All of us have been deprived for so long for not being with the nature. Dive Downbelow‘s picture above tells everything about “water babies”. That eagerness to jump into the water speaks how much they miss to be in the water.

Sabah has reopened its domestic tourism way much earlier last month in May as compared to other states. But starting May 10, the federal government allows interstate travel which also means people from other states can enter Sabah.

Is it safe to go diving?

Some might question: “How safe is it to join outdoor activities?”.

Dive Downbelow’s boss Richard Swann is among the first to bring divers for activities at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park when Sabah Parks announced reopening its tourist destinations including marine parks on May 15.

Guests are given clear instructions on new normal-social distancing, hand-washing, limited divers and frequent disinfection – to prevent Covid-19 infections.

He has also assured that all rental dive equipment are being properly sanitised according to guidelines from PADI and the relevant authorities.

Why people should support diving industry?

“There are many reasons why it is important for dive companies survive the current financial challenges and remain open for business. It is not all about making money!

“Divers need to be able to access dive sites for their own enjoyment but also as the ambassadors for the marine environment which faces so many challenges,” Richard says in his Facebook page.

Sea and sand calm the mind over “Covid-19” and “lockdown”.

According to a clinical psychologist Richard Shuster ” The color blue has been found by an overwhelming amount of people to be associated with feelings of calm and peace”

“Staring the ocean actually changes our brain waves frequency and puts us into a mild meditative state.”

How many dive sites in Sabah?

Few years back, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture had started a diving campaign trail dubbed as “End in Sipadan” that begins in the state capital, Kota Belud, Kudat, Lahad Datu and Semporna.

In Kota Kinabalu, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park offers several dive sites which include a wreck dive sites.

About less than two hours, Kota Belud’s Mantanani island, also known as the Mermaid island, offers idyllic and crystal clear waters that resemble Maldives.

Kudat, located at the tip of Borneo, has dive sites within the country’s largest marine park known as Tun Mustapha Park. One of the operators, Surf and Dive Blue Fin, as the name implies also provide surfing lesson and services.

Moving on to Lahad Datu, a local champion Glen Hapirulla, the sole operator Pirate Divers, will not mind to bring you to “Blue Ring” off Darvel Bay- another marine park to be gazetted in the future.

Sipadan island, a place that known globally, is looking forward to bring divers to explore marine biodiversity at unexceptionally cheap rate. Fret not, there are more dive sites such as Mataking, Mabul and few others if you plan to stay longer.