PADI Open Water & Advanced Open Water Course at Semporna in Sabah

Semporna is a useful place to start a PADI qualification: the course combines classroom theory, guided practice and boat trips, giving you a structured route toward exploring underwater sites around the world. The Advanced Open Water Course is for certified participants who want to build skills and qualify for access to more demanding sites, including Sipadan.

I like two things in particular: the included equipment, boat transfers and course materials make the price easier to assess, and the instruction can be personal. One participant received one-to-one teaching, and an instructor accompanied a participant over 45 to a nearby clinic when a medical check was needed.

The main caution is that course timing and communication need confirming before you book. The schedule describes two eight-hour days, but one Open Water participant reported a three-day course and confusion about when water training began. Clarify the exact plan, required gear and e-learning before you set your travel dates.

Key points before you book

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• Two different qualifications: Open Water training is for starting out; Advanced Open Water is an upgrade and requires a current diver’s license.
• A full day on the water: The listed schedule starts at 8:00 am and gives a return time of 4:00 pm on the second day, though timing can change.
• Training is included: The package lists four training sessions for Open Water and five for Advanced Open Water, with theory and guided practical sessions for the advanced course.
• Meet at Dragon Inn Floating Resort: The group meets at the main entrance in Semporna, not at your hotel.
• Bring swimwear and a change of clothes: Long-sleeved rash guards and long leggings are recommended.
• Check the details in writing: Price, course duration, medical requirements and e-learning arrangements deserve a clear answer before you pay.

A Semporna course built around certification

This is not a casual boat outing with a short taste of the water. It is a training course intended to lead to a PADI qualification, with theory as well as practical work. That distinction matters: you should book it for the certification and instruction, not simply as a way to see the coast.

Semporna is the departure town for trips to nearby marine sites, and the course uses boat transfers to reach its training locations. The exact sites are not specified, so do not assume a particular island or location is part of the package. The Advanced course is promoted as a route toward renowned places such as Sipadan, but access there is not stated as part of this course.

The provider is Borneo Climb & Dive Sdn Bhd, and all instruction is described as being led by PADI-certified instructors. A particularly encouraging detail is the report of one-to-one Open Water instruction. That can make a real difference when you are learning equipment checks, water skills and safety procedures for the first time.

There is also a useful example of hands-on support: one participant over 45 needed a medical check and was accompanied by an instructor to a nearby clinic. That does not establish a universal medical rule for people over 45, but it is a reason to ask the operator what medical paperwork you need. The activity is not recommended for people with certain conditions, including high blood pressure and epilepsy.

Open Water or Advanced: choose the right course

The PADI Open Water Course is the entry point for someone who has not yet earned a qualification. The package includes theory and practical instruction, equipment, course materials and four training sessions. Once certified, you have the foundation to take part in recreational underwater activities around the world, subject to local rules and the limits of your certification.

The PADI Advanced Open Water Course is for someone who already holds a diver’s license. It includes theory and guided practical sessions, plus five training sessions. The stated aim is to upgrade your certification and gain access to more well-known sites, including Sipadan, where local access rules and permits may still apply.

Do not book the Advanced option if you are not already certified. The operator requires your license details, which must be sent to [email protected]. Have a clear copy ready, and confirm that your existing qualification meets the course requirements.

The package information has a pricing wrinkle worth sorting out. The overall experience is advertised from US$454.45, while the options list Open Water from US$474.35 and Advanced Open Water from US$413.15. Those figures may reflect different starting rates or availability, but the information does not explain the difference. Check the exact total for your chosen course and date before paying.

At those prices, the inclusions are substantial: instructor, lunch, equipment, boat transfers, jetty and conservation fees, and course materials. You still need to budget for accommodation, hotel transfers, breakfast, dinner, personal purchases, tips and insurance. If you are already staying in Semporna, the lack of hotel pickup is less of a burden. If you are based elsewhere, allow time and money to reach the meeting point.

What the two-day schedule means in practice

The plan begins at 8:00 am. You are asked to meet at the main entrance of Dragon Inn Floating Resort, at 1, Jalan Kastam, Taman Bandar Semporna. Arrive at least 15 minutes early; another instruction says 10 minutes, so use the safer 15-minute margin. The no-show policy is strict, and late arrivals are not refundable.

The first listed day has an eight-hour block, but no detailed sequence of lessons or water sessions is provided. That missing detail matters. One Open Water participant described a mismatch between the expected first-day plan and the actual course, including uncertainty about when practical training would start and what gear to bring. Before departure, ask whether you need to arrive in swimwear, bring course equipment, or complete e-learning in advance.

The second day also starts at 8:00 am, with a stated return at 4:00 pm. In reality, the schedule can shift with student progress, weather and crowd conditions. Think of the return time as a target rather than a guarantee, and avoid arranging a tight onward connection that afternoon.

There is an important discrepancy to resolve: the supplied schedule outlines two days, but a participant in the Open Water course described completing a three-day program, including online study and forms. That account does not prove every course takes three days, but it is enough reason to ask for the precise duration of your chosen package. Get the answer in writing, especially if your flights or hotel bookings depend on it.

The activity includes four training sessions for Open Water and five for Advanced. Those numbers refer to course training, not necessarily the number of separate days. Your pace, weather and conditions can affect the schedule, so keep your plans flexible.

What the instruction and support may feel like

A good course depends on more than the boat ride. You need clear explanations, patient correction and safe routines, particularly if you are new to wearing equipment and working in the water. The report of friendly, helpful staff and one-to-one instruction is a strong point. A high standard of teaching can make a demanding course more rewarding, not less.

There is also a serious counterpoint. One participant described poor communication about the course plan, conflict with an instructor over missing gear, concerns about a student’s equipment and a boat pickup problem. The operator reportedly compensated for the missed pickup, but that does not erase the inconvenience. The same account described slow replies about PADI certification paperwork after the course.

Those are specific complaints, not proof that every course runs that way. Still, they point to sensible precautions: confirm the daily schedule, ask exactly what to bring, clarify e-learning requirements and find out when your certification will be processed. Keep the operator’s contact details handy, and do not leave a tight onward transfer for the afternoon.

The activity has a rating of 3.0 out of 5 from two ratings, while the provider’s broader record is listed as 88% good across 367 reviews. The small number of ratings for this particular course makes the score a limited guide. I would weigh the detailed positive account of personal help alongside the operational concerns, then use direct questions to judge how clearly the operator responds.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The listed inclusions cover many of the costs that can otherwise complicate a course: a PADI-certified instructor, required equipment, boat transfers, lunch, jetty and conservation fees, and PADI course materials. For the Advanced option, theory and guided practical sessions are also included. You do not have to arrange a separate boat transfer to reach the training area.

The package does not include accommodation, hotel pickup or drop-off, breakfast, dinner, tips, personal expenses or insurance. That makes the course simplest if you are staying within Semporna town. The meeting point is about five to seven minutes on foot from town, and around five minutes by car from Semporna Jetty.

Getting to Semporna takes planning. From Tawau Airport, the road transfer is about 1.5 to 2 hours. The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau takes about 2 hours 55 minutes, while the flight from Kota Kinabalu is about 55 minutes. These are useful estimates, not a reason to schedule a close connection on course day.

Lunch is covered, but you should tell the operator about dietary needs in advance. Special requests for allergies, gluten intolerance, vegetarian food and other dietary needs can be accommodated. Breakfast and dinner remain your responsibility, so plan those around the early departure and long course days.

Pack for a long day in and out of the water

Bring swimwear, a towel, toiletries, a change of clothes and sunscreen. A long-sleeved rash guard and long leggings are recommended, practical protection for a day spent in and around the water. The package includes equipment, but that does not mean you can leave every personal item behind.

Send your email address for course-kit registration and your date of birth, both required for all participants. Provide a contact number that works with WhatsApp, Kakao Talk, WeChat, LINE or Viber, and share any dietary requirements. For the Advanced course, send your diver’s license to the address above.

Insurance is not included. Accident or travel insurance is recommended, and it is wise to consider coverage before taking part in a physical water activity. The course is not recommended for people with impaired mobility, and it is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.

There is a confusing age note: the eligibility information says participants must be at least 15, but another line says children aged 10 and older are charged the adult rate. Do not interpret that as confirmation that a 10-year-old can join. Contact the operator to confirm the minimum age for your chosen course before booking.

Who should book this Semporna course?

This course suits you if earning a PADI qualification is a main reason for visiting Semporna, you can set aside full days for training, and you are willing to confirm the details before arrival. The Advanced option makes sense if you already hold a qualifying license and want to progress toward access to more demanding sites.

It is less suitable if you mainly want a relaxed half-day on the water, need a guaranteed return time, or cannot tolerate changes to the schedule. It may also be a poor fit if you need hotel pickup, accessible facilities or detailed course arrangements settled without follow-up.

I would book after getting four points confirmed: the exact package price, how many days the course takes, what you must complete before the first session, and what to bring. Also ask how certification processing works and when you should expect confirmation. If the answers are clear, the included instruction, equipment and boat transfers offer a practical package. If they are vague, consider another Semporna course with a schedule that better fits your trip.

FAQ

Where does the course meet?

Meet at the main entrance of Dragon Inn Floating Resort, 1, Jalan Kastam, Taman Bandar Semporna, Sabah. The stated meeting time is 8:00 am.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The meet-up information also says 10 minutes, so arriving by 7:45 am is the safer choice.

What is included in the course price?

The package includes a PADI-certified instructor, lunch, equipment, jetty and conservation fees, boat transfers and PADI course materials. The Advanced course also includes theory and guided practical sessions.

What is not included?

Accommodation, hotel pickup and drop-off, breakfast, dinner, personal expenses, tips and insurance are not included.

Do I need a license for the Advanced Open Water Course?

Yes. A diver’s license is required for the Advanced course, and you must send it to [email protected].

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, toiletries, a towel and swimwear. A long-sleeved rash guard and long leggings are recommended.

Can the course accommodate dietary needs?

Yes. Special dietary requirements, including allergies, gluten intolerance and vegetarian diets, can be accommodated. Share your needs in advance.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, based on local time. If extreme weather or an unforeseen event leads the operator to cancel, you can reschedule or request a full refund.