Adventures in Borneo with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife
Adventures in Borneo with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife
Adventures in Borneo with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife
5
Scuba & SnorkellingHiking TrailsEco ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Full view
About
We are a Destination Management Company with 20 years of experience, specializing in responsible, customized adventure, and special interest travel for small groups, schools, universities, and defence ministries. Fully licensed under the Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism Malaysia, we offer a wealth of expertise. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the ocean, the captivating nature, and wildlife in Borneo. Allow us to assist you in designing and facilitating your transformational travel experience. Our offerings include two PADI 5 Star Dive Centres on Gaya Island & Manukan Island an Hostel in Kota Kinabalu City, plus an Adventure Sports Shop catering to our clients both online and in person at our retail store in Kota Kinabalu. At our core, we have incorporated numerous social enterprise initiatives into our business. Our itineraries prominently feature community-based and wildlife conservation destinations, reflecting our commitment to responsible tourism.
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Adventures in Borneo with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,507 reviews
Excellent
1,379
Very good
102
Average
16
Poor
3
Terrible
7
Ellie R
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States25 contributions
Feb 2020
We were a group of 10 young people traveling together, all on different budgets with different priorities, and working with Downbelow was the key to making our trip a success as a group. Quality, safety, and being able to customize the itinerary were my top concerns, and i must say that Downbelow is the best company i've ever worked with on those topics. They offer several prepackaged tours online, of which we found a few that interested in, and planned our whole 3 weeks around that. Downbelow then helped us fill in the gaps by suggesting other adventures. we were a mix of people on different budgets, and the staff helped us work around this by offering different options for everyone that could still keep us together as a group. We started at the dive center, doing Discover Diving, where some of continued on to take Padi open water course. Meanwhile the others enjoyed the island via snorkeling, hiking, etc. We then continued to Mt Kinabalu and Dermakot, which both were incredible experiences. Finished the trip at Mataking Island to scuba Sipadan, which would have been so stressful to plan alone if it wasnt for the help of the downbelow crew. Mostly what makes downbelow a memorable company were the friends we made of the staff. Never at any point did they feel like they were "working", they genuinely enjoy their jobs so much that they became a part of our groups as friends, which made our experience that much better. another unexpected perk: the food they cook is amazing - both at the dive center and when out on safari. We greatly miss the friends we made among the downbelow staff, but are certain we will see them again, but the quality of our trip has me already planning my next adventures in Borneo with them.
Written 24 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ellie R,
Thank you for your awesome review! It is great to know that this has been the adventure of a lifetime for you - we know the joy of discoveries and finding new places so well and we want to deliver that feeling to you.
Glad you had that adventurer spirit in you, hope you know that we are already planning more adventures and places to discover. Do keep us in mind when you're planning your nest trip.
Kindest Regards,
Elisabeth Eva
Customer Experience Manager
Written 30 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shayne T
4 contributions
Nov 2019
From the initial email some 6 months prior to going and with many follow up emails, the experience was awesome.
I completed the Padi Rescue course November 2019 and have booked a return visit to complete Master Dive Course with Deep Dive and Navigation and will most certainly go on to the Dive master before the end of 2020
There is No better recommendation than a returning customer.
Professional and enjoyable ...the crew on the island were fantastic , friendly and engaging .... and meeting others with similar interests from other countries...... .the ambience on the island , especially the jetty and the dive center are made for the movies ..
KK is very close to the airport , no hassles with transport and the City has many restaurants and accommodation choices.
Totally the place to learn and improve your skills and have a holiday.
I completed the Padi Rescue course November 2019 and have booked a return visit to complete Master Dive Course with Deep Dive and Navigation and will most certainly go on to the Dive master before the end of 2020
There is No better recommendation than a returning customer.
Professional and enjoyable ...the crew on the island were fantastic , friendly and engaging .... and meeting others with similar interests from other countries...... .the ambience on the island , especially the jetty and the dive center are made for the movies ..
KK is very close to the airport , no hassles with transport and the City has many restaurants and accommodation choices.
Totally the place to learn and improve your skills and have a holiday.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi 884shaynet, glad that you have had a lovely overall experience with us. Here at Downbelow we want to create the best experience for you with utmost ease and convenience during your travel and we are happy to know that your trip and PADI courses has been smooth sailing!
Kindest Regards,
Elisabeth Eva
Customer Experience Manager
Written 27 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dacostamaggie
2 contributions
Jul 2020
What a great experience! I finally saw pygmy elephants and orangutan with baby in the wild for the first time, a bearcat and striped civet cat (on the same tree), porcupine, gibbons, in addition to a variety of beautiful birds. Others in my small group saw a clouded leopard and bearded pig but these moved too fast for me to see. Our guide, Kerry, knew I really wanted to see pygmy elephants, if possible, as I hadn't seen them on a Kinabatagan river trip. He went out of his way to consult with forest rangers and we went further into the jungle and finally caught up with them; a group of about 15 with youngsters and a baby. It was such an exciting experience. Kerry has a keen eye and could spot the smallest movement in the trees, and has a great knowledge of birds - an excellent guide. The drivers were skilled and our meals cooked fresh. In all, Downbelow provided a great service, from communication, advice and booking, through to the actual trip, with health and safety paramount (I am in my later 60's). Highly recommended.
Written 25 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Dacostamaggie,
Sounded like you had the most thrilling adventures during your visit to the Deramakot Forest Reserve recently, how awesome is that! Kerry is indeed a very professional and knowledgable guide and we trust him to take the best care of all our guest.
Deramakot is such a hidden gem and we're so glad that you have enjoyed the itinerary we prepared for you. Do reach out to us again when you're planning for your next adventure!
Kindest Regards,
Elisabeth Eva
Customer Experience Manager
Written 18 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mkamel317
4 contributions
Jan 2020
Avoid if you want to have a happy vacation. Sales job just collect the money. Sales doesnt know anything about what they offer basically in the real world. once you pay online then you are invisible even if you have problem.
1. Avoid their online payment services and sales people as they basically tailor the website to get more money from you once you call them. Dont recommend dealing with their customer services through phone.
2. Sales commit to what their diving center cant deliver and poor communication between their headquarter and the diving island facility who knows what could happen when a safety related issue happen!
Diving Courses offering was course fees + extra fees for exclusive instructor for 4 days. I completed the diving courses in 3 days they charged me for 4 days extra fees for the exclusive instructor. First day, They put me with suba fun course for the first day with another customer. When i raised the issue to their management they kept stalling and finding excuses we will talk with the diving center and we will talk with the sales, never ending headache.
Until today, they didn't refund me for the first and fourth day instructor extra fees.
3. logistics: poor logistic support. disrespecting their customer schedule, reckless drivers driving you from the hotel to the ferry and vice versa. diving camp facilities are poor on one of the islands that they operate on. the food is terrible and tasteless. No safety lock to your belongings on the island.
4. Instructor divers are slow in processing your driving certificate and caused me missing my next diving trip due to their slow processing.
1. Avoid their online payment services and sales people as they basically tailor the website to get more money from you once you call them. Dont recommend dealing with their customer services through phone.
2. Sales commit to what their diving center cant deliver and poor communication between their headquarter and the diving island facility who knows what could happen when a safety related issue happen!
Diving Courses offering was course fees + extra fees for exclusive instructor for 4 days. I completed the diving courses in 3 days they charged me for 4 days extra fees for the exclusive instructor. First day, They put me with suba fun course for the first day with another customer. When i raised the issue to their management they kept stalling and finding excuses we will talk with the diving center and we will talk with the sales, never ending headache.
Until today, they didn't refund me for the first and fourth day instructor extra fees.
3. logistics: poor logistic support. disrespecting their customer schedule, reckless drivers driving you from the hotel to the ferry and vice versa. diving camp facilities are poor on one of the islands that they operate on. the food is terrible and tasteless. No safety lock to your belongings on the island.
4. Instructor divers are slow in processing your driving certificate and caused me missing my next diving trip due to their slow processing.
Written 23 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyra S
Palm Beach, Australia2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
My 3 kids and I engaged Down Below Adventures to organise our adventure holiday to Borneo. The team were responsive, patient, great value and looked after our every need. It was action-packed, and each activity was organised and communicated very professionally.
Even on the last day they proactively contacted me to ask if we would prefer the final half day tour to be a little later as they thought we may have been a little tired by then. They were right!! And we were so much happier!!
Highly highly recommend using this company for any trips to Borneo. Thanks team!
Even on the last day they proactively contacted me to ask if we would prefer the final half day tour to be a little later as they thought we may have been a little tired by then. They were right!! And we were so much happier!!
Highly highly recommend using this company for any trips to Borneo. Thanks team!
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi 69kyras,
We're so happy to know you had great time during your recent Borneo Holiday! Your trip has been carefully tailored so that you and your family can enjoy the trip without any hassle. We hope your review will be able to help fellow travellers.
Kindest Regards,
Elisabeth Eva
Customer Experience Manager
Written 18 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kristyn Fanstone
9 contributions
Sept 2019
I did the two day Mount Kinabalu hike and would highly recommend it for anyone looking to get active in Kota Kinabalu. The views were stunning and the experience was excellent! Downbelow made sure I got to and from the mountain safely and my personal guide Duin (I think that's how you spell it) was incredible! Very nice and helpful and let me stop whenever I got tired (which was a lot). Excellent company for any adventure activity in and around Borneo!
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi KrystynFanstone, sounds like you had an awesome trip with us! Congratulations again on reaching the highest summit in South East Asia and thank you for your lovely review.
Kindest Regards,
Elisabeth Eva
Customer Experience Manager
Written 27 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EmilySB
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1 contribution
Apr 2022
Went to Sepilok and Kinabatangan River and had the most amazing time!
This trip was both exciting and comfortable, everything had been thought through and planned so well for us. The accommodation was excellent, the itinerary was excellent combining just the right ratio of planned activities and private downtime to relax and enjoy the trip.
At Bilit Adventure Lodge on Kinabatagnan we had the most superb, knowledgeable, and wonderful guide, Nelson, who expertly helped us to see all sorts of wildlife including crocodiles, proboscis monkeys on riverboat rides and jungle treks.
Overall a simply amazing time. Highly recommend this trip and booking through Adventures in Borneo/Downbelow - whom I have used before for climbing Mount Kinabalu and island snorkeling safaris - they are professional, thorough and friendly!!
This trip was both exciting and comfortable, everything had been thought through and planned so well for us. The accommodation was excellent, the itinerary was excellent combining just the right ratio of planned activities and private downtime to relax and enjoy the trip.
At Bilit Adventure Lodge on Kinabatagnan we had the most superb, knowledgeable, and wonderful guide, Nelson, who expertly helped us to see all sorts of wildlife including crocodiles, proboscis monkeys on riverboat rides and jungle treks.
Overall a simply amazing time. Highly recommend this trip and booking through Adventures in Borneo/Downbelow - whom I have used before for climbing Mount Kinabalu and island snorkeling safaris - they are professional, thorough and friendly!!
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alice
Oxford, UK1 contribution
Nov 2019
I had an absolutely amazing time in Sabah (Malaysia) with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife. I was very nervous about learning to scuba dive but everyone was really friendly at the 5 star PADI divecentre on Gaya island. The location is beautiful and I am very lucky to have been able to learn in an area with such biodiversity (saw turtles, a shark, so many different fish e.t.c) and lovely warm waters. I loved it so much that I added on an extra fun dive day which they were able to arrange for me. After a day rest I then went and climbed Mount Kinabalu which was really tough but the view and the stunning rock spires at the peak were definitely worth the effort. I then went on the Kinabatangan rive cruise trip and there were so many more animal sightings than I expected with hornbills and proboscis monkeys, the river cruise is a really great way to see so much of the river. I had a great time and I can't thank the Downbelow team enough for arranging such a great itinerary that included everything that I had hoped to do, and for being such knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides throughout that really care about what they do.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi alicebF9632OX,
Your review had us all saying Awwwwww!!! Thank you so much!
We are really glad that you had a fantastic experience with us. Congratulations on becoming a PADI Open Water Diver and climbing to the summit of Mount Kinabalu and then wildlife spotting in Sabah's longest river - the Kinabatangan!
You truly had the Downbelow experience, ocean to mountain to the rainforest! The whole team shares this happiness with you.
Kindest Regards,
Elisabeth Eva
Customer Experience Manager
Written 1 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TommyT2S
9 contributions
Nov 2019
A great company if you're looking for adventure in KK. Having done the Mt Kinabalu climb and numerous weekends diving with DownBelow I've never been disappointed; from the admin staff to the guides they're always efficient and full of energy. Highy recommended.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi TommyT2S,
We are always happy to have you back! Thank you for your continuous support, love from all of us at Downbelow!
Kindest Regards,
Elisabeth Eva
Customer Experience Manager
Written 1 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RayZlla
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia3 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
Finally did my Open Water Course this June and was super glad I chose Downbelow! My friends and I had an amazing 4 days with their team at Gaya Island. 5-Star treatment all the way, they were always so friendly and helpful. I was also fortunate enough to be taught by their multi-award winning Platinum PADI Course Director, Richard on the 3rd and last day. I highly recommend anyone who's planning to take up diving to go with Downbelow Adventures, it's definitely an adventure! Thank you so much to the fun and crazy bunch at Gaya Island.. Crazy Jack, Chris, Oli, as well as Melissa and Richard!
Written 30 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi RayZlla,
Sounds like you had an awesome experience! And lucky you, to get non other than Richard to be your instructor on the last day!
The team really just have the biggest passion for what they do and that is what you get when you chose us for your diving experience.
Congratulations again on getting you PADI Open Water certification and come dive with us soon!
Kindest Regards,
Elisabeth Eva
Customer Experience Manager
Written 30 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, I’m interested in Danum Valley for 3 nights in May
Written 9 March 2024
Hi, do you do the guided trek up Mt Kinabalu?
Thanks
Written 20 May 2021
Hello - How are you? I would like to swim with Whale sharks and do some canyoning. Anytime from September 19th -September 21 till 6pm. Can we make this happen please it’s on the top top of my bucket list to swim with whale sharks and I recently missed a flight which made me miss the day on a tour were they swam with whale sharks.
Thanks
Written 12 September 2019
Hi we are sorry to hear about your previous misfortune regarding flights but sadly out whaleshark season is around the March time so it’s highly unlikely that any would be spotted this time of year!
We do have a kayak program so if you would like to email us via our website we can advise details accordingly tq
Written 12 September 2019
Hello, is it need to booking first for diving activities? if don't know swimming, is it any course for it?
Written 12 December 2018
Hi yes you can try discover scuba to see if you enjoy the activity and yes it is best to prebook incase your availible dates get booked up! if you take a look at our website you can book online or send us an email if you need more detailed information. Hope this helps and we look forward to seeing you in the future !
Written 12 December 2018
Hi, My girlfriend and I will travel to KK in 6-13 July. We would like to take the PADI diving course since 8 July and want to check your availability. Can you share your package information with us? Thanks.
Written 1 July 2018
Can you pls email info @ downbelowadventuresfor full details or you can simply book on line via our website downbelowadventures . com tq
Yes we have availability and hope to welcome you soon
Written 18 November 2018
hi, I want to reservation this activity, how can i make a reservation. and how much for this?
Written 17 April 2018
Hi for easy bookings pls see our website and book online or simply email us and our travel consultants will respond with full details .. we look forward to hearing from you soon!
Written 17 April 2018
do you have an email address for additional questions?
Written 30 March 2018
Hi yes we can be contacted at info@ downbelowadventures. com tq and look forward to hearing from you
Written 31 March 2018
Hi, I'm going to be in KL this Sunday and I would like to dive Monday. Whats the best way to get there from KL, do you have availability for Monday? thank you.
Carol
Written 30 March 2018
Hello Carol. Easiest way is to fly with Air Asia (or another carrier but they are cheap). Once you arrive in KK get a Grab taxi - way cheaper than airport taxis to KK centre and stay in a hotel. I can recommend one if needed near the Waterfront area.
If you are diving with Downunder they will collect you in a minivan the next morning and take care of everything from there and drop you off at your hotel later in the day.
I hope that this is helpful?
Written 30 March 2018
Akansha G
Jaipur, India
i need how many days for learning scuba diving? as I will be in kk only for 2 days???
Written 6 February 2018
Sorry for such a late reply. Indeed the full PADI Open Water Course requires 3/4 days depending on your comfort level. We always allow for 4 days of training. However if you only have 2 days available you can consider the PADI Scuba Diver Course which is also an internationally recognised PADI diving qualification where you will be certified to dive to a maximum of 12m with a PADI professional. This is great or holiday divers. Thanks - hope we will be welcoming you soon. KR Joanne
Written 23 February 2018
…
Showing results 1-10 of 42