A complete travel guide for Tioman Island 🏝️
Did you know that such a beautiful island exists off the coast of Pahang? Pulau Tioman is an idyllic tropical paradise, complete with stunning sea views, white sand beaches, and lush rainforest landscapes. That's not all – this gem of an island is also surrounded by crystal clear waters and diverse marine life, offering great diving and snorkelling sites for ocean enthusiasts.
Water activities are definitely a must-do here, and there are plenty of opportunities for up-close encounters with nature, like waterfall and rainforest adventures. The route from Kuala Lumpur is also relatively straightforward, so all it takes is a few hours and soon, you'll be able to enjoy exotic seaside views. Keep reading to discover the island's fascinating charm!
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Best time to visit Pulau Tioman
As a tropical island, the advantage is that you can visit Tioman Island at any time because the weather is sunny all year round. If you're looking for perfect weather, it's best to visit Tioman Island from late February to October. The monsoon season starts from the second half of November and ends in February. Even during the monsoon season, the island remains open to visitors, but it's not advisable to visit during this period because the sea can become rough and ferocious. When storms hit the coast and the sea, ferries will be unable to operate on the route. So, it's recommended to avoid the monsoon season.
Transportation Guide - How to Get to Tioman Island
To reach Tioman Island, the most economical way is to take a ferry from the port city of Mersing. If you're coming from Kuala Lumpur, you can either fly to Johor (or drive), then rent a car or drive to Mersing port. Taking the high-speed ferry will take about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Tioman Island. Upon arrival at Tioman Island, the ferry will dock at most of the villages on the west coast, which is very convenient for tourists. The ferry schedule almost changes daily (depending on the weather), so it's advisable to arrive early. Before heading to Mersing port, remember to check the ferry schedule to save time and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Accommodation Section - Tioman Island Hotels and Resorts
1. Paya Beach Spa & Dive Resort
Paya Beach Spa & Dive is located in the central-western coast of Tioman Island. Staying here allows you to experience leisurely relaxation on white sandy beaches, as well as enjoy magnificent sea views, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs with your loved ones. The beachfront rooms here are strategically located just steps away from the beach.
The room design is simple yet clean, with prices that are affordable. Additionally, a variety of flavorful cuisines are offered. To further enhance guests' stay experience, various facilities are provided, including a spa center, swimming pool, beach bar, barbecue area, multipurpose room, PADI diving center, guided eco-tours, and activities.
2. The Barat Tioman Beach Resort
Barat Tioman Beach is located on the protected natural paradise on the east side of Tioman Island, boasting a 2-kilometer-long golden beach and offering a variety of exciting marine and land-based ecological adventures throughout the year. Juara Beach, hidden on the east coast of Tioman Island, preserves its tranquil, untouched charm and has been ranked by CNN as the 21st most beautiful beach in the world.
Barat Tioman is situated on a sprawling 5-acre beachfront property, offering 56 spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities. After a day of adventure outdoors, you can unwind with a refreshing drink at the Skybar by the pool, or enjoy delicious snacks with your loved ones while admiring the sea view at the restaurant before heading back to your room for a hot shower!
3. Aman Tioman Beach Resort
Aman Tioman Beach is our personal favorite resort! Located in Kampung Paya on Tioman Island, it boasts a beautiful and pristine beach surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. The sea here offers views of healthy and vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for scuba divers with all levels of experience.
On the island, there are also many duty-free shops where guests can purchase items such as liquor and chocolates at prices lower than most airports. Aman Tioman, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, is undoubtedly an ideal retreat. It's worth mentioning that the design of the front desk and waiting area here is also remarkable, resembling the shape of ocean waves!
Sightseeing Section - Fun Activities on Tioman Island
Tioman Island is a beautiful tropical paradise that offers plenty of activities for beach and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you decide to go jungle trekking, relax on the beach, or dive, you're guaranteed to have a wonderful time here. While reading in a hammock sounds great, it's essential to include snorkeling or scuba diving in your itinerary on Tioman Island! Only then will you discover the true beauty of this tropical paradise.
1. Snorkelling in clear waters
Snorkelling amidst the vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish is a must-try water activity when visiting Tioman Island! The environmental management here is excellent, allowing you to snorkel around the island's beaches and admire the colourful marine life. However, for the best snorkelling experience, it's recommended to join a guided snorkelling tour. I suggest considering a boat snorkelling excursion, where you can encounter various species underwater! It's said that if you're lucky, you might even spot marine creatures like black tip reef sharks, yellow boxfish, and barracudas!
2. Go for a deep diving course
Tioman Island is one of the most beautiful islands in Pahang and a hotspot for scuba diving! If snorkeling along the coastline doesn't satisfy your curiosity about the marine world, exploring the depths here to discover marine life such as sharks, turtles, and coral reefs will surely captivate you! The island is home to many dive centers, offering courses suitable for all levels, so even beginners without experience can challenge themselves to dive!
In addition to leisurely boat diving experiences, you can also consider obtaining the relatively inexpensive Professional Association of Diving Instruction (PADI) certification here and try advanced open water diving courses. The best time for diving is from March to May and September to October.
Check out all-inclusive packages and diving courses at Pulau Tioman:
All-inclusive Package | Price | Experience Level |
From RM1670 per pax | Beginner | |
From RM2950 per pax | Advanced | |
From RM790 per pax | Certified divers only | |
From RM1390 per pax | Advanced | |
Diving Course | Price | Experience Level |
RM1442 per pax | Beginner | |
RM1391 per pax | Certified divers only | |
RM721 per pax | Certified divers only | |
RM1402 per pax | Advanced |
3. Watch the sunset
How can a trip to the island be complete without watching the sunrise and sunset? 🌅 While the scenery on Tioman Island is stunning all day long, there's something truly magical about witnessing the sunrise and sunset by the sea. There's nothing more perfect than sitting on the beach of Tioman Island and marvelling at the spectacular views of the morning and afternoon!
4.Relax on the beach
In addition to snorkeling and scuba diving, the beach is an iconic symbol of Tioman Island. Despite its age, the island still retains its unique charm. If you're not into intense water sports and prefer more laid-back activities, you can relax on the beach, soak up the sun, and read a book. You can also hang a hammock under the shade of palm trees and unwind while enjoying the sea breeze.
5. Be surrounded by nature at Asah Waterfall
Asah Waterfall is located near Mukut Village, and there are two ways to reach this nature-surrounded attraction. The first option is by hiking, which takes about 2 hours to arrive. Many tourists enjoy hiking as they can admire the lush tropical rainforest scenery along the way. The second option is by boat, which is a relaxing journey requiring no physical effort to enjoy the beautiful waterfall views!
While it may seem like a small waterfall in photos, seeing it up close reveals its grandeur! If you plan to get into the water, remember to bring a change of clothes!
6. Jungle trekking to explore the tropical rainforest
In addition to waterfalls, you can also opt for jungle trekking adventures on Tioman Island to explore its forests, plants, and wildlife (you might have the chance to see bats and rare bird species!), allowing you to appreciate the island's natural beauty. Here are some carefully selected routes for your reference: from Tekek Village to Juara Village; from Salang Village to Turtle Bay and then to Monkey Bay. These routes are safe and satisfy your adventurous spirit! Friendly reminder: Remember to wear sportswear and sneakers, and ensure you bring enough water.
7. Get a view of the spectacular Dragon Horns
The Dragon Horns peak is another symbol of Tioman Island, known for its challenging difficulty level. Many rock climbing enthusiasts come here to conquer this mountain! But Dragon Horns isn't something just anyone can take on; you need a certain level of fitness to reach the summit. However, once you reach the top, the breathtaking panoramic views of Tioman Island, the lush jungles, and the endless sea will leave an indelible mark on your heart!
8. Cycling around the island
Tioman Island offers bicycle rental services and well-designed cycling trails, allowing you to leisurely cycle around the island, adjust your pace, and discover its beauty. If you have enough time, you can even bike to neighbouring villages! It's a great way to explore Tioman Island.
9. Participate in sea turtle conservation efforts
Meeting sea turtles is one of the must-experience activities during your island tour! If you love these adorable creatures, you'll be delighted to know that you can also encounter them on Tioman Island! There's a turtle conservation centre called the Juara Turtle Project where you can witness the nesting process from March to October every year, observe the growth and feeding habits of baby turtles, and gain a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures. The island's environment greatly affects the growth and reproduction of sea turtles, so it's essential to keep the beaches clean. Let's all do our part to protect the oceans and these sacred animals!
Ready for some island hopping? 🌴
Not sure if Tioman Island is right for you? Check out these other island guides and travel tips, which feature equally beautiful beaches - Redang Island, Perhentian Islands, Langkawi, and Sipadan!
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