tioman island

 

tioman is in Pahang ("East Coast") within the Mersing Marine Park, which contains less commerical islands such as Sibu Island. The primary gateway Mersing is in Johor ("South").

Tioman's beaches were depicted in the 1958 movie South Pacific as "Bali Hai". In the 1970s, Time magazine selected Tioman as one of the world’s most beautiful islands. The densely forested island is still sparsely inhabited. Also it is surrounded by numerous white coral reefs, making it a haven for scuba divers from around the region.

Already the most commercially developed of Malaysia's eastern islands, a controversial RM 40 million marina project for Kampung Tekek, complete with 175 m cargo jetty, now threatens to speed up the pace of development on Tioman considerably. The marina is finished and the jetty is under construction. However, visitors with an aversion to such progress can avoid this part of the island and stay elsewhere without any impact.
Local transport is by bike, cars at Tekek, and by boat. A concrete road runs through Tekek, extending from the Berjaya resort in the south, past the airport, and to the northern end of Tekek village. There is a concrete path running the length of Air Batang area. Elsewhere there are almost no roads on Tioman. Cars may charge around RM20 for the short distance from the end of Tekek jetty/parks info office to the airport and up to RM120 for the biggest distance with a minimum of 2 or 4 passengers.

The rough concrete track was started by the Japanese in WWII and was re-opened several years ago. It follows the main electricty cable across to Juara. A 4 wheel drive vehicle is required. When you arrive you may be asked for up to RM175 to charter a whole vehicle to take you across, but be aware that the savvy tourist usually pays no more than RM100, and the local rate is RM80 (total per vehicle). It takes 45 min and is an interesting, steep and hairy ride.
There are several jungle treks , following the power lines, which connect the Kampungs. Depending on your condition and preferences, it could be better to have walking/trekking shoes and long pant.

    Tekek - Juara It is relatively easy to cross the island on foot from Tekek to Juara. The path up from Tekek is a well established but unpaved, 7 km long track with occasional stone steps to assist and a few fallen tree trunks to keep things interesting. You cannot lose the trail because it follws the powerline to Juara. It's feasible with a small backpack, but fairly strenuous, so allow plenty of time. In Tekek, the trail starts north of the airport (sign to Juara). Close to the waterworks, one leaves the road and continues on the trail. On the east side, it's an easy broad concrete footpath with no steps all the way from the summit down to Juara. Allow a minimum of at least 2 hr for the whole thing, significantly more if you want to stop along the way or if you're carrying anything, and take plenty of water and bug repellent; also bear in mind that the path is unlit and that it gets dark early in the jungle (especially on the Tekek side). There is no cheap way to go back. alternative to walk are speed boat or 4WD, 50-100RM.

    Tekek - Air Batang It is also possible to walk from Tekek to Air Batang (ABC), and the hike is relatively level. Just follow the power cable.

    Air Batang - Monkey Bay Again following the power cable, the hike is possible, though this is less level. First comes Panuba resort. Next there is Monkey Beach which is beautiful (it takes about 70 min to get from ABC to Monkey Beach). Make sure to follow the established trail by the power cable. Shortly thereafter is Monkey Bay. The two lie next to each other (in fact, one can swim out of the bay of Monkey Beach and reach Monkey Bay on the right without problems). There is hut at Monkey Bay.
        Monkey Bay If you continue along Monkey Beach to it's northern end, you will find a foot path that leads to the side of Monkey Bay, a very pretty hourglass indented beach. The foot pad is subject to treefall so expect it to be hard to follow in places, but panic not if you lose the path, use your head and nut it out. The more use the better the path will get. Both beaches offer very good snorkelling. The other way to reach them is by water taxis. There are ruins of attempts to set up business here, but otherwise no development, but the writer definitely saw a family of monkeys, who ignored the humans and didn't seem to expect any food. Of course don't feed them.

    Monkey Bay - Salang Keep following the power cable to get to Salang. Remember to follow the power lines, since the path may be hard to see sometimes. This path is more steep than the previous paths. It may take upto 90 min for this part of the hike.
Scuba facilities are readily available, and the diving is reasonably good, especially in view of the proximity to Singapore. Most villages have a variety of dive shops. Padi Open water courses average at about RM990 (4 day course), and for licensed divers each dive is roughly RM90).

    DiveAsia - PADI 5 Star IDC, Salang Village (From the jetty, turn left, walk straight and it's on the left.), ☎ +60 9 419 5017 (diveasia@tm.net.my), [3]. Established in 1976. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Excellent dive sites (Salang is best for diving). Helpful with arranging accommodation. The first and only Instructor Development Centre on Tioman Island. Services include boat dives, day and night shore dives, equipment servicing, air/nitrox/trimix refill, hydro testing, PADI recreational dive courses (Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Emergency First Response, Rescue Diver, Master Scuba Diver, Divemaster and Instructor). RM900 for PADI Open Water course.  edit

    B&J Dive Center, Salang Village. Has two full-service dive shops, at Air Batang and Salang. A very accommodating bunch of people with good dives. B&J can cater to technical divers offering nitrox and trimix as well as deeper wreck expeditions. Can also help to arrange accommodation. Don't just dive: plan and extra day or two to explore this island's other attractions.  edit

    Tioman Dive Centre:, Enjoy diving in clear blue waters over beautiful coral reefs teeming with marine life. Tioman is perfect for both learning to dive (TDC offer a comprehensive range of PADI dive training courses) and diving for fun at over 20 dive sites. Safety is, of course, their primary concern, but your fun and enjoyment are also important. They maintain a friendly, informal atmosphere in the dive centre, and hope you will enjoy their hospitality. Their many repeat visitors are testament to the fact that they are doing something right. ☎ +60 9 4191 228

    Tioman Cabana Sport & Ray Dive Adventure : Dive with local guided Shamrock to explore underwater world..with friendly staff and have most the best experienced and recommended from backpackers diver call 013-7176677

    Fisherman Divers:  Very professional PADI certified dive shop with experienced instructors & divemasters and really friendly staff. They can provide Nitrox (EANx) fills as well. Located at Salang beach, opposite to Four "S" cafe.

    Eco Divers: in Air Batang, ☎ +60 13 602 2640, +60 13 368 7833. A small diving centre with limited equipment.

    Bali Hai dive shop UK run operation with a surprisingly large office on the jetty and a variety of diving craft moored in the vicinity. They offer the usual programs including night dives on the home reef from the jetty.

Perhaps the most popular activity for visitors is snorkelling. Most resorts can arrange for speedboats or seabuses to take you to the beaches and small uninhabited islands nearby (such as Pulau Tulai, aka "Coral Island") and Renggis island where the snorkelling is at its best. The water is almost pristine save for the occasional litter. Just be careful of the small jellyfish, as they can pack a sting, and try not to lose your rental gear or you'll be subject to the renter's arbitrary fines. However, snorkelling is fantastic in front of most beaches and can rival that of any snorkelling trip at a fraction of the cost. However, do note that the beaches are home to several "Portugese Man of War". These prickly creatures tend to rest on rocks and if snorkelling in shallow waters, one should be especially careful of not coming in contact with these. They pack quite a sting and might require medical attention. Snorkellers who are squeamish about brushing against thick clouds of jellyfish in the water (as can happen in the May-September period) can try wearing a long-sleeved shirt or a rash guard when snorkelling. Alternately, you can rent a wetsuit from one of the dive shops if you're not comfortable with the jellies. You can rent snorkelling equipment for about 15RM/day (mask, scuba, fins). Some of the best locations are as follows.

    Paya: A group of rocks adjacent from the beach offers a variety of colourful coral and fish.

    Tekek: The marine park, 3 km north of Tekek, has a man-made artificial reef just off its jetty. The visibility can be questionable and theres not much coral but is teeming with fish.

    Air Batang: The best village for snorkelling. At ABC (the far end of the beach) one can snorkel around the rocks towards panuba with a full reef full of colourful coral and fish. Its not too deep, making it perfect for snorkelling. Even more colourful is the reef on either side of the jetty where one can see turtles and a vast garden of yellow coral.

    Tioman Cabana ☎ +60 13 717 6677, watersport at Tg Saik Beach, Tekek Village.

For those who are surf junkies, Tioman receives swells up to 2 m from the South China Sea. However, they only come during the wet season which is from November to March and only hit the eastern side of the island
between the pictures the beauty of Tioman Island