Tioman is the biggest and most impressive island at the east coast. A brusk jungle covered ridge, that is fringed with idyllic palmbeaches primarily at the west coast. Through its size (39km long and 12 km wide) Tioman offers a wide range of activities to the visitor: You can snorkel in crystal-clear water, explore the manifold underwaterworld during diving or just lie lazy at the beach in the shade of the palm trees. Additionally the island offers still totally untouched jungle, which wants to be reconnoitred. The dense natural forest is a haven for birds, bats, mouse, deer, lizards and insects.
The discovery of Tioman is quite a time ago: The island supposed to be the setting for the mythical Bali Hai, the lonely magic island of the 1958 Hollywood movie South Pacific. In the 70s the Time magazine selected Tioman as one of the world’s most beautiful islands. If Tioman is still (or was anytime) correctly rated as one the world’ s most beautiful islands, maybe undecided, but anyway, it presents itself as paradise tropical island. But sometimes you have to search for this paradise off the beaten track.
Legend of Tioman
Tioman, Pahang is one of the most popular spot for those who like to catch the sound of the soft tropical breeze and enjoy miles of beautiful white sandy beaches. Tioman is the biggest island among the sixty four islands.
According to the Local legend, the mystical Tioman Island is the resting of a magical dragon princess who whilst flying from China to her beloved prince in Singapore, sought solace in the crystal waters of the South China Sea.
She was so pleased with the surrounding charm, that she discontinued her journey, and search for happiness in order to give pleasure and comfort to weary passing seafarers as well as providing shelter and refreshment to fisherman by turning herself into this beautiful island.
Places of Interest
Places of Interest Marine Park
A Marine Park is an area of the sea zoned as a sanctuary for the coral reef community. The coral reef community is considered as possibly the most productive eco-system in the world, with its diversify of aquatic flora and fauna. Coral reefs are also important breeding and nursery grounds for many commercially important species of marine organisms and fish. Marine Park Tioman is located at Tanjung Mesoh (about 15 min from Tekek jetty)
Places of Interest Monkey bay
Monkey bay located in between Salang and ABC village (about 10 minutes with speed boat fr the 2 villages). You can also go to Monkey bay by jungle trekking. Monkey bay has a long stretch of white sandy beach.
Places of Interest Tulai Island
Charming Island. A must destination for skin divers and snorkelers. Offer a perfect escape for Snorkellers and divers. The best time for diving is between March to November as the water is calm and the weather is beautiful.
Places of Interest Renggis Island
Renggis Island is located infront of Berjaya Tioman Resort. Only a few hundred meters from Berjaya jetty (lalang village). Average depth is 9m and max depth is 12m. This site is ideal for training and night dives. Teeming underwater marine life encircles the tiny island. Common fish species includes Barracuda, yellow tail, stingray, Angel, Buffalo fish and Famed moray eels. Harmless black tip sharks are often sighted.
Where to Dive?
Perfect escape for snorkels and divers at all levels. Come and experience the rare species of multi-colored fishes and coral reefs. Explore the treasure of the sea and you will get a splendid view of exotic marine life. Manta Rays and Whale shark can be seen in March, April and May. The main diving season is April to October. The best diving spot is around the smaller islands like Tulai, Chebeh, Bahara and Jahat. Most of the dive operators have their own house reefs.
Technical divers can explore the famous South China Sea wrecks. Name includes the Prince of Wales, the Repulse, Varella and many other exciting sub marines and battle ships. These famous wrecks found their final destination around Tioman during the second world war. Most of them are in water deeper than 40 meters.
When seeking for education in Open Water, Advanced or technical diving one should carefully evaluate the instructor, the certification agency endorsing the instructor and the dive centre. You must be confident with the reputation and experience of the training facility and the instructor you select. In addition be certain that the agency you are certified through requires detailed training skills that provide YOU with the discipline to manage real life emergencies.
Dive Sites
Bahara Rocks (Tokong Bahara)
Located at the southwest of Tioman. Average depth is 15m and the maximum depth is about 18m. About 20-30 min from Genting village. You will be able to find various pelagic species as well as local reef fish. Numerous species of prolific marine life abound in the richness of this coral reef and mini drop-off. Bahara rock is one of the best dive sites.
Chebeh
Located at the North-west of Tioman and north of Tulai. Journey by boat about 20-30 minutes from Salang. Average depth is about 25m. Huge underwater volcanic rock envelope the isle. A labyrinth of colorful, exciting caves and tunnels a maze adventure. Napoleon fish, trigger fish and turtles abound. Some large pufferfish, angel fish, wrasse, moray eels, gobies, etc. There are lots of gorgonian sea fans, big Dendronephthya soft corals and some black coral.
Fan Canyon
Located at the south west of Tulai island. This site is very colorful with sea fansoft coral, barracuda, spotted garoupa, etc.
Jahat Island
Another one of a good site in Tioman. Rich with various types of coral life cabbage like hard coral, sea anemone, sea fan and other rich colorful marine life. Dont miss swimming with the resident turtle
Labas
Labas
Labas. Good spot to see Puffer fish, moray eels, sweet lips nudibranch, fan corals. These and more decorate the tunnels and caves along the foot of Labas.
Malang Rock
Located at the west of the northern end of Tioman. About 20-25 min from Salang village. Average depth is about 15m. This site is also good for snorkeling. A shallow coral reef transverses by sand channels full of sponges and an exquisite variety of fishes. Schools of Barracuda, large cuttlefish, yellow spotted stingray and leopard shark are often seen. Moon wrasse can also be seen. There are large patches of lettuse corals, sponges and very big soft coral in the swim through.
Marine Park
Marine Park is suitable for snorkeling and scuba diving. It is an area of the sea zoned as a sanctuary for the coral reef community. The coral reef community is considered as possibly the most productive eco-system in the world, with its diversify of aquatic flora and fauna. Coral reefs are also important breeding and nursery grounds for many commercially important species of marine organisms and fish. Marine Park Tioman is located at Tanjung Mesoh (about 15 min from Tekek jetty). There are about 6 shipwreck at Marine Park. Max depth is about 23m. The visibility is often poor due to muddy bottom but it is really worthwhile as you have a chance to feed the fish and you will be surrounded by varieties of fish.
Renggis Island
Renggis Island is located infront of Berjaya Tioman Resort. Only a few hundred meters from Berjaya jetty (lalang village). Average depth is 9m and max depth is 12m. This site is ideal for training and night dives. Teeming underwater marine life encircles the tiny island. Common fish species includes Barracuda, yellow tail, stingray, Angel, Buffalo fish and Famed moray eels. Harmless black tip sharks are often sighted.
Salang Bay
A shipwreck infront of Salang is one of a good spot for nite dive. Moral eel, shrimp, crap, nudibranch.
Soyak Island
Located infront of Salang village. Average depth is 10m. About 5 min from Salang village. You will be able to find various pelagic species as well as local reef fish. Numerous species of prolific marine life abound in the richness of this coral reef. A group of lucky divers catch a glimpse of the wale shark at Soyak.
Teluk Kador
Located at the Northeast of Tulai. Average depth is 20m and the maximum depth is about 23m. About 15-20 min from Salang village. You will be able to find various pelagic species as well as local reef fish. Numerous species of prolific marine life abound in the richness of this coral reef.
Tiger Reef
Tiger reef is located nearby Malang rock and Tulai. This pinnacle is a favorite dive site. Encounter a myriad varieties of tropical fish. Bands of yellow tail snappers, trevally and tunas. Soft Coral and gorgonian fans.