Diving Kota Kinabalu - Malaysia

[JJTiger]

I just recently got back from a trip to Malaysia. I stayed in KK (Kota Kinabalu), it was brilliant. I arranged to go diving with a company called Borneo Dream, they were great, so professional and organised, didn't have to worry about a thing, they provided all the diving equipment needed. We went out on the boat and that was our base for the day. The diving was truly amazing, water temp was 29 / 30'c, the vis was about 10 - 15m. The marine life and corals were stunning. I saw a hawksbill turtle, Cuttle fish, lion, scorpion, grouper a green turtle, trigger, clown fish and so much more. There are a group of small islands just off KK, very pretty, you can get a boat out to the islands to chill and relax on the beach and if you don't dive the snorkelling is also fantastic, with shallow reefs just off the beaches and an abundance of marine life. I would definitely recommend it as a place to go if you want to try somewhere new to dive, I will certainly be going back!!

[Crystaltips]

Have to agree! I was there just over 2 years ago - first time I'd seen orangutang crabs and a whole host of other beauties. On the same trip I managed to dive on a couple of the oil rigs off the coast of borneo. Seems such a long time ago now!

[andydivebum]

We are off there in the middle of October. Can't wait. We met Jo & Billy (owners of Borneo Dream) on a liveaboard in the Red Sea sometime ago. We have got 5 days in Sabah with them as well. Did you fly with Malaysian Air? If so, how were they for baggage allowance?

[JJTiger]

Hi, I actually flew with Royal Brunei Airlines, they were fantastic. I hired all my dive kit from Borneo Dream so I didn't have to worry about carrying it, all I took with me was my Mask, Snorkel and wetsuit. It's worth contacting Malaysian Air to see what there luggage allowance is. SOme will allow you and extra 15kgs for diving equipment

[andydivebum]

thanks for that. I have since spoken to Jo and she told me kit hire is included, so we are thinking what to take to save weight. We did get our agent to speak to Malaysian Air and they agreed an extra 10kg, but wanted all dive kit in a separate bag, and the dimensions passed to them before hand. We normally only take 1 bag each with everything in, so don't want to have to carry 2 bags each. We'll post when we get back as to how we got on.

[JJTiger]

you will have a fantastic time, KK is amazing, the water temp was 29 / 30 'c, and the vis was at least 12m +, so much to see. Hope you have a great time, look forward to reading your trip report when you get back

[davebarber]

Try to get a trip to the Osukan bay japaneses wrecks. - A must do.

The dive operator on Manukan island rents funny underwater vehicles - freeflooded mini subs- looked mad, wish I had had a go!!

The rest of KK is a little disapointing I'm afraid