Tioman Island, Malay Pulau Tioman, Tioman also spelled Tiuman, island in the South China Sea, about 40 miles (65 km) off Kuala Rompin, Peninsular (West) Malaysia.Tioman economy, traditionally based on fishing, is now focused on tourism. Its main settlements, Kampung Tekek on the west coast and Teluk Juara on the east, are linked by a rough, hilly track. Visitors arrive by air or via boat from Mersing on the mainland and are attracted by the island’s fine beaches, fishing, and snorkeling and diving.

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Pulau Tioman is far more important not only for its unique marine ecosystems but also the richness of terrestrial fauna and flora. Good and careful planning by the authorities on this island may save it for the generations to come. There must be a balance between human need and conservation of biodiversity on the island. Islands are always said to be fragile ecosystem. which need careful study and consideration before any development and human intrusion occur

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We leave our home in Seremban at around 8am in the morning and the journey takes about 5 hours to reach to the coastal town of Mersing. On arrival at Mersing Jetty, our first thing is to locate the resort office and collect our ferry voucher.Ferries from Tioman departs from Mersing Jetty and you also can purchase the ferry tickets (RM70 two-way) from the jetty counter. I bought mine from Counter 1. The lady (in red) in the office is friendly, she spent about 15 minutes to explain the program flow for our 2d1n holiday in Tioman.

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 After the registration is done, we decided to fill up our stomach at one of the food stalls in the jetty complex.There are not many food choices here but is good enough for us to fill up our stomach. We ordered chicken rice as our lunch. After lunch, since there are still some time to spare, so we walk around near the jetty and snap some photos. After a short exploration around Mersing Jetty, we proceed to ferry ticket counter at the jetty to collect our ferry tickets and pay for the Marine Park Fee and Johor National Park Fee (RM10 per person). Please also note that foreign visitors pay RM25 per person for these fees and it is compulsory even if you don't visit the Marine Park Center.Once we disembarked at the island's main jetty, we were greeted by friendly staffs who helped us with our luggage. Basically, you can walk all the way to your room without carrying your luggage!

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Journey to Tioman takes around 1.5 hours. There are a few jetty stops at Tioman depending on which beach resort you stay.Inside the ferry, it is comfortable and airconditioned, life jacket is provided at the overhead compartment. The journey from Mersing to Tioman may take a while, upon arrival at Tioman (Genting Village), we proceed to Sun Beach Resort reception for check in. The sea journey is a smooth one, i believe it is due to shiny weather on that day. If you are not sure which stop you are supposed to get off, you can always confirm with the ticket counter and they will be glad to assist you. 

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This is where we are staying, Sun Beach Resort! We are staying in the beach front Standard Chalet (on the left hand side). There are only a limited unit of beach front standard chalet available in the resort, but we managed to get it as the occupancy rate is not that high during that day.The resort is around 6 to 10 minute walk from jetty and i was greeted by little girl at the lounge. She was very helpful in giving me top s about getting around the island. If you are traveling solo or in small groups, they will normally group you with the other guests and inform you the tour charges upon confirming the total signups. 

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Another reason I love Sun Beach Resort is fronting the largest beach along the bay of golden sandy beach is soft and the shore is very children-friendly as there are not a lot of rocks near the shore. Without wasting time, the first activity to explore the island was a hiking course were recommended by staff of Resort. The trek takes about one hour (for slow walking pace) and is relatively easy. A pair of slippers or sandals will do the job. What I like about this trek is that you will pass by all the different stretch of beaches along Sun Beach Resort. If you have time,I'd recommend that you do a little detour and check out alongside Sun Beach Resort mid-way through your hiking. It has a private beach with some beautiful rocks. After a few walk around the island, it was already 6pm and we need to head back before gets dark. Plus my tummy was rumbling, the first dinner was very delicious and served in big portion. Then, we go back to the room and rest early. Both of us looking forward for the snorkelling trip in day 2!

 

Wake up around 6am in the morning and it is a good day with fresh air in that island. After breakfast, we proceed to rent the snorkeling equipment and life jacket from the snorkeling center. The snorkeling mask cost RM10 per set and the life jacket cost RM8. You may consider to rent a fin too but in my opinion it is not recommended to do so as you may potentially damage the coral if hit it accidentally with the fin. I really love corals and sea life around the island. The beautiful underwater world in Renggis Island! Swimming together with the colourful fishes. The water here is quite clear and not that deep, but yet still manage to see plenty of colourful fishes. So colorful and vibrant and visibility was crystal clear. Make sure you explore in between the rocks. That's where you get the most beautiful views!

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it  already my final day here at Tioman and ferry was scheduled to leave Tioman at 2pm. Oh I almost forgot to mention about my last meal at Tioman. Since our return time is scheduled in the afternoon, so we decided to walk around the beach and snap some photos. Before leave, we actually had time to joy our last meal in Tioman Island of the nearby food stalls.

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The journey back to the mainland took almost 3 hours instead of 1.5 hours because the ferry had to pick up tourists from Paya Beach and Tekek before heading West to the mainland. So just keep that in mind if you are arranging plans after your Tioman trip. Our ferry back to Mersing, this marks the end of our 2d1n holiday in Tioman Sun Beach Resort. At last, thank to our Tours for arranging such a memorable trip for us in Tioman Island. 

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To sum it up, although Pulau Tioman is a popular island it is still possible to have a relaxing getaway because the beach is not too populated. The surroundings might not be as clean as the likes of Pulau Rawa, Pulau Besar and Pulau Sibu but I think as long as you choose a decent resort like Sun Beach Resort.