Wednesday 1 April 2015

TIOMAN ISLAND

Pulau Tioman with BlueBubblesDiver Family

Done my Open Water course at tioman island in 5 days. stay at salang pusaka resort.
gonna miss this experience, thanks to bluebubblesdiver family.


Salang pusaka resort main loby. 



Tioman is well known as a diving and snorkeling paradise, just like Redang and Perhentian in the north of Peninsular Malaysia. Usually you pay around RM90 for each dive (this includes use of equipment and such). You can get your Open Water license (PADI) here for around RM1000, but know that for this you need to stay at least 5 days on the island. There are numerous dive schools; we heard great things (and in some cases have great experiences) about DiveAsia (5 Star IDC), B&J Dive Center, Tioman Dive Centre and Fisherman Divers. Check out the nice video below to get an impression of the dive sites around Tioman Island.






Non-divers can enjoy a bit of snorkeling at one of the many snorkeling sites around the island. Most resorts have a house reef; where you can snorkel right in front of your cabana. Make sure you check this if you are making reservations beforehand. Many resorts also offer snorkeling tours to secluded areas around Tioman or to uninhabited islands in the vicinity of Tioman (for example Tulai Island and Renggis Island). Snorkeling equipment can be rented at most of the dive shops and also at many resorts. It is not that common anymore to get fins as too many tourists decided to stand on the precious corals. Also, some require you to wear a life vest which forces you to stay above water at all times (again to conserve the coral reefs). Some great places to snorkel around Tioman are: Paya, Tekek and Ayer Batang.






Attractions and activities on Tioman Island

Though main activities around Tioman Island are diving and snorkeling; there are many other nice things to do during your stay at the island. Below a list with attractions on the island:
Tioman is popular among those that like fishing. Deep-sea fishing trips can be arranged at many places on the island. Do know that as fishing is prohibited within the marine park; you may only fish at least 25 km from the coast.


There are almost no roads on Tioman; but there are quite a few jungle tracks. These are perfect for light jungle treks. Two popular treks are from Tekek to Juara (2hrs) and from Tekek all the way to Monkey Bay.

Great beaches are: Genting Beach, Tekek Beach and Salang Beach. At these beaches there are aquatic sports operators (kayaking, surfing, wakeboarding and jet skiing).

Tioman has many nice waterfalls that you can visit. Some are easily accessible, others require a light trek or a short boat ride. One of the most popular waterfalls on Tioman Island is the Mukut Waterfall; especially during weekends locals hang out here to relax with their friends or families. Don't forget to bring a towel and swim shorts/bathing suit. Another beautiful waterfall is the Asah Waterfall; the biggest waterfall in Tioman Island and located about 6 kilometers from Mukut Village. You can get there by either doing a 45 minute trek or by arranging a boat trip.

Golf enthusiasts will be happy to know that Berjaya Tioman Resort has an 18 hole golf course. 



Tioman has some great resorts

Tioman has quite a number of beautiful resorts, some are very luxurious and therefore expensive; other resorts are basic and very affordable. The most luxurious and exclusive resort on the island is the 5 star JapaMala Resort . This is rated as one of the best boutique resorts in the world and it is especially great for honeymooners. Another very nice place to stay is Bagus Place Retreat; you pay RM850 per night which is certainly not cheap but this is including all meals and many other things. This is such a popular place that it is fully booked almost every year (making reservations a year in advance is not a weird thing at this popular place). Another little gem, Bersatu Nipah Chalet, can be found at Nipah Beach; where you can stay in an air-conditioned chalet for RM90 per night. Another popular place is the Melina Beach Resort. You will find most backpacker accommodation at the northern parts of the island. Bookings must be made in advance or else you may end up sleeping on the beach.




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