Practical Guide to Malaysia and Malaysians

Located 56 km off the coast of Pahang in the South China Sea, Tioman Island has white, sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and lush greenery. All of these, and more, make the island a premier destination.

There are many things to do in Tioman. For most visitors, diving or snorkeling, or both, are a must. Those who crave extra challenges can try rock climbing. To getcloser to nature, they can opt for jungle trekking or birdwatching. Meanwhile, those who want to try something new may find surfing in Tioman exhilarating.

Diving
Tioman’s underwater draws millions of visitors to the island. Interesting coral formation Tioman has coral reefs, wrecks and artificial reefs, each providing different kinds of excitement and experience. Soft and hard corals, nudibranches, sponges, endangered giant clams and turtles, along with fish species such as triggerfish, angelfish, grouper, barracuda and blacktip shark are only some of the marine creatures that await keen divers.

Most dive sites in Tioman are located at the west coast of the island where the water is calmer and shallower. Tulai and Renggis are the most visited spots, with other dive spots scattered around and between the two small islands. There are also a number of wrecks, mostly fishing trawlers purposely sunk to create diving spots.

Artificial reefs specially created to protect and proliferate the marine environment also add to the diversity of the underwater scenery. Currently, there are four artificial reefs in Tioman. The Pahang Royal Reef is the first artificial reef created in Malaysia. Under the patronage of His Highness the Crown Prince of Pahang, the project was launched in 2003 at Teluk Tekek with 50 reefballs – bellshaped structures made from coral enhancement cement.

In 2004, DHL embarked on a similar project on the east coast of the island with 11 reefballs. In 2006, the company deployed another 59 reefballs, making it the biggest artificial reef on the island. Recognising the company’s contribution, the Tioman Development Authority renamed the site the “DHL Reef”. The progress of this artificial reef is being closely monitored by students from University Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Other private corporations involved in the artificial reef project are PJ Hilton with 15 reefballs and KUB Malaysia with one reefball. The Marine Park also has an artificial reef consisting of concrete tables and chairs that resemble an underwater “tea garden” just below the Marine Park jetty. The popular snorkeling net teeming with life site has a big fish population including the colourful sergeant major fish, angelfish and parrotfish.

Tioman is a great place for beginner divers. Its shallow and calm water along with good visibility make a great training ground for students who can have a choice of 17 dive operators, most of them PADIcertified. Besides organising diving trips, the operators teach diving from introductory to advanced levels.

Rock Climbing
If you’re not into “going down”, why not “go up”? Attempt one of the many rock climbing routes on the island. The vast granite that forms the backbone of the island provides ample opportunities for beginner to experienced climbers.

The Dragon Horn, locally known as Gunung Nenek Semukut, is the most challenging climbing route on the island. The imposing 690metre granite has attracted expert climbers from all over the world since it was first scaled in 2002.

The Tioman Development Authority (TDA) has identified three new routes in Kampung Tekek and 10 in Kampung Juara to be developed as rock climbing sites. At Kampung Mukut, where the Dragon Horn is located, more beginners can comb the rocks as about 15 to 20 new routes are being developed.

Surfing
During the monsoon months of November to January, many tourists shy away from Tioman but not the surfers. The monsoon season provides waves of 15 feet that are ideal for surfing. The east coast of the island is the best location, especially around Kampung Juara.

In January 2006, two journalists from Long Break magazine, Australia, along with six other foreign and local surfers enjoyed the waves in Kampung Juara and Pulau Seri Buat. Their good review is expected to bring in the surfer crowd during the monsoon season. With this new activity in Tioman’s “todo list”, most resorts are able to operate all year round.

Birdwatching
Birdwatchers love Tioman. The name “Tioman” comes from the mynah or burung tiong in Malay. A survey done in 1993 by the National University of Singapore listed 87 species of birds, both local and migratory, including kingfishers, swifts, sparrows and the endangered Christmas Frigate. Swifts are abundant and the nests harvested here is said to be of higher quality than those found in the Niahcaves of Sarawak. Another winged creature found in abundance here is the fruit bat which can be easily spotted hanging upside down from tree branches in Tekek.

Trekking
The 7km Tekek Juara trail runs through paved and unpaved sections. Interesting flora and fauna can be spotted along this trail. You can also trek from Kampung Air Batang (ABC) to Kampung Salang. The trail starts after Bamboo Hill chalet at ABC and takes about two hours to complete. At Kampung Mukut there is a nice waterfall that takes about 1 ½ hours to reach. This was the location for the “Happy Talk” song sequence in the Hollywood hit musical South Pacific filmed in Tioman in the 1950s.

For more information please contact
Tioman Development Authority at +609 5141206 or fax to +609 514 8801