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.
Tioman Dive Buddy / Our People
A great dive starts with good people. Meet the instructors and boat captains who make Tioman feel like your kind of place.
From First Bubbles to What’s Next
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.
From your first scuba skills to the next stage of your training, meet the people who teach, guide and share the water with you.
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.
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
Get to know the people behind the dives. Read their stories, or say hello on their socials.
Co-Owner / PADI Instructor
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.”
PADI Course Director
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.”
PADI Instructor
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.”
PADI IDC Staff Instructor
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.”
PADI Instructor
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.”
02 / Above the Surface
The familiar faces at the helm, taking you out to Tioman’s dive sites and bringing you back to shore.
TDB Boat 1 Captain
TDB Boat 2 Captain
TDB Boat 3 Captain
Good People. Great Diving.
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.