If you only have the weekend, I would not recommend flying. You won't have the time to get in much diving at all. The ferry is an option but you'd only be on Tioman for 25 hours.
http://www.asiatravel.com/malaysia/berjaya_tioman/ferry_ticket.html By the time you got to where the dive ops are, you'd likely not get in much diving either. You'd get two afternoon dives, a night dive and maybe a morning dive on Sunday.
Alternatives, some of which are noted above include diving from the MV Vincent, the MV Grace and the Samudera Quest.
1. The MV Vincent runs out of Mersing, Malaysia. It's a small live-aboard with intimate diving and great food. You have to put up with a four hour van ride to Mersing and through Malaysian immigration. The immigration is definitely the worst part but it is not unbearable. I actually enjoy the ride but Dr. Mike has a different opinion.
http://www.vincentdive.com/main1.htm
2. The MV Grace, operated by Penetration Divers, sails from Johore Bahru. I've not been on it yet but I understand that it is a very nice boat with very good services. It's new to the community hear. You still have to put up with the hassle of getting across to Malaysia but there is only a 10 minute drive instead of a four hour drive. Some of their trips are reserved for tech / wreck divers so check the website for the weekend you are planning. Tell Greg that Dr. Mike sent you
http://www.penetrationdivers.com/pages/25/index.htm
3. Friendly Waters runs the Samudera Quest (
http://www.friendlywaters.com.sg/liveaboard.html) directly from Singapore. I'm not a huge fan of the boat but they provide good service. The boat sails overnight, usually to Pulau Aur.
With all of the options above, you are likely to leave on Friday night around 7:30 and return on Sunday evening, anywhere from 6:00 to 8:00 or so. You'll probably get in 3 day dives on Saturday, a night dive then two dives on Sunday morning. Diving may be around Tioman or the nearby island of Aur. Both islands have great diving.
Please note that Vincent has another boat that sails directly from Singapore, the White Manta. It's currently in Phuket and only comes to Singapore at the beginning of April. Recognizing the fact that I am biased, it's a shame that you are here in March as I think the White Manta is the best option considering comfort, convenience, price, etc.
