First-time scuba starts at a city jetty. In Kota Kinabalu, this RAID discovery experience runs from Jesselton Point Jetty with instruction in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, plus an island lunch and a low-stress pace.

I really like the way the program is built for beginners: you get guided practice with the gear and skills before you spend real time underwater. I also like the small-group setup, with a maximum of 10 people, which means your instructor can actually keep eyes on you.

One thing to consider: it’s weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, you’ll get offered a different date or a full refund, but the experience itself is non-refundable and can’t be changed once booked.

Key highlights at a glance

• Meet at Jesselton Point Jetty by 08:45 using the British Red Telephone Boxes as your landmark
• PADI-focused coaching with insured, licensed instructors and low ratios
• Two-part underwater flow: skills practice first, then a proper reef session after lunch
• Tropical island lunch included (from a menu), with free-flow drinking water during the activity
• Multilingual crew working in English, Malay, and Chinese
• Small group capped at 10 so you’re not lost in the crowd

Kota Kinabalu’s Marine Park: why this is built for first-timers

Kota Kinabalu is one of those places where the sea is right there, close to town, and easy to access. This experience uses Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, which is a smart choice when you’re new to scuba because you get a planned, guided way into it rather than a chaotic free-for-all.

What I like most for beginners is the pacing. You’re not thrown into a long, complicated underwater schedule. Instead, you start with explanation and gear familiarization, then you build up to the real reef time after lunch. That structure is what helps people feel less overwhelmed.

Also, you’re always with a professional instructor. That matters because scuba is more about controlled habits than bravado. Having someone right there keeps the experience calm and safe-feeling.

Price and what makes the $110 cost feel fair

At $110 per person, this is not a bargain-adventure where you wonder what’s included. The pricing stacks several practical items together: full scuba equipment, landing and facility fees, and lunch on a tropical island, plus return transfers back to the starting area at the end.

For a first scuba experience, those add-ons usually cost extra elsewhere. Here, you’re paying for the whole package: instruction, the gear, the marine-park access, and a meal break. It also includes free-flow drinking water through the activity, so you’re less likely to feel drained after the morning session.

Two other value points: the group size cap (10 people max) and the emphasis on low ratios. Even without fancy add-ons, that instructor time is what makes the difference when you’re learning.

Getting to Jesselton Point Jetty: the British Red Telephone Boxes trick

Your day starts in the heart of downtown at Jesselton Point Jetty. Plan to arrive at 08:45, because the boat leaves at 09:00 sharp. If you’re even slightly late, you’ll feel it fast—this is one of those operations that runs on time.

Here’s the key detail that makes life easier: the meeting point is at the British Red Telephone Boxes, located about 20 metres from the entrance on the left-hand side. Use that landmark and you’ll avoid that classic “where do I go?” scramble with other arriving groups.

You’ll meet the professional crew there for the day’s briefing and schedule. Since the staff also operates in English, Malay, and Chinese, you’re not stuck decoding instructions with a smile and hope.

The morning skills session: equipment, water entry, and calm instructions

Once the boat departs, the program begins in the marine park area. The morning is designed like a confidence-builder: a verbal education session, followed by time to get used to the scuba setup.

You’ll learn the basics you actually need: how the equipment feels and how it works, then how to enter the water in a controlled way. The goal is simple—get you comfortable before the underwater part ramps up.

This section is also where good instructors quietly do their best work. In the feedback I saw, Aamir (spelling may vary) came up as a guide who’s easy to understand and reassuring with first-timers. That kind of teaching style matters because scuba confidence is mostly about clarity.

One-cylinder practice and your first real underwater moment

After you’ve practiced and got your bearings, you’ll do a short dive on the same cylinder. Translation: you’re not jumping straight into a long underwater plan. You’re taking an early test-run with the equipment and your new skills.

That short session is valuable for beginners because it lets you check a few things quickly:

• how your breathing feels with the gear
• whether you can follow cues without panicking
• how buoyancy and comfort feel at the start

From there, you’re set up for the later reef time when you’ll have more relaxed focus. If you’ve been nervous about scuba, this structure is the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling like you’re progressing.

Island lunch on the tropical island: the break that improves the afternoon

Lunch is included, served on a tropical island from a menu. This is not just a break to fill time. It’s a reset. The morning focuses on learning and effort; the afternoon is more about experiencing the reef.

When your food and energy are handled, you can pay attention to what’s happening underwater instead of thinking about getting cold, hungry, or tired. You’ll also have free-flow drinking water during the activity, which helps keep you feeling steady after the gear practice.

One small practical thought: the lunch break is a great moment to double-check how you’re feeling physically. If your body’s a little stiff from the morning, use that time to loosen up before the next session.

Your proper underwater reef time with RIAD PADI instructors

After lunch, you’ll take part in a proper boat dive and explore an underwater reef with your RIAD Professional Instructor. This is the main experience piece—your first proper look at the underwater world of Borneo.

Because you’re still with the instructor the whole time, the emphasis stays on safety and comfort. For beginners, that’s huge. Scuba is technical, but a good guide keeps the experience human: clear cues, quick checks, and support when you need it.

In the feedback, the crew support came up again and again. People thanked staff members such as Esther for taking care of them throughout, which fits what you want during the afternoon: not just instruction, but smooth care so the day doesn’t feel stressful.

Also, the boat setup can be mixed. One account described a boat where some participants went snorkeling while others did the beginner scuba adventure. If you end up in a mixed group, don’t worry—you’ll still follow your own instructor-led schedule.

Small-group setup, low ratios, and multilingual support

This is designed as a small-group activity, with a maximum of 10 travellers. Low ratios mean your instructor isn’t juggling a crowd. You’ll likely get more direct feedback and more time to ask questions without feeling rushed.

The crew is multilingual, working in English, Malay, and Chinese, which helps when scuba terms get technical. If you’re learning from scratch, you don’t want to translate too much in your head. Better language support can mean faster comfort.

And because the instructors are PADI licensed and insured, you get that extra baseline of professionalism. In a first scuba experience, that reduces friction—you can focus on learning what matters rather than wondering what the safety culture is like.

Timing in Kota Kinabalu: 6 hours, then your afternoon is yours

The experience lasts about 6 hours (approx.). Realistically, you’ll return to Jesselton Point Jetty at around 15:00/16:00, which leaves you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of Kota Kinabalu the way you want.

This is a big deal because the area around Jesselton Point is easy to use as a base. You can plan a casual meal afterward, explore at your own pace, or just enjoy downtime instead of feeling like the whole day is swallowed.

Starting at 08:45 and finishing mid-afternoon is also a smart rhythm for beginners. You get daylight conditions for the learning period and still have a normal evening.

Who should book this scuba try-out (and who should think twice)

This experience fits best if:

• You’re a first-time scuba participant and want a structured intro
• You like a small-group feel with close instructor attention
• You want an included lunch on a tropical island rather than eating separately

It’s also suitable if you want something that ends early enough to keep your day flexible. That combo is rare: learning + reef time + a meal, without dragging into late evening.

Think twice if:

• You can’t be flexible with the weather. The program requires good conditions, and it won’t run as planned if conditions are poor.
• You’re unsure about moderate physical demands. The activity notes moderate physical fitness expectations, which is reasonable for water entry and time on a boat.

Good news: service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Should you book it?

Yes, I’d book this if you want a beginner-friendly scuba experience that’s paced, instructor-led, and not padded with extra fluff. The standout value is the bundle: PADI instruction, full gear, marine-park access, island lunch, water throughout, and a tight group cap. For first-timers, that kind of total support reduces the usual nerves.

Book it soon if your dates are firm. The average booking is about 13 days in advance, so waiting until the last minute can shrink your options.

One last tip before you commit: double-check your schedule and have a realistic plan for weather. Because it’s non-refundable, you’ll feel better if you’re picking a date you can truly use.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the RAID scuba try-out?

You meet at Jesselton Point Jetty at 08:45, at the British Red Telephone Boxes on the left side of the entrance, about 20 metres from the entrance.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs at 09:00 sharp.

How long does the experience take?

It’s about 6 hours (approx.), and you return to Jesselton Point Jetty at around 15:00/16:00.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes. It’s a PADI scuba discovery experience designed for first-time divers, with instructors teaching skills and staying with you throughout.

What’s included in the price?

Included: full scuba diving equipment, highly trained PADI instructors (insured and licensed), low ratios, lunch on a tropical island, landing and facility fees, free-flow drinking water, multilingual staff, and return transfers from the jetty area.

Is travel insurance included?

No. Travel insurance is not included.

What if weather is poor and the trip can’t run?

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

How many people are in the group?

The tour/activity has a maximum of 10 travellers.