Just came back from another short trip in Tioman Island. Didn't expect much but the island has so much to offer and really surprised me in a good way. ^^
Transport
We took bus from Singapore to Mersing Jetty (approximately 3 hours). Another option is to take to Tanjong Gemuk Jerry. You can check the timings to decide which one fits your schedule better. From Mersing, a ferry ride is needed to get you to Tioman Island. Kindly find the ferry schedule here. The departure time of ferry varies, hence, it's safer to be at the boarding area at least half an hour earlier. While our trip to Tioman Island was delayed for one hour, our return trip to mainland departed half an hour earlier than the scheduled time.
Bus to Mersing = $21
Bus to Singapore = $26
Ferry (one-way) = RM35/way (you can also buy online to secure the seat, however, it will cost $30 for both ways)
Let's talk about the chaos at jetty. Once you arrive at Mersing Jetty, you need to get your ferry tickets first (either from designated counter if you have made online purchase or buying directly from the counter). After that, you have to register at counter with your passport and tickets. Half an hour before the scheduled time, please get your boarding pass (just a laminated card that comes in different colours) and gather at the boarding area. A lot of people are not aware of the boarding pass as the instructions are really unclear. When your colour is being shouted, proceed to board the ferry. If you are too late, you might not get a seat so please be on time. Yeah, I know it sounds complicated for the first-timers.
Accommodation
Paya Beach Resort
As long as you don't expect 5-star features, this resort is fine. Our superior pool view room can fit in 4 people with one toilet. The connecting rooms are available if you are travelling in a big group.
Stay per night = $125.50/room/night
(+) Cleanliness, helpful staffs, connecting room with good soundproof walls
(-) No wifi (only available in lobby yet the connection is weak), no hairdryer, old furniture, construction view from window (only applicable to certain room types), small pool, limited options for breakfast buffet
Snorkeling Trip
Compared to many islands that I had visited before, Tioman offers one of the best and easiest snorkeling sites. There are multiple types of packages available, click here to view them. We chose the coral island package (RM90/pax, 8.45am to 3pm, lunch excluded)
Four snorkeling points:
- White Sand Beach (shallow,): I would say that it's a good swimming spot than a snorkeling place. The beach view was breathtaking. As the name suggests, white sand was the biggest selling point here. Grab your chance for some really good photos.
- Telok Kadok - Snorkeling place for some beautiful corals.
- Lunch at Kampung Salak: The truth is you won't have many food options here. Our tour guide urged us to the only restaurant we could spot. Apart from the scenic view, nothing else was up to standard (slow service, salty food, overpriced). As lunch is not included in the package, do remember to bring some money. The swing on the beach is extremely photogenic though!
- Marine Park (shallow): You may bring some money to buy bread to attract the fish. One packet of bread costs RM2. I've never seen so much fish swimming around me in my life. Photos taken with my GoPro Hero 5.
- Pulau Renggis (deep): If you are lucky, you may see sharks and turtles. Only one guy from our tour group took a glimpse at a baby shark, how lucky!
ATV
Looking for some adrenaline rush? ATV is here for you! We signed up at the activity desk of Paya Resort for 4pm slots. We returned to the island from our snorkeling trip at 3pm. After a quick shower, we made it on time for ATV (we were so worried that the snorkeling trip would be delayed, luckily it didn't). There were 2 stop points - a short hike to the famous Willow Tree and a cooling dip in small stream.
Single - RM150
Double - RM180
Timings - 12pm, 2pm and 4pm daily
At the Willow Tree.
Photos Taking
There are multiple beautiful photos taking spots and here are our top picks!
Sunset.
At the beach.
As the beach was't very crowded in the morning (most people would have gone for snorkeling trip), it's easy to get some good photos.
At the swimming pool. Too bad that the floats for rental were damaged. =(
Floats rental = RM10/hour
One of my favourite photos during the trip.
Cute little cafe beside the jetty.
At the jetty.
Other activities
- We played multiple rounds of darts at hotel lobby. Each round costs RM3.
- Complimentary sunrise yoga is run daily, making a perfect start for morning.
- Treat yourself with the relaxing spa. Personally I think it's too expensive and we gave it a pass.
- Visit Asuh Waterfall. Due to time constraint, we couldn't make it but it looks good in the photos online.
Food
Auntie Paya's Restaurant
To be honest, the food options on the island are quite limited. As different parts of island are not connected by land (you will require water taxi to travel around), our meal options were limited to Paya Beach. One of our favourite is Auntie Paya's Restaurant, located right in front of jetty. Their salted egg crabs were exceptionally delicious. Other dishes such as seafood tofu, Thai-styled chicken and fried kangkung with sambal were recommended too.
Aman Tioman BBQ Seafood
Probably the best meal on the island though it was quite a pricey meal. The black pepper tiger prawns and salted egg yolk sotong were mind-blowing.
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