Listen to the sound of the river and you will catch fish.
Tioman Island
The famed island of Pulau Tioman is located in the inshore South China Sea, just west of Malaysian Peninsula's eastern seaboard. Tioman has earned itself quite a reputation as one of the word's finer paradise islands, ideal for scuba-diving, snorkeling, island-hopping, as well as jungle-trekking, rock-climbing and mountain-hiking. In short, it's not just a sun-worshipper's dream come true, but an adventurer heaven as well.
What's more, since most of Tioman's protected by nature reserve regulation, its flora and fauna, both in the surrounding sea and on land, has been able to thrive.
Wether it's flourishing coral gardens, marine or terrestrial arthropods, fish, amphibians, birds, primates or reptiles, Tioman offers it all, and then some. One of the fixtures in Tioman, for example, are the lumbering monitor lizards and the sea turtles that frequently come ashore to lay their eggs. Little known fact: Tioman is home to Rafflesia, which is the world's largest flower.
Nightlife
If you enjoy a nightcap or two, visit Salang at night. It's got quite a happening night scene, accompanied by swinging tunes, from raggae to jazz, courtesy of the open air pubs and beach bum hangouts.
Before calling it a day, make sure you go for a memorable stroll along the beach. On cloudless days, you'll never see as many stars as your nights in Tioman. Count on spotting a few shooting stars even, because since there's very little artificial light here, they're quite easy to discern. Magic in Tioman Island.
Shopping
Now, Tioman Island is a Duty-free shopping zone, so by all means go to town. But please enjoy with moderation. Souvenirs for your friends and family back home? We've got your back. Check out the t-shirts, flip-flops and all kinds of other Tioman-themed apparel available.
Word of caution
NOTE: Please do not buy any living creatures or even dead, stuffed or bottled wildlife whatsoever, including empty shells. In all likelihood, you'll get find when you bring into your home country, as virtually all of it in on the protected species list.
Of sandy feet and idyllic bliss
So how do you get to this famed paradise island? Well, the first thing you need to do is buy a bus ticket to Mersing. No matter where you are, Kuala Lumpur, Port Dickson, Penang, Langkawi, Perintians, or Kuantan, there's always a bus connection to Mersing. This also applies to Singapore.
Once you're in Mersing, Mersing Harbour Centre is easy to find. It's about a 5 minute stroll from the bus depot. Now, if you want to be sure there's space on the Tioman ferry, buying your ferry tickets in advance, either using above booking form or this website is recommended.
After all, the ferry departure times are dependent on the tides, the weather and the state of the sea. So it's a good idea to be in possession of tickets and the ferry schedule before arriving in Mersing.
That way, you won't end up stranded in Mersing because you missed the ferry.
