About 58 kilometres off Peninsular Malaysia's east coast, in the South China Sea, lies Tioman Island, a tear-shaped island paradise. Tioman Island, measuring 38 kilometres long and 19 kilometres at its widest, is the largest in a group of the 64 volcanic islands. The striking profile of the twin peaks of Simukut Mountain provides a remarkable landmark to this beautiful island, reputed to be one of the ten most beautiful and idyllic island in the world.
Tioman Island is said to be the final resting place of a fabled dragon princess from China. Legend has it that on her way to visit a prince in Temasek (Singapore), she made a stop at Tioman where she immediately fell in love with the charms and beauty of the island. She decided to dedicate her life to weary travelers by giving them shelter and comfort while resting on the island.
There are several villages in Tioman Island : Tekek, Genting, Paya, Nipah, Mukut, Juara, Salang and Air Batang Village.
Underwater Paradise
Endowed with miles of soft, white sand, swaying palms, wildflowers growing in a vivid of colours, cool waterfalls cascading down mass-covered rocky slopes and rustic charming villages inhabited by friendly hosts, Tioman Island is a perfect sun-seekers' and adventurers' paradise.
Noted for the crystal-clear waters, as far down as 30 of colourful marine life, offering underwater sportsmen some of the best diving sites in the world. The shallow reefs at the nearby islands of Tulai and Renggis are popular spots for scuba diving and snorkeling. Divers can also explore the underwater cave around Chebeh Islands are uninhabited and within an hour's boat ride from the main highlands. Around the waters near Mukut Village, divers have a chance to view a coral-encrusted wreck of a Japanese warship. At the Marine Park Centre located between Tekek and Air Batang, you can also savor the thrill of swimming among the fishes as they swim out to greet you.
BEST THING TO DO
1. Scuba Diving
Tioman Island is a heaven for divers of all levels. The calm water and dive sites such as a little islands of Renggis and Soyak are ideal for beginners and underwater photography. Dive sites like Chebeh and Magicienne Rock are popular spots among the advance divers. They occasionally sighting of huge Manta Ray, Whale Shark, Black Tip Reef Shark, Great Barracuda and Turtle. The seabed around Tioman holds many secrets and mysteries. It is the final resting place for numerous vessels, mainly scuttled wooden-hulled fishing trawlers. Night dives can also be arranged to witness the display of nocturnal marine life.
2. Snorkeling
Snorkeling in Tioman is a paradise for you to discover the underwater world. Warm waters and high visibility make Tioman is a popular destination for snorkeling. Small marine life nearer to the beach is ideal and suitable for beginners. For those who wish to swim alongside fishes, the marine park is a favorite spot and at the same time enjoy the beauty of the underwater garden.
3. Marine Park
The cluster of Tioman Island was a gazette as marine park to protect its precious marine life. The water of Tioman are home to splendid marine life and colorful dense corals. The Marine Park center is located between Tekek and Air Batang village and manages by the Fishery Department. As a protected area, only certain activities are permitted such as snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and underwater photography. Coral, shell picking and other damaging activities are strictly forbidden. Fishing is not allowed within 3 km. the radius of the island. Great efforts have been made to protect the island, visitors are urged to help and support the local authority to preserve nature.
4. Island Hopping
Another popular activity in Tioman is the Island Hopping. There are several Islands around Tioman that can be visited such as Tulai, Chebeh, Sepoi, Labas, Sembilang, Sri Buat Tokong Bahara and Jahat. Located about 45 minutes off Salang Village is the Tulai Island, reputed to be the best, the water is crystal clear, white sandy beach, swaying coconut trees, colorful corals and fishes have made Tulai is and the perfect place for swimming and picnicking. On your lucky day, you will be greeted by ‘Dolphins’ a friendly mammals that occasionally spotted around Tioman.
5. Diving Course
(PADI) Tioman also offers an opportunity for diving enthusiasts. Most dive operators and instructors cater to varied preferences from introductory dives, night dives to technical diving ‘PADI’ certification courses are also conducted by many dive operators on the island. This course can be conducted only within a week of your stay.
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