Tioman Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions located off the Southern East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This island quietly lures travelers from both locals and foreign countries. Tioman Island holds numerous of appeal, especially for those who love marine life.
There are also many people flocking to Tioman Island to enjoy diving and snorkeling, or just to relax on the beach. So, if you are looking for a tropical paradise whenever you are in Malaysia, Tioman Island would be your best choice.
Thanks to the wonderful white sand beaches and clear azure water, Tioman Island was chosen to represent the ‘Bali Hai’ for the film South Pacific in year 1958 too. Not forgot to mention that the marine area around Tioman Island and its eight islands nearby have been declared as marine reserves and marine parks.
Below are some of the best things to do on Tioman Island highly recommended by SGMYTRIPS:
Wonderful Things To Do In Tioman Island(Malaysia)
- Sunbathe on Paya Beach
- Rejuvenate Spa
- Learn Diving in a Cheaper Price
- Snorkeling Trip at Coral Island
- Free Diving at Tekek Village
- Surfing at Juara Beach
- Go on a Fishing Trip
- Kayaking at ABC Beach
- Hiking to Asah Waterfall
- Gunung Kajang Hiking Adventure
- Visit Marine Park Information Centre
- Relax at Mukut Village
- Experience Fishing Village Life
- Sample Scrumptious Seafood Feast
- Golf Game
- Visit Juara Turtle Hatchery
- Monkey Beach Exploration
- Duty Free Shopping
- Fireball Show and Music Party
- Island Hopping
- Enjoy Nightlife On Tioman Island
- Taste The Local Cuisine
1.Sunbathe on Paya Beach
Paya Beach is one of the beautiful beaches on Tioman Island for every travelers to relax their tired soul and mind. This white sand beach kissed by crystal clear water and surrounded by the bright blue sky offers vacation just like Hawaii. Through its picturesque landscape, it surely will capture everyone’s heart and ensure a relaxing time.
Well, a trip to Tioman Island would not be completed without getting a beautiful golden tan. But keep in mind that you still need to moisture and nourish your skin with creams before getting contact with the sun directly. It is to avoid unwanted sunburns which will lead to sleepless nights and scorched skin.
2.Rejuvenate Spa
At Paya Beach Resort’s Paya Tropical Holistic Spa, you can enjoy amazing spa services like traditional massages and foot massaging that will leave you rejuvenated and refreshed.
Spa packages available:
Warm Stone Massage
This treatment begins with an aromatherapy massage that culminates in having warm river stones placed all over your body’s acupressure points. This helps to release retained heat from your body, leaving the skin visibly smooth.
Traditional Herbal Heat Massage
This age-old treatment begins with an hour-long session aromatherapy massage. During the massage, a steamed poultice of fresh Kaffir lime leaves, turmeric, ginger and lemongrass will be used. This helps in cleanses the body of excess toxics and eases the sore muscles, bruises, inflammation and back pain through the medicinal heat.
Bamboo Massage
Over the centuries, bamboo had been used as a remedy to help ease tired muscles after a long day of work. Bamboos also signified good luck, long life, friendship and harmony based on Chinese believes. This invigorating massage helps loosen the tight muscles and reduce tension, stress and anxiety gained during the busy worklife. This type of massage also stimulates blood circulation to increase oxygen flow and promote vitality too.
Naturopathy Facial
Revitalizing treatments using natural products and herbs to deep cleanse and exfoliate the face. Selection or customization of face masks are offered to match your skin complexion and texture. Natural ingredients such as Mud, Yogurt, Cucumber, Aloe Vera and Soya Bean are only used in making the mask too.
Ayurvedic Scalp Massage and Hair Treatment
This one hour massage and treatment will give your hair sleek, shiny texture that Asian women are renowned for. It’s luxurious relaxing scalp massage using aromatic coconut oils followed by a natural hair mask breathes new life to your hair, rejuvenating every strand from root to tip.
3.Learn Diving in a Cheaper Price
If you are interested in diving but not yet certified with PADI certification, then Tioman Island is the place to get your diving certification obtained.
No kidding, Tioman Island is well-known for its cheap and affordable diving certification classes and diving examinations. You can just your PADI certificate at just RM1000 at Tioman Island, which is much more cheaper when compared to the outside.
Not only that, there are also many diving schools available on Tioman Island to be chosen from, including Dive Asia, which is said to be the best diving school on the island.
Also Read : Scuba Diving Locations in Malaysia
4.Snorkeling Trip at Coral Island
Searching for the best underwater view in Tioman Island? Look no further than Tulai Isand!!!
Pulau Tulai, or as known as the Coral island is a small island off the coast of Tioman Island. It is a favorite snorkeling spot for almost all snorkeler due to its rich marine life and colorful corals that hides beneath the crystal blue sea water.
The corals here are still in amazing healthy shape, and there are crazy number of fish populate the water there. During your snorkeling trip, you can spot massive schools of fish picking their way through the colorful corals, and small pairs moving together side by side at a slow, relaxing pace.
Its main reef area is protected by a long outcropping of the rock perpendicular to the beach, enabling a clear visibility wonderful view on sunny day.
5.Free Diving at Tekek Village
All of us knows that diving is a must whenever you are enjoying your holiday at Tioman Island,but the drawback is that diving packages usually comes in a costly price. If that the case, we would like to introduce you to enjoy a free diving in Tekek Village.
There is a free diving center located there, where you can get free diving class and a free dive during your boat trip. You can expect to dive down to a depths of around 30 meters underwater and witness the home of graceful turtles.
You may also be interested in: Tantalizing Seafood Restaurants In Mersing
6.Surfing at Juara Beach
Located at the East Coast of Tioman Island, Juara Beach is famous for its spacious nature environment with lush greenery, white sandy beaches and warm sea teeming with colorful coral reefs at the deeper ends. This is also the place where you can enjoy surfing during the monsoon season.
Surfing in Juara Beach will totally leave every surfers speechless with its really high and challenging waves that are fun to ride. However it is recommended for every surfers to bring their own surfing board as renting of board can be quite expensive at Tioman Island, especially during the peak season.
Do not know how to surf? No problem~ There is a local beach hut available on Juara beach, where its owner offer surfing lessons for beginners. This is because the owner himself happens to be a surfer and he is really happy to share his knowledge and skills on surfing. You may sign up for a simple surfing class with him along with your friends to get more discounts too.
7.Go on a Fishing Trip
As mentioned, the marine life on Tioman Island is marine reserved and if you would like to see these fishes close, you need to sign up for a fishing trip.
There are several fishing trips available on the island, and you are only allowed to enjoy fishing up to 25 kilometers off the coast of Tioman Island. This means that you only can choose either to go reeling in a catch close to the shore or explore a little bit further and try island hopping to search for the most suitable fishing spot.
What may surprise you is that actually Tioman Island is a world class fishing destination for Sailfish, King Mackerel, Dorado and Black Marlin. It offers every anglers wide range of light jiggling and bottom fishing of deep sea fish. Night fishing is available upon request too, but it can be more tiring and dark. You need to stay alert at all times to avoid collision with the cruise liners.
Also Read : Top 11 Mersing Local Food You Cannot Miss
8.Kayaking at ABC Beach
As you can imagine, there are a lot of water sports activities abound on Tioman Island and one of these would be the sea kayaking. Recommended by almost all the locals living on Tioman Island, it is said that the best place to enjoy sea kayaking is at ABC Beach.
Best of all, there is no need to own a kayak of your own as renting of kayak is available on the beach. These sturdy kayaks are not only comfortable and stable, but impossible to sink too.
You can paddle your way to the breathtaking island, Renggis Island which only required 20 to 30 minutes paddle. Most of the visitors will take this opportunity to go snorkeling off the coast of Tioman Island at the similar time of their kayaking adventure.
This ultimate snorkeling location’s water is crystal clear and shallow, making it accessible to beginner snorkelers. And if you are lucky, you can even come face to face with a couple of inquisitive turtles, Dolly and Fred which made Renggis Island their home.
9. Hiking to Asah Waterfall
Asah Waterfall is one of the major natural attractions on Tioman island that is always being visited by the travelers. This waterfall is also referred to as Mukut Waterfall since it is located close to the Mukut Village.
There are two different ways to get to Asah Waterfall. The first method would be trekking your way through the jungle from Mukut Village or the Asah Village. The trekking takes about thirty minutes to one hour, depending on your stamina.
Along the way, you will be able to spot stunning floral and fauna for which Tioman Island is popular for. The second method to get to Asah waterfall would be taking a convenient water taxi or boat. Both of these water transportation will drop you close to the waterfall.
10.Gunung Kajang Hiking Adventure
For your information, Gunung kajang is the highest island peak off the coast of Peninsula Malaysia where you are allowed to have trekking adventure to its summit from either Juara Village or Paya Village. But always keep in mind that the terrain is quite challenging regarding which route you choose, and you need a local guide to lead you and your team in order to avoid getting lost in the thick rain forest.
This tallest mountain on Tioman Island rises to a height of 1038 meters at its summit. It will take about ten hours or above to get to the peak and back, so it is recommended that you to have an overnight camp in the forest that offer you an opportunity to get close to the nature.
During the hike, you can expect to hear the beautiful voice of the rain forest birds chirping, fresh green nature and occasionally see monkeys and other types of animals along the way.
Read also: Highly Addictive And Adventurous Attraction In Mersing
11.Visit Marine Park Information Centre
Tioman Island’s Marine Park Information center is an information center that educates you regarding on everything you would like to know about the marine life in the world. This park runs a number of television programs about Tioman Island’s marine life, which enable you to see the floral and fauna that lies beneath the sea.
Besides that, this marine park also held corals exhibition where you can see different types of corals are displayed. Best to be visited before any snorkeling activities to know about the marine life and to satisfy the curiosities.
12.Relax at Mukut Village
As one of the eight major villages on Tioman Island, Mukut Village is said to be the prettiest village among them. This village own the nicest beach that consist of soft golden sand and crystal clear sea which offers tranquility and serenity to everyone who demand for relaxation.
Unlike other villages on Tioman Island, Mukut Village is little more sleepier as it does not have much entertainments during the night/ So, if you are planning to get away from parties and gatherings, this is the place that suit you. Also, this is a great place to observe traditional Malay village life of the island too.
13.Experience Fishing Village Life
If you are planning on a taking a quick glimpse and experience on Malaysian fishing village lifestyle, head to Genting Village on Tioman Island. Genting Village is one of the fishing villages on Tioman Island that depend on sea fishing for living.It is recommended for you to visit the village early in the morning to watch the fishermen hauling in their catch.
Also, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the most original Malay village during your stroll at Genting Village too. Lots of animals and poultry such as chickens, ducks, geese, monkeys, and eagles can be spotted at almost all the corner of the village, making the exploration fun.
14.Sample Scrumptious Seafood Feast
Vacation does not means that you are still on your diet routine and obviously you need proper meals to keep yourself energized throughout the day for Tioman Island adventure. There are a lot of great seafood restaurants on Tioman Island that offer delicious seafood cuisines with affordable price to their guests.
15.Golf Game
Golf game on an island? Defiantly yes.
You might not think that you can still indulge yourself in a golf game during your holiday on Tioman Island, but actually you can. First opened since year 1989, the Tioman Island Golf Course consist of 18 holes on its spacious green field. The first nine holes of this golf field are designed by Ronald Fream while the second nine holes are designed by Michael Coate.
One of the best reasons why you should play a golf game here is that you can enjoy two different beautiful views during the game, the sea view and also the hill view.
You may also want to know: Top 10 Golf Courses Available in Johor Bahru
16.Visit Juara Turtle Hatchery
Juara Village’s Turtle Sanctuary is a project set up by a group of determined volunteers to protect the various endangered species of turtles and their eggs from any predators, including man.
This project is then collaborated with Malaysian Fisheries Department, where they provide help regarding matters on over fishing, illegal fishing and poaching of turtle eggs. Thanks to their effort throughout the years, more and more leather back turtles are now staging a comeback.
Here, you are able to witness the process on protecting the turtle eggs and get participated. These newly laid turtle eggs will first being brought back to the sanctuary in Juara Village to protect them from lizards and birds. It will then reburied again at the similar venue four hours later, or else the chances of survival will decreases.
Once all the turtle eggs are all buried, the site will be labeled with date and species details. There would be some dedicated turtle caretaker available there to monitor those eggs for a period of 40 days until hatching before releasing them back to the sea.
So, if you are interested in marine conservation, then Juara Turtle Hatchery is not to be missed.
17.Monkey Beach Exploration
Monkey Beach is one of the most well-known beaches on Tioman Island that is always being visited by the travelers. This beautiful beach tucked behind Salang Village is accessible via speedboat or jungle trail. The sweeping bay owns beautiful beach with calm pool of sea water and lush rain forest, making it a great destination to enjoy hiking and snorkeling.
This beach is great for a leisure walk during the evening, where you will spot a scheduled foot path which takes you to the Monkey Bay. It is a wonderful beach in the shape of an hourglass to witness gorgeous sunset spectacle during the evening.
18.Duty Free Shopping
Tioman Island had been declared as a duty free zone. Perhaps this make it the best place for you to enjoy your shopping for items especially liquor, chocolate and cigarette as these items are far cheaper when compared on the main land. You can find duty free shops in almost every corner of Tioman Island.
Head to their head outlet which is the Vision Commerce store. There, you are able to spot souvenirs such as t-shirts, key chains, kitchen utensils, batik prints, hand crafted items, liquors and even local food products at a much lower price due to its duty free status. It certainly is a must visit place for all shoppers who are looking for something local.
19.Fireball Show and Music Party
There are not much vibrant night entertainment on Tioman Island when compared to other places among the regions such as Bali or the islands around Thailand. Still, if you would like to enjoy the night with party on Tioman Island, you can head to the Tioman Cabana Bar that is located just at Tekek Village. It is also the only bar on Tioman Island too.
At Tioman Cabana Bar, you can pamper yourself with varieties of icy cold liquors, beers, cocktails and juices at their bar table. Perfectly formed, this simple beach bar contains all the elements that a typical tourist looking for: frozen drinks, great music, Hawaiian style food and also beach view.
Jam sessions by the locals are available during every evening, where you are allowed to join and get indulged with their band’s music from 70s onwards. Not forgetting the big draw of Tioman Cabana Bar, the traditional ‘Poi Poi’. It is a traditional fireball show on the beach performed by the locals. With the addition of bonfires, it do helps in lit up the quiet Tioman island night life for sure.
20.Island Hopping
Tioman Island is the part of the wider Mersing Marine Park that is made up of eight other small islands in addition to Tioman. One of the best method to explore all of these eight islands would be having a boat tour. It is also the cheapest way if you are planning to share the bill among your friends to set off the island hop at your leisure.
Water activities like swimming and snorkeling are really popular among the tourists, these activities are also the highlight of the boat trip too. So, make sure that you bring yourself an extra set of dry clothes to change after doing all the water activities. Snacking on the boat is allowed, and you can bring some snacks along just in case you get hungry during the trip for some munching moments.
Read also: Top 10 Hotel In Mersing
21. Enjoy Nightlife On Tioman Island
Nights are peaceful and quiet in Pulau Tioman .However, if you prefer to get a drink or listen to music in the night time. There are several bars that offer entertainment.
For a casual drink at the end of a busy day diving, attempt Tioman cabana Beach Bar. you may notice cheerful company during a casual setting. Paya Beach Resort Bar may be a nice place to relax with a beer or cocktail
You can also enjoy a live band performance every night (except on Monday) at Beach Bar in the vicinity of Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort
Also Read : Nightlife on Tioman Island
22. Taste The Local Cuisine
Food in Tioman Island can be a great challenge if you are a picky eater. However, if you are open to all types of delicacies, then you would be able to find numerous of options which might surprise your taste buds. A visit to Tioman Island is always encouraged if you like to try out some Malay’s traditional local cuisines although there are some continental choices of menu as well.
Also Read : Tioman Island Food Trip (Updated)