About this tour
When Lily from our Global Hobo crew booked a RAID Try Dive with Borneo Dream in Kota Kinabalu, she got a proper introduction to scuba in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The outfit's been running dives here for over a decade with a solid safety record, and it shows—they keep instructor-to-diver ratios tight (max 1:4), kit you out fully, and ferry you on sturdy 33-foot trimarans. You'll spend six hours on the water, geared up and exploring the reef life that makes Borneo's waters worth the trip. It's aimed at complete beginners keen to dip below the surface without the commitment of certification.
Highlights
- Two solid trimaran boats, 33ft each—stable and sized right for smaller groups
- Gear fully supplied; no need to own or hire separately elsewhere
- Tight 1:4 instructor ratio keeps the experience personal and watchful
- Lunch and water included; jetty pickup saves hassle in town
- Reef life encounters in a marine park with actual protection status
- Team's incident-free track record across 12+ years of operation
- Real beginner entry point—no certification needed to get wet
What to expect
You'll start at DBKK Jetty in Kota Kinabalu early—expect a minibus collection beforehand. The boat ride to the park takes you past mangroves and open strait, then anchors at a shallow reef site chosen for beginners. A guide walks you through breathing and buoyancy on the surface before you descend, staying close and watchful. The underwater stretch lasts 20–30 minutes; visibility is usually decent, though it shifts with weather and season. You'll spot small reef fish, corals, the occasional turtle if you're lucky. The pace is slow and controlled—no racing around. Back aboard, lunch happens while the boat drifts, and a second dive slot follows if conditions suit. The return to jetty happens mid-afternoon. It's less adrenaline rush, more 'I finally did this' satisfaction. The marine park setting feels less touristy than some Southeast Asian reef spots, though boats do cluster on good days.
Good to know
A genuinely low-pressure way to try diving without weeks of classroom work. The instructor-to-diver ratio means you're not herded through. Lunch and water included cuts extra costs. The park location has real marine protection, so reef health is better than some tourist hotspots. Suits absolute beginners and anyone curious about reef life.
Not suitable if you have spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular fitness, or are pregnant—diving under pressure isn't forgiving with these conditions. You'll need moderate fitness; the kit's heavy getting on and off the boat, and descent requires confidence in water. Visibility can be murky in monsoon season (November–March). A full six hours means early starts and afternoon tiredness. Travel insurance isn't included, which matters if weather cancels your slot. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rashguard for sun and cuts, and a light towel. Groups cap around 8–12 people per boat. Peak season (June–September) books faster.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.