Travel: Malaysia - Tioman

[bryannn]

Those thinking of going to Tioman after the Northeast monsoon, now there's no more need to be worrying about ferry ticket availability.


As I mentioned above, we're quite the Tioman regulars and we've found that lately more and more travellers arrive at the Mersing jetty too late to catch their ferry, because by then it's full.

The reason is that until recently you could only buy ferry tickets tickets on the spot, i.e. at the Mersing jetty. This obviously is not ideal, because ferry departure times are fairly irregular die to the tides and the weather.

In practice, this meant that a lot of Tioman-bound travelers are forced to wait for the next ferry out or even stay in Mersing overnight after missing the last ferry to Tioman. A bit of a pain obviously if your resort in Tioman has already been booked for that night.

Anyway, I found this nifty site where you can book your tickets online. See http://www.tiomanferry.com.

[avocado1]

we are thinking of bringing our 2 kids(age 2 and 4) to tioman in june 2012. besides feeding fishes at the beach, will it be possible for them to go snorkeling?


we go to the kids’ swimming pool regularly but they are not swimmers.

also any recommendations for B&B type of accommodation in tioman?

thanks lots!

[osim]

bryannn:

If you'd like some specific details on the various resorts, by all means let me know.

We were in Tioman 2 weeks ago. We had a lovely time. Stayed at Berjaya Tioman and the rooms were so clean and comfortable. Service was prompt.

We had only 3D2N. Went snorkeling at Coral Island and Renggis Island. It was exciting for my kids as it was their 1st time snorkeling in the deep blue sea. The corals and the fish were awesome.

We also went jungle trekking. The trail was quite challenging as some parts have to use rope to help but was rewarded with a dip at a small waterfall. We were the only one there so our time at the waterfall was like a private family activity, the guide just lie on a rock and took his nap.

I wish to check with you. Would Juara be a better place to stay. The beach at Berjaya has a lot of dead coral chips and can cut our feet. Heard the best beach is at Juara but there not good for snorkeling.

We never see whale, dolphin or turtles. The corals in the sea bed were not as colorful as We expected. Guess all mati already. What's the best spot to snorkel?

On the whole we enjoyed Tioman but would like to try other islands. If we drive there, where is the safest place to park in Mersing?

[joyceharper]

This was one of my considerations for a holiday - but everyone I talk to seems to say it’s a diver’s spot? I was looking for something a little bit less adventurous.


Is there anything to do in Tioman other than diving?

[bryannn]

Sorry, late reply, but, as they say, better late than never


Actually, I found there's plenty to do in Tioman. Examples? Snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, swimming, fishing, golf, tennis, karaoke, lounging by the pool, lounging by the beach, caving, fishing, stand up paddling, jetskiing, wakeboarding, sailing. And now they even have sea walking. Yes, sea walking, which is walking along the bottom of the sea, allowing you to see all the beautiful corals and gorgeous fishes without your hair even getting wet - awesome.

Of course we didn't do all of these activities. But we could have, because they're there and they're quite accessible. And fairly low-cost too, since the Ringgit is pretty low at the moment.

So, yeah, lots to do. And foodies will have a blast too, because there's a lot of makan stalls all over the place.

Enjoy!



Edit: typo.

[I_belive]

better late than never! Thanks!

[makanbees]

Like!