Tioman Reef Divers

Tioman Reef Divers is situated in Kampung Tekek, the main village of Pulau Tioman in Malaysia. The centre is positioned at the end of the village, just a 15-minute walk from the main jetty, making it a central hub for divers staying on the island.

Operating within the South China Sea, the centre provides access to more than 15 different dive sites around the island. Most locations are reachable within 15 to 20 minutes by boat, allowing for efficient dive schedules and plenty of time underwater.

The centre is an established NAUI affiliate, having been the first of its kind on the island. The team is composed of experienced guides and staff who are able to communicate in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Malay.

They cater to a wide range of experience levels, from those looking to try Scuba diving for the first time through Discovery Scuba Diving to certified divers looking for recreational outings. The staff is known for providing practical advice and information to help you plan your dives.

Tioman Reef Divers provides a range of NAUI training programmes. Beginners can start with Discovery Scuba Diving or work towards their NAUI Scuba Diver certification.

For those looking to advance their skills, the centre offers the NAUI Advanced Diver course. They also provide additional dives for those looking to add to their logged experience.

The centre operates two speed boats to transport divers to the various reefs and sites surrounding Tioman. These vessels allow for quick transit times, ensuring you spend more of your day in the water rather than on the surface.

For those travelling light, the centre offers full kit hire. This includes the availability of BCDs and regulators for those who prefer to bring their own fins and masks. Weights and cylinders are included in the dive service.

The reefs are home to a variety of larger species, including blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), whitetip sharks, and nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum). You may also encounter great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), giant barracuda, and various species of jacks (Carangidae) patrolling the water column.

In the reef structure, look for snapper (Lutjanus), fusiliers (Caesio), and various species of angelfish (Pomacanthidae) and wrasse (Labridae). Turtles and cuttlefish (Sepiidae) are also frequently observed throughout the area.

For those with an eye for detail, the macro life is significant. You can find various nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), and moray eels, including the green moray (Gymnothorax funebris) and brown moray eels.

The best time to dive in this region is from March to October. During this period, you can expect light currents ranging from 1 to 3 knots.

The northeast monsoon makes the seas rough and unsuitable for diving from mid-November to February, so it is best to avoid the island during this window.