Divemaster in Sabah

[IsiH]

Hello!

I'm 20 and traveling solo next summer, hoping to do my divemaster in sabah. I've found a couple of options online:

ScubaJunkie : it seems to have really terrible reviews on tripadvisor and such, is that really true?

Sipadan Scuba: seems really professional but quite serious and a lot of hard work (not that im against that). also it looks like they don't do as many diverse dives as scuba junkie.

Would really appreciate some input! Thanks!

 

[The Wolf]

Are you only interested in companies out in mabul and semporna?

 

[Goodtime Adventures]

You'll have an amazing experience doing your DM out in Borneo. Of the companies out there I only have personal experience of Scuba Junkie, and its all good. They seemed well organised enough, the staff were friendly and they do alot of conservation and eco stuff - always a bonus IMO. That being said I have no experience of any of the other operators. I have however, recommended Scuba Junkie to a few friends, travellers and customers, and to my knowledge they've never come back disappointed that I'm aware of.

Hope this helps a bit, happy diving

 

[DownbelowDiver]

Hello!

I'm 20 and traveling solo next summer, hoping to do my divemaster in sabah. I've found a couple of options online:

Hi IsiH,

I think you’ll have a great time travelling in Sabah, as well as completing your PADI Divemaster too

In your research, have you come across Downbelow Marine and Wildlife Adventures?
We are a Travel and Tours Company with a premier PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Centre facility on Gaya Island based in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Learn to Dive - PADI 5 Star Dive & Adventure Centre on Gaya Island | Diving Sabah? Dive Downbelow!

As a PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Centre, your dive education will be provided our undivided attention and our professional dive training encapsulates a variety of real dive experiences.
Your dive training will be part of a Go PRO internship program, which is fully inclusive of the high standard of quality dive training from our committed and experienced Go PRO team of PADI Instructor Trainers, any and all conservation efforts and programs conducted by our island staff team, understanding the business of diving through the invaluable observation of a premier dive operation and much more!
Probably the most attractive benefit to our Go PRO interns is the UNLIMITED scuba diving within the parameters of the marine park!

PADI Divemaster | IDC Asia

The best research is to keep updated on the daily activities of our current Go PRO interns and following their journey to become a professional diver!

Follow our various blogs and add us on social media communities for a better idea of what you can experience to live the diving dream as we do at Gaya Island in Sabah, Borneo!

Blogs:
News | Diving Sabah? Dive Downbelow!
News & Events | IDC Asia
Instructor Development Blog | Instructor Development Course IDC Malaysia, Asia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divedownbelow
Twitter: https://twitter.com/divedownbelow
Pinterest: Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures on Pinterest
Tumblr: http://divedownbelow.tumblr.com

Wishing you safe and happy travels next year, IsiH

 

[Tippytoes12]

We had a great time with Scuba Junkies. This is a very very busy dive shop , some of the guides were very young when we were there and they work extremely hard. They may give the impression of being "too cool for school" at first glance. However we stayed for 9 nights , we got to know them all very well and would go back tomorrow. They may not be upfront as friendly as some other quieter shops , but this is only because they work so hard.

This is a very remote area and the odd thing may go wrong, something some TA posters sometimes don't always seem to get.

 

[IsiH]

Thank you so much for all the help!
I had considered downbelow but didnt want to have to "commute" from KK every morning. also it seems that is is very packed with short stay tourists and that perhaps the marine life is better in semporna? I have not fully decided between the two yet.

Thanks again!

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[DownbelowDiver]

Thank you so much for all the help!
I had considered downbelow but didnt want to have to "commute" from KK every morning. also it seems that is is very packed with short stay tourists and that perhaps the marine life is better in semporna? I have not fully decided between the two yet.

Thanks again!


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Hi IsiH

Kota Kinabalu City Centre is very close to the marina that we dock our boats (10 minutes drive), AND we provide transfers for all our clients too! The boat transfer from the marina to Gaya Island in the morning is less than 10 minutes on our fast speedboats too! So in the time that you wake up at your accommodation (which we can also arrange for you too!) and arrive at our PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Centre, it would be within a half hour!

Our Gaya Island beach house is the only dive operator on the island and our student-to-Instructor ratios is kept low for our clients' comfort during their dive training or leisure diving! 'Packed' as you say is not our strategy because it's not safe, and safety is our highest priority!
This summer we have groups of Gap Year adventurers' from the UK who are participating in a variety of our island activities and the most popular is learning to dive on the PADI Open Water Diver course! Our current Go PRO interns are heavily involved in supervising these groups, which is great for their experience when they get into the dive industry!
Take a look at our dedicated website on Gap Year programs we offer at the link I've provided below:
http://www.gapyearborneo.com

Please do ask our Head Office for any more information on our Go PRO internship programs that we personalise for your convenience, IsiH