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

If you want a real start to scuba in a place that actually delivers underwater life, Kota Kinabalu is a smart choice. This RAID Open Water 20 course is built for learning over 3 days on boats, with the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park as your main training area.

Two big things I like: the instructor focus. People mention names like Yadi, Didi, Alex, Basir, and Amir, and the common theme is clear, patient coaching that helps you feel safe while you build skills. The other reason I’d book is the “you’re covered” value, with equipment, park fees, lunch, and boat transfers handled for you.

One consideration: the included lunch is exactly that, included. One past student called it not special, so if you have strong opinions about food, plan to be flexible.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• RAID Open Water 20 in 3 days, paced with course objectives and milestones
• Small groups (max 12), which helps when instructors are teaching key skills
• Two 33ft x 9ft trimarans for boat transfers
• Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park as the underwater setting with great marine life
• Equipment, permit, and park fees are included, so your budget stays predictable

Kota Kinabalu’s Marine Park Makes This Course Worth It

Kota Kinabalu sits right by some of the best-known water around Sabah, and the course uses Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park as the star location. The park is described as packed with great underwater marine life, and that matters for a first-time course. You are not just learning in a random pool-like setting, you’re putting new skills into a real-world reef area with plenty to see.

What I like here is that the setting supports motivation. When you practice buoyancy and control, the fun part is not only that you’re learning. It’s also that you’re looking at living marine life while you do it, so your brain stays engaged.

How the 3-Day RAID Open Water 20 Course Runs on Boats

This is a 3-day course, and it’s conducted on boats. You collect and return each day to DBKK Jetty, and the activity wraps back at the start meeting point. The start time is listed as 9:00 am, and confirmation happens within 48 hours of booking if there’s availability.

You’ll also do online pre-study before your course starts. That’s a good trade for your time in Kota Kinabalu, because it reduces the amount of classroom time you have to cram into day one.

Another key detail: you’ll be asked for personal info before the course, including your full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, height, weight, and shoe size, plus any special dietary requirements. That’s not just paperwork. Gear sizing and safety planning depend on it.

Small-Group Format and the Instructors That People Remember

The course runs with a maximum of 12 travelers, and that’s the sort of group size that tends to keep instruction practical. In open-water training, you want to be near your instructor when you need help, not stuck waiting in a line.

The instructor names that come up in prior experiences include Yadi, Didi, Alex, Basir (also listed as Basir Iturabin), and Amir. If you’re the type who gets nervous when you’re learning a new sport, that name list is actually reassuring, because the common thread is calm coaching and professional standards. People also mention a captain named Didi, which is a nice bonus because a steady, confident boat operation makes everyone relax.

What this means for you: if you like structured learning with clear steps and encouragement, you’ll probably feel supported. If you hate rules and checklists, this might feel more formal than you expect, since RAID materials and milestones guide the process.

Price and Value: What the $375 Includes, and Why It Matters

The price is $375.00 per person for the RAID Open Water 20 course. When I look at value in a first-timer scuba course, I care less about the sticker and more about what you don’t have to organize.

Here’s what’s included:

• Full equipment
• Dive permit and park fees
• RAID materials
• Lunch (3) and drinking water
• Boat transfers using two trimarans (33ft x 9ft)
• Small groups and the guided structure

What is not included:

• Anything not specifically mentioned
• Travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances or force majeure

The included gear is a real cost saver if you would otherwise rent equipment in Malaysia. Also, having permit and park fees bundled means you’re not guessing what adds up at the last minute.

So yes, the price is not “cheap.” But for a 3-day course with equipment, fees, and boat transfers already planned, it’s pretty clear-cut budgeting.

What You Can Expect Under the RAID Course Structure

The course is described as being aimed at people who are fit, healthy, and able to swim, age 10 and up. Under 18 requires an adult accompaniment.

Most importantly, the training follows RAID’s objectives and milestones in a systematic way. That phrase matters, because it suggests you’re not just going through motions. You’re learning in steps, with competence checks along the way.

The best part of this style is predictability. You can mentally track your progress and know what comes next, instead of wondering if you’re missing something.

If there’s a drawback in this approach, it’s that you should expect to do the work. This is a certification course, not just a sightseeing boat trip. Come ready to practice, ask questions, and take corrections seriously.

Your Training Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

You spend your days around Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the highlight is the underwater marine life. That’s the key promise in the course description, and it matches what makes scuba training exciting.

Practical note: when you’re learning, the goal is usually control, safety, and comfort, not speed. If you’re prone to rushing, tell yourself that the fun will follow once you get your breathing and buoyancy sorted.

Also, remember you’re doing this from boats. So you’ll want to be comfortable with boat time, getting kitted up, and moving through a daily routine. If seasickness is a risk for you, plan accordingly before you arrive.

Meals and the Boat Rhythm (Yes, Lunch Is Included)

Lunch is included three times, and so is drinking water. That helps a lot because you’re out for a full day of training, and you don’t want to hunt for food between sessions.

One past student did mention the lunch was not special. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, it just means it’s not the main event. If you’re picky about sauces, spice level, or textures, go in with realistic expectations and focus more on the day’s learning and the water time.

Getting Ready: Swim Ability, Fitness, and the Paperwork Check

Before the course, you’ll need to provide:

• Your full name, passport number, nationality
• Date of birth
• Height and weight
• Shoe size
• Any special dietary requirements

That kind of detail usually helps instructors fit and prepare your gear correctly. It also supports safety and documentation for the certification process.

On the human side, the course states you should have moderate physical fitness and be able to swim. You also have to be a fit and healthy participant, and there’s a specific rule for minors: under 18 needs an adult.

So the best move is simple. Be honest about your swimming comfort before you book. If you’re anxious in open water, take extra time to practice basic comfort in the days leading up to the course.

Practical Logistics You Should Plan Around

The meeting point is Suria Seafront, 16 Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The start time is 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

It’s listed as near public transportation, which is useful if you’re staying in central Kota Kinabalu. Also, you should expect a routine that starts at the meeting point, shifts to DBKK Jetty for daily boat transfers, then ends back where you began.

One more detail: the booking includes a mobile ticket and group discounts are listed as a feature. Group discounts can be a deciding factor if you’re coming with friends, but since the exact discount level isn’t specified here, treat it as a reason to ask at booking time.

Should You Book This RAID Open Water 20 Course?

I’d book this if you want a clear, structured certification path that uses a real marine environment, not just a basic setup. The strongest reasons to choose it are:

• Small group size (max 12), which supports better attention
• Equipment, permit fees, and boat transfers included, so your costs stay under control
• A course structure guided by RAID materials, objectives, and milestones
• An underwater setting in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park with great marine life

I’d think twice if you:

• Have a weak tolerance for boat time or seasickness
• Expect gourmet lunch as part of the package
• Can’t swim comfortably or aren’t able to meet the moderate fitness requirement

If you match the eligibility and you’re ready to put in a few days of practice, this course looks like a solid, value-packed way to earn certification in Kota Kinabalu.

FAQ

How long is the RAID Open Water 20 course?

It runs for 3 days (approximately).

Where do I meet, and what time does the course start?

You meet at Suria Seafront, 16 Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, starting at 9:00 am. It ends back at the meeting point.

What location does the course use for the underwater training?

The course includes Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

What’s included in the $375 price?

Included are full equipment, dive permit and park fees, RAID materials, lunch (3) and drinking water, and boat transfers. Small groups are also part of the experience.

Who is eligible to join the course?

The course is open to fit, healthy participants who can swim, age 10 and up. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Moderate physical fitness is expected.

What if weather affects the schedule?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.