Quiver Dive Team - Perhentian Island

Located on the coral-fringed island of Perhentian Kecil, Quiver Dive Team has been a fixture of the Malaysian diving scene since 2005. As a PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre, it serves as a primary hub for those looking to transition from recreational diving into professional roles.

The centre operates with a focus on high-level training and professional service, having earned multiple PADI awards for its contribution to the industry. While based on the Perhentians, the team also operates in Lumut and provides excursions to the diverse marine environments of Pulau Tenggol and Pulau Sembilan.

The team is composed of highly experienced, award-winning instructors dedicated to maintaining the highest training standards. They facilitate over 1,000 certifications annually, ensuring that whether you are a novice or a professional candidate, the instruction is precise and follows established PADI protocols.

For those pursuing a career in diving, the centre offers an extensive professional pathway, including Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Specialty Instructor courses. They maintain a maximum ratio of four divers per guide, ensuring close supervision and personalized attention during every dive.

Communication is streamlined for international divers, with staff proficient in English and French. The centre also maintains a strong environmental ethos through its support of Project AWARE and its dedicated eco-diving course offerings.

The course catalogue is comprehensive, covering the full spectrum of PADI certifications. Beginners can start with Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver, progressing through Adventure Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver levels.

For those looking to refine their skills, the centre offers several specialties, including Peak Performance Buoyancy, Enriched Air Diver, Wreck Diver, Deep Diver, Night Diver, and Underwater Navigator. They also provide technical training pathways such as Tec 40, Tec 45, and Tec 50.

As a Career Development Centre, Quiver is a specialist in professional training. They host the full Instructor Development Course (IDC), along with training for Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Specialty Instructor levels.

The dive boats are equipped with canopies to provide shade from the tropical sun during transit and surface intervals. Safety is a priority on all vessels, with emergency oxygen available on board for every trip.

Quiver Dive Team provides a complimentary boat transfer for divers from anywhere on Perhentian Island. The boats facilitate daily excursions to various popular sites, including night dives and trips to more remote locations like Tenggol Island.

The centre features a retail shop where divers can browse equipment, with discounts available for Divemaster candidates. While specific compressor brands are not listed, the facility is set up to support a high volume of daily diving.

Nitrox is available for use, allowing divers to extend their bottom times on many of the local sites. The shop and training facilities serve as the central hub for all shore-based preparations before heading out to the reef.

The marine life around the Perhentians and Tenggol is diverse, with large pelagics appearing seasonally. During March, April, September, and October, you may encounter whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), manta rays, and other large pelagics.

On the reefs, you will find a variety of larger species including blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), turtles, and Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus). Schools of barracuda, snappers (Lutjanus), and trevallies are common, alongside groupers (Epinephelus) and batfish (Platax).

Macro life is abundant, particularly around the rocky outcrops and sandy patches. Divers can look for nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), mimic octopus, and various species of shrimp (Caridea) and crabs (Brachyura). You may also spot juvenile bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium), scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), and blue-spotted stingrays.

Diving conditions vary significantly depending on the specific site. Some locations, such as Gua Rajawali and Turtle Point, offer low to no current, making them suitable for beginners. Conversely, sites like the Vietnamese Wreck, Tanjung Besi, and The Edge are known for strong currents.

Seasonal accessibility is high, as the Perhentian Islands are not affected by the monsoon, allowing for year-round diving. However, specific sites like Tokong Laut are best experienced during the peak months of March/April and September/October when pelagics are most active.