Tioman Island (locally, Pulau Tioman) is a small island located 32 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang, and is some 39 km long and 12 km wide. It has eight main villages, the largest and most populous being Kampung Tekek in the north. Yet, the densely forested island is still sparsely inhabited, and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a scuba diving haven.

Its beaches were depicted in the 1958 movie, South Pacific as Bali Hai. In the 1970s, TIME magazine selected Tioman as one of the world’s most beautiful islands.

Tioman Island has its origins shrouded in mystery. According to legend, it is the resting place of a magical dragon princess, who was on her way from China to visit her prince in Singapore. This beautiful maiden stopped by at Tioman Island to seek solace during her flight and fell in love with the charms of this alluring isle. Enraptured by the wonder of Tioman, the princess discontinued her journey and vowed to spend the rest of her days giving pleasure and comfort to weary travellers.

How to get there?

From Mersing or Tanjung Gemuk, Tioman Island is just a 3 to 4 hour boat ride away. If you prefer a shorter comfortable ride, air-conditioned fast ferries which depart daily can make the trip in approximately 2 hours. From Singapore, a catamaran (Ferry) service makes the 41/2 hour trip from Finger Pier daily (except Wednesday).

Visitors who don't enjoy sea travel can make the trip to Tioman by air from either Kuala Lumpur or Kuantan via Pelangi Air. Flights from Kuala Lumpur depart daily, while the Kuantan flight departs daily (except Wednesday), both trips take approximately 1 hour. The shuttle flight from Singapore departs daily from Changi Airport and it is operated by Tradewinds Charter Services.

To get about on and around the island, visitors may choose to trek, ride bicycle (which are available from Berjaya Tioman Beach Resort) for short excursions or hire boats to get to the surrounding islands and reefs. Regular boat services ply the villages (sea-buses) around the island.

When to dive?

The best time to dive in Malaysia and Tioman Island would be from the months of March to October.

The islands around Sabah and Sarawak are reasonably well-protected and can be dived all year round. However, water visibility is better during the months of April to August.

Currency - (Exchange Rate)

The local currency is Ringgit Malaysia (RM) and it is currently pegged at RM3.80 to US$1.00.

Major hotels and larger establishments readily accept currencies such as US$, Pound Sterling, Euro, Deutch Marks, Japanese Yen, and Australian$. Foreign currencies can be readily exchanged to local currencies at a bank or moneychanger. Banks are open from Mondays to Fridays (09:30 – 15:30) and Saturdays (09:30 – 11:30) except for the first and third Saturdays of every month.

Internationally known credit cards including American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and JCB are accepted at the hotels as well as larger establishments in Malaysia.Travelers checks are accepted at banks, hotels, and large departmental stores.

Where to Stay?

When on Tioman Island, there is only one place to stay, to explore the whole island and make the best of your trip, this would be Berjaya Beach,Golf and Spa Resort. This resort is right on the beach, with every single ammenity that you can think of, and yes, they even have their very own dive shop, with most of the dive spots being very close.

Time Zone

Malaysia Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8). 

Hook-Ups

Okay, before you go to Tioman Island, you need a hook up, or wait for the annual Tioman Mega Dive Event, where divers from all over the world fly down to dive, party, and win A LOT of prizes and FREE trips. Amin Jamadi, is the co-ordinator for the event, and would be more than happy to help you out with any tips and advice on where to stay, and who knows, he may even hook you up, depending on how you go about it. Visit his website first for everything you need to know about the event.

You will definitely want to stay a couple days on the mainland in Kuala Lumpur and do some exploring. You can view some of our adventures here. Tioman Island is then only an hour flight away, with a whole new island life vibe.

Electricity

Electricity is 220 volts at 50 cycles, although most first-class hotels can suppy an adapter for 110 volts , 60 cycles appliances. Plugs are of the British three rectangle prong type. Most island resorts are powered by 24-hour generators or have an electrical supply from the mainland.

Temperature

Malaysia has an equatorial climate with fairly uniform temperatures ranging from 32 Degree Celsius during the day to 22 Degree Celsius at night. Humidity is about 85-95%. Water temperature is 27-28 Degree Celsius and during the dry months the temperature may rise to 30-31 Degree Celsius. Divers will not require thick wet suits. A wet suit of between 1.5 to 3 mm is appropriate.

Don't worry, the whole Tioman Mega Dive Event will be featured in Issue #4 of Dive Zero Video Magazine, stay tuned. Meanwhile, check this out.