Tioman for Water Activities Lovers

Beckoning from the white, sandy shoreline, the azure waters surrounding Tioman Island lure visitors to take a peek below the waves or to simply enjoy the view of the ocean from the comfort of a sun lounger.

Regardless of your preference, water-based activities are all the range on this chunk of paradise. Scuba diving, free diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking and island hopping abound on Tioman and with the teeming marine life and wonderfully warm water, this is definitely the main reason to visit. Big shout-out to all surfers – the east coast of Tioman gets swells that are as high as 2 meters during the rainy season from October to March!

Diving and snorkelling

The sea around Tioman is a protected Marine Park and so no fishing or motorized water sports are allowed. While this means no thrilling jet-ski tricks and stunts, it also means that the salty waters are rich in sea life and various corals - perfect for travellers who are keen divers or snorkelers.

Salang Beach offers ample snorkelling opportunity with guaranteed clown fish spotting and with the gentle current, its ideal for travellers with adventurous kids in tow. Snorkelling equipment is available to rent from almost all resorts at around MYR15 a day, and mostly all accommodations will gladly arrange speedboat trips or sea buses to transport you to the nearby beaches and neighbouring uninhabited islands on a range of island-hopping tour packages.

There are also tour operators all over the island with costs being largely competitive and dependent on destination as well as the number of participants wanting to join. Paya, Renggis Island, Coral Island and Malang rocks, Air Batang, Tekek and Tioman Cabana are great snorkel spots and beautiful snorkelling experiences can also be had by walking out from most of Tioman’s beaches. The fish are friendly enough and feeding them fruit is a frequent and enjoyable encounter.

Programs on offer

No matter if you are a newbie diver or a seasoned professional, the numerous dive companies on Tioman has something for everyone. Visitors can do recreational diving at many of the exquisite dive sites, become a PADI professional in Dive master and Instructor programs, complete technical diving courses and can even get involved in various educational and preservation programs. Many of the diving companies offer packages which combine various dives along with accommodation and frequently the prices are well-worth looking into and good value for money.

Recommended diving companies

Reputable diving companies that we personally recommend are B&J Dive Centre, Bali Hai Dive Shop, Dive Asia and Tioman Dive Centre.

Fortunately due to the flooded dive market on Tioman, prices are in a similar price range regardless of the company. Leisure dives including scuba rental cost around MYR 130 for one dive and decrease at around MYR 10 per dive as you book more with the same company. Diving courses range from MYR 280 to MYR 1200 (varying from 3 hours to 4 days in duration), with Divemaster Courses costing about MYR 3, 600 for 6 to 8 weeks of training and instruction. Divers can expect to see black-tipped reef sharks, green turtles, blue-dotted stingrays, eels, sea snakes, wreck sites and a dizzying abundance of colourful, tropical fish and white coral reefs.

Best beaches for beach bums

These beaches with the talcum-fine powder and pristine views are also beautiful enough to compete with the treats below the water. Beach bums will have no problem at all spending the day at any one of Tioman’s immaculate, postcard-worthy shorelines. Unmissable beaches include Genting Beach, Salang Beach and Tekek beach.

Kayaking

For those who fancy kayaking around Tioman Island, visitors can rent out kayaks for around MYR 15 on most beaches. This offers visitors an adventurous and independent means of exploring the island and with the waters being as translucent as they are, an opportunity to see the marine life from above. Monkey Bay and Turtle Beach are great spots to kayak to for those who are fit and strong enough. Pack the sunscreen and drinking water, be mindful of journeying too far and revel in the panoramic views of the island as you venture away from the gorgeous shoreline.