxi.

  • Can anyone learn to dive?

    If you can navigate your way across KL airport or through a busy shopping centre, we feel you can learn to dive. 99% Of being able to learn to dive or complete a PADI Open Water Diver Course in Kota Kinabalu is a right positive mental attitude and believing in your own abilities. All we ask is that you are fit and well and have the ability to swim 200 metres in water too deep to stand up in.

  • How deep can I dive with my PADI Open Water Certification?

    If you are 15 years old or older on the date you complete your PADI Open Water Diver Course in Kota Kinabalu you can dive to 18metres in theory. I say this: even if your Lamborgini can go at 200mph should you not first learn to drive slower? Always build up your experience gently in a controlled manner. It tends to make you live longer 🙂

  • Is Malaysia the cheapest place to take my PADI Open Water?

    There is a very old but correct saying – You get exactly what you pay for. The cost of a PADI Open Water Course in Europe is far higher than it is in Asia. This is to do with the cost of living and peoples potential income levels. The same way a Big Mac is RM 1.00 in Malaysia but 5,00€ in Europe. Looking at prices across Asia I would say Malaysia is near the top in value for money or cheapest price range. Borneo Dream’s prices are not the lowest in our area but our dedication to safety and quality speaks volumes. Take a look at our reviews on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

  • Can I fail a PADI Open Water Course?

    Fail is not something we at Borneo Dream like to say or use unless we have to. Generally, there is always a reason why someone fails to complete a PADI Open Water Course. It can be as simple as ill-prepared, maybe a very strong fear of water or this is just not for me. Our professional team are there to train and mentor you and guide you in the right direction. We will make every hurdle manageable for you. If you have any concerns about taking part in a PADI Open Water Course then why not contact us in advance.

  • How much does a PADI Open Water Certification cost in kk?

    The PADI Open Water Diver Course in KK ‘Kota Kinabalu’ is just three days with a half-day classroom session. Prices for this excellent underwater adventure start from RM 1075.00/Student or USD 225.00/Student. The price includes return transfers from Jesselton Point Jetty in central Kota Kinabalu, complete diving equipment, lunch on diving days, PADI materials (eLearning) to keep and, of course, a professional smile.

  • Best Snorkeling in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

  • Is it easy to get from the city centre to Jesselton Point Jetty?

    Most watersports trips depart from Jesselton Point Jetty (https://g.page/JesseltonPoint) in central Kota Kinabalu. If you are staying at a city centre hotel or guest house you will often find it far quicker to walk to Jesselton Point. If you are staying at hotels or resorts such as Shangri-La Rasa Ria or Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa then I would certainly grab a taxi.

  • Will we still go snorkeling if it is raining?

    The quick answer is “yes”. Sabah has a tropical climate and as part of this, we will typically have some tropical rain later in the day on most days. This rain is warm, often a welcome relief and for most activities does not stop play. Specifically for our snorkeling activities from Kota Kinabalu:-

    • It is still safe to snorkel when it’s raining.
    • You won’t get cold if it rains as the sea temperature, for most of the year, is a toasty 28C – 30C. We also provide all our snorkeling customers with 3mm tropical wet suits for thermal protection.
    • The tropical marine life will still be there to see as you enjoy your snorkeling activity.

    Whilst Sabah’s tropical climate means there’s a good chance it will rain at some point during your holiday, it’s this climate that also supports the rainforest, and it’s inhabitants, found here. Most days in Sabah, especially during the Dry Season, start off with blue sky, sunshine and a calm breeze with a chance of rain typically later in the day, evening or night time. As long as you come on holiday prepared for a hot, humid and sometimes wet tropical climate you will have a great time!

  • What is the best time to snorkel in Malaysia?

    Malaysia is split across two landmasses, Penisular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), and the best season for snorkeling differs across these locations. 

    Peninsular Malaysia has an annual monsoon season (from April to October in the southwest, and October to February in the northeast) so you’d avoid these times if snorkeling is on your ‘to-do list’ for your holiday. 

    Sabah, Northern Borneo is known as the ‘Land Below the Wind’ a phrase used by seafarers in the past to describe all the lands located below the typhoon belt, so free from climatic disturbances and typhoons. This makes Sabah a 365 days a year location for holidays with snorkeling offered all year round, albeit the months at the start of the Dry Season (April – June) usually offer the calmest, driest weather perfect for snorkeling.

  • Which is the best island for snorkeling in Sabah?

    In terms of ease of access and affordability, the best islands for snorkelling at in Sabah are located within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The Marine Park which is located in front of Kota Kinabalu is home to five islands – Sapi, Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan and Sulug – and each of them is fringed by coral reefs. The three islands with beaches open to the public offer snorkeling from the beach in a cordoned-off area, although the best snorkeling in the Marine Park is to be had from a boat along with coral reef sites away from the busy beaches.

    For that perfect island getaway experience, you should check out Lankayan Island located in the Sulu Sea accessible via Sandakan on the east coast of Sabah. Lankayan offers world-class snorkeling right from the shore and with just one Resort located on the island, you will feel like you have the white sandy beach and fringing coral reefs almost to yourself. The shallow waters are typically beautifully clear offering easy sightings of turtles, rays, and a range of tropical fish life from the beach.

    The dream for non-divers visiting Sabah is to go snorkeling at world-famous Sipadan. However this it not that easy to do as only a selection of Resorts / Operators will allocate Sipadan permits to snorkelers (most allocate them to diving guests only). One Resort who takes snorkelers to Sipadan is Mataking Reef Island Resort (subject to permit allocation).

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