No matter what your reasons for visiting Tioman, locals say that the wind that blows through Tioman will always bring you back again. But it’s most likely because travelers are drawn to Tioman island’s beauty, sun-kissed beaches and scuba diving.

Situated off the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Tioman is the largest in a group of 64 volcanic islands and is within the Mersing Marine Park.

It photographs enchantingly, showing off azure waters filled with corals of all colours, shapes and sizes that surround the island and is home to an abundance of marine life. On land it is a paradise for wildlife and plants and is richly endowed with tall trees, dense and lush tropical jungles, cool mountain streams and waterfalls.

A narrow strip down the west coast of the island is the only cultivated area of the island and this is where you’ll find the kampongs and most of the resorts clustered. It is also the side of the island that’s sheltered from the monsoons that can hit the east coast between November and February.

But it is a destination which has options for oall types of holiday and whether you are looking for a luxurious resort, with sandy beaches and private beach coves or a more adventurous holiday following the paths through the mountainous regions and jungles, or exploring the coral reefs surrounding the island, Tioman is that destination that never disappoints. It is accessible by plane or by boat or even yacht and most visitors will arrive through Kampung Tekek.

Often described as a ‘sleeping dragon’, owing to its form and terrain it is also an island steeped in fascinating folklore. Legend has it that Tioman was the final resting place of a dragon princess who was flying from China to Singapore to see her prince and stopped to rest at the island.

She was so taken with the beauty of the area that she discontinued her journey and remained there, creating shelter and a resting place for passing travelers.

If it is a luxurious short break you are looking for, Tioman is perfect. There are ferries that go from Mersing (Johor) into Tekek or a speedboat that will take you into the south-west corner of the island. Flights also go from Subang airport to Tekek and from there most resorts will send transfers out to pick you up and take you the short distance to the hotel.

If you follow the Mersing speedboat you will be perfectly placed for a luxurious stay at Japamala Resort and Spa, a luxury boutique resort situated just outside of Lanting with its own private bay. Set amidst a lush tropical jungle or high up in chalets with views over the bay, you will be in one of the best vantage points to appreciate the beauty of the island.

Japamala Resort & Spa, although nestled in amongst the flora and fauna of the island, prides itself on leaving the surroundings entirely in tact, with very little disturbances to the plants, animals and land, making each of the villas unique in aesthetics and experience and the wildlife surrounding the villas abundant.

Japamala Resort and spa is also conveniently located if you are feeling a little adventurous and would like to hike to the stunning Asah Waterfall. The hike starts from the nearby Kampung Mukut on the very south-western tip of the island.

Just north of Kampung Mukut are Minang Cove Resort and Bagus Place, each occupying a private bay of their own. Minang Cove Resort occupies the bay in the south and is a family run Malay styled resort with sea view, beachfront and hill-side chalets and villas.

There are facilities for diving and snorkeling, which will take you out to the Minang Cove jetty where there is a whole underwater world for exploring. For a more relaxed way to spend your time, the spa provides plenty of treatments to help you while away the hours. Bagus Place a little further along the coast is situated on its own secluded beach, at the foot of the mountains of Tioman and is ideal for those who want to truly get away.

Bagus Place offers activities, if you want to remain a little active on your break, such as jungle trekking, diving and kayaking. But you won’t feel out of place just relaxing in one of the fi ve beautiful chalets designed from natural materials ensuring you sea breezes and a oneness with the natural environment surrounding you.

A little further along the coast and 15 minutes from Air Batang Village (known locally as ABC) is the Berjaya Resort. With an 18-hole golf course boasting panoramic views of the South China Sea and dense jungle forests and some of the best diving spots on the island, the Berjaya Resort is perfectly located for those who would like to make the most of the diving and golfing opportunities.

Diving and snorkelling are available from March to November on this side of the island, with some of the best spots being along Air Batang beach and Salang beach in the north.

Whether it is seclusion, indulgence or a spot of activity you are looking for, you will fi nd it at various locations along the coast of Tioman. The island itself is a true representation of the beautiful islands of Malaysia and is certainly worth a visit if you are looking for something idyllic, yet nearby, logistically convenient and truly Malaysian.

Places To Stay

Check with all resorts about the monsoon season when you book as some of them will close throughout the season. The open season is usually from February to November.

Bagus Place
Email: claire@bagusplace.com
www.bagusplace.com

Berjaya Tioman Resort
P.O. Box 4
86807 Mersing
Johor
Tel: 09–4191 000
Reservation Office
06-61 & 06-62, 6th Floor,
Berjaya Times Square,
1 Jalan Imbi, 55100, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03–2141 0088/2145 4107
Email: tioman.rsvn@berjayahotel.com
www.berjayahotel.com/tioman

Japamala Resort
Kampung Lanting,
86800 Pulau Tioman,
Pahang
Tel: 09–4197 777
Sales/Reservation Office
Suite 6.01B, Level 6 (South Block),
The AmpWalk,
218 Jalan Ampang, KL
Tel: 03–2161 0769
www.japamalaresorts.com

Minang Cove Resort And Spa
P.O. Box 74
86807 Mersing, Johor
Tel: 07–7997 372
Email: sales@minangcove.com.my
www.minangcove.com.my