Tioman Island Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know

If you want a relaxing island holiday where you can relax by the beach with a cocktail in hand, Tioman Island is the place for you! Conveniently close to Singapore, this is the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Named one of the world’s most beautiful islands by TIME Magazine, Tioman is a little slice of paradise, with crystal clear waters, pristine beaches as well as beautiful coral reefs. Find out more in this Tioman Island destination guide.

Short on time? Here are our Tioman Island Malaysia top recommendations:

Highlights: relax on Tioman’s beautiful beaches and snorkel or scuba dive around the island.

Activities: book your Malaysia Tours with Klook.

Accommodation: we use Agoda to find the best hotels in Malaysia.

Flights: find cheapest flights with cashback on WayAway.
For cheap flights in Malaysia, we use AirAsia.

Airport Lounge Access: start your holiday the right way with Priority Pass.

Travel Medical Insurance: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the ideal choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

Travel Banking: Wise makes global travel banking seamless and affordable.

What is Tioman Island Malaysia famous for?

Tioman Island is a well known Malaysia destination for snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing. The area is a marine reserve and is home to a diverse array of marine life. Additionally, Tioman Island has a beautiful inland rain forest called Pulau Tioman Wildlife Reserve. This protected area is the habitat for several protected species of mammals as well as a wide range of animals and birds. Furthermore in the 1970s Tioman Island was named one of the world’s most beautiful islands by TIME Magazine.

Why you should visit Tioman Island Malaysia

Tioman Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia. The island has white sandy beaches surrounded by coral reefs as well as a marine park. It is also a popular place for snorkelling and scuba diving and you can even get your PADI diving licence here. On the island itself, there are hiking trails, a number of small fishing villages as well as a turtle sanctuary. In addition to the natural beauty of the island, there are a number of resorts and restaurants on the island. Tioman Island also has duty free status, which makes it perfect for shopping.

Another great feature of Tioman Island is its location. The island is conveniently only a few hours drive away from Singapore. As such it is a popular weekend vacation spot for people living in Singapore, but its also easy to get to via Singapore from other parts of the world.

Tioman Island Destination Guide: Know before you go

Basic info about Tioman Island Malaysia

• City name in other scripts – ڤولاو تياومن (Jawi), 刁曼岛. 岛屿 (Chinese), Pulau Tioman (Malay)
• Language – Malay. There are 10 dialects of Malay used throughout thought the country, with Standard Malay being the unifying language. English is becoming more widely spoken in the country. However not everyone you meet will be able to speak English. Mandarin Chinese, Malaysian Chinese, Tamil, other Indian languages as well as Creole are spoken by the various ethnic groups that live in Malaysia.
• Currency – Malaysian ringgit (MYR). This has been the official currency of Malaysia since 1967. Currency exchanges can be found in most cities and ATMs are also available widely throughout the country.
• Population – 432 (2008)
• Area – 136 km² (53 sq mi)
• District – Rompin
• State – Pahang
• Emergency number – 999
• Police number – 999

Utilities in Tioman Island Malaysia

• Electricity – Malaysia uses Type G power plugs. The country operates on a 240v supply voltage at 50Hz. Power outages are reasonably common in Malaysia.
• Water – the tap water in Malaysia is not generally safe to drink. Tap water is usually treated, but pipes may be old. Therefore most locals boil their water or use a water filter just to be safe.
• Toilets – sit-down flushing toilets as well as Asian style squat toilets are common in Malaysia. Toilets generally come equipped with a spray hose (sometimes referred to as a Muslim shower). The spray hose is like a European bidet and is used for cleaning personal areas as an alternative to toilet paper. All of the accommodation we stayed in throughout the country was equipped with the western style sit-down flushing toilets with spray hoses. Toilet paper is also usually provided. Don’t flush your toilet paper – use the bins provided. The use of bathroom slippers is customary and is provided in accommodation and sometimes also in public bathrooms. Public bathrooms often offer both sit-down and squat style toilets. Public toilets are common in Malaysia. The charge is usually around 30-50 sens.
• Telephone country code: +60

Where is Tioman Island Malaysia?

Tioman Island is an island in the Rompin district of the state of Pahang Malaysia. It located in the South China Sea, near the coast of the state of Johor.

The closest towns to Tioman Island are Mersing in the state of Johor as well as Tanjung Gemok in the state of Pahang. Tioman Island is 1.5-2 hours by ferry from Mersing and 1.5 hours by ferry from Tanjung Gemok.

How to get to Tioman Island Malaysia

Tioman Island destination guide: Arriving by land

Tioman Island Malaysia intercity land transport

As Tioman Island is an island, it is impossible to get there overland. However land transport can be used to get to the ferry terminal on mainland at either Mersing or Tanjung Gemok.

Driving to Tioman Island from within Malaysia

The main ferry terminal to Tioman Island is at Mersing. Here are travel times and distances to Mersing, Malaysia:

• Endau, Johor – 35 minutes (37km, 23miles) without tolls
• Tanjung Gemok, Pahang – 41 minutes (40km, 25miles) without tolls
• Kuala Rompin, Pahang – 57 minutes (62km, 39miles) without tolls
• Kluang, Johor – 1 hour 26 minutes (88km, 55miles) without tolls
• Johor Bahru, Johor – 2 hours 32 minutes (128km, 80miles) without tolls
• Malacca, Malacca– 3 hours 38 minutes (246km, 153miles) with tolls or 4 hours 10 minutes (236km, 147miles) without tolls
• Kuala Lumpur – 4 hours 51 minutes (358km, 222miles) with tolls or 5 hours 38 minutes (338km, 201miles) without tolls
• Kuantan, Pahang – 2 hours 59 minutes (195km, 121miles) without tolls
• George Town, Penang – 8 hours 30 minutes (718km, 446miles) with tolls or 11 hours 43 minutes (730km, 454miles) without tolls

Alternatively, there is also a ferry terminal to Tioman Island at Tanjung Gemok, which is right next door to Endau.

Intercity trains to Tioman Island Malaysia

There are no trains on Tioman Island. The closest train station is at Kluang, which is 1.5 hours drive and 1.5-2 hours ferry away. Kluang is a train station on Malaysia’s West Coast Railway Line. This Malaysian railway line extends from Padang Besar railway station near the Malaysia-Thailand border to the Woodlands Train Checkpoint in Singapore. At Gemas it connects with the East Coast Railway Line (also known as the Malaysia Jungle Train). Train travel in Malaysia is a cheap and scenic way to see the country. We caught the train from Johor Bahru to Kluang in 2022. Our train tickets cost 14 ringgit per person and the journey was a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Intercity buses to Tioman Island Malaysia

A common way to get around Malaysia is by using intercity buses. These are budget friendly and the network is extensive. Intercity bus companies in Malaysia include KKKL Express as well as S&S International. It is possible to get an intercity bus to Mersing and then a 1.5-2 hour ferry to Tioman Island. Popular bus destinations to Mersing include:

• Singapore – travel time 3 hours 30 minutes. Tickets start from 114 ringgit one way.
• Johor Bahru Malaysia – travel time 2 hours 30 minutes. Tickets start from 13 ringgit one way.
• Malacca Malaysia – travel time 4 hours 30 minutes. Tickets start from 35 ringgit one way.
• Kuala Lumpur Malaysia – travel time 5 hours 30 minutes. Tickets start from 38 ringgit one way.

Tioman Island destination guide: Arriving by air

There is an airport on Tioman Island called Tioman Airport, Malaysia (Airport code TOD).

Other nearby airports include:

• Senai International Airport (Airport code JHB). This airport is 137km (85 miles) away.
• Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport (Airport code KUA). This airport is 153km (95 miles) away.
• Seletar Airport, Singapore (Airport code XSP). This airport is 159km (99 miles) away.

The national airline of Malaysia is Malaysia Airlines.

For cheap flights in Malaysia, we use AirAsia.

Tioman Island destination guide: Arriving by boat

Ferries to Tioman Island operate from Mersing Jetty as well as Tanjung Gemok Jetty. The two ferry operators for Tioman Island are Bluewater Express and Cataferry. A one way ticket to Tioman Island is around 40-130 ringgit one way and the journey time is 1.5-2 hours. Tickets can be purchased online, at the Mersing Harbour Centre, at Tanjung Gemok Jetty or at a tour office the main town area of Mersing. Additionally, there is a 30 ringgit per person Tioman Marine Park Fee that must be paid at the office in the Mersing Harbour Centre or at Tanjung Gemok Jetty any time prior to boarding the ferry. Be sure to allow sufficient time to pay that fee or you will not be allowed on board the ferry.

Tioman Island destination guide: How to get around Tioman Island Malaysia

Walking in Tioman Island Malaysia

By far the easiest and also the cheapest way to get around Tioman Island is to walk. There are some nice hikes around the island and walking along the beach is just lovely.

Local buses in Tioman Island Malaysia

There are no buses on Tioman Island.

Trams in Tioman Island Malaysia

Tioman Island does not have a tram system.

Local trains in Tioman Island Malaysia

Tioman Island does not have a local train line.

Metro trains (subway or underground) in Tioman Island Malaysia

Tioman Island does not have an underground train line.

Vehicle hire in Tioman Island Malaysia

A wide variety of vehicles can be rented in Malaysia. This includes:

• Electric scooters
• Bicycles
• Motorcycles
• Cars
• SUVs
• Boats

In Malaysia they drive on the left side of the road.

Keep in mind that there are only a small number of roads on Tioman Island, around Tekek village, so the best way to get around Tioman Island is to walk or by boat.

Shuttles on Tioman Island Malaysia

Our accommodation provided a shuttle service between the resort and the jetty as well as the airport.

Taxis in Tioman Island Malaysia

The only taxis on Tioman Island are at Tekek village. This is because the main car-friendly roads on Tioman Island are at Tekek. The taxis also service Juara, however the conditions of the roads to Juara aren’t the best. Expect to pay around 37 ringgit one way between Tekek and Juara (price as at 2022).

Water taxi in Tioman Island Malaysia

Water taxis are a popular way to get around Tioman Island. Each village or kampung has its own jetty. Expect to pay around 25-30 ringgit per person between Tekek and ABC or Salang and over 100 ringgit per person between Tekek and Juara (prices as at 2022). Prices may be higher for smaller groups.

Ride-share services in Tioman Island Malaysia

There are no ride-share services on Tioman Island.

Tioman Island Malaysia destination guide: Is Tioman Island Malaysia worth visiting?

Tioman Island is absolutely worth visiting. It’s a gorgeous island which has natural beauty both above and below the water. With plenty of fantastic accommodation to chose from, it’s the perfect place for an island holiday. Tioman Island was one of our favourite destinations in Malaysia and we’re sure you’ll love it too!

Tioman Island destination guide: How long to spend in Tioman Island Malaysia

A little piece of paradise, Tioman Island is a stunning island and the perfect tropical getaway. It is part of a marine park and is perfect for water-based activities or just relaxing on the beach. It is one of the more expensive destinations in Malaysia, so your budget may also impact the amount of time you spend here. 3 day/2 night packages are a popular option on the island. We spent 3 nights in Tioman Island and enjoyed unwinding, taking it slow and just enjoying the beauty of this island.

Tioman Island destination guide: What to do in Tioman Island Malaysia

Tioman Island is a gorgeous Malaysian island where you can do as much or as little as you want. We highly recommend taking it slow and just enjoying nature. However if you are feeling more active, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. The island has a range of great free activities as well as paid activities.

Tioman Island destination guide: Free things to do in Tioman Island Malaysia

There are enough free activities in Tioman Island Malaysia to keep you entertained for a weekend or even a leisurely week:

• Relax on one of the many beautiful beaches around the island
• Hike around the island
• Discover some of the stunning waterfalls on the island
• Swim in the crystal clear water of the South China Sea
• Visit some of the seven villages (also known as kampungs) that are dotted around the island
• Hike to the top of Gunung Kajang
• Visit the Marine Park Information Centre

Tioman Island destination guide: Paid activities in Tioman Island Malaysia

A number of activities in Tioman Island Malaysia charge a fee:

• Snorkelling
• Scuba Diving
• Surfing
• Kayaking
• Boat Tours/Island Hopping
• Juara Turtle Project – 20 minute tours are 10 ringgit per person. Day visit programs are also available.
• Fishing Tours
• Cycling
• Golf
• Rock climbing
• Massages and spa packages
• Duty free shopping

Weather in Tioman Island Malaysia

Major internet and phone companies in Malaysia – Celcom, Digi, Hotlink (Maxis), U Mobile, UniFi Mobile, Tune Talk, Yes, XOX Mobile / ONEXOX, redONE, Yoodo, Telekom Malaysia and Time dotCom.

5G has been in Malaysia since December 2021. 2G will not be be switched off in Malaysia. 3G is was switched off in March 2022.

Malaysia is ranked 28^th fastest in the world for mobile internet speeds and 38^th fastest for fixed broadband. For Fixed Broadband the average download speed is 137mbps and upload is 56mbps (as at June 2024).

Cell phone SIM cards can be bought in a numbers of places throughout Malaysia. These include phone stores, in shopping malls, at bus stations as well as at airports. Some form of ID, such as a passport, is required in order to purchase a SIM card in Malaysia.

How much to budget for Tioman Island Malaysia?

Is Tioman Island Malaysia expensive?

Tioman Island is one of the most expensive destinations in Malaysia. This gorgeous island is home to luxury resorts which are pricey by Malaysian standards. However Malaysia on the whole is a cheaper country to visit by world standards, so if you’re looking for a good value tropical island destination, Tioman Island is a great option.

Tioman Island destination guide: Daily spend for a couple travelling in Tioman Island Malaysia

As a rough guide, we recommend the following budgets for a couple:

• Low-budget daily spend – 200 ringgit per day for a couple will get you hostel accommodation, meals from local eateries and free or cheap activities such as visiting beaches
• Mid-range daily spend – 800 ringgit per day for a couple will get you mid-range accommodation, walking as transport with perhaps a couple of taxi or water taxi trips, restaurant meals and a few paid activities
• Luxury spend – 4000 ringgit per day for a couple will get you a premium experience in Malaysia, staying at luxury resorts, travelling by taxi or water taxi, doing a range of paid activities and eating at high end restaurants

Tioman Island destination guide: Accommodation in Tioman Island Malaysia

Tioman Island is one of the more expensive areas in Malaysia, so expect to pay much more than you would in most places on the mainland. Airbnb operates in Malaysia, and there are a small number of chalets and 2 bedroom accommodation options currently listed for Tioman Island.

Where to stay in Tioman Island Malaysia

We recommend the following accommodation in Tioman Island Malaysia:

• Best budget hotel on Tioman Island Malaysia – for low-cost accommodation in Tioman Island Malaysia we recommend Beach Shack Chalet. This place is right on the beach and has great people and good vibes.
• Best value resort accommodation on Tioman Island Malaysia – we recommend staying at Berjaya Tioman Resort. We stayed here ourselves and liked that the resort was large enough that you felt like you had the place to yourself. Resort is right on the beach and also has an expansive pool area. The setting is surrounded by nature and we saw monkeys and monitor lizards while we were there. The resort has a lot of paid activities available as well as some free activities such as mocktail making. Berjaya also has a great restaurant on site. Our room was a little dated but comfortable. The grounds of the resort were generally well maintained, but we did see a little bit of litter – particularly cigarette butts. All up it was a great stay.
• Best adults only luxury resort on Tioman Island Malaysia – for a deluxe experience on Tioman Island, we recommend Japamala Resort by Samadhi. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The property is secluded and surrounded by nature with beautiful ocean views. Italian and Thai cuisine features on the restaurant menu. The staff are very attentive and cocktail hour is a highlight.

How much is accommodation in Tioman Island Malaysia?

For short-term accommodation, a general price per night is as follows:

• Budget accommodation – 50-95 ringgit for a bed in a dorm
• Mid-range accommodation – 220-400 ringgit for a private room
• Luxury accommodation – 700-1600 ringgit a night for a luxury hotel
• Rental property – 300-450 ringgit for a 2 bedroom apartment

Some accommodation packages for Tioman Island may have breakfast or all meals included.

Tourist tax on accommodation in Malaysia

From 1 January 2023 there is a tourist tax of 10 ringgit per accommodation per night in Malaysia. This tax is collected by the property. Permanent residents and Malaysian nationals are exempt from the tax. Furthermore the tourist tax does not apply to homestays and kampung stays registered with the Ministry of Tourism.

Tioman Island destination guide: Food in Tioman Island Malaysia

How much does food cost in Tioman Island Malaysia?

Our price guide for your food budget in Tioman Island Malaysia is as follows (prices as at 2022):

• Restaurant meal – 30-60 ringgit for a main dish
• Local food – 5-15 ringgit for a dish
• Beer – 5-10 ringgit
• Coffee – 1.50-2.50 ringgit

Popular dishes in Tioman Island Malaysia

• Malaysian-style seafood barbeque
• Nasi goreng
• Char kway teow
• Fish head curry

Some accommodation packages for Tioman Island may have breakfast or all meals included.

Tioman Island Malaysia culture

Weekends in Pahang Malaysia

Which days are weekdays and weekend days vary in Malaysia depending on the state you’re in. In the state of Pahang weekdays are Monday to Friday and weekends are Saturday and Sunday. Keep this in mind as weekends can affect prices and availability (particularly for accommodation). Additionally weekends may impact opening hours as well as how crowded attractions are.

Pahang public holidays

Malaysia has one of the highest number of public holidays in the world. In total, there are between 18 and 20 public holidays observed in each state. This includes national holidays as well as state based holidays. Public holidays for the state of Pahang are as follows:

• New Year’s Day – 1^st January
• Chinese New Year’s Day – 1^st day of 1^st lunar month, in January or February
• Chinese New Year Holiday – 2^nd day of 1^st lunar month, in January or February
• Labour Day – 1 May
• Wesak Day (Buddha’s birthday) – May or June, date varies
• Hari Hol Pahang – 22 May
• Hari Nuzul Al-Quran – 17^th day of Ramadan, date varies
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa – the last day of Ramadan, date varies
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday or Hari Raya Puasa Holiday – day after the last day of Ramadan, date varies
• Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday (King’s Birthday) – 1^st Monday in June
• Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday – 30 July
• Hari Raya Qurban (Aidiladha) (Feast of the Sacrifice) – date varies
• Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year) – date varies
• Merdeka Day (National Day, Independence Day) – 31 August
• Malaysia Day – 16 September
• Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday) – 12^th day of the 3^rd month of the Islamic calendar
• Deepavali – date varies, October or November
• Christmas Day – 25 December

National symbols of Malaysia

• Malaysia flag – 14 alternating red and white stripes with a blue canton with a yellow crescent and 14 pointed star. The Malaysian flag is called the Stripes of Glory.
• Malaysia coat of arms – two tigers supporting a shield with a yellow crescent and a 14 pointed star on top and a yellow banner with words that translate to “Unity is strength” written in both romanised Malay and Jawi at the bottom.
• National flower – hibiscus
• National bird – rhinoceros hornbill
• Malaysia national animal – the Malayan tiger

Malaysia pastimes

• National dish – nasi lemak
• Popular drinks – teh tarik, Ipoh white coffee, milo ais, sirup bandang
• National sport – sepak takraw
• Religion – 64% Islam, 19% Buddhist, 9% Christian, 6% Hindu (as at 2020)

Is Tioman Island Malaysia Safe?

Malaysia travel guide: Safety in Tioman Island Malaysia

As a tropical island, Tioman’s main safety concerns relate to sun safety and water safety. We’d also recommend exercising caution around wild animals and sealife. In particular, take care around monkeys and don’t leave food around as that will attract them. Additionally, ensure you have protection from insect bites. Sandflies are an annoyance on the island as their bites can be quite itchy.

We have spent around 4 months travelling extensively through Malaysia over two separate trips. In our experience the country is extremely safe. Malaysia ranks 19^th safest country on the Global Peace Index (as at 2023). As with any country, there are good areas and bad areas. Watch out for pickpockets and bag snatching particularly at crowded tourist attractions. In particular, when eating out don’t leave your bag, phone or wallet on the table or next to you where someone can quickly grab it and run away. Instead keep your belongings physically attached to you at all times. Make sure no-one is watching whenever you are entering pin codes and never lose sight of your credit card when making a purchase.

Malaysia travel guide: General safety considerations in Malaysia

Other general safety considerations for travel in Malaysia:

• Drinking water – tap water in Malaysia is not generally safe to drink. Tap water is usually treated, but pipes may be old. Therefore most locals boil their water or use a water filter.
• Mosquitoes – mosquito borne illnesses are a significant risk in Malaysia, particularly dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Malaysia is in the pre-elimination phase of malaria. While malaria is more of a risk in Malaysian Borneo, there have also been cases on the Malaysian peninsula. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
• Altitude sickness – Malaysia has areas of high altitude and therefore altitude sickness risk. If you visit high altitude areas in Malaysia, allow sufficient time to acclimatise. If you experience signs of altitude sickness, including headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite or shortness of breath, get help immediately.
• Road safety – Road accidents are a significant risk in Malaysia. While road conditions in Malaysia are generally very good, traffic is often very heavy. Furthermore drivers in Malaysia tend to speed up rather than slowing down for amber lights. We also found that roads in Malaysia are not typically built with pedestrians in mind, and footpaths often stop unexpectedly in busy areas.
• Water safety – take care when swimming as currents and waves may be stronger than you expect.
• Earthquakes – Malaysia experiences both regional and local earthquake activity. In an earthquake, stay away from glass, windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall. If inside, get under a table, desk or solid furniture and hang onto it. Cover your head and torso to protect from falling objects. If outside, stay outside and go to an open area away from buildings.
• Sun safety – Exposure to the sun can have adverse short-term and long-term effects on the skin, eyes and immune system. Wear sun protection such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
• Dogs – rabies from rabid dog bites is a risk in Malaysia. For more on dog safety while travelling, check out this video.

As with any destination, take all of your normal safety precautions.

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