Scuba Ace

Scuba Ace is situated in Tekek, the main hub of Tioman Island, making it one of the most accessible dive centres on the island. Positioned near the Tekek Marina Jetty, the centre sits within easy reach of local amenities, including the island's only airport, clinics, and a variety of restaurants.

Founded in 2014 by Dr Joseph Kuah and Yiling Chong, the centre has built a reputation for treating divers as long-term friends. Their approach focuses on building confidence and awareness through structured, small-group training sessions that cater to both beginners and more advanced divers.

The centre operates with a focus on high-standard service and safety, prioritising small groups to ensure every diver receives the necessary attention. This teaching philosophy is applied across their entire range of certifications, from entry-level courses to professional instructor training.

Their curriculum is designed to foster enthusiastic and conscious divers. By maintaining low diver-to-guide ratios, they ensure that training remains personal and that safety protocols are strictly adhered to during every session.

Scuba Ace offers a comprehensive catalogue of training through both PADI and SSI. For those starting their journey, they provide Try Scuba Diving, Open Water Diver, and Advanced Adventurer courses. They also run specialised training such as Deep Diving, Navigation, and Perfect Buoyancy to refine your skills.

Professional development is a core part of their offering, with courses ranging from Diver Stress and Rescue to Dive Guide and Divemaster. They also provide the Instructor Training Course for those looking to join the profession. Beyond scuba, the centre is well-equipped for breath-hold divers, offering both Basic Freediving and full Freediver courses.

The centre provides a complete range of equipment for hire, allowing you to travel light if you prefer. This includes regulators, wetsuits, fins, and torches for night diving.

For those looking to train, the centre offers various packages that include the necessary pedagogical equipment and certification fees. They also facilitate night diving sessions for those looking to explore the reef after sunset.

The reefs around Tekek are home to a vibrant array of reef fish. You can regularly spot Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), Butterflyfish, and various species of Wrasse (Labridae). Schools of Fusilier (Caesio) and Snapper (Lutjanus) are common sights against the backdrop of the reef.

For those interested in larger pelagics, the area is frequented by Jack (Carangidae), Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), and various species of turtles. You may also encounter Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) or whitetip sharks patrolling the deeper sections of the reef.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe on the seabed. Look out for Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and various Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae). Green moray eels (Gymnothorax funebris) and other brown moray eels are often found tucked into the reef structure.