We provide daily dive trips and dive courses around Mabul, Sipadan and Semporna area.
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Plan Your First Scuba Diving Holiday in Borneo – All you need to know.
There’s a moment every diver remembers—the first time they breathe underwater, feel weightless, and witness a sea turtle glide past as if time itself slowed down. If you have to plan your first scuba diving holiday in Borneo, you’re in the right place.
Borneo isn’t just another dive destination. It’s the place where stories begin.
At Scuba Junkie, we’ve helped thousands of new divers take the plunge safely, joyfully, and with full support. Whether you’re dipping your fins in for the first time or planning to level up your diving skills, here’s how to make your adventure unforgettable.
Unlike other Southeast Asian destinations, Borneo doesn’t have a monsoon or dry season—you can dive here year-round. The water temperature stays deliciously warm, visibility is excellent, and the marine life? Mind-blowing.
⚠️ One important note to plan your first scuba diving holiday in Borneo: Sipadan National Park closes every November for reef recovery, so if Sipadan is on your dream list, avoid that month and consider diving Si Amil with us instead.
For beginners, we recommend starting in one of our two Scuba Junkie locations:
Planning to level up later? Our Sangalaki dive center is better suited for experienced divers and underwater photographers—but let’s keep it simple for now 😉
Here’s a little secret we love sharing…
If you book a snorkeling trip to Sipadan, you can swap one day of snorkeling in Mabul for a free Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) experience with us.
Imagine: instead of just floating above the reef, you’re immersed in it—face-to-face with turtles and tropical fish.
🔹 The DSD is not a certification course, but it’s a supervised introduction to scuba with one of our certified instructors.
🔹 Minimum age: 10 years old.
🔹 You’ll need to complete a medical form beforehand to ensure it’s safe for you to dive.
Many guests fall in love after their first DSD… and decide to continue with a full Open Water certification!
At Scuba Junkie, everyone dives three times per day. It’s the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation.
Your first day might include calm reef dives around Mabul, packed with turtles, schools of fish, and beginner-friendly sites. Sipadan is for Advanced divers, but don’t worry—you can level up quickly with our courses.
💡Macro dives—like spotting blue-ringed octopus or frogfish—are better suited for experienced divers and photographers. If that sounds like your dream, we’ll get you there in time 😉
Honestly? Not much.
At Scuba Junkie, all diving equipment is included in your package, except for a dive computer (which you can rent if needed, or included if you’re part of a course). So leave your heavy bags behind.
What we do recommend bringing:
And if you forget any of them we do sell them in our shop 😉
We’re proud to be a certified Green Fins dive center, and environmental care is part of everything we do.
From banning single-use plastics to protecting marine life through Scuba Junkie SEAS (our on-site conservation NGO), we believe diving should give back to the ocean that gives us so much.
Every dive briefing includes reef etiquette and conservation tips—because we don’t just want you to dive well. We want you to dive responsibly.
Borneo’s wonders don’t end underwater.
Our sister company, River Junkie, offers unforgettable land tours and wildlife cruises—from spotting wild orangutans in the jungle to exploring the Kinabatangan River or even hiking Mount Kinabalu.
Many guests combine diving + jungle for the ultimate Borneo experience. We’re happy to help you plan it all.
Here’s your packing list for an epic first scuba diving trip to Borneo:
| ✅ Must Bring | ✅ Optional |
|---|---|
| Passport (6+ months valid) | Dive computer (optional rental – included if you’re doing a course) |
| Reef-safe sunscreen | GoPro or camera (dry bag!) – We also have cameras for rental. |
| UV shirt / rashguard | Reusable water bottle |
| Sunglasses & hat | Light hoodie (it gets chilly post-dive!) |
| Flip flops + swimwear | Travel insurance covering diving |
| Travel SIM (Celcom or Maxis) | Eco tote bag for snacks/market |
| Personal medication | A good book for hammock time |
✈️ Fly to Tawau if you’re coming to Mabul, or to Kota Kinabalu if you’re starting from the city.
Your first scuba trip can feel overwhelming—but it’s also one of the most magical experiences you’ll ever have.
Have a question about courses, snorkeling, or travel logistics? Drop your questions in the comments below, or send us a message—we’re always happy to help make your first step underwater an unforgettable one 🌊🐢
