We are going to Tioman Island via Mersing. It took us about 5 and half hours to reach Mersing and another 2 hours to reach the island by boat. Tioman is the biggest and most impressive island at the east coast of Malaysia. Our main objectives are snorkeling in crystal clear water, do some jungle trekking and laze on the beach.
The Ferry Ride
It will cost RM70.00 per person for a return trip. The ferry is quite big and spacious. We felt dizzy as soon as the boat starts moving. I guess they are experiencing some engine problem as the boat unable to pick up speed for the first 30 minutes. Era and Ija went up to the upper section of the boat to have a better view. After an hour or so, both of them succumb to seasickness. I on the other hand start to feel dizzy due to being force to listen to the `dangdut’ played on the onboard TV. After the grueling hour we reach Tioman and the ferry will make a few other stop before we reach our destination, which is Kampung Salang.
Kampung Salang
The kampung is strewn with chalets and hostel. This is the most popular tourist destination in Tioman. The place is clean, find food is easy and it is a haven for divers. We can see, there are a lot of Mat Salleh and some local Chinese coming here for vacation.
Salang Indah Resort
Our pick for accommodation is Salang Indah Resort. We got lucky, as we have managed to get a room, which was built on the seashore, which has a beautiful view. The room were equipped with air-condition unit, a fan, hot water, a small fridge and two beds. The resort has a restaurant and a mini market. I decided to spend the remainder of the day lazing on the beach and do some window-shopping at the souvenir shop.
Pulau Tulai
Teluk Genting
Next morning, we took a boat to Tulai Island situated near to Tioman. We stop briefly at Genting Bay for snorkeling snorkeling activity. They’re a lot of coral and fish to see. It is thrilling to be able to feed the fish with our hand.
Pantai Pasir Panjang
After snorkeling, we have a rest at the beach. We are given a pre pack lunch consisting of rice, kacang panjang and some chicken cook in soya sauce.
Batu Malang
In English it means Unlucky Rock. From afar the rock looks much like a sail. The place is great for snorkeling and diving. We were unable to see the coral clearly as the water is quite deep but we did able to see various types of fish.
Monkey Bay
After going back to the main island, we proceed to trek to Monkey Bay. We needs to go through a dense hilly jungle and took us almost 40 minutes to reach the secluded beach. It is easy to find your way, as we need only to follow the electric cable to reach the beach. Arriving at the beach, there are no Mat Salleh to greet us but a monkey did.
Conclude
Tioman is indeed the best island we visited so far. Clean and beautiful. Great for budget traveller.
