Tioman, Malaysia

About 36 nautical miles off Malaysia's east coast lies Pulau Tioman or Tioman Island, one of the region's most enchanting holiday spots. Scenic and tranquil, Tioman Island boasts miles and miles of white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, charming villages and friendly people. Its crystal clear waters teem with spectacular marine life and colourful coral gardens. The twin peaks of Gunung Nenek Semukut provide a prominent landmark to this island, reputed to be one of the most beautiful and idyllic in the world. A treasure trove of breathtaking marine attractions, corals, seashells and limpets, thorny sea urchins, colourful seaweeds and anemones, starfish, sharks, rays, large pelagics and a myriad of other aquatic wonders are abundant here. Beyond words, large schools of fish swarm the many wrecked remains of what were once illegal fishing trawlers. Turtles take short glances at passing divers and continue poking their heads into unbroken stretches of coral to feed. Welcome to Pulau Tioman.

Traditionally, the dive season for Tioman (and Dayang) starts in late February and ends in early November. As the best sites in Tioman are silt-bottomed such as the Marine Park areas, it is best to visit Tioman during the dive season! A good alternative to Tioman during the monsoon season is Phuket, in Thailand. See also our other activities in Tioman (turtle education!)