Scuba Diving at Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
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Exploring the Underwater Side of Kota Kinabalu
March 2025
Kota Kinabalu, or “KK” as locals call it, sits on the west coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. It’s a lively modern city known as the gateway to Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak, and to several small islands just offshore. Most visitors come here to climb, hike, or island-hop. However, for me, it was the diving that caught my attention.
I wanted a long weekend getaway within Malaysia that offered both easy travel and good diving. After some research and map scrolling, KK ticked every box. The flights were straightforward, the costs reasonable, and it provided access to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a cluster of islands known for relaxed reef diving and calm conditions.
Getting to Kota Kinabalu
I booked a flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The trip took just two and a half hours, and before long I was stepping into warm, tropical air. From there, a short Grab ride brought me to the Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu, which turned out to be ideal. It was across from the sea and close to a shopping mall.
The room was spacious, the buffet breakfast was excellent value, and there was even a small pool to cool off after a day in the sun. The location made it easy to walk to the waterfront, grab food, or just watch the sunset.
Diving with Go Aquatic
Before arriving, I’d already booked a day of diving with Go Aquatic, one of KK’s best-reviewed dive centres. Their shop was about a 25-minute walk from the hotel, so I dropped by the day before my dive to complete the paperwork and sort out equipment sizing. The team were welcoming, efficient, and had everything ready for the next morning.
We met at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal at 8:30am for departure. The plan was three dives around Gaya Island, part of the nearby marine park. The sea was calm, the sky clear, and the crew were in great spirits. It had all the makings of a perfect dive day.
The Dive Day
I’d been told before heading to Kota Kinabalu that the visibility wasn’t great, so I went in with low expectations. Even so, it turned out much better than expected. The first two dives offered more than enough clarity to enjoy the coral and marine life. Meanwhile, the crew kept things light-hearted and well organised throughout.
Between dives, we stopped on Gaya Island for lunch at a small restaurant where the food was already waiting for us. It was simple, tasty, and exactly what you need between tanks. The restaurant came with its own entertainment too. A group of day-trippers, fully kitted out in life jackets, floated nearby in waist-deep water and were clearly having the time of their lives.
After that short break, it was time for the third dive, which turned out to be the highlight of the day. The visibility improved, the reef looked vibrant, and the moment came when a blacktip reef shark glided through the blue. None of the other divers saw it, but it made my day all the same.
Post-Dive Reflections
Back on land, I rounded off the day with a light meal at a nearby Chinese restaurant, the perfect way to finish a relaxed day of diving. The Go Aquatic team were knowledgeable, professional, and a good laugh throughout the trip. Overall, they made the experience easy, friendly, and one to remember.
For anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu and looking to dive without long transfers or big-boat crowds, this is a great place to spend a few days underwater. The marine park may not be the most famous in Malaysia, but it’s welcoming, well organised, and full of little surprises.
Kota Kinabalu Diving Gallery
A small selection of photos from my dives around Gaya Island with Go Aquatic. I only had my GoPro with me for this trip, but it still captured some great memories underwater. I’ve since upgraded my camera equipment and can’t wait to return one day to see what more I can capture.
The sites might not have the clearest visibility in Malaysia, but the easy conditions, friendly atmosphere, and chance encounters make it a trip well worth taking.
