WHO ARE WE?​

​We are a small private beach resort in Sabah, with a PADI dive center. We appeal to the adventurous social traveler who is looking for a place where they can appreciate the natural beauty of Borneo both above and below water. At Bigfin Beach Resort you can engage in activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, jungle trekking, or you can simply chill out and enjoy the stunning surroundings. 
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We are the first dive company to operate in KOTA BELUD. We offer an exciting alternative to scuba diving in Kota Kinabalu, with scuba diving trips to Mantanani Island, Pulau Pandan Pandan, Pulau Usukan and many secret submerged reefs in KOTA BELUD. We offer FUN DIVES for Introductory to Experienced divers and a full range of PADI DIVE COURSES. 

Where are we?

Our dive resort is based on beautiful Pantai Merakit beach opposite Pulau Pandan Island in Mengkabar Bay. We are approximately 60km north of the city Kota Kinabalu on a stretch of undeveloped coastline in KOTA BELUD, to the south-east of Mantanani Island.

How to get here

Our Dive Centre is only accessible by boat; situated on a remote beach in Mengkabar bay opposite Pulau Pandan. For outside guests or day trip divers from Kota Kinabalu or Kota Belud we offer boat pick up service from Dragon Pearl Beach Resort, Kampung Mengkabar village (accessible by road).

Taxi from Kota Kinabalu (recommended!)
RM120 - Private Taxi Direct (we can book for you)
RM90-150 GrabTaxi (price dependent on time and traffic)

​Mini van bus from Kota Kinabalu
Depart from Padang Merdaka Terminal KK to Kota Belud (RM10, 1-2hours), then take a taxi to Mengkabar (RM50 20mins)
Please note: there are no set bus times, busses only depart with full capacity

Boat/Taxi from Mantanani Island
Boat transfer to Rampayan Laut (arrange directly with your resort on Mantanani)
Taxi to Bigfin Divers meet point, (RM80, 40 mins)

Private Transport / Rental Cars
Follow Google Map for directions and signposts to Bigfin Divers/Mengkabar Village or Dragon Pearl Resort (next door)
Parking available at Dragon pearl (RM10 payable to Dragon pearl reception) ​

Our Resort

​Bigfin Beach Resort is a small private resort ideal for those who are searching for a place to truly chill and relax in a nature lovers paradise. We are located on a beautiful sandy beach in Mengkabar bay, directly opposite Pulau Pandan Island. We are nestled in the surrounding jungle with a stunning backdrop of Mount Kinabalu in the distance. Since we have no road access our place is only accessible by boat from a small village called Kampung Mengkabar. We have private hilltop en-suite chalets, all with fantastic panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding coastline. Onsite facilities include a restaurant/bar, hang out areas, water sports, jungle paths and PADI Scuba Dive Centre.  Perfect for divers and non-divers alike who seek affordable accommodation in a idyllic location where you can enjoy the lush, peaceful surroundings.
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Our Diving

​After years of research in the waters of Kota Belud and Mantanani, we have discovered some spectacular dive sites away from the crowds! ​Since we are the only dive resort in the area, you can dive with us and encounter no other divers underwater.
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Expect a personalized service where you can experience the underwater world undisturbed. We offer daily dive trips with small groups to a variety of awesome dive sites. Learn to dive with our experienced qualified instructors, with a safe professional learning experience in a relaxed location with a fun and friendly atmosphere!

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IDYLLIC ISLAND'S

 We are located directly opposite the tiny uninhabited island PULAU PANDAN. The island's safe shallow waters and surrounding coral reef is a perfect location for beginner divers to learn and refresh dive skills. We also run day trips to USUKAN ISLAND and the famous Mantanani Island.

UNCHARTED REEFS

Drift with the current across huge submerged reefs with healthy hard coral gardens and schools of colourful reef fish. Explore beautiful dive sites in blissful tranquility. Since we have discovered most of our dive locations ourselves we are the only dive centre to visit these stunning sites! 

SHARKS AND RAYS

Our dive sites are home to resident bamboo sharks, cat sharks, leopard sharks, many species of rays, and if you are lucky you many encounter passing giants during whale shark season!
​We are one of the only places in Sabah outside of Sipadan where you are almost guaranteed to see sharks!