An example of the Sea Trek Underwater Helmet Diving System

Today it is what lies below the seas off this tropical paradise that is attracting thousands.

Leisure seawalking has quickly taken off in Sabah which is already world renowned for its dive sites.

Seawalking allows you to walk the seabed and watch fishes go by without having to carry oxygen tanks or complicated equipment. You will don on Sea Trek Underwater Helmet Diving System and be ready to discover the underwater world.

The walks take 20-30 minutes along the shores of Gaya Island and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and children as young as eight can view nature's aquarium.

"It is the answer to every non-diver's dream of taking a plunge into the sea," says Borneo Sea Walking Sdn Bhd assistant manager Cha Hong Young.

No miraculous effort is needed here. Just a short briefing on breathing and hand gestures, a pair of underwater shoes and a 30 kg astronaut-like underwater helmet.

Soon-to-be sea-walkers have to register at the company's site office in sandy Pulau Manukan, one of five islands in the marine park, before being taken to a pontoon, a short boat ride away.

Other islands just off the Kota Kinabalu shoreline are Gaya, Mamutik, Sulug and Sapi. The pontoon is located between Manukan and Sapi for its protected waters, especially from boat traffic and strong currents.

On the pontoon, participants are briefed on basic hand gestures for "no problem", "going up", "left or right", and "ok" and breathing and walking techniques.

"This is important for everyone's safety since handsigns are the only way of communication down there," adds Cha.

Attached to the pontoon is a wide stairway where halfway, the heavy helmet is put on. A hose is connected to the helmet to pump in air while air pressure prevents water from getting into the helmet. Thus, sea walkers are able to breathe as comfortably as they can on land.

Continuing on will be a straight "walkway", marked by ropes to hold on.

Each trip of eight metres into the sea can be made by a maximum of four persons so that everyone is attended to.

The three dive instructors " each with a specific responsibility of guide, photographer and guard " keep close watch on every movement.

The excursion only takes 30 minutes and is priced at RM150 (about C$65 per person). A booking for 12 persons comes with a free underwater disposable camera.

For more information, call Tourism Malaysia in Vancouver at 1-888-689-6872.