Tioman Island Destination Guide
Overview
About 56km off the coast of Pahang lies Tioman Island, an
alluring holiday paradise in the South China Sea. Acclaimed
as one of the best island getaways in the world, Tioman
was the location of the Hollywood musical, 'South Pacific'
in 1959.
According to legend, this island is the final resting place
of a mythical dragon princess. The warm waters and good
visibility make Tioman a paradise for divers. Discover astounding
sights such as colourful Gorgonian sea fans, Staghorn corals,
nudibranchs and beautifully sculptured sea sponges. Snorkellers
can delight in swimming alongside huge Napoleon Wrasse,
Golden Striped Trevally, Bumphead Parrotfish and shoals
of Fusiliers.
This island is an idyllic spot for leisurely days under
the sun. Swim in its emerald waters, enjoy a stroll by the
beach or be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. There
are several villages scattered around the coastline, the
larger ones being Salang, Tekek, Genting, Paya and Juara.
Each village offers a different and unique atmosphere. Tioman's
verdant greenery is home to a splendid variety of plants
and small animals, including butterflies, monitor lizards,
deer and monkeys. Its flora and fauna have been featured
in National Geographic's documentaries.
The island's granite formations make for excellent rock-climbing
expeditions. The more adventurous can attempt to scale the
sheer cliff face of the legendary Gunung Nenek Semukut or
Dragons Horns.
Best
Time To Visit
Between March and October. Take note that most resorts are
closed during the North-east Monsoon, which blows from November
to February.
Map
View Pulau Tioman in a larger map
Getting To Tioman
Tioman is accessible by boat from Tanjung Gemok
in Pahang and Mersing in Johor. Journey time is approximately
1.5 hours.
By Air
Berjaya Air operates daily direct 45-minute flights to Tioman
from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
By Road
from Johor Bahru or Singapore
Drive to Kota Tinggi from Tebrau Highway and proceed your journey to Mersing, a quiet fishing town. The town is approximately 138 km. Well, you will never miss it as you can see the signboard to the town. At Mersing, you need to take a ferry to Tioman Island.
from Kuala Lumpur
Take the North-South Highway to the South and exit through Segamat. From Segamat, continue your journey to Kluang and from there you can go to Mersing.
or
Take North-South Highway, head south towards Johor. Exit at Ayer Hitam, after toll gate, take a right turn at the traffic junction and head towards Kluang. Before entering Kluang town, there’s a roundabout, take 3 O’clock. Follow signs to Mersing.
or
Access the Karak Highway from Kuala Lumpur through Temerloh, Kuantan, Pekan, Kuala Rompin,Tanjung Gemuk to Mersing.
or
Take the PLUS Highway from Kuala Lumpur via Seremban, Bahau, Muadzam Shah, Kuala Rompin, Tanjung Gemuk to Mersing.
or
Take the North-South Highway to the South and exit through Senawang toll. From here, follow the road towards Kuala Pilah then to Bahau. And from Bahau down to Muadzam Shah.. After passing through Mudzham Shah , many Tanjung Gemuk Jeti sign boards will show the way along.
Public Transport
from Kuala Lumpur
Puduraya bus station Transnational Express, the
buses leave at noon and about 8:30 at night with the ride
taking about 6 hours.
from Johor Bahru
Larkin Bus Station, Johor Bahru. Johora Express. Depart
at 8:30 a.m.
from Singpapore
Bus express at Newton Circus Food Court and Jalan Sultan
Bus Station. Depart at 6:30 a.m. daily.
Car park services are available at both Tg. Gemuk and Mersing
jetties. Parking charges are at around RM5 - RM7 per night
inclusive of security.
Courtesy of: