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

Ready to trade the city for the sea? This three-day RAID Open Water 20 course takes you by boat from Kota Kinabalu into Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where you learn core scuba skills in a real marine setting. I like the small maximum group of 12 and the strong teaching from instructors such as Basir, Amir, Alex, Didi, and Yadi.

I also like that the price includes equipment, permits, park fees, boat transport, three lunches, water, and RAID study materials. The main point to check before paying is the course name: the experience is sold as Open Water 20, but parts of the description call it Open Water 30. Ask the operator to confirm exactly which certification and course standard you will receive.

Key points to know before booking

• Three full days on the water: Each course day begins at 9:00 am and returns to the Kota Kinabalu meeting point.
• Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: Your practical training takes place among the marine life of Kota Kinabalu’s nearby protected islands.
• Small maximum group: The course accepts no more than 12 people, which gives the instructor a better chance to watch your progress.
• Patient instructors: Basir, Amir, Alex, Didi, and Yadi receive especially warm praise for calm explanations, firm safety standards, and humor.
• Nearly all core costs are included: Equipment, permits, park fees, lunches, water, course materials, and boat transfers are covered.
• Preparation starts before day one: Online study must be completed before the course begins, so do not treat the first morning as an introduction to everything.

What this Kota Kinabalu scuba course actually involves

This is a certification course, not simply a sightseeing trip with a mask and tank. You need to learn the basic theory, handle equipment, follow safety procedures, and show that you can manage the required skills in the water.

The course runs for about three days. You meet at Suria Seafront16 on Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens in central Kota Kinabalu at 9:00 am. From there, the group travels by boat into Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for practical training and underwater exploration.

You must complete online pre-study before the course starts. That matters because your time on the boat is intended for instruction and practical work, not for reading every chapter from scratch. I would set aside time before arrival to finish the digital material and note down anything you do not understand.

The operator asks for your full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, height, weight, shoe size, and any special dietary requirements. Have these details ready. It makes the booking process easier and gives the crew the information needed to prepare equipment.

The stated price is $375 per person. That is not a small amount, but it covers several costs that can quickly add up on a three-day course: full scuba equipment, marine park permits, park fees, three lunches, drinking water, RAID materials, and boat transport. You are paying for a qualification as well as three days of instruction in a well-known marine area.

The value depends on what you want. If you only want a brief look beneath the surface, a shorter introductory activity may cost less and take less time. If you want a recognized starting point for future scuba trips, this package makes more sense because it combines study, training, equipment, and certification work.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is your classroom

The main setting is Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a short boat journey from Kota Kinabalu. The protected marine area is known for underwater life, making it a practical place to learn while still giving you something interesting to see between exercises.

The course is built around time on the operator’s boats. Two 33-foot trimarans are available, each about 9 feet wide. A trimaran offers a broad platform, which can be useful when a group is handling equipment and preparing for time in the water.

Do not expect a quiet private charter. The maximum group size is 12, and the boat carries the students, instructors, and crew. That is still a manageable number for a group course, particularly if the instructor team is well organized, but personal attention will not be unlimited.

The best part of learning here is the setting. You are not practicing only in an enclosed classroom and then waiting until a later holiday to see the sea. You get your training in a tropical marine park, with the chance to notice fish and other sea life as your confidence grows.

The trade-off is that natural conditions can vary. Weather affects the schedule, and the operator requires suitable conditions for the activity to run. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is sensible for a sea-based course, but you should leave some flexibility in your Kota Kinabalu plans.

Day one: arrive prepared and start building confidence

The first day begins at 9:00 am at Suria Seafront16. Since online study is required before the course, your first morning should be used for practical orientation, equipment work, and the initial water skills rather than basic paperwork alone.

You will use the provided scuba equipment, with instruction focused on learning how the gear works and how to respond to common situations underwater. The exact sequence of exercises is not listed, so I would not promise a particular number of sessions or named skills. The important point is that this is structured training, not an unplanned swim with equipment.

A calm instructor makes a real difference at this stage. Amir is praised for helping a nervous beginner settle down through clear guidance and humor. Yadi is described as patient and precise in his explanations. Those qualities matter more than a flashy personality when you are trying to remember several new procedures at once.

You should tell the instructor early if you feel anxious, uncomfortable, or unsure. The course is designed for people who are fit, healthy, and able to swim, but being eligible does not mean you will feel instantly relaxed underwater. A good teacher needs to know when you need a slower explanation or another attempt.

Lunch and drinking water are included. One useful caution is that the lunch has been described as basic rather than memorable. Think of it as practical fuel during a full day on the water, not a food-focused part of the experience. If you have dietary needs, provide them before the course begins.

Day two: repetition, practice, and better control

The second day gives you more time to repeat skills and become comfortable with the equipment. This is often where the course begins to feel less like a collection of instructions and more like a usable set of habits.

Buoyancy takes practice. You need to control your position in the water without constantly kicking or making large movements. One instructor, Didi, is singled out for spending extra time helping a student improve buoyancy. That is a useful detail for anyone who expects the first attempt to feel awkward.

You may also find that the course feels physically demanding even though it is not described as extreme. You are handling equipment, spending hours around the sea, and concentrating on instructions. The operator recommends a moderate level of physical fitness, and you must be able to swim.

This is not the place to hide a medical concern or pretend you are more comfortable in water than you are. The course is open to people from age 10, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Parents should also consider whether the young person is ready for a serious three-day training program rather than a casual water activity.

The boat journey is part of the day, not just a transfer. You will spend time moving between Kota Kinabalu and the marine park, preparing gear, listening to briefings, eating lunch, and waiting for the next practical session. Bring patience and expect the pace to be shaped by safety and weather.

Day three: finish the training and earn your certification

The final day is where the earlier practice should come together. You continue working through the required course objectives and show that you can perform the necessary skills with suitable control and confidence.

Basir receives some of the strongest praise for being both friendly and firm. That combination is valuable. You want an instructor who keeps the atmosphere relaxed, but you also need someone who will not wave away a problem simply to keep the schedule moving.

The teaching style also appears to vary by instructor. Alex and Didi are praised for clear explanations, patience, and a strong focus on safety. Basir is praised for encouragement and humor. Amir is remembered for helping a nervous beginner gain confidence. Yadi is noted for patient instruction. If you book, you may not be assigned to the instructor you prefer, but the team’s overall approach sounds consistent.

Once the required work is complete, you finish as a certified RAID open-water diver, provided you meet the course standards. Because the supplied information uses both Open Water 20 and Open Water 30, confirm the exact qualification before booking. This is not a minor wording issue if you are planning future courses or need a particular certification level.

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Kota Kinabalu. Each day returns to the city, so you do not need to arrange accommodation on an island or carry luggage for an overnight stay.

The instructors are a major reason to choose this course

The equipment and scenery matter, but the instructor can shape your entire first certification experience. A beginner needs direct instructions, time to ask questions, and a teacher who takes small concerns seriously.

Basir is repeatedly praised for professional teaching mixed with a good sense of humor. That can make a long training day feel more manageable. He is also described as patient and encouraging, while still making sure students meet the required objectives.

Amir is a particularly reassuring choice in spirit, even though instructor assignments are not guaranteed. His ability to calm a nervous beginner shows why you should tell the team if you are uneasy. Alex and Didi are praised for professionalism, clear explanations, and attention to safety. Yadi is noted for patience and thorough teaching.

Captain Didi also receives praise for being helpful and professional. Since the boat crew affects the comfort and rhythm of the day, that is worth noting. You are not simply being dropped at a site and left to manage everything yourself.

No course can promise that every student will find each skill easy. You may still feel nervous, struggle with buoyancy, or need extra practice. The encouraging sign here is that the teaching style appears to allow for that learning curve.

What is included, and where the value is strongest

At $375, the package includes:

• Full diving equipment
• Dive permit and marine park fees
• Three lunches
• Drinking water
• RAID course materials
• Boat transfers
• Three days of instruction on the water

That list gives the price real weight. You do not have to rent a mask, buoyancy equipment, or other main gear separately. You also avoid paying park access and boat transport as add-ons.

The small group cap helps the value too. Twelve is not a private lesson, but it is far more workable than a large class where an instructor may have little time to watch your technique.

The included lunches are convenient, though food quality may be modest. If meals are a major part of your holiday expectations, keep them in perspective. The real value is the instruction, equipment, certification path, and access to the marine park.

Travel insurance is not included. The operator also excludes anything not specifically listed, so you should not assume that extra personal expenses are covered.

Who should book this three-day course?

This course suits you if you want a proper starting point in scuba rather than a one-off underwater taste. It is also a good fit if you value learning in a marine park and prefer a package that handles equipment, transport, permits, and meals in one price.

It can suit families with older children, since the minimum age is 10, but anyone under 18 must have an accompanying adult. All participants need to be fit, healthy, and able to swim. If you are unsure about your suitability, contact the operator before booking.

You should think twice if your Kota Kinabalu schedule is tight. Three days is a real commitment, and weather can affect a sea-based course. You also need to complete the online study before arrival, so this is not a last-minute activity you can add without preparation.

It may not suit you if you dislike group activities or want private instruction. The maximum group size is 12, and the experience takes place on shared boats.

Practical advice for a smoother course

Finish the online study early. That gives you time to ask questions before the first morning and keeps your attention on practical training once you reach the marine park.

Bring the requested personal information during booking, including shoe size and dietary requirements. The operator uses these details to prepare for the course, so accuracy helps.

Plan around the 9:00 am start at Suria Seafront16. The meeting point is near public transport, and the activity returns there each day. Do not book another fixed morning activity that could clash with the course.

Keep one flexible day in your itinerary if possible. If bad weather cancels the course, you can accept another date or request a full refund, but a tight travel plan may leave you with no room to reschedule.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The same 24-hour rule applies to the local cut-off time.

Should you book the RAID Open Water 20 course?

I would book this course if you want a serious three-day introduction to scuba and value patient instruction over luxury extras. The strongest reasons are the marine park setting, small maximum group, included equipment and fees, and the consistent praise for instructors such as Basir, Amir, Alex, Didi, and Yadi.

I would not book until the Open Water 20 and Open Water 30 wording is cleared up. Ask Borneo Dream Travel Tours Sdn Bhd which certification the $375 course delivers, then confirm that it matches your plans.

For a first certification in Kota Kinabalu, this looks like a practical package with strong teaching and sensible inclusions. Just prepare properly, accept that lunch is basic, and leave room for weather to have the final word.

FAQ

Where does the course take place?

The practical course takes place in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park near Kota Kinabalu.

How long does the course last?

The course lasts approximately three days.

What time does the course start?

The stated start time is 9:00 am.

Where do I meet the group?

You meet at Suria Seafront16, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Does the activity return to Kota Kinabalu each day?

Yes. The course collects and returns participants to DBKK Jetty each day, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The price includes full diving equipment, dive permits, marine park fees, three lunches, drinking water, RAID materials, and boat transfers.

Is the course suitable for beginners?

The course is designed for people learning to scuba and working toward open-water certification. Participants must be fit, healthy, and able to swim.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

How many people can join?

The activity has a maximum of 12 participants.

What happens if bad weather cancels the course?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled.