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

Three days on the water, one big skill boost. This RAID Open Water 20 course in Kota Kinabalu is built for learning at a steady pace, with small groups and hands-on RAID coaching around the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

I especially like how the instructors are described as patient and clear, with names that keep coming up like Yadi, Basir (Basir Iturabin), Didi, Alex, and Amir. I also like the practical setup: full scuba gear, park fees, and even lunch are handled, so you can focus on breathing, buoyancy, and staying calm.

One consideration: it’s a 3-day program that runs on boats, so you’ll be dealing with sea conditions, and the lunch is nice but not a highlight for everyone.

Key things I’d lock in before you book

• Small maximum group size (12 travelers), which matters when you’re learning skills that need close supervision
• Online pre-study completed before your course starts, so you arrive with less guessing
• Full gear and park fees included, which helps you avoid surprise add-ons
• Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park as the main training area, meaning real marine life and scenery
• Instruction styles you can expect to be patient, thorough, and sometimes funny (yes, it helps when you feel nervous)

Kota Kinabalu’s marine park is a smart place for your first certification

Kota Kinabalu is a great base for an Open Water certification because the area around Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is made for seeing a lot underwater without extreme logistics. For you, that translates into a calmer learning curve. You’re not just “going out,” you’re practicing skills in a setting that actually feels alive, with chances to spot marine life while you work through technique.

The course is designed for people who are fit, healthy, and able to swim, and it’s offered from age 10 upward. If you’re under 18, you’ll need an adult with you. That age range tells you the course expects real capability, not just enthusiasm.

If you’ve never done scuba before, this matters. Learning feels less scary when your environment supports the training, and when the team keeps the steps organized.

How the 3-day flow works on the boats (and why it’s efficient)

This program takes about 3 days, and it’s run on boats. Each day starts with pickup and ends with a return back to DBKK Jetty, and the activity finishes back at the meeting point. You also start at 9:00 am at Suria Seafront 16 in Kota Kinabalu.

That boat-based format is efficient. Instead of spending time shuttling around different areas, you’re using the same ocean access every day. For you, that means less friction, and more time practicing the exact skills that get you certified.

You can also expect a structured teaching approach. Instructors are repeatedly praised for using clear explanations, systematic objectives, and step-by-step milestones. One student even highlighted how the course stays organized and focuses on being competent and comfortable. That’s the difference between “try a thing” and actual progress.

What to watch for: because it’s three days on the water, you should treat comfort like part of the plan. If you get motion sick easily, don’t ignore that. Prepare for wet, breezy conditions and plan to rest when you can between sessions.

Pre-study first, better learning in the water

One of the underrated parts here is the online pre-study that you complete before the course starts. That means you should arrive with the basics already in your head, so the in-water time can be spent on technique, not first-time theory.

The course also asks you for personal details before you go: your full name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, height, weight, and shoe size, plus any special dietary requirements. That’s not busywork. In real terms, it helps the team set you up properly with equipment that fits and supports safety, and it helps them manage the schedule smoothly.

If you’re the type who likes to get organized early, you’ll appreciate this. If you procrastinate, you might feel rushed later, so I’d handle the paperwork right away after booking.

Equipment, permits, and why the $375 price can make sense

At $375 per person, you’re not just paying for instruction. The price includes a lot of what often becomes a hidden cost on DIY scuba learning:

• Full scuba equipment
• Park fees and your permit
• Lunch and drinking water (3)
• RAID materials
• Boat transfers, using two 33ft x 9ft wide trimaran boats

That added value is important. If you were to piece this together yourself, the costs for gear rental, permits, and park access add up quickly. By bundling them, the course reduces decision fatigue for you, and it helps you arrive ready.

You should still know what’s not included. The big missing item is travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances or force majeure, plus anything not specifically listed. That’s typical, but it matters because scuba training has extra variables compared to a standard day tour.

One more thing: features mention group discounts and a mobile ticket. If you’re coming with friends or family, ask about how that discount works when you book, because it can meaningfully lower the per-person cost.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: what you’re training for

The standout location day is the training area at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. This is the part where your Open Water skills meet the reason you wanted to come to Sabah in the first place.

From a learning standpoint, practicing in a marine park is valuable because you’re working around real underwater conditions you can’t fully simulate on land. You get more chances to connect technique with what you’re seeing.

From an enjoyment standpoint, the park reputation is built on marine life and clear opportunities for underwater viewing. The course is set up so you spend your day with that in mind, not just doing skills and rushing back.

The balanced truth: you’re there to learn. If your primary goal is underwater photography or maximizing a specific species count, you might have to adjust expectations. Your first certification focuses on control and comfort, and instructors will prioritize that.

Instructors like Yadi, Didi, Alex, Basir, and Amir, and what their teaching style means

The biggest praise in the feedback centers on instruction quality. Names that come up again and again include Yadi, Didi, Alex, Basir, and Amir. What people appreciate isn’t just that the instructors are friendly. It’s that they’re practical.

Here’s what that looks like for you:

• Patience with beginners. If you feel nervous at first, you’re not expected to instantly act like a seasoned diver. Humor can help here, and calm coaching matters.
• Clear explanations. Skills are taught in a way that helps you understand what to do and why.
• Thorough safety approach. Students highlight instructors who are careful with requirements and guide you step by step.
• Extra time when needed. One student mentioned getting additional help to improve buoyancy. That kind of targeted coaching is a big deal early on.

You’ll also notice a consistent theme: instructors mix professionalism with personality. If you get tense in the water, a fun, steady teacher can make the difference between panic and progress.

And yes, the captain shows up in the praise too, including Captain Didi. That’s a good sign. A great captain helps with smooth boat handling, getting you where you need to go, and keeping the day running.

Boats, group size, and the comfort side of learning

The program runs with a maximum of 12 travelers, which is ideal for training. Smaller groups mean more time with your instructor and less waiting when you need a correction. It also makes the day feel less chaotic.

You’ll be on boats operated with two trimarans, both 33ft x 9ft wide. That size matters because it can support a more stable platform compared to smaller craft, especially when conditions change. Still, boats are boats. You’ll feel wind and spray, and you should plan for that reality.

Boat-based training also impacts how you prepare. If you show up dressed for comfort, you’ll have an easier time staying focused during skills sessions.

What you should pack for a 3-day Open Water course

The course includes full scuba equipment, so you don’t need to buy gear before you go. That said, you’ll still want to pack smart for a multi-day day on the water.

Here’s what you should consider bringing, because the course information doesn’t list it for you:

• A change of clothes for after the day’s sessions
• Something quick-drying, for when you get wet
• Sunscreen and lip protection (sea wind plus sun is a real combo)
• Any personal items you need to stay comfortable between sessions

Also, since the operator collects details like shoe size and body measurements ahead of time, you’ll likely be assigned equipment that fits you better. That’s another reason to share accurate info when they ask.

Lunch on the water: helpful, not fancy

Lunch is included three times, with drinking water provided. That’s practical and saves you from hunting for food on a tight schedule.

One note from feedback: lunch isn’t described as special. In other words, expect it to be there, it’ll keep you fueled, but don’t build your day around it. If you’re picky about meals, you might want to plan around that with snacks you can eat between sessions, as long as the operator’s rules allow it.

Who this course is best for (and who should rethink it)

This is a strong fit if:

• You’re fit, healthy, and can swim
• You want certification through a structured program over about 3 days
• You value small-group coaching and instructors who focus on comfort and technique
• You like the idea of training around real marine life in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

You should rethink it if:

• You know you struggle with boat days or motion sickness, since the schedule is on the water
• You want a luxury, beach-style vacation pace. This is training first.

If you’re traveling as a teen, it’s also better to plan early since anyone under 18 needs an adult to accompany them.

Should you book RAID Open Water 20 in Kota Kinabalu?

I’d book it if you want a first scuba certification experience that feels organized and supportive. The biggest reason is instruction quality. The repeated mentions of patient, thorough teachers like Yadi, Basir Iturabin, Didi, Alex, and Amir point to a real focus on safety and real progress, not just a checklist.

I’d also lean toward booking because the price bundles the gear, the park access, and lunch, which is where many budget scuba plans accidentally turn expensive.

The main “don’t ignore this” point is that it’s a 3-day, boat-based program. If you’re the type who gets uncomfortable at sea, plan for that before you commit.

If you’re ready for focused training, a supportive instructor team, and three days of learning in a marine park setting, this is a sensible choice.

FAQ

What is the duration of the RAID Open Water 20 course?

The course runs for about 3 days.

Where do I meet, and when does it start?

The meeting point is Suria Seafront 16, Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, with a start time of 9:00 am.

What’s included in the price?

The package includes full scuba equipment, the permit and park fees, lunch (3) and drinking water, RAID materials, and boat transfers.

What is the maximum group size?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

What are the age and fitness requirements?

The course is for people age 10 and up who are fit, healthy, and able to swim. Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour also notes travelers should have moderate physical fitness.

Is online pre-study required?

Yes. You must complete the online pre-study before your course starts.

What’s the cancellation and weather approach if plans change?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.