Tioman attractions and activities
Kayaking a good way to discover the island
Scuba diving is by far the most popular activity in Pulau Tioman, and many people take the opportunity to explore Malaysia’s diverse marine life on an underwater excursion. But simply relaxing on the golden beaches and listening to the call of monkeys in the undergrowth is exertion enough for many people, and there are plenty of gorgeous little coves to uncover.
Although there are few sightseeing attractions on this sparsely-populated island, renting a snorkel and swimming through the clear blue ocean is a refreshing way to spend your time. And when evening comes it is nice to relax with a cool beer and watch the sun go down, perhaps catching some sporting action on TV or playing cards with fellow travellers or new Malaysian friends.
Nature walks and treks on Tioman
Although best known for its diverse marine life, Pulau Tioman’s inland rainforest area is a strictly enforced nature reserve which encompasses more than 12,000 hectares.
There are plenty of different species of land-dwelling animal to seek out during nature walks including the long-tailed macaque, binturong, slow loris, black giant squirrel, mouse deer, red giant flying squirrel, common palm civet and brush-tailed porcupine.
There are also almost 140 different bird species including the majestic Frigatebird. There are rough trails leading up the west coast and concrete paths through the centre of the island from Telek to Juara which go past an impressive waterfall as well.
Canoes and kayaking on Tioman
Crystal clear water and Ideal diving conditions
The placid waters of the South China Sea make a perfect spot for kayaking and rentals are easy to arrange on any beach on the island. Nazri’s Place (Air Batang, Tel: +60 (0)9 419 1375) has canoes for rent at only RM10 per hour. Remember to watch the weather and to choose a boat with a spraydeck if it looks choppy, as this will make them (virtually) unsinkable. This is also a great way to reach secluded coves and snorkelling spots.
Golf on Tioman
Golf lovers are in luck as there’s a first rate 18-hole course at the Berjaya Tioman Beach Resort (Between Telek and Paya, Tel: +60 (0)9 419 1000) which is open to the public. Equipment rental is available and buggy use obligatory. Plus there are the rather unique obstacles of monitor lizards lounging on the fairway to contend with. Green fees are RM80 during the week and RM100 at the weekend. Club rental is RM50 for a full set.
Snorkelling on Tioman
Although some of the surrounding reefs have suffered from damage in recent years, there are plenty of opportunities to see a wide range of marine life around Pulau Tioman and you don’t need to don a wetsuit to do so. Most guesthouses and hotels will arrange snorkelling trips for guests which normally cost around RM30 per person and take in a few offshore spots where rays, hawksbill turtles, sharks and tropic fish hang out. Otherwise the small island of Pulau Soyok at the southern end of Salang Beach has some pretty coral, Paya has rocks next to the beach with colourful coral and fish and there’s a man-made reef off the jetty at Air Batang.
Scuba diving on Tioman
There are plenty of different dive sites scattered around Pulau Tioman and even more diving operations taking visitors out to see them. A range of different options including night dives are available as well as courses such as the PADI Open Water for less than RM1,000.
A lot of companies do great value ’stay and dive’ deals which include good quality accommodation at heavily discounted prices, so it pays to shop around.
DiveAsia is a PADI five star operation (Salang Village, Tel: +60 (0)9 419 5017, diveasia@tm.net.my) with helpful staff and tonnes of local knowledge. B&J Dive Center (Salang Village, Tel: +60 (0)9 419 5555) is another quality outfit with additional premises in ABC. Sunrise Dive Centre (Juara, Tel: +60 (0)9 419 3102) has great value PADI courses and the friendliest staff in the east of the island.
Fishing on Tioman
Fishing in Tioman is extremely popular with visitors with favourite spots such as Pemanggil, Tinggi, Sibu, Aur, Hujung, Besar and Rawa. Black Marlin is the most prominent catch with some weighing up to 250kg, but Giant Trevally, Cobia, Sailfish, Barracuda, Malaysian Tuna, Grouper, Stingray and Mackerel have also been been caught in Tioman waters. As Pulau Tioman is a Marine Park, fishing is only allowed more than 25kms from the coast. Nazri’s Place (Air Batang, Tel: +60 (0)9 419 1375) arranges trips for enthusiasts.
Rock climbing on Tioman
The mountainous interior of Pulau Tioman has many unexplored rockfaces which can be tackled by climbing enthusiasts. Juara is the place to head to find guides, with the twin peaks of Gunung Nenek Semukut (otherwise known as Dragon Horns) an exhilarating experience. But this is reserved only for the most experienced climbers in Tioman and only a few dozen people have ever managed it in recent years.
