Considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Tioman is the largest island within the Seribuat Archipelago off the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia and the most developed of the volcanic islands that make up the Pahang Marine Parks. The other islands are Pulau Renggis (Renggis Island), Pulau Sepoi (Sepoi Island), Pulau Labas (Labas Island), Pulau Soyah (Soyah Island), Pulau Chebeh (Chebeh Island), Pulau Tulai (Tulai Island), Pulau Sembilang (Sembilang Island) and Pulau Seri Buat (Seri Buat Island).

Lying about 56km off the coast of the Malay peninsula, Tioman island is about 38km in length and 19km at its widest point. With Gunung Nenek Semukut, standing at 690m, being the highest peak, the rest of Tioman is made up of verdant hills covered with tropical rainforest, rivers and beautiful waterfalls, such as the Asah falls.

Unique Features

Easily accessible by air or boat, Pulau Tioman attracts those who seek a retreat to a quite  tropical island. Visitors can choose from a five-star resort to simple comfortable wooden chalets for accommodation. Tioman was declared as a duty-free island in February 2002, enjoying many of the duty-free status as Labuan and Langkawi islands (with exception on excise and import duty on cars and petroleum products).

Historical

In 1958, Pulau Tioman was chosen as James Michener's fictitious Bali Hai for the filming of the Hollywood classic, “South Pacific”. Since then, Pulau Tioman  became a popular tourist attraction especially among divers who are attracted to its great diving sites, including several interesting wrecks. Actually, Tioman was known, particularly among ancient maritime explorers. The island became a shelter from the ravages of the monsoon in the South China Sea. Archaeological artefacts found on the island and among old wrecks indicate that it was often frequented by the Imperial Chinese fleet.

People

Tioman Island is not heavily populated. There are nine villages with about 3,000 residents who mostly work as fishermen and resort employees, among others. During high tourist seasons, visitors outnumber the residents. A majority of Tioman’s residents are Malay.

Kampung Tekek

Tekek village can be considered as the heart of Tioman. The airport is located at Tekek and so is police station, local authorities and other government offices. The only available road at Tioman is from Kampung Tekek to Kampung Lalang (Berjaya Tioman Beach Resort). To get to other location you need to take a boat. You can also trek the jungle route from Kampung Tekek to Kampung Juara on the other side of the island. Along the way there is a beautiful waterfall.

Kampung Salang

Kampung Salang is located on northwest of the island. The area has one of the most beautiful beaches around. Its proximity to Monkey Bay, Marine Park and Pulau Tulai makes it a popular destination for snorkelers and divers. There are mini markets, scuba shops, restaurants and several facilitators for marine recreation.

Kampung Genting

Kampung Genting shares its ambiance with a Malay fishing village and several resorts. Most of the resorts are built on the hillsides, thus allowing for a splendid sea view. Facilities at the village includes mini market, scuba shop, souvenir shop and several restaurants.

Kampung Juara

Kampung Juara is on the other side of the island. Its strategic location makes it among the most peaceful in Tioman. The Juara Resort is the only resort there. About 50 metres from the resort flows the Mentawak River that has its source somewhere on Gunung Kajang, which is the highest mountain on Tioman. 

Kampung Mukut

Located on the southern part of the island, this village is closest to the Asah waterfalls and to several exciting rock climbing areas.

Food

There are lots of restaurants and stalls that serve a variety of foods. Of course, seafood is one of the specialities on Tioman. Almost every moderate-sized resort will have a seafood barbeque dinner as part of its culinary offerings.

Events & Festivals

One of the much-enjoyed events in Tioman, and indeed on the other islands of the east coast, is the candat sotong (squid jigging). The squid season begins around July each year. Another event, which has been held in Tioman and other Marine Park islands is the annual Beach Cleanup, an environmental event which involves both the locals as well as visitors.

Travel Advice & Weather

Most resorts are closed from November until February due to the Northeast monsoon, which brings strong winds and rough seas. However, Tioman remains open during this period. The best time to visit Tioman island is between February and October. The average temperature on Tioman is between 28 to 30 degrees Celsius.