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Set like a glittering green jewel in the South China Sea, Tioman Island beckons the visitor with its white beaches and crystal clear cobalt blue seas. It is the largest of a group of 46 extinct volcanic islands some 30km from the coast of Johor and Pahang states of West Malaysia.
Any island as enchanting as Tioman must have its mysterious past shrouded in legend. Tioman’s goes like this:
Eons ago, a magical dragon princess, flying from China to Singapore, made a pit stop on Tioman. It turns out that her stop was for more than rest and water as she gave up the idea of visiting and marrying her Singapore prince, to settle down in Tioman, enraptured by its tropical beauty and charms. Others go so far as to say that the princess vowed to spend her days giving pleasure and comfort to weary travellers on the island.
Is it mere coincidence that the 39km by 12km island is
pear or dragon shaped? On the west coast of the island are twin mountains which look like overturned ice cream cones or “dragon horns”, also locally named “Nenek Semekut”. On misty mornings, the cloud shrouded 700-feet high peaks are said to
resemble dragon backs swathed with smoke, breathed from a dragon’s nos- trils. The setting is perfect for another dinosaur movie.
In the early 1900s, the island was most likely used as a monsoon shelter for passing merchant ships, pirates and fishermen who later established villages on its western shores. The large horns were also prominent navigational markers for any seafarer past or present.
Perhaps, the island’s greatest claim to fame was its locale for the 1950s Hollywood musical of an Indonesian island, Bali Hai, entitled South Pacific. In the 1970s, Tioman also made
it to TIME magazine’s list of Ten Most Beautiful Islands in the World, and the world made a beeline for Tioman.
Today’s visitors are more likely to be seduced by sun, sea, sand and swaying palm trees in Tioman. The warm waters and good visibility make Tioman a paradise for divers and snorkel- ers. For others, there are good treks, idyllic beaches and stun- ning sunsets after a torrential
rain.
Tioman’s main beaches from north to south are Salang, Monkey Bay, Penuba, Tekek, Genting and Nipah – all on the west coast.
Tekek is the largest village. Here you’ll find the local police station, school, post office, bank, government offices, sundry shops and some nightlife as well as
the more well off villagers. The island’s landing strip (airport), marina and jetty are nearby. There’s even an18-hole golf course at Berjaya Tioman Beach Golf & Spa Resort – RCI Resort. The island’s only road, all 3km of it, links Tekek with Lalang Village.
Genting Village on the southwest coast was mainly a fishing community. These days, some tourist accommodations are set on a rocky hillside, offering panoramic sunset views.
Salang, on the northwest, has the island’s best beach and a favourite diving spot. It is a well laid out and well-stocked place with mini mart, three scuba shops, jet ski hire, canoes and restaurants.
Travel Tips
Getting There: Tioman is accessible by boat from Tanjung Gemok in Pahang and Mersing in Johor. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. It can also be reached by a four-hour ferry ride from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore. Ferry schedules are subject to tidal changes and the year-end monsoon.
Mersing is easily accessible from points in Malaysia and Singa- pore. Enclosed and guarded parking is available in Mersing.
By Air: Berjaya Air operates daily direct flights to Tioman from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Around The Island: Few main roads and non-existent traffic make cycling a breeze. Rent a bicycle or take a walk and enjoy the village atmosphere.
For offshore excursions, hire a local boat to get to the surround- ing islands and reefs. Regular boat (known as sea buses) services ply some beachside villages.
Best Time To Visit: Visit between March and October before the onset of the northeast monsoon. During the monsoon season, some establishments are closed. Public and school holidays also see larger crowds and a drop in service standards.
Essential Items: Pack a flashlight and batteries, sunscreen and insect repellant. It can be hot so stay hydrated and always carry drinking water. As cloudy days do not deter UV rays, do slap on the sunscreen.
EV Tips: Watch
out for sharp coral, sharp spiny sea urchins and stinging jellyfish. Resist touching or stroking any sea life as some are dangerous and the nearest hospital
is on the mainland. Topless sunbathing is strongly discouraged.
Trekking
• Fairly strenuous 7km hike from west to east, partly on a con- crete footpath through humid tropical jungle. Cool off in pristine waterfalls before reaching Juara Village and beach on the east coast. This is a two- to three-hour undulating trek each way
that requires the better part of any day. Beware that the path is unlit and the jungle gets dark early, more so on cloudy days. Bring water, some food and insect repellent. For a worry free trek, hire a guide. It is also possible to walk from Air Batang to Salang on a relatively flat path beside a power line.
WaTer acTiviTies
• Snorkeling or scuba diving at the reefs just off Salang beach and Tulai and Renggis Islands. Most resorts can arrange for boat trips which take up most of the day with lunch usually provided, and you should get to swim at two to three spots and enjoy good coral and underwater life. Beware of small jellyfish which can pack a nasty sting. Try not to lose any rental gear as you could be subject to expensive or arbitrary replacement costs. Sadly, and in the name of progress, most coral off the main village of Tekek are gone.
• Some places rent out sailing boats and canoes. Take note of strong winds and stay close to shore if you’re not sure of your skills. Rent a jet ski if you fancy something noisier or faster.
• Fishing enthusiasts won’t be disappointed but it is only permit- ted outside the Tioman Marine Park or at least 3km from the coast. Like scuba diving, fishing enthusiasts are known to spend days and nights indulging in their favourite pastime. Most are rewarded with a bounty for many a beach barbecue.
Endless Vacation 23