Tioman Dive Buddy / Our People

Meet Your
Dive Buddies.

A great dive starts with good people. Meet the instructors and boat captains who make Tioman feel like your kind of place.

Meet the Team
The Tioman Dive Buddy team together by the sea at Kampung Genting
Our Island. Our People.Kampung Genting · Tioman Island

From First Bubbles to What’s Next

Already Part of
the Crew.

First-time nerves or a logbook full of adventures — you’re welcome here. With patience, experience, and a shared love of the ocean, our team is here to help you learn, explore, and enjoy the water.

01 / Below the Surface
8

PADI Instructors. Ocean People.

From your first scuba skills to the next stage of your training, meet the people who teach, guide and share the water with you.

02 / Above the Surface
3

Boat Captains. Your Island Crew.

The boat crew behind each trip to Tioman’s dive sites. Get to know the people who take you from the shore to your next dive.

03 / A Shared Passion
5

PADI 5 Star IDC Centre.

At home in Kampung Genting, Tioman Dive Buddy is a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre. Our team helps you find your own path into diving.

01 / Below the Surface

Your Dive Instructors.

Get to know the people behind the dives. Read their stories, or say hello on their socials.

Kimi Lim — Co-Owner / PADI Instructor

Co-Owner / PADI Instructor

Kimi Lim

PADI #396871Since 2010Instructor since 2017
Meet Kimi

Kimi Lim is one of the founding members of Tioman Dive Buddy and a passionate PADI Instructor who has been sharing the beauty of Tioman's underwater world since 2010. With a calm and encouraging teaching style, Kimi has guided countless students from their first bubbles to confident certified divers.

Always focused on safety and fun, he ensures every dive is a memorable experience for both beginners and experienced divers. When he's not diving, Kimi enjoys maintaining the dive centre's operations and exploring new dive sites around the island.

“Dive safe, dive happy.”
JY Tan — PADI Course Director

PADI Course Director

JY Tan

PADI #494645Joined 2020Instructor since 2020
Meet JY

JY Tan is a PADI Course Director from Malaysia with a deep passion for professional diver training and marine conservation. Fluent in English, Chinese, Malay, and Cantonese, JY is highly experienced in Instructor Development, Technical Diving, and Sidemount Diving as an Official Razor Instructor.

Since joining Tioman Dive Buddy in 2020, JY has mentored and inspired countless divers — guiding them from Open Water certification all the way to professional levels. His leadership and dedication continue to shape TDB's vision toward becoming a premier PADI 5-Star IDC Center.

“It's easy to become an instructor, but it's not easy to become a good instructor.”
Kim Cheong Chye — PADI Instructor

PADI Instructor

Kim Cheong Chye

PADI #271834Since 2016Instructor since 2016
Meet Kim

Kim Cheong Chye joined Tioman Dive Buddy in 2016 and quickly turned his love for the ocean into a full-time profession. Honest and hardworking, his journey began with a simple goal — to make a living through something he truly enjoys. What started as necessity soon became passion.

Known for his friendly and straightforward personality, Kim brings humour and positivity to every dive trip. He believes that every challenge underwater — just like in life — can be overcome with patience and teamwork.

“Work hard, dive harder.”
Yeannis Leong Wei Yean — PADI IDC Staff Instructor

PADI IDC Staff Instructor

Yeannis Leong Wei Yean

PADI #530794Since 2022
Meet Yeannis

Over 1,000 dives across Bali, Tioman, Tenggol, and Palau. Recipient of the PADI 200 Elite Instructor Award and Certificate of Recognition for Excellence.

“Diving is not just about depth — it's about growth, awareness, and connection.”
Chua Ser Thian — PADI Instructor

PADI Instructor

Chua Ser Thian

PADI #391526Since 2016
Meet Chua

From passionate diver to certified PADI Instructor, Chua truly enjoys the island lifestyle. What he loves most about teaching is watching students grow from nervous to confident divers.

“Diving isn't just a job — it's a way of life.”
Nick Goh Yin Hou — PADI Instructor

PADI Instructor

Nick Goh Yin Hou

PADI #454121Since 2019
Meet Nick

Nick began his diving journey driven by a strong curiosity for the ocean. In just a year, his passion led him to become a certified PADI Instructor. He expresses deep gratitude to his mentors Chua and Kim.

“Grateful for every bubble, every dive, and every lesson learned.”
Soh Shear How — PADI Instructor

PADI Instructor

Soh Shear How

PADI #530789Since 2022
Meet Soh

How turned his love for the underwater world into a fulfilling career. Known for his calm personality and patience, he ensures every diver feels comfortable and confident in the water.

“Dive deep, stay humble, and keep learning.”
Leaf Yc — PADI Instructor

PADI Instructor

Leaf Yc

PADI #546500Since 2023
Meet Leaf

One of TDB's newest PADI Instructors — cheerful, eager, and full of enthusiasm. As a newly certified instructor, Leaf brings fresh energy and excitement to every dive.

“A new journey begins — please take care of me!”

02 / Above the Surface

Meet Your Captains.

The familiar faces at the helm, taking you out to Tioman’s dive sites and bringing you back to shore.

Latip — TDB Boat 1 Captain

TDB Boat 1 Captain

Latip

Amy — TDB Boat 2 Captain

TDB Boat 2 Captain

Amy

Gok — TDB Boat 3 Captain

TDB Boat 3 Captain

Gok

Good People. Great Diving.

All That’s Missing Is You.

Tell us about your experience, the course you’re curious about, or the island trip you have in mind. Let’s find your next adventure together.

Explore Tioman Dive Buddy

What Will You Discover?

A Little Inspiration

From your first breath underwater to your next island escape. Try a course, a place to stay, or a topic you love.

Tioman Dive Buddy

A Look Around Our Island Home

Opening your island view…

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