Tioman for your diving certificate
So some time in September of 2023, we decided that we shall get a diving certificate! So we did some research and landed with Tioman Dive Buddy.
Cost breakdown: Total SG$446.47/pax
PADI Diving course: RM$1,528 (twin sharing)
Coach bus (Singapore to Mersing): SG$39
Ferry to Tioman (Cataferry): SG$17.53
Ferry back to Mersing (Bluewater): SG$18.06
Mersing back to JB: (i forgot)
Packing list:
2-3 swimsuits
Sunblock
Toiletries
Clothes for dry land
Snacks
Chargers
Passport and some cash
Towel (optional)
Getting there
There are a few options to getting to Mersing’s ferry terminal (the closest ferry point to Tioman).
Coach bus straight from Bugis all the way to Mersing like we did
Take CW2 from Bugis to Woodlands checkpoint and then SBS170 to Larkin Bus terminal (via JB Sentral) before taking another bus to Mersing
Driving straight there
Book a taxi all the way
Once you’re at Mersing, take the ferry over and drop at Genting jetty to arrive at TDB.
There are two ferry operators there:
Bluewater: departs 7am and 9am
Cataferry: departs at 7.30am and 11.30am
Here is how the next few days will pan out.
The first day do be heavy on the theory aspect of diving since the Theory exam is on Day 3 night. And you get a taste of being in the ocean with the diving equipments all so fast and furious it is. And by the time you’re back to shore, you’re tired, starving and ready for round 2 of videos again.
Note: When they say come prepared and watched all the videos, they mean it. If not you’re forced to watch them all in the afternoon hahahahas
Your second day starts with a hearty meal before you’re back for more theory lessons and in the water you go. Eat - Lessons - Ocean - Rest - Repeat - Sleep.
Your third day is pretty much the same as yesterday just that after lunch we’ll be heading to deeper waters to do your 12m and 18m dive and lastly your Theory exam before partying with cans of beer.
Your last day would just be you heading back to Singapore. We took the 9am ferry back and then booked our bus back to JB before treating ourselves to some Korean fried chicken: K Fry Urban Korean Holiday Villa!
I would say it was a fast and furious process of getting our certifications but WE DID IT! And of course, the more people the more fun and cheaper it will be hehehe
The world is your oyster, get diving!
xoxo,
Chey
