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Dive into the dreamy world of Colourful Borneo Diving Centre—where coral reefs burst with colour like underwater fireworks, clownfish dart between rocks, and gentle sea turtles glide past like ancient guardians. With friendly, certified guides leading every dive, you’ll explore the ocean’s hidden wonders safely and effortlessly. Every plunge feels like stepping into a living postcard.
Everything you need to know about Diverse Borneo
Kota Kinabalu Beach Resort is a top choice, just a 5-minute drive from the Kinabalu Diving Centre. The resort offers dedicated dive guest services, including complimentary snorkeling gear and dive trip bookings.
Unique Experience: Early morning trips to Mabul Island, renowned for vibrant coral reefs, where divers often encounter clownfish, rays, and even reef sharks.
Accessibility: Free shuttle service runs between the resort and the dive centre. Located in the city center, it’s within walking distance of restaurants and shopping areas—perfect for divers seeking comfort and convenience.
The Kinabalu Diving Centre specializes in deep-sea coral reef expeditions and night snorkeling tours. Their guided dives showcase Malaysia’s richest coral ecosystem along the East Coast, featuring over 120 coral species and diverse tropical fish.
The highlight is night snorkeling, where guests can spot bioluminescent jellyfish, nocturnal rays, and elusive octopuses using professional underwater lights—creating a surreal, cinematic experience.
All tours are led by certified, experienced instructors ensuring safety and educational value, suitable for both beginners and advanced divers.
From the Kinabalu Diving Centre, guests can take a private speedboat transfer to Mabul Island and Sipadan.
Journeys take 30–45 minutes, offering views of turquoise waters and dolphin pods along the way. Boats provide refreshments, snorkeling gear, and expert guides who share insights on marine life.
Best Time to Depart: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy optimal lighting for coral and fish viewing.
All vessels meet international safety standards with life vests and wireless communication—ensuring a secure and unforgettable adventure.
After diving, visit the Kota Kinabalu Spa Resort for a natural mineral hot spring bath and a traditional Malaysian massage.
Highlight: Full-body massage using local herbal oils helps relieve muscle fatigue and enhances recovery.
Additionally, enjoy free cocktails and live music at the beachfront sunset bar, perfect for sharing dive stories with friends.
The resort also features an infinity pool overlooking the city and mountain range, offering a serene finale to your adventurous day.
Sabah Beach Resort is ideal for divers, just a 5-minute drive from Coral World Diving Centre. It features private beach access, on-site snorkeling, and expertly curated dive packages including coral reef eco-tours and night diving experiences. Rooms showcase indigenous Kadazan-Dusun cultural motifs and offer panoramic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows, capturing the vibrant hues of the South China Sea. The resort also provides 24/7 dive gear rental and safety briefings, ensuring seamless and secure underwater adventures.
From Kota Kinabalu city center, guests can take a complimentary shuttle bus or book a private transfer—both taking about 15 minutes. The center also offers airport-to-resort transfers, ideal for international travelers. Additionally, several seaplane routes connect directly to nearby islands, providing fast access to remote dive sites. All transport options are synchronized with dive schedules, eliminating transfers and ensuring punctuality and comfort throughout your journey.
Beyond standard snorkeling and diving, Coral World Diving Centre offers hands-on coral restoration programs, where guests plant coral fragments to support reef recovery. There’s also a sea turtle tracking program, guided by experts observing wild turtles’ natural behaviors. During summer, the center hosts underwater art exhibitions, blending submerged sculptures with ecological tours for an immersive marine art experience. All activities are led by certified guides, ensuring safety and suitability for all skill levels.
Opt for an early morning dive tour (departing at 7:30 AM) from Coral World Diving Centre, which includes full gear, expert guidance, and transport. The itinerary covers two prime sites: Sacred Reef and Dolphin Bay, teeming with colorful fish and vibrant coral. After diving, enjoy a local-style breakfast at the center and receive a personalized dive certificate. This well-optimized route minimizes travel time, includes insurance and emergency support, and delivers maximum value in a single day.
Yes, Coral World Diving Centre provides PADI Open Water Diver-certified courses for beginners. The program includes classroom sessions, pool training, and two open-water dives. Instructors are globally certified with extensive teaching experience, ensuring every participant masters essential safety skills. Full gear is provided, along with bilingual (Chinese/English) instruction. Upon completion, participants receive an international diving certification, enabling immediate exploration of natural dive sites.
Try Seafood Pier Restaurant, located right next to the diving centre, famous for fresh catches like grouper, lobster, and sea urchin. Their signature dish, Coral Seafood Pot, blends local spices with coconut milk, capturing the essence of the South China Sea. The restaurant uses eco-friendly bamboo furniture and features an ocean-view terrace. Additionally, the centre offers post-dive recovery bundles with high-protein drinks and fresh fruit to help restore energy quickly after diving.
See what other travelers say about Diverse Borneo
Staying at Toojou Kota Kinabalu was a fantastic experience overall. The hostel is clean, spacious, and well-maintained with a generous shared lounge area perfect for relaxing after a day out. Located right on Jalan Gaya, it's incredibly convenient—just steps away from restaurants, local shops, and markets. Getting around town is easy, whether by taxi or public transport. For sunset views, a short ride to the public beach does the trick, and walking north leads you straight to the Shangri-La area—quiet, peaceful, and ideal for unwinding. If you're into nature, I highly recommend the Weston mangrove tour. I booked the Adventure package (available via Taobao), and it was absolutely worth it. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, the food served during the trip was delicious, and the wildlife spotting—especially monkeys in the mangroves—was unforgettable. The one downside? It’s a 2.5-hour one-way journey, but honestly, the scenery and experience make every minute worthwhile. This place offers great value and a genuine local vibe—definitely coming back.
Staying at Skypod Hostel was an absolute highlight of my trip to Kota Kinabalu! The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from local markets, restaurants, and attractions. The staff went above and beyond with their friendly and helpful service, making me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. The rooms are clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly spacious for a hostel. I especially appreciated the thoughtful touches like reliable Wi-Fi and quiet common areas. With such a great vibe, excellent value, and top-notch hospitality, this place truly deserves every single point on the rating. I’ll definitely be coming back next time I visit Sabah!
This is hands down the most beautiful hostel I've ever stayed at, and it offers incredible value for money. The place is spotless—every corner is clean and well-maintained. The interior design is stylish and inviting, with a cozy, homely vibe that makes you feel right at home. Facilities are top-notch: laundry machines, drinking water, tea and coffee supplies, a fully equipped kitchen, board games, books, hairdryers, irons, and even quality toiletries—basically, everything you could possibly need. But what truly sets Faloe apart is the team. The owners and staff are incredibly friendly, helpful, and always going the extra mile to make your stay comfortable. They genuinely care about guests’ experiences. I had such an amazing time here—so much so that I stayed for two nights and didn’t want to leave. Thank you for the unforgettable memories!
Stayed at RWS South China Sea Place Suites multiple times now, and each visit has been exceptional. The private suites are spacious, well-appointed, and offer a peaceful retreat just minutes away from all the action in Kota Kinabalu. The owner is genuinely welcoming—always attentive, friendly, and ready to help with anything. What stands out most is the personal touch; it feels less like a hotel and more like staying at a trusted friend’s place. Clean, quiet, and perfectly located for exploring the city or relaxing by the sea. If you're looking for comfort, convenience, and a warm, home-like atmosphere, this is the spot. I’ll definitely be back.
My stay at Global Residency was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. The moment I arrived, the staff made me feel welcome with their warm and attentive service — helping with luggage, offering local tips, and always smiling. The room was spotless, comfortably furnished, and well-maintained, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. Every detail, from the clean bathrooms to the quiet ambiance, showed real care. The location is excellent — just a short walk to the city center and surrounded by great dining options and local markets. It’s rare to find such a peaceful yet convenient place, especially with such high-quality service. I left feeling completely satisfied and already planning my next visit. If you're in Kota Kinabalu, this hotel is a must-try — I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for comfort, cleanliness, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Staying at X-Plorer Backpackers Hostel was a fantastic choice for exploring Kota Kinabalu on foot. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the city center, making it easy to access local attractions, restaurants, and shops. The hostel itself is clean, well-maintained, and has a friendly, welcoming vibe. Staff are helpful and always ready to assist with travel tips or recommendations. I loved the social atmosphere—great way to meet fellow travelers from around the world. Rooms are basic but comfortable, perfect for a budget-friendly stay without sacrificing quality. With a 10/10 rating, this place truly delivers on every level. Definitely coming back next time I visit KK!
Staying here for the third time and still absolutely impressed! The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk to Imago Mall, with plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby. The bed was super comfortable, perfect for a good night’s sleep, and the shower setup is excellent with strong water pressure and a relaxing experience. I especially love that the room comes with Netflix—great for unwinding after a long day. It's become my go-to choice in Kota Kinabalu, and I can’t recommend it enough. Clean, well-maintained, and consistently great service. Definitely returning on my next trip!
Lanvin Hotel is a fantastic choice for travelers looking for convenience and comfort. Located just a short walk from major attractions, it’s easy to explore everything in Kota Kinabalu without needing long commutes. The hotel itself is quiet and well-maintained, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing. Clean rooms, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere make it feel like home. It’s not in the busiest part of town, but that’s part of its charm—great for those who want a relaxed stay with easy access to local gems. I’d definitely recommend this spot for a stress-free getaway.
Staying at CU Boutique Hotel was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—right across from Jalan Jalan, with easy access to local dining, shopping, and the famous Chikas Dock. I walked to the dock in just a few minutes, making it perfect for exploring the area. The room matched the photos exactly—no surprises, just clean, well-maintained space. The air conditioning worked perfectly, keeping the room cool without being too chilly. Daily housekeeping was a nice touch, with fresh linens and a tidy space every day. Staff at the front desk were friendly and always available whenever needed. From start to finish, the experience felt seamless and welcoming. With such great value for money and a fantastic location, this place truly stands out. I’ll definitely be back and highly recommend it to fellow travelers.
I arrived much later than expected, but the host was still waiting for me with a warm smile—such a thoughtful gesture! Despite the late hour, they made me feel welcome and took care of everything without any hassle. The hostel is perfectly located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, just a short walk from everything I needed. Clean, friendly, and super affordable—definitely my top choice for future visits to Kuching. Highly recommend this gem!
This has become my go-to choice whenever I travel with my family. The place is incredibly clean, and the staff are genuinely warm and welcoming. Everything about the stay felt seamless—from the cozy, well-maintained rooms to the helpful service. It’s perfectly located near great dining options and just a short walk from public transit, making it easy to explore Kota Kinabalu. With such a high level of comfort and hospitality, it’s hard not to give it a perfect 10. If you’re looking for a reliable, family-friendly retreat in Sabah, this is it. I’ll definitely be back.
I stayed here for one night and was genuinely impressed by how clean, quiet, and welcoming this hostel felt. The room was spotless and peaceful—so quiet that you could hear the gentle hum of the sea outside. The common areas were just as well-maintained, with cozy seating and a few thoughtful touches like potted plants and natural lighting, making it a relaxing space to unwind. What stood out most was the front desk staff—they were incredibly friendly and helpful, offering genuine local tips on where to eat and explore nearby. Their warm hospitality made me feel right at home. If you're traveling solo and looking for a safe, comfortable, and authentic stay in Kota Kinabalu, this is a must-try. I’ll definitely be coming back on my next visit.
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