Learn to Dive | RAID Open Water 20 Diver Course | Kota Kinabalu

Thinking about taking up scuba diving on your trip to Malaysia? The RAID Open Water 30 Diver Course offered by Borneo Dream in Kota Kinabalu is a popular choice, with a perfect 5-star rating based on 75 reviews. For around $375, you get three days of guided instruction, underwater exploration, and the chance to see some truly stunning marine life.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to sharpen your skills, this course promises an authentic, friendly, and well-organized introduction to the underwater world.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the knowledgeable and friendly guides consistently get high praise—many reviews talk about instructors like Basir and Amir who create a relaxed learning environment. Second, the beautiful reefs and marine life in the local marine park are described as visually spectacular, making your undersea adventure worth every penny.

One consideration? The course is limited to small groups (max 12), which is great for personalized attention but means booking well in advance is recommended—typically about 11 days ahead. It’s also a physically moderate activity, so some fitness is required. This tour best suits adventurous travelers eager to learn a new skill and see the underwater scenery without a hefty price tag or complicated logistics.

Key Points

• Affordable for the Experience: At $375, it includes all necessary gear, park fees, and materials — excellent value for such a comprehensive course.
• Expert, Friendly Guides: The staff, especially instructors like Basir, are praised for their professionalism, patience, and humor.
• Beautiful Marine Environment: The local marine park offers vibrant coral reefs and plenty of marine life, making the dives visually rewarding.
• Convenient Location & Schedule: Starts at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, with daily pick-up and return, keeping logistics simple.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Pre-Study Flexibility: 4 hours of pre-study can be done at your own pace, fitting easily around other travel plans.

A Complete Review of the RAID Open Water Course

Setting the Scene: What You Can Expect

The course takes three days to complete, with each day spent aboard boats, often visiting one of Kota Kinabalu’s scenic islands like Gaya or Sapi. The journey begins bright and early at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, a lively hub that’s easily accessible via public transportation. You’ll meet your small group, typically no more than 12 people, and the crew will set the tone with a friendly, professional approach.

The daily schedule generally includes a mix of classroom instruction, confined water practice, and open water dives. The pre-study component offers flexibility—those four hours can be completed the day before or at your own pace. This preparation ensures you’re comfortable with core safety procedures and skills before hitting the water.

The Marine Park and Underwater Wonders

The local marine park is packed with bright coral formations and various marine species, which visitors describe as breathtaking. Many mention the diverse marine life—from schools of fish and eels to turtles and possibly even some charismatic macro creatures. The reviews consistently highlight the visual richness of the underwater scene, providing ample opportunity for photos and awe.

The Instructors and Staff: Making a Difference

Multiple reviews praise the guides, especially Basir and Amir, for their patience, professionalism, and humor. One reviewer called Basir “the best instructor ever,” noting his careful explanations and encouraging demeanor. Students appreciated how guides managed nerves, explained safety thoroughly, and maintained a relaxed atmosphere despite some initial apprehension.

The captain Didi also earns glowing remarks, with at least one reviewer giving him a perfect 10/10 for his friendly service and smooth boat rides. These positive interactions are crucial, especially for first-time divers who may feel nervous.

Value for Money and Included Features

At $375 per person, the price covers all equipment, dive permits, park fees, and lunches on the boat or island. The RAID materials provided ensure you have a solid theoretical foundation, and small group sizes mean more personalized coaching.

Participants unanimously agree this offers great value—many reviews emphasize that they’re getting a professional, comprehensive course at a fraction of the cost of comparable programs elsewhere. The inclusion of full gear means you don’t need to worry about rental costs or equipment quality.

Practicalities and Logistics

The tour is scheduled to start at 9:00 am, with pickup from Jesselton Point. The boats are described as comfortable, and the daily routine involves traveling to local islands, conducting instruction and training, then returning at day’s end. The maximum group size of 12 helps maintain a manageable, friendly environment.

You’ll want to ensure you’re moderately fit—a requirement mentioned explicitly—and comfortable swimming. The course is suitable for ages 10 and up, with minors needing an adult present. Special dietary requirements can be communicated ahead of time, ensuring a smooth experience.

What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a consistent picture of fun, safety-conscious, and rewarding experiences. Many mention how instructors like Basir and Amir made the learning process enjoyable, often with humor and patience. Several reviewers highlight seeing amazing marine creatures and describing their dives as memorable.

Some sample quotes:
– “Basir is really great both personally and professionally,”
– “The whole 3 days of dives was a very memorable one,”
– “The instructor Amir was very instructive and great at spotting some amazing wildlife.”

A first-time diver summed it up: “The instructor Basir was very friendly, always smiling, great at explaining everything and making it fun.”

The Experience Beyond the Course

Most agree that the underwater environment in Kota Kinabalu offers an authentic and beautiful setting. The reefs are lively, often with large schools of fish, turtles, and colorful coral. The boat trips are scenic and well-organized, adding to the adventure.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking is straightforward, typically 11 days in advance. The provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, allowing some flexibility in uncertain weather. If the trip is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This course suits adventurous travelers looking to gain a certification and experience first-hand what undersea life has to offer. It’s ideal for beginners, thanks to the patient guides and well-structured program, as well as for those seeking good value for money. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the vibrant reef life and the chance to see turtles and schools of fish up close.

If you’re fit and eager to learn, this course provides a solid foundation in scuba, with a friendly atmosphere that minimizes stress. The small group sizes and professional guides make it a comfortable choice for travelers new to diving.

The Sum Up

The RAID Open Water 30 Diver Course from Borneo Dream offers a fantastic introduction to scuba diving in Kota Kinabalu—a friendly environment, expert guides, and spectacular natural scenery come together to create an experience that’s both fun and educational. It’s a worthwhile investment for travelers wanting to explore Malaysia’s underwater treasures without breaking the bank.

This tour is especially suited for those who cherish authentic, small-group experiences and are excited to learn a new skill while enjoying some of the most beautiful marine environments in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re eager to get certified or just curious about discovering the underwater world, this course provides a safe, engaging, and memorable way to do so.

FAQ

How long does the course last?
The RAID Open Water course takes approximately three days, with each day spent on boats visiting local islands such as Gaya or Sapi for dives and instruction.

What is included in the price?
The $375 fee covers full diving equipment, dive permits, park fees, three lunches, drinking water, RAID learning materials, and guided instruction.

Where does the activity start and end?
The meeting point is Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal at 9:00 am, and the activity concludes with return to the same location each day.

Is any prior experience required?
No prior diving experience is necessary. The course is designed for beginners, including children from age 10, though minors need adult accompaniment.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed learning environment.

What should I bring or prepare?
A reasonable level of physical fitness and a swimming ability are recommended. You can complete pre-study at your own pace before the course begins.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions prevent diving, the tour can be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund or alternative date offered.

In short, this Bali-style underwater adventure in Kota Kinabalu offers a great balance of professional instruction, beautiful scenery, and solid value. It’s a perfect choice if you’re ready to step into the world of scuba and want a memorable, well-organized experience with supportive guides.