Diving is now part and parcel of the tourism industry, encouraging many people to travel to destinations that have excellent diving spots. Various types of diving can now be enjoyed. Recreational diving can be done with any diving operators based on selected islands in Malaysia, including fresh water lakes and pool. For this time around, I will elaborate on recreational diving and will touch on commercial and military in my future posts.In Malaysia, dive centres/operators usually operate in island resorts. To dive, one should obtain a diving license certified by authorised professionals/schools such as PADI, NAUI and SSCI. Diving license has a few levels, starting from the Open Water Course.

To complete this course, five days and four nights duration is required to complete dive theories, confined water training, open water dive (diving exercise at the maximum of 18 meters) and small exam to finish it off and qualify as a certified diver! After obtaining the diving license, one can dive in any country and dive site. Let the underwater explorations begin!The sea houses millions of underwater life, soft and hard corals, including s various formations that are coloured by an out-of-this-world and mesmerising universe. With zero gravity neutral bouyancy, it gives the sense of freedom that you have never imagined.

Unlike snorkeling, first time divers will find the experience of being part of underwater life amidst fishes, turtles and many kinds or marine life not at all intimidating. Starting with Open Water Course, one can begin exploring underwater. As to date, there are many chalets that provide the ‘Now Everybody Can Dive’ concept.

For more information, please visit the website www.scubajeffsipadan.com, which is currently operating on the beautiful Mabul island off coast Semporna, Sabah.