Pulau+Tioman

=Pulau Tioman, East Coast Malaysia= //* March-October only due to rains// //* This is a fly, or drive and boat destination.// //**Note**: boat departures depend on tidal conditions. You may have a long wait if you don't check this out ahead of time.//

**Scuba Diving** [[image:dive_flag]]
There are several outfits to use. I went with [|Balihai Divers]. Good group to dive with. They have a nice big boat that accommodates many divers (20+) and a smaller one for less people. Personally, I prefer less divers and a small boat as the swells can get pretty //nasty// when you have to roam and stop for 20+ minutes picking up numerous groups of divers, ugh! Anyway, I saw two huge turtles (one was less than a meter away...too busy eating to notice me) AND the biggest giant moray eel I have ever seen in all my dives. Incredible. Saw lots of other great things too. You only need a lycra suit or t-shirt here as the water is warm (28-30°C).

** Snorkeling **
Some fabulous sites to explore. Don't forget sun protection and mask and snorkel (you can rent the gear but I don't know the cost) and a nylon baseball cap for those whose heads burn (wear it backwards and you can still wear the mask & snorkel no problem).

**Hiking**
Hike across the island in 1.5 hours....or 5 hours...depending who takes the lead!!

**Bike Riding**
Okay, you can rent bikes but don't expect the world. My pedal fell off about 10 minutes into the ride.

** Walk the Beaches **
This will involve walking along some beaches, then along beach heads, some paths in the jungle and more beach. If you have the time, it's not bad.

**Swim**
Bathtub warm water. Lovely to swim in. Don't forget your sun shirt, sunscreen, and a nylon baseball cap for those of you whose heads are prone to burning.

** Sit back on the beach and watch amazing sunsets, with a nice cool beverage in hand **
need I say more???

Getting there:
//**Driving & Ferry:**//
 * 1) From KL take the North/South Expressway south and turn off at Ayer Hitam, head for Kluang then on to Mersing. This drive takes about 4 hours (traffic depending).
 * 2) Park your car at the Ferry carpark or, if that is already full, park in the football field just across to the right (can't miss it). Parking costs about RM8 per night. You pay when you exit.
 * 3) We took the **Blue Water Ferry** for RM70 return (Tel: 607-7995696). This is supposedly the most dependable of the ferries. Boats start running at 7:30 a.m. and the last one heads out about 5:00 p.m. If the company says there are no seats left call Eric at Island Connections (down the road from the departure jetty) at 019-778-9535. He got 4 of us on, no probs, when Blue Water said "we're full". Turns out more boats were added due to the Labour Day holiday. On our way out to Tioman we were on a smaller speedboat which took just over an hour. On the way back we were on the super ferry that took a little over 2 hours. Again, timing depends on tides, crowds, and sea conditions.

//**Flying:**// [|Berjaya Air] is the company that flies into Tioman. Flew to Tioman in April 2011. The flight cost RM 200 (special price--usually RM 500-700). WELL WORTH it. Fly out of Subang Airport (20-minute drive from Mont'Kiara), and the flight took about 45 mins. So much nicer than the 8 hours it took us drive (drive, wait, ferry)


 * If you dive, remember the 18-24 hour rule of no flying after your last dive.

Where to Stay:
There are a lot of places to stay on Tioman...lots more than my last visit 11 years ago. We stayed at the ABC Jetty beach (3rd from the North of the island).

//ABC Jetty - [|Nazri's Place]//
Nazri Place has two locations at the ABC Jetty drop. We stayed at [|Nazri's Place One]...at the south end of the ABC Jetty. When you get off the jetty turn right (south) and walk to the end. It's the last place on this beach (about 10-minute walk). The beach in front of the hotel is very nice. They have fantastic fresh fish charcoaled daily: Blue Marlin, Shark, King Fish, Barracuda, etc. We stayed in an air-conditioned [|Deluxe Room] with Breakfast included. The [|prices] are listed. Normally I prefer a fan, but was mighty grateful to have that air con in the April heat.

//**Berjaya Resort -** [|website]//
Stayed there in April 2011. Not the cheapest place but a nice treat....once. Be certain to purchase your package (hotel) from Agoda.com (will save you RM100++ on the hidden taxes the resort charges. With Agoda, the price quoted is the price paid. Good for most hotel bookings in SE Asia.

By: Lori