Malaysia – Tioman Island
Published: 25.1.2021
When anyone mentions Malaysia, the vast majority of people think of the Petronas Twin Towers, the twins that dominate the capital Kuala Lumpur, some of the Cameron tea plantations, others of the cultural city of Melaka. However, Malaysia also offers great swimming, endless sandy beaches, turquoise blue sea and unspoilt surrounding nature. A perfect example is the island of Tioman, also known as Pulau Tioman.
Why come here? The tropical island of Tioman attracts tourists from all over the world thanks to its crystal clear sea, rich underwater life, cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation. The island is located 30 kilometers from the city of Mersing on the east coast of Malaysia. You can only get there by boat three times a day, only once during the rainy season. Here you will find both simple guesthouses and luxury accommodation options.
There Are 4 Traditional Villages on the Island
The largest settlement Tekek, the main village, is strategically located in the middle of the island on the west coast. Here you will find all shops, restaurants and also a single bank with ATM. The ATM sometimes runs out of money, don't forget to take enough cash from the mainland. Another village is Air Batang, known as ABC Village, located on the west coast of the island. Air Batang is a traditional village with a relaxed atmosphere, popular with backpackers looking for cheap accommodation. It is probably the cheapest place you can find on Tioman. The village is lined with a long beach, unfortunately with a rocky seabed, which does not make this area exactly attractive for swimming. The northernmost village of the island is Salang, also a popular place for backpackers. It offers nice places for snorkeling and diving. Nearby is the island of Coral (Pulau Tulai), from which you can continue to Monkey Bay. Salang has a nice atmosphere and you will find reasonably priced bungalows, several bars and restaurants. If you are planning a holiday on the beach by the sea, then Salang is an ideal place. The last of the settlements is Juara.
Discover True Beauty of This Tropical Paradise
Common activities on the island include beach and water sports, complemented by a jungle trek. Kayaking is a great way to explore the coast and surrounding beaches. Adventure lovers can go on a challenging day trip to the top of the extinct Gunung Kajang volcano. For safety reasons, it is better to hire a guide who will, among other things, provide you with a lot of interesting information about the jungle, plants and wildlife on the island. If you don't want to spend the whole day walking, try one of the shorter trips. A popular route is the seven-kilometer jungle trek from the village of Tekek to Juara. The walk is not too strenuous, but some parts are steep and hiking in the tropical heat can be exhausting. You can cool off in the waters of Ali’s Waterfall. Don't forget to take plenty of drinking water.
Colorful corals and a wide range of seabed attract divers from all over the world. Sharks, turtles, coral reefs, shipwrecks and great visibility create perfect conditions for diving. You will find several diving centers here, both complete beginners and certified divers will enjoy themselves. The best time to visit the island for diving is between March and May and September and October. However, the conditions are suitable throughout the year, except during the monsoon season. From Tekek you can head to the small island of Pulau Renggis, a popular snorkeling spot just a few hundred meters from the coast. Kayaks can be rented both for an hour and for the whole day.
GPS: 2°49'26.3"N 104°09'43.7"E
Text and photos: Andrea Meluzínová
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