A gateway to the interior of Sarawak, Miri is also known as a coastal city that has interesting diving spots and offers diving opportunities for the complete newbies! Certain dive spots do not require a licence or certification, only some training. Everything from the training to the actual dive happens in one day.
The Anemone Gardens
Located just 20 minutes by boat from the Marina bay jetty, this dive spot has a depth ranging from 10-16 metres. Common sightings at these dive spots are hard & soft corals, anemones and their symbolic clown fishes, bubble corals, anchor corals, colorful dendronepthya soft corals, feather stars, giant clams, nudibranches and schooling yellowtails.
The product experience team prepared for the dive with the dive masters, went to the anemone gardens, then experienced a sunset cruise along the coast of Miri.
PERTINENT INFORMATION BEFORE DIVING: While not a scuba certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.
To sign up for a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience, you must be at least 10 years old. No prior experience with scuba diving is necessary, but you need to be in reasonable physical health*. You learn the basic safety guidelines and skills needed to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional. If you make an open water dive, you’ll practice a few more skills in shallow water to prepare for your adventure. More info http://divescover.com/diving/malaysia/sarawak/miri *Those with respiratory issues or pre-existing heart conditions will not be allowed to dive without a recent letter of consent from a physician.Sea sickness may also be a deterrent, as those who are nauseated should not be diving, therefore if you are prone to seasickness, bring your appropriate medication.
Diving Training
This all begins with training at the Miri Gymkhana Club. The team gathers to register and listen to a briefing on the training they are about to undergo and lastly the swim they’ll be enjoying at the Anemone Gardens.
First they train above water, getting used to wearing the attire and the oxygen tanks on their back.
Next, they try their hand at underwater pool training, learning the most vital part of diving: how to breathe properly from their tanks.
Off to the Anemone Gardens
Once the team had a grasp on all the basics, they departed from the pool area to Marina Bay jetty, next to Coco Cabana. Before leaving, had time to kick around and have lunch at Coco Cabana and admire the view at the jetty.
Finally, the team prepares to dive among the anemone in the Anemone Gardens. The excitement is palpable, but the team has been well trained and they enjoy a good swim through the clear waters before heading back to the boat.
After wrapping up the dive, the team settled down for a relaxing Sunset Cruise along the coast of Miri’s coast.
The day’s tour package cost as follows:
Diving: RM398 per person. Package includes: 1 boat dive, 1 packed lunch & refreshment, hotel/jetty transfer, PADI DSD certificate, weights & full equipment, on board PADI dive master.
Sunset Cruise: RM68 per person Package includes: Refreshments on board.
This trip was arranged by Minda Travel, formerly known as Tropical Dives.
Minda Nusantara Tours & Travel Agencies Sdn Bhd: Shoplot No.1338, 2nd Floor, Jln Sri Dagang, Waterfront
T: 6085 414 433 / 424 433
F: 6085 424455
E: mindatravel@gmail.com