Cheap Flights to Tioman Airport

Discover Tioman

Tioman Island was voted one of the world’s most beautiful islands in the 1970s by Times Magazine. The rustic vibes can still be felt on the island despite the rise in tourism in the region. This can largely be attributed to its location, as it is off the beaten track for most foreign visitors exploring Malaysia. Its proximity to Singapore makes it an exciting getaway destination for many Singaporeans seeking adventure and relaxation.

Travelling around Tioman is challenging because there is no public transport on the island. There is only one road that stretches across the Air Batang area, so renting a car or motorbike is out of the question. The cheapest and best way to travel from one village to another is to use the Tioman ferry service. It is also possible to explore the island on foot but remember to bring along your trekking shoes and a pair of long pants.

A good place to start your visit in Tioman would be at the Tioman Information Centre, located just opposite the airport in Kampung Tekek. You are bound to gain useful information on the island as well as safety cautions here. The variety of flora and fauna on Tioman makes it a haven for jungle trekkers, rock climbers and nature lovers. Cross the island by trekking from Kampung Tekek, just north of the airport to Kampung Juara through the lush, verdant forests and cascading waterfalls.

Go on an expedition to conquer Tioman’s Mystery Mountain, Gunung Kajang, an extinct volcano that has been largely unexplored.

Further south of the island lies Kampung Mukut, where you can get a relaxing massage. Explore Nenek Semukut, an outcrop of granites which share a resemblance to the profile of a human face and a 690-metre freestanding granite spire which is apparently the highest in Peninsular Malaysia. Night walks can be arranged to view nocturnal animals like the mousedeer, porcupine and certain species of snakes.

Tioman Island is surrounded by numerous white corals, making it a haven for scuba divers. Book a dive trip with Sunrise Dive centre, one of the better dive centres on the island. Get ready to be greeted by awe-inspiring marine life such as the manta ray, a kaleidoscope of colourful fish and brightly-coloured corals. The black-tip reef sharks and whale sharks are occasional visitors, often swimming right past you. The most spectacular sight would be the cuttlefish dancing in large groups around each other. This sight needs to be seen to be believed.

Volunteer at the Juara Turtle Project, which is a conservation and research effort to protect sea turtles on the island. Spend a few hours learning more about live sea turtles and how to preserve them.

Tioman is a great getaway destination to rejuvenate and experience island life. It has retained its charm and is perhaps still one of the best beaches with pristine bleach-blonde sands and clear turquoise waters.

Did you know?

According to legend, Tioman Island’s origins lie in the flight of a dragon princess who fell in love with the surrounding waters and decided to settle there permanently by transforming her body into an island. The twin peaks, Tioman’s famous landmarks, are said to resemble the ears of the legendary princess.