41 members of The Second Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2 RGR), deployed in November 2025 to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, to take part in Exercise IMHAL ADVENTURE (Ex IA). The exercise was designed to challenge and develop 2 RGR personnel through scuba diving adventure training, offering the opportunity to gain internationally recognised PADI qualifications.
Led by Lieutenant Henry Clark and Sergeant Ashmin Gurung, Ex IA was the culmination of months of detailed planning. The training focused on leadership, composure under pressure, and strengthening cohesion across D Company and CSS Company.
Following the recent unit move back to Brunei, the team was eager to experience the stunning waters around Gaya Island and the vibrant surroundings of Kota Kinabalu. Accommodation close to the harbour enabled easy access to both the dive school on Gaya Island and the city centre, ensuring the exercise ran smoothly throughout.
Upon arrival on Gaya Island, the team received a warm welcome from Down below Marine and Wildlife Adventures, who provided expert instruction throughout the week. Divers were organised into small groups and introduced to their instructors before beginning their initial skills and safety training.
Over the course of the week, 2 RGR personnel completed dives in sheltered bays, coral reefs, and even a historic shipwreck site. Many experienced encounters with turtles, stingrays, jellyfish, lobsters, and an impressive array of marine life. Evenings were spent at team dinners, where divers shared stories from the day while sampling local restaurants and seafood markets.
Special commendation goes to Lance Corporal Ashis Mabo, who achieved his PADI Advanced Diver qualification, and to Rifleman Akash Shrestha, who was recognised by the dive school as the top student for his consistently positive attitude and for always supporting fellow divers.
EX IA proved to be a hugely rewarding and memorable week. Those who earned their PADI Open Water Diver qualification now look forward to putting their new skills to use around the world and exploring the oceans with confidence.
