Tioman, once a pirate hideout, appeals for its underwater wonders, beaches and laidback village life. The producers of the 1958 movie South Pacific were so amazed by the beauty of the island that they decided to use Tioman’s twin mountain peaks of Batu Sirau and Nenek Semukut as a backdrop for the movie. This attracted global adventurers and it has been a favourite getaway ever since. Tioman is the largest among the 60 volcanic islands in the Seribuat Archipelago. The main island of 39 km by 12 km is surrounded by turquoise water making it appealing not only to its divers and snorkellers but to the visitors as well. There are also a few villages on the island, and the majority of it is carpeted in rainforest. Tekek is the largest settlement and administrative centre. Accommodation is available in small resorts offering comfortable facilities. The airport connects the island to Kuala Lumpur, while restaurants, a bank (ATM) and shops cater to tourists. The Marine Park Visitor’s Centre, a short walk from Kampung Tekek, has displays of the nine islands protected within the park - Chebah, Tulai, Sepoi, Labas, Sembilang, Tioman, Seri Buat, Gut and Tokong Bahara Islands. There is a protected flying fox colony along the beach, and a walkway continues through to Air Batang Village. Kampung Salang, the northernmost village on the west coast, is a haven for divers and snorkellers as it has some of the Tioman’s best dive sites including Magicienne Rock, Tulai Island, Malang Cave and Seafan Garden.
Swim-through dives in waters between 10 m and 25 m are some of the attractions. Restaurants, bars and shops cater to visitors, with some chalets extending over the water. There are several dive operators here since learning to dive is quite popular in this area. Kampung Air Batang (ABC) is a village where visitors are being treated as long-lost friends in the family-operated chalets fronting the beach. Restaurants and a few bars provide venues to admire the sunset over a beverage or meal. There are several scuba operators, with diving conducted around islands to the northwest. Kampung Paya is one of the most visited villages and its mid-scale resorts contribute to its popularity. Diving, snorkelling, kayaking and forest adventures are among the activities that can be done here. ATV vehicles are available and guides lead adventurers along trails. There are few resorts in the southwest, but it is the solitude that makes those here so appealing. Japamala Resort is a boutique resort surrounded by forests that fringe the beach. The resort offers Tioman’s most refined accommodation and two restaurants serve innovative dishes. Kampung Genting’s palm-fronted beach extends on both sides of the jetty. Batik classes are offered and several dive operators conduct classes and dives. Restaurants serve Malay, Western and Chinese dishes, while there are a few bars.
The twin peaks of Nenuk Semukut and Batu Sirau (‘Dragon Horns’) tower over Kampung Mukut, Tioman’s southernmost village. While the pace of life is slow, some operators conduct dives to Batu Sepoi and Batu Jahat. Ascending the saddle between the twin peaks and then, for experienced climbers, the opportunity to climb the ‘Dragon Horns’, is popular among the adventurers. Asah Waterfall is another must-see attractions. Simple beachside chalets are available while larger resorts are located nearby. Kampung Juara, the only village on Tioman’s east coast, caters to those who enjoy village life, diving and surfing when favourable winds blow. Chalets offer comfortable beachside accommodation. Juara Turtle Project supports turtle conservation and volunteers can assist with beach patrols. Ferries from Mersing (Johor) and Kampung Gemok (Pahang) connect Tioman to the mainland. Tioman is especially popular from June to August, while the monsoon extends from November to February.
