Explore The Underwater Depths of Sabah, Borneo With Scott Mayback

Discover Malaysia's breathtaking hidden environment at Sabah Borneo with Gaya Island Resort's very own resident marine biologist, Scott Mayback. As the resident marine biologist, Scott oversees all the aquatic operations and marine activities that take place at the resort and offers you an insight to the world below the surface.

Originally from the United States of America, born and bred in Long Island, New York, he is an individual who has always found the secrets of the deep calling to him to be explored. Fascinated from an early age with all aquatic life, he spent his youth breeding fishes and exploring the coastline before pursuing his interest further by studying at the University of Oregon. There, he picked up valuable experience by spending a year working at the university's own marine lab, Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (O.I.M.B), and also spent his free time learning about coral propagation.

After completing his education, Scott felt it was time to explore the world and set about travelling across the globe to pursue his passion. A constant desire to seek out adventure and a thirst to discover his surroundings led him to Malaysia and eventually Sabah, where he has spent the last three years gaining hands-on experience on coral reef restoration and turtle rehabilitation. With this experience, he has taken on the responsibility of helping Gaya Island Resort, and YTL Hotels, to pursue an active role in conservation by implementing initiatives and setting up marine conservation programmes while assisting also in coral planting and rehabilitating the coral reef. He hopes that his work will contribute in the efforts to end blast and cyanide fishing so that the coral reefs will have a chance to regrow and strive  to its natural beauty once again.

Scott came up for air long enough to answer a few questions we had for him.

Gaya Island Resort opens soon. Are you looking forward to bringing guests out diving once the resort opens?

Yes I am very excited to get back in the water, but my primary role will be taking guest snorkeling, ie the Marine Exploration.

Why did you decide to become a marine biologist?

I became a marine biologist because I love nature and hope to help preserve it, and I really enjoy being outdoors.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The best part of my job is being outdoors, especially being underwater because it is very relaxing and there is always something new to see.

Can you tell us what makes Sabah, Borneo such a special place to visit?

It is very special here because the people are very friendly and there are many different environments you can explore.

How do you compare the coral reefs here to the rest of the world?

Luckily here they are still in good shape, but they still need further research and protection to keep them for the future generations.

Where's your favourite diving spot?

My favorite diving spot is off Banggi Island off the Northern tip of Borneo.

The surrounding waters of Borneo are known for possessing a diverse range of marine life. What can we expect to encounter when we go snorkelling out with you?

Well there are thousands of interesting things to see so it is hard to name just a few but you will be able to see Giant Clams, Nudibranch, along with many differing species of fish and coral, and if you are lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle.

What, in your opinion, is one thing that everybody who visits Sabah, Borneo should do?

It's hard to choose just one, but everyone should visit Kinabalu park, and also go island hopping in TARP Marine Park.

Tell us what you believe makes Gaya Island Resort such a special place to stay at?

It is very unique as it has the Rainforest and Coral Reef environments, and is also very near to the city.

Scott makes the sea that surrounds Pulau Gaya an exciting place to explore for all of you who get to witness the hidden beauty of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. A memorable education of all the marine life that you encounter is delivered while you're unearthing Borneo's secret world which lies beneath the surface just a stone's throw away from Gaya Island Resort.

Thank you for your time Scott and we can't wait to visit you at Gaya Island Resort and learn from you how we can all help to preserve a healthy ecological environment.