PADI IDC training can feel like an enormous next step, even for someone who already works as a Divemaster. The idea of standing in front of students, explaining dive theory and being responsible for someone else’s first underwater experience can make almost anyone ask the same question: am I really ready?
Being ready does not mean arriving as a finished instructor. That would defeat the purpose of the course. It means having the required foundation, taking your professional responsibilities seriously and feeling ready to learn how to turn your diving knowledge into clear, safe teaching.
If becoming a dive instructor keeps returning to your mind, these seven signs can help you decide whether the PADI IDC is the right next step.
Loving diving is essential, but an instructor’s job is not simply to spend more time underwater.
Teaching means paying attention to another person’s experience. You may repeat the same explanation in several different ways, demonstrate a basic skill slowly, notice when someone is becoming anxious and change the plan so they can succeed safely.
Some days, your student’s biggest achievement will be putting their face in the water comfortably. That moment may not sound dramatic to an experienced diver, but for the student it can change everything.
If helping someone else discover diving feels as rewarding as completing your own dive, the PADI IDC may be a natural next step.
The shift from recreational diver to professional begins before instructor level. As a Divemaster, you learn to watch the group, anticipate problems and think about more than your own air, depth and position.
An instructor carries that awareness into teaching. Students may be excited, nervous, distracted or completely unfamiliar with the equipment. They rely on the instructor to create structure, explain expectations and respond calmly when something does not go as planned.
You do not need to have seen every possible problem. You do need to respect the responsibility and be willing to prepare properly.
Feeling nervous about that responsibility does not automatically mean you are unready. In many cases, it shows that you understand the role matters. The more important question is whether you respond to that feeling by learning, practising and asking for feedback.
During the PADI IDC, knowing how to perform a skill is only the beginning. You learn to demonstrate it in a way that is slow, clear and easy for a student to understand.
That is difficult if you are still using all your attention to manage your own buoyancy, breathing or position. A future instructor does not need flawless performance before the course, but core skills should feel stable enough that you can begin focusing on how another person sees them.
Think about your mask skills, regulator recovery, alternate-air-source use, controlled ascents, hovering and general buoyancy. Can you perform them calmly? Can you recognise the important steps? Are you willing to repeat them until the demonstration becomes precise?
At Scuba Junkie Mabul, PADI IDC candidates have access to the house reef and training platform for additional practice with a buddy. Repetition turns a skill you can complete into a skill you can genuinely teach.
Good instructors do not only memorise what to do. They understand why the structure exists.
A clear briefing helps students know what will happen, what is expected of them and how the instructor will respond if they need help. Training standards create consistency and define how courses should be conducted safely. Dive theory helps instructors explain what is happening rather than relying on “because that is the rule.”
If you have started listening to briefings differently, asking why an instructor chose a particular approach or noticing how small changes affect a student’s confidence, you are already beginning to think like an educator.
The PADI IDC develops that way of thinking through knowledge presentations, confined-water teaching and open-water teaching practice.
Instructor training involves feedback. A lot of it.
Your presentation may be clear but miss an important link. Your demonstration may be technically correct but too fast. Your control of the group may work until the scenario changes. None of this means you are failing. It gives you a precise place to improve.
Candidates who benefit most from the PADI IDC are not necessarily the ones who arrive looking the most confident. They are the ones who can hear feedback, ask useful questions and try again without turning every correction into a judgement about their ability.
Teaching is a skill that continues developing long after the Instructor Examination. Being coachable during the course is a strong sign that you are ready for that process.
The underwater world may be what attracts people to the profession, but much of an instructor’s impact happens through human connection.
Students arrive with different languages, learning styles, fears, physical abilities and expectations. One person needs a technical explanation. Another needs to watch the demonstration twice. Someone else simply needs to know that feeling nervous is normal.
If you enjoy communicating, adapting and helping people surprise themselves, instructor life may suit you. You do not need to be the loudest person on the boat. Calm, observant and patient instructors can be incredibly effective.
The PADI IDC helps candidates organise their knowledge so they can communicate it to real students, not perform a memorised personality.
Maybe you have already imagined teaching somewhere tropical. Maybe you watch instructors at work and wonder how you would explain the same skill. Perhaps you finished your Divemaster and said you would think about the next step later, but the idea never really left.
Not every recurring thought needs to become a career. But when the same goal keeps returning, it is worth examining seriously.
Ask yourself what is holding you back. Is it a formal prerequisite you can complete? A skill you can practise? A financial or travel plan you can organise? Or are you waiting to feel completely ready before starting something designed to prepare you?
You do not need certainty about the rest of your life. You need enough clarity to take the next informed step.
The seven signs describe personal readiness. The PADI IDC also has formal entry requirements.
To enrol with Scuba Junkie Sipadan, candidates must be at least 18 years old, hold a leadership-level diving certification such as PADI Divemaster, have been a certified diver for at least six months and have completed at least 100 dives. Candidates also need a current medical confirming fitness to dive, signed by a physician within the previous 12 months, and a current Emergency First Response certification completed within the past two years.
If one of these requirements is missing, contact the team before assuming the course is out of reach. An expired EFR can be renewed, missing dive numbers can be built responsibly and crossover candidates from another training organisation may be able to complete additional preparation.
Eligibility is a checklist. Readiness is the willingness to use the course well.
Scuba Junkie’s November 2026 programme begins with candidates arriving on Mabul no later than 15 November. The 11-day IDC preparation and programme runs from 16 to 26 November, followed by the two-day Instructor Examination on 27 and 28 November. A minimum of two candidates is required for the programme to run.
The course begins by checking dive theory, rescue ability and the 24 basic diving skills. Candidates then divide their time between the classroom and dedicated confined and open-water training areas.
The programme includes the Emergency First Response Instructor course, two Specialty Instructor ratings and a full two-day mock IE. The mock examination is especially valuable because it turns the final assessment from a mystery into a format candidates have already experienced.
Scuba Junkie keeps IDC groups to a maximum of eight people, with the average group often smaller. Candidates can also use the house reef for extra shore-dive practice with a buddy during the IDC. The classroom, accommodation, dive centre and training water are close together, allowing candidates to focus on learning rather than daily transfers.
After completing the PADI IDC, candidates attend the two-day Instructor Examination, commonly called the IE.
The IE has four main components: written examinations, a classroom presentation, confined-water teaching and open-water teaching. It is designed to confirm that candidates can apply what they learned during the course and meet the required teaching standards.
The examination can sound intimidating when it is still unknown. Good preparation changes that. By the time Scuba Junkie candidates reach the IE, they have practised the different components and completed a mock examination in the same training environment.
The aim of the PADI IDC is not only to help someone pass two examination days. It is to help them become an instructor that future students can trust.
November is quieter on Mabul because Sipadan National Park closes for the month. The surrounding diving continues around Mabul, Kapalai, Si Amil and the Sipadan Barrier Reef, while the island becomes a focused setting for professional training.
Without a busy holiday itinerary competing for attention, candidates can settle into the rhythm of the course. Meals, accommodation, classroom sessions and training dives are all based at the resort, making it easier to concentrate on the programme and the people completing it alongside you.
Finishing the PADI IDC near the end of the year can also give a new instructor a clear starting point for the next one. Instead of carrying the idea into another year, candidates can begin planning applications, internships or further professional development with their instructor qualification completed.
You need a recognised leadership-level diving certification. PADI Divemaster is the usual route. Candidates certified through another training organisation may be eligible for a crossover but should contact the Course Director early to discuss preparation.
Scuba Junkie lists a minimum of 100 logged dives to enrol. You must also have been a certified diver for at least six months and meet the other course prerequisites.
Candidates need a current Emergency First Response certification completed within the previous two years. If yours has expired, Scuba Junkie can arrange renewal at an additional cost.
The IDC preparation and programme runs for 11 days, from 16 to 26 November. The PADI Instructor Examination follows on 27 and 28 November. Candidates must arrive on Mabul no later than 15 November.
Scuba Junkie offers IDC packages that include full-board accommodation at Mabul Beach Resort. Private-room upgrades are available at an additional cost and subject to availability. Contact the team for the package option that matches your stay.
Candidates have unlimited shore-dive access during the IDC and can practise in-water skills with a buddy. Practice must follow the dive centre’s safety procedures, and solo diving is not permitted.
Candidates must successfully complete the IDC and pass the PADI Instructor Examination. The programme prepares candidates for the IE and for the responsibilities of teaching after qualification.
You do not need to arrive at the PADI IDC knowing how to be an instructor. You need the required foundation, a professional attitude and the willingness to learn.
If these seven signs feel familiar, the next useful step is a conversation. Share your current certification, number of logged dives, EFR status and professional goals with the team. They can help you understand what is ready now and what may need attention before November.
To enquire about the November 2026 PADI IDC, contact sipadan@scubajunkie.com or WhatsApp +60 19-640 0116.
A new chapter is waiting for you – PADI IDC Staff Instructor
Becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor is a milestone that many divers dream about. It’s the certification that opens doors to a career travelling the world, teaching people to dive, and introducing new students to the underwater world every day.
For many instructors, it’s the goal they’ve been working towards since their Divemaster training.
But after a few years of teaching Open Water courses, guiding Discover Scuba Diving experiences, and certifying dozens, or even hundreds, of new divers, something starts to happen.
The butterflies from your first certification fade. Your confidence grows. Your teaching becomes second nature.
Then, almost without noticing, you begin asking yourself a new question.
Many instructors think the only answer is becoming a Dive Centre Manager or moving into a different role within the industry. In reality, the professional pathway continues much further.
One of the most rewarding and often overlooked steps is becoming a PADI IDC Staff Instructor.
Instead of teaching people how to dive, you’ll begin helping instructors learn how to teach. Rather than focusing only on students taking their first breaths underwater, you’ll work alongside a Course Director, mentoring future dive professionals and helping shape the next generation of instructors.
It’s a completely different role, and for many experienced instructors, it’s the moment they rediscover why they fell in love with teaching in the first place.
A PADI IDC Staff Instructor is an experienced professional who has moved beyond teaching recreational scuba courses and into professional-level education.
While an Open Water Scuba Instructor teaches divers, a Staff Instructor teaches and mentors future instructors.
That difference might sound subtle, but in practice it changes everything.
You’ll help Assistant Instructors develop their teaching skills, coach Instructor Development Course candidates, provide constructive feedback after presentations, explain PADI standards, and learn how to evaluate performance fairly and consistently.
You stop being the person standing at the front of the classroom.
Instead, you become one of the people helping create confident, capable instructors.
It’s a role that requires patience, attention to detail, and the ability to recognise not only what candidates are doing well, but also how to help them improve.
Many dive professionals describe it as one of the most rewarding positions within recreational scuba diving.
Watching someone earn their Instructor certification is satisfying.
Knowing you helped them get there is something else entirely.
The IDC Staff Instructor course isn’t designed for instructors who have just finished their Instructor Examination.
It’s designed for instructors who have spent time teaching real students and have developed confidence in their own abilities.
You’ve probably already dealt with nervous Open Water students, guided Advanced courses, certified Rescue Divers, and maybe even earned your Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating.
You’ve learned how to solve problems, adapt your teaching style, and understand that every student learns differently.
Now you’re ready to learn something new.
How to mentor instructors.
Because teaching someone to dive is one thing.
Teaching someone how to become a better teacher is another challenge altogether.
Before enrolling in the course, candidates need to meet a few professional requirements.
You must be a current PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT), hold a current Emergency First Response Instructor rating, and commit to conducting PADI programmes according to PADI standards.
These prerequisites ensure that every Staff Instructor candidate already has a solid foundation of teaching experience before stepping into a mentoring role.
The course isn’t about learning to become an instructor.
It’s about learning to become an educator of instructors.
One of the biggest misconceptions in professional diving is that education stops once you become an instructor.
In reality, some of the best instructors in the industry never stop learning.
Continuing your education isn’t about collecting another certification card.
It’s about becoming better at what you already love doing.
The IDC Staff Instructor course gives you a completely different perspective on teaching. Instead of focusing on individual students, you begin analysing how instructors communicate, organise lessons, demonstrate skills, and solve problems.
You’ll notice details you never noticed before.
You’ll learn how to evaluate teaching objectively rather than emotionally.
You’ll discover how small adjustments in communication can completely change a student’s learning experience.
Many graduates say they returned to teaching recreational courses with far more confidence than before.
Ironically, becoming a Staff Instructor often makes you a better Open Water Instructor.
The qualification doesn’t simply add another logo to your CV.
It changes how employers see you.
Large dive resorts and training centres are often looking for professionals who can contribute to Instructor Development Courses, mentor Assistant Instructors, and support Course Directors during busy training periods.
Having Staff Instructor status immediately demonstrates that you’re comfortable working beyond recreational courses.
It also becomes the next important milestone for instructors who dream of becoming PADI Master Instructors or, one day, PADI Course Directors.
For some, that’s the ultimate goal.
For others, becoming a Staff Instructor is simply a chance to keep growing, continue learning, and give something back to the industry that gave them their career.
Either way, it’s proof that becoming an instructor was never the finish line.
It was only the beginning.
Becoming a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor is an incredible achievement, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your professional journey. If you still enjoy teaching, mentoring others, and challenging yourself, the PADI IDC Staff Instructor course is a natural next step.
Rather than focusing on teaching new divers, you’ll learn how to support and develop the next generation of instructors. It’s a role that requires experience, patience, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed, but it’s also one of the most rewarding positions in the recreational diving industry.
At Scuba Junkie Mabul, you’ll complete your Staff Instructor training alongside a live Instructor Development Course, working closely with our Course Director and mentoring real instructor candidates throughout their journey. It’s an opportunity to continue learning, grow as an educator, and become an even stronger dive professional.
If you’ve been wondering what comes after becoming a dive instructor, perhaps you’ve just found your answer.
A PADI IDC Staff Instructor is a professional-level instructor who assists Course Directors during Instructor Development Courses (IDCs), teaches the Assistant Instructor course, and mentors future PADI Instructors throughout their training.
To enrol, you must be a current PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT), hold a current Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor rating, and be in Teaching Status with PADI.
The course combines theory reviews, standards workshops, skill evaluations, presentation assessments, and the unique opportunity to audit a live IDC. Candidates learn how to evaluate teaching presentations, mentor instructor candidates, and work alongside a PADI Course Director.
Yes. After certification, Staff Instructors can independently conduct the PADI Assistant Instructor course and assist Course Directors during future IDCs, making them a valuable part of any professional training team.
For instructors who enjoy teaching and want to continue growing professionally, absolutely. It improves your teaching skills, increases your employability, and is an important milestone for those aiming to become a PADI Master Instructor or Course Director in the future.
At Scuba Junkie Mabul, the Staff Instructor course runs alongside our Instructor Development Courses, allowing candidates to work with real IDC students under the guidance of our experienced Course Director. This hands-on approach provides practical mentoring experience in a professional training environment.
If you think Divemaster training course is just about diving perfectly, looking cool underwater, and logging dives… well let’s just say that’s only a tiny part of the story.
The Divemaster course is where diving stops being just fun and starts becoming responsibility-with-fins. It’s the first step into the professional diving world, and it comes with laughs, stress, teamwork, fun, problem-solving, and moments where you think:
“Can this actually happen in real life??”
Welcome to Divemaster training.
One of the biggest surprises for many trainees is this:
Divemaster training is not about you anymore.
You’re trained to watch others, anticipate issues, and solve problems before they become real emergencies. And the best way to learn that?
By being surrounded by people who intentionally make your life difficult.
During training dives, Divemaster candidates often guide already-certified divers or instructors who pretend to be “customers.” These “customers” may:
These dives are lovingly known as “hell dives.”
No real danger, lots of learning, and plenty of laughter afterward.
Ah yes… the famous “stress test.”
If you’ve spent more than five minutes researching Divemaster training online, you’ve probably heard people talking about it.
Candidates talk about it.
Instructors joke about it.
And future Divemasters usually worry about it far more than they need to.
Here’s the thing though: what most people call the “stress test” is actually the Equipment Exchange.
And despite its reputation, it’s not about seeing how much stress you can handle before your brain melts underwater.
It’s about planning, communication, and teamwork.
During the exercise, two candidates (or a candidate and an instructor if you’re the only trainee) exchange scuba equipment underwater while sharing a single regulator.
Sounds simple when written down.
It usually sounds a lot less simple during the briefing.
Before getting in the water, candidates have to work together and plan the exercise. They need to agree on the order of the equipment exchange, decide which signals they’ll use, and make sure everyone understands exactly what’s going to happen.
And honestly, that’s one of the biggest lessons.
As a Divemaster, planning matters.
A lot.
Whether you’re organising a dive, briefing divers, or helping manage a group, good preparation makes everything easier.
The Equipment Exchange is no different.
The candidates who rush usually struggle.
The candidates who communicate well usually don’t.
By the time the exercise starts, you’ve already practiced many of the skills needed to complete it. The challenge isn’t learning something completely new. It’s staying calm, trusting your training, and following the plan you created together.
And yes, most candidates still get nervous beforehand.
Mostly because they care.
But once it’s over, it usually joins the long list of Divemaster stories that start with:
“I thought it was going to be way worse than that…”
The real lesson isn’t passing the test.
It’s realizing you’re capable of handling more than you thought, calmly and with a clear head.
Following a guide is easy.
Being the guide? Different story.
During Divemaster training you’ll learn how to:
And yes — sometimes that means herding distracted divers like underwater cats
At some point during training, something clicks.
Suddenly, you notice:
This awareness doesn’t come from a book.
It comes from time in the water, repetition, and real scenarios.
By the end of the course, most trainees realize they don’t just dive better — they think differently underwater.
Let’s be honest — some days are tiring. Tanks to move, skills to repeat, feedback to absorb.
But then there are days where:
Divemaster training builds community. You struggle together, improve together, and celebrate small wins together.
That’s something you don’t always get in short recreational courses.
Here are a few honest details people don’t always talk about:
Not at all. Many people do it to become better, safer, more confident divers — even if they never work professionally.
Yes, but in a realistic way. You don’t need to be an athlete — you need endurance, comfort in the water, and a good mindset.
No. They are carefully controlled, supervised, and designed for learning.
No divers were harmed — only egos sometimes 😉
No. Confidence is one of the outcomes of the course, not a requirement.
At times, yes — but in a positive, growth-focused way. Stress is used as a tool to teach calm decision-making.
Learning how to stay calm, aware, and supportive — underwater and above water.
Divemaster training is where you stop being “just another diver” and start becoming someone others rely on.
It’s challenging.
It’s fun.
It’s sometimes chaotic.
And it’s incredibly rewarding.
Whether you continue on to instructor training or simply want to grow as a diver, the Divemaster course is a turning point — and one you’ll never forget 🌊🤿
Deep diving has a certain mystique.
For many divers, going deeper feels like progress — a milestone that signals confidence, experience, and adventure.
But an honest question deserves to be asked:
Is deep diving really worth it?
At Scuba Junkie Sipadan, we see divers at every stage of their journey. Some can’t wait to go deeper. Others aren’t sure why they should. And many feel pressure — subtle or direct — to believe that deeper is better.
The reality is more nuanced.
The desire to go deep usually comes from a mix of curiosity, ambition, and culture.
Some common reasons include:
None of these motivations are wrong. But they are often emotion-driven, not always experience-driven.
Depth feels like progress because it’s measurable.
Comfort, awareness, and judgment are harder to see — but far more important.
Depth doesn’t just add meters. It changes the entire dive.
The deeper you go, the faster you breathe your gas. Bottom time shortens, and dive planning becomes more important.
Monitoring depth, time, air, buoyancy, and your buddy requires more focus. Small mistakes have bigger consequences.
For many divers, nitrogen narcosis begins to appear beyond 30 meters — affecting judgment, reaction time, and awareness.
Ascents, safety stops, and emergency procedures require more discipline. There’s less room for improvisation.
Deep dives aren’t just “normal dives, but deeper.”
They are different dives that demand different skills and mindset.
Short answer: no — and that’s okay.
Deep diving is worth it when it has a purpose.
It makes sense when:
It’s not worth it when:
Some of the best dives in the world happen above 20 meters — with longer bottom times, more relaxed breathing, and better observation.
Depth alone does not make a dive memorable.
In many dive communities, depth becomes a quiet benchmark.
New divers often hear:
This can create the idea that staying shallow means staying behind.
But diving is not a race.
Progress in diving should be measured by:
Not by depth records.
Here’s an important distinction:
Going deeper does not automatically make you a better diver.
But becoming a better diver can make deeper dives safer and more enjoyable — if and when you choose them.
Better divers:
Sometimes the most advanced decision a diver can make is not to go deep.
Deep diving is absolutely worth it when:
Courses like the Advanced Open Water deep dive or the Deep Specialty exist not to push limits, but to teach respect for depth.
Depth becomes valuable when it’s understood — not chased.
Instead of asking:
Try asking:
These questions build better divers — and better communities.
Deep diving is worth it when it serves your growth, not your ego.
It’s worth it when it:
And it’s perfectly okay if:
In diving, the best dive is the one you enjoy safely — not the deepest one in your logbook.
If you’ve felt the call of the ocean and want to take your first step into the underwater world, taking your Open Water Course in Borneo is one of the best ways to begin. Surrounded by warm water, vibrant reefs, and calm training sites, Mabul Island provides the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. At Scuba Junkie Sipadan, learning to dive is not only safe and accessible—it’s fun, relaxed, and unforgettable.
This is where everything starts: your skills, your confidence, and your journey into a lifetime of diving.
One of the biggest advantages of learning with Scuba Junkie on Mabul Island is our underwater training platforms. These stable, purpose-built structures allow students to practice skills comfortably and safely, making the learning process smoother and far less intimidating. For new divers, this setup removes the uncertainty of open-water skill practice and helps build confidence from the very first session.
Mabul offers warm water, excellent visibility, and gentle conditions—exactly what new divers need. Sandy bottoms, slow-moving currents, and natural protection around the island help students relax and focus on mastering their skills.
Our instructors are patient, attentive, and highly experienced. Small group sizes ensure personalized attention, allowing students to learn at their own pace. For many divers, the first few breaths underwater are unforgettable, and having the right support makes all the difference.
To make your time on the island more enjoyable, the course begins with eLearning. You complete all theory online at your own pace before your trip. That way, when you arrive on Mabul, you’re not stuck in a classroom—you’re ready for the water.
Your PADI Open Water Course in Borneo includes three full days of in-water sessions:
These days are designed to be fun, supportive, and full of “wow” moments as you experience the underwater world for the first time.
During the course, you’ll master:
By the end, you’ll have a strong foundation that prepares you for future adventures.
All training dives take place around Mabul, which offers perfect conditions for beginners. The environment is relaxed but still exciting, giving students a real sense of exploration while staying within safe limits.
Even while training, you may see:
Seeing marine life from your very first dives adds a spark of excitement to the learning process.
Sipadan is world-famous for its drop-offs, currents, and exhilarating drift dives. Because of its depth and dynamic conditions, an Advanced Open Water certification is required to dive there. This ensures divers are prepared and confident before taking on more challenging environments.
If Sipadan is your goal—and for many people it is—we offer packages that combine:
This is the ultimate Borneo diving trip, taking you from your very first breath underwater all the way to one of the planet’s most iconic dive sites.
Typically three days on Mabul, plus eLearning completed before arrival.
No—just basic swimming skills and comfort in the water.
No. Sipadan requires Advanced Open Water due to conditions and depth.
Absolutely! Mabul has rich reefs even at beginner depths.
Yes—this ensures more time in the water and less time in a classroom.
Yes, Scuba Junkie offers packages that include OW + AOW + Sipadan.
Choosing to complete your Open Water Course in Borneo is choosing warm water, vibrant reefs, skilled instructors, and the perfect environment for learning. Mabul Island gives beginners the ideal start, and with the option to continue on to Advanced training and Sipadan, your diving journey can expand quickly into unforgettable experiences.
If you feel the call of the ocean, this is where everything begins.
Mabul and Kapalai are beautiful. Si Amil is quiet and full of macro wonders. But Sipadan is the reason divers travel across the world to this corner of Borneo.
That dream? It’s not as easy as jumping in.
With strict regulations from Sabah Parks, diving Sipadan means meeting certain requirements—including holding your advanced open water certification.
But don’t worry—this post has everything you need to know.
🎉 And if you’re ready to book, don’t miss our Festive Flash Promo — 10% to 20% off Sipadan Packages (details at the end).
There was once a time when Sipadan was open and wild. Divers could do training dives, night dives, and even stay in a resort on the island itself. The coral walls were endless playgrounds. Four dives a day? No problem.
Then, in 2002, everything changed. Malaysia won sovereignty over the island, declared it a protected national park, and all resorts were removed. Sipadan was closed for six months while the facilities were dismantled.
By 2008, a permit system was introduced—first 120 permits per day. Later, 176. Then, in 2022, the current rules came in:
It’s still a dream—just one that’s now protected for future generations.
Short answer: No.
As part of Sabah Park regulations, only divers certified as Advanced Open Water (or higher) are allowed to dive Sipadan.
But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options:
Even without a diving license, you can experience the magic. Shallow reefs are home to schooling jackfish, bumphead parrotfish, and turtles the size of bathtubs.
If you’re an Open Water diver ready for more, we’ve got your back. Our combo packages allow you to take your Advanced Open Water course in Mabul and add Sipadan days right after!
Not certified yet? We’ve thought of that too. You can take both your Open Water and Advanced Open Water certifications back-to-back—then dive Sipadan with confidence.
We call that the ultimate dive holiday!
📌 Sipadan permits:
The Advanced Open Water (AOWC) at Scuba Junkie is 2 full days and includes 6 dives:
*Why we do this? The Peak Performance Buoyancy dive will usually be your first dive. This allows your instructor to assess your level and tailor the rest of the course to help you improve where needed.
Some of the elective options include:
Bonus: No exams! And our instructors make learning fun with challenges and games that help you master your buoyancy and trim.
📌 These rates are based on October 2025 and are for dormitory shared rooms. We offer different room categories—ask us for options!
Packages include:
✔️ Accommodation of your choice
✔️ 3 meals + snacks
✔️ 3 dives per day
✔️ Boat transfers
✔️ Equipment (including dive computer during courses)
✔️ Certification fees
📌 Note: On your Sipadan day, you’ll do 2 dives around Sipadan and 1 dive at Mabul or Kapalai.
📌 Important: Sipadan is only available as part of a package for guests staying at our resort. We do not offer day trips or standalone diving at Sipadan.
Not included:
Book your Sipadan adventure and get up to 20% OFF!
Book ANY Sipadan Package:
Not sure which course or package is right for you? Whether you’re thinking about leveling up your certification or diving for the first time, just send us a message and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
📣 Is there anything we didn’t cover in this blog that you’d like to know more about? Let us know in the comments or drop us a DM—we’d love to hear from you!
We get it. You’ve scrolled through endless reels of people diving in Indonesia, surfing in Mexico, or sipping coconuts in the Philippines—living the so-called dream life. And every time, you ask yourself:
“How do they afford it?”
Most people assume that full-time travel is only for the lucky few with rich parents, remote jobs, or trust funds. But what if we told you there’s a real, achievable path that lets you travel full-time without money, and even better—get paid to be in the ocean every day?
This isn’t a gimmick. It’s a lifestyle. And it starts with becoming a PADI Divemaster.
The PADI Divemaster Course is the first level of professional dive training. It teaches you how to:
But more than anything—it’s the gateway to living and working in paradise.
Whether you want to freelance your way through Southeast Asia, join a dive shop in the Maldives, or work seasonally on a liveaboard in Mexico… Divemasters are always in demand.
And it all begins in Mabul.
At Scuba Junkie Mabul, we’ve been training Divemasters for over a decade. Here’s what makes our program different:
Our program doesn’t just prepare you for the exam. It prepares you for real life—leading dives, handling gear, working with guests, and being part of a close-knit team.
You’ll come out of the course not just certified—but ready to work anywhere in the world.
*Extra fees will apply
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Money.
Most people delay travel because they think they need to save thousands first. But becoming a Divemaster flips the script. You train once—and then you have a skill that lets you work your way around the world.
Whether it’s:
…as a certified PADI Divemaster, your office becomes the ocean.
The best part? Once you’re certified, you’re qualified for entry-level dive jobs immediately.
So if your dream is to travel full-time without money, the PADI Divemaster Course is your golden ticket.
At Scuba Junkie, the course takes around 4 weeks. You’ll live, breathe, and dream diving. Here’s a glimpse:
Every month, new DMCs (Divemaster Candidates) start their journey with us—and leave not only more skilled, but more confident, connected, and inspired.
You’ll also take part in community initiatives with Scuba Junkie SEAS, learning about marine conservation, coral nursery work, and turtle hatcheries. It’s the kind of education you won’t find in a classroom.
Anywhere.
Divemasters work across six continents. And whether you’re interested in guiding reef dives in Raja Ampat, helping on dive boats in Mozambique, or assisting with courses in Mexico—your certification travels with you.
You’ll gain access to global job boards, local connections, and a worldwide network of divers and professionals.
In fact, many of our past DMCs are now instructors, cruise directors, or dive shop managers all over the globe.
Your journey starts here, but where you go is up to you.
The next time you see a reel of someone diving with turtles, walking barefoot on a jetty, or logging dives in their notebook on a beach…
Remember: That could be you.
You don’t need a trust fund. You don’t need a fancy job. You just need the drive to change your life—and the willingness to take the first step.
Got questions about becoming a Divemaster or what it’s really like to travel full-time without money? Drop them in the comments. Let’s make it happen!
You took your first breath underwater during a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) experience and something clicked. You fell in love with the quiet, the weightlessness, and the way time slows beneath the waves, and now you’re wondering how to progress your diving?
Your next holiday was already planned—Open Water Certification, of course. And now you find yourself craving more: more skills, more confidence, and yes… Sipadan.
At Scuba Junkie Mabul, the Advanced Open Water course is your next chapter. And we have the perfect package to take you from beginner to advanced, with a dive day at Sipadan to top it all off.
The PADI Advanced Open Water course is a two-day course that includes:
That’s six dives in total—a chance to learn, explore, and gain experience. At Scuba Junkie, we believe education should be hands-on, fun, and unforgettable.
Once you book your course, our dive team sends your PADI learning material directly to your PADI app. This means you complete the theory at your own pace, before arriving. No lost time in a classroom—you came here to dive!
We start where it matters: buoyancy. Although not a required dive by PADI, at Scuba Junkie it’s a must. Why? Because buoyancy is the foundation of every great diver.
You’ll practice hovering in various positions, perfecting trim, adjusting weights, and conserving air. At Awas, our house reef, we have platforms and structures perfect for swim-throughs and instructor-designed games. Some instructors use hoops, others use weights—but all make sure it’s both educational and fun.
Navigation starts on land with your compass. Never used one? No problem—your instructor will explain it clearly before you hit the water. Then it’s time to:
The flat, sandy bottom at Awas makes it ideal for practicing without damaging any reef.
After two dives, your stomach will be ready for our famous buffet lunch. Vegetarian, vegan, and delicious options served up in our eco-friendly restaurant. No seafood here—sustainability is part of our mission.
It’s time to choose your next dive. Here are your options:
Your deepest dive is first of the day—and there’s a reason. After a good night’s rest and time to off-gas nitrogen, your No Decompression Limit (NDL) is longest in the morning.
You’ll descend to 30m and experience:
It’s all taught in a supportive, no-stress way that builds your confidence, not your nerves.
After a surface interval, snacks, and a bit of theory recap, you head out for your last official dive. Another adventure dive of your choice—by now you’ll be moving with more ease, tracking your depth and time like a pro.
The course may be complete, but your day isn’t over. Many guests choose to go for an optional extra dive to cement their new skills. Or you can relax at the beach with a smoothie and a new scuba certification in hand.
At first, your air will disappear fast. You’ll wonder if you’ll ever master hovering. But after six dives, you will be a master in how to progress your diving and everything changes:
We see it every week—divers who arrive unsure and leave transformed.
You did it. You’re certified, confident, and ready. The final day in our Advanced Open Water + Sipadan Package is the cherry on top.
Due to Sabah Parks regulations, you’ll do two dives at Sipadan, followed by a third dive at either Mabul or Kapalai.
At Sipadan, expect:
It’s a celebration of everything you’ve learned—and everything the ocean has to offer.
Choose the package that fits your journey on how to progress your diving:
➡️ See more package options and accommodation types
All packages include:
Excludes:
Note: First day of diving will NOT be at Sipadan or Si Amil due to safety and course requirements. Courses are not conducted at these islands.
Solo traveller? A RM200 supplement applies if you’re the only participant on your dive day.
The journey from DSD to Open Water and then to Advanced Open Water isn’t just about racking up dives. It’s about growing as a diver, building skills, and gaining the confidence to take on new challenges.
And when your final dive of the course ends in Sipadan, with sharks gliding past and jackfish dancing in the blue—you’ll realize you’re no longer a beginner.
Questions on how to progress your diving? Wondering which adventure dives suit you best? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Always dreamed of breathing underwater? Want to explore coral reefs but have zero experience?
Then the Discover Scuba Diving Course (DSD) experience in Mabul Island is your ticket to a whole new world. Nestled in the heart of Borneo, Mabul is one of the best places in the world for beginner divers. Calm, shallow, and teeming with life, it offers the perfect conditions to fall in love with the ocean.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about your first dive at Scuba Junkie Mabul—from safety to smiles, turtles to tips.
The DSD is a non-certification experience that gives beginners the chance to try diving in a safe, supervised environment. It’s not a license, but it is the first taste of what diving is all about.
At Scuba Junkie Mabul, your adventure starts with a friendly instructor guiding you through some basic theory and underwater skills—on land first, then in the water. There is no written exam, but you will complete a short final questionnaire to reinforce the key safety points.
You don’t need any previous experience. Just curiosity, comfort in the water, and a sense of adventure.
Here’s what a typical Discover Scuba Diving Course day with us looks like:
We start slow. You’ll learn how to breathe through your regulator, equalize your ears, clear your mask, and communicate with hand signals.
This isn’t a pool session—our confined water is in the calm, clear ocean, right off the beach. You’ll be surrounded by tropical fish as you learn. We use a dedicated training platform that allows you to practice safely without damaging the reef. You’ll master your buoyancy, breathing, and movement while already enjoying the marine life.
A full DSD day includes three dives. The first two are from shore, so you can get used to the gear and ocean environment. If your instructor sees you are comfortable and safe, the third dive will be from the boat, allowing you to explore even more.
Expect to see colorful corals, anemonefish, lionfish, and maybe even a turtle gliding past. Each dive is up to 12 meters deep and always guided.
Most divers surface beaming. It’s an unforgettable experience. And yes, you’ll want to go again.
We take your safety seriously. All our instructors are PADI certified, and group sizes are kept small so you get personal attention. Equipment is included and maintained to the highest standard.
You must complete a medical form before diving. Some health conditions may require a doctor’s approval.
Participants must be at least 10 years old.
If you’ve booked one of our Sipadan snorkeling packages, you can upgrade to a Discover Scuba Diving Course experience for free in Mabul (subject to medical conditions and availability).
It’s our way of giving you a taste of the diving world—and it might just change your life.
The full Discover Scuba Diving Course experience costs RM450 per person. This includes:
For many, this is the moment that starts a lifelong love affair with diving.
It’s paradise for your first bubbles.
Many divers who start with a Discover Scuba Diving Course experience go on to become certified. If you fall in love with the ocean (spoiler: you probably will), we offer both Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses right here in Mabul.
And yes, you can even dive Sipadan after certification!
Which part of your first dive are you most excited for? Tell us in the comments
Welcome to macro diving in Si Amil, Mabul and Kapalai.
You’ve chased mantas, swum through tornadoes of barracuda, and logged dives in the world’s top big-fish sites. But now you’re craving something quieter, more precise. You’re ready to zoom in to this macro diving experience?
If you’re an experienced diver and underwater photographer, or want to be, there’s a pair of islands in the heart of Borneo that might just steal your heart.
Si Amil, Mabul and Kapalai— often-overlooked gems bursting with rare marine life, perfect for macro diving. Think flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, ghost pipefish, frogfish, seamoths, wonderpus, and mandarin fish. All set against calm waters, shallow depths, and sandy bottoms that make focus-stacking a breeze.
This is not a place to chase adrenaline. It’s a place to chase details.
If you’re into critters that look like they belong in an alien zoo, macro diving in Si Amil, Mabul and Kapalai delivers.
After sunset, Mabul becomes a treasure chest. The octopuses are super active, bobtail squid flash their bioluminescence, and nudibranchs and shrimp scurry across the reef. This is where our Dive Master Khai, or as we call him “Legend,” truly shines. He’ll point out so many creatures your memory card will fill before you realize time’s up—or past it. While dives are usually capped at 60 minutes, let’s just say Khai has a habit of stretching the limit when the critters show up.
An artificial reef playground. Here you’ll find mandarin fish performing courtship dances, blue-ringed octopus shimmering electric blue, plus a cast of nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, scorpionfish, and frogfish of all kinds.
A rising star on the macro map. Expect pygmy seahorses, Shaun the Sheep nudis, Pikachu nudis, and elusive frogfish tucked in soft coral.
And yes, our Dive Master team lives for this stuff. They’re secretly (or not so secretly) competitive—tell them what you want to see, and they’ll treat it like a personal challenge.
Both Mabul and Kapalai offer macro divers a dream setup:
Whether you’re fine-tuning your snoot or framing a frogfish in the perfect light, you’ll have the time and stillness to get that shot.
The reefs around Mabul and Kapalai have evolved into perfect macro playgrounds. With artificial structures like sunken boats and platforms, coral rubble gardens, and gorgonians teeming with life, there’s a new surprise around every corner.
The Kapalai house reef especially is a must for photographers. Even after 60 minutes, you’ll want “just five more minutes” as you surface reluctantly.
At Scuba Junkie, we match you with other divers who understand the slow, intentional pace of macro photography. Our dive guides aren’t just spotters—they’re macro fanatics themselves.
Let them know what you’re after, and they’ll scan the sand with laser focus. Some staff, like Afat or Joshua, are passionate macro photographers who use their free time to practice and share tips with guests.
Back at Scuba Junkie Mabul, we’ve created an environment that supports macro shooters:
Want to learn a new skill while diving? Our instructors in Mabul offer the PADI Photography Specialty Course—and they love it. Whether it’s your first macro lesson or you’re refining your strobe game, you’ll be in good hands.
As a certified Green Fins dive center, Scuba Junkie prioritizes low-impact diving. We train our staff and guests to photograph wildlife with care and respect.
That’s how we preserve this beautiful world for the next wave of divers—and keep these islands a macro haven for years to come.
Getting to Mabul is simple: fly into Tawau, and we’ll take care of the rest.
But here’s the real secret: November is the best-kept secret for macro photographers. Sipadan is closed, so the crowds vanish, and we get to focus 100% on the tiny, weird, and wonderful world of macro diving.
Our dive trips to Si Amil are the highlight of the month, with fewer divers, calm seas, and an explosion of pygmy seahorses, Shaun the Sheep nudibranchs, and Pikachu nudis.
If you’re skipping November, you’re skipping the best macro season in Borneo.
Whether it’s your tenth dive or your thousandth, there’s something magical about looking closer. Macro diving in Mabul and Kapalai is more than a specialty—it’s a mindset.
It’s about slowing down, learning the reef’s secrets, and capturing moments most divers swim past. It’s about that quiet joy of finding a Shaun the Sheep nudi, of seeing color and texture like never before.
📷 Got a favorite macro subject? Dreaming of the perfect frogfish portrait? Tell us in the comments — we’d love to know what’s on your shot list.
