Travelogue #06 – Tioman

On the way back from Tioman recently, a friend asked if I was going to write about our trip. I promised I will but told her that no names will be mentioned. But since you asked, I dedicate this piece especially for you Len …

Tioman is apparently also known as Gunung Daik Bercabang Tiga and legend says that the island is formerly a Chinese dragon princess who while on her way to meet her beau in Singapore, decided to stop and rest in the calm waters off Mersing. She liked it so much there and decided to morph into an island.

Tioman is located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang.

The beaches of Tioman were depicted in the 1958 movie South Pacific as Bali Hai. In the 1970s, TIME Magazine named Tioman as one of the world's most beautiful islands.

Now Tioman is a duty free zone and offers a good selection of alcohol and cigarettes at very cheap prices. So, reasons to go to Tioman;
1) relatively unspoilt beaches and jungles
2) jungle trekking and mountain biking
3) scuba diving, snorkelling
4) to play golf
5) to get a tan
6) cheap fags and booze

The best time to visit Tioman is between mid March to early November.

To get there, one can either fly from Subang Skypark on Berjaya Air or drive down the NSE (E2) and exit the highway at Ayer Hitam, and take the Batu Pahat road to Kluang. Then take Route 50 towards Jemaluang and turn left into Route 3 for Mersing. The roads are quite decent albeit a little winding and are well sign posted. The journey via Ayer Hitam/Kluang takes about 4.5 to 5 hours from central KL.

Bluewater Express operates fast and comfortable ferry services to Tioman. The ferry is the only option and Kampong Tekek is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Mersing. There are three services per day in each direction and charges RM 35 for adults and RM 20 for children.

The biggest village in Tioman is Kampong Tekek where most of the government offices are. The Marina and airstrip is also located in Tekek, so is “Vision”, the biggest duty free shop on the island. Cheap accommodation is relatively easy to find but booking in advance is always advised.

We stayed at the family run Coral Reef Holidays chalets, located on a relatively private beach in Tekek, right next to the jetty. The rooms are decent (it’s not the Ritz), clean toilets, nice food and friendly, accommodating hosts. There is also a diveshop at the resort, Ray’s Dive Adventure, run by 3 fun loving and friendly dive instructors. There are hammocks for one to enjoy a book or nap and the clear mild-ish sea tempts even the most reluctant into swimming, although swimming alone will not make one a seacrab.

3G coverage (Maxis & Celcom) is good in Tekek, so updating your facebook status from your i Phone 3Gs is never a problem.

I’m definitely going back to Tioman once the monsoon clears.