Tioman

Tioman (Malay: Pulau Tioman) is a small island, 20 km long and 12 km wide, located off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia.

Tioman is in Pahang off the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia within the Mersing Marine Park, which also contains less commercial islands such as Sibu Island. The primary gateway Mersing is in Johor.

Tioman’s beaches were depicted in the 1958 movie South Pacific as "Bali Hai". In the 1970s, Time magazine selected Tioman as one of the world’s most beautiful islands. The densely forested island is still sparsely inhabited. Also it is surrounded by numerous white coral reefs, making it a haven for scuba divers from around the region.

Already the most commercially developed of Malaysia’s eastern islands, a controversial RM 40 million marina project for Kampung Tekek, complete with 175 m cargo jetty, now threatens to speed up the pace of development on Tioman considerably. However, visitors with an aversion to such progress can avoid this part of the island and stay elsewhere without any impact.

You will find enormous monitor lizards across the island, sifting through the rubbish piles looking for food. There is also an abundance of domestic cats.

Rubbish control on the island is still in a development stage, apart from in some of the resorts. So expect some less than pristine circumstances, but there is no doubt that by June 2011 places such as Air Batang were making progress on this front.

Originally the village was named Ayer Batang / Air Batang, word by word translation means water stick; traditionally people used bamboo sticks to carry water here.  A long time after this, the first to build chalets in the village named them Ayer Batang Chalets, (ABC) and the name stuck.

Today ABC is a small village with one small path crossing from north to south, following the coast line, no cars, just some motorbikes (sometimes driven by children). :-).

The people living here are mostly quiet, enjoying their relaxed way of living and the untouched mood of their village. Their spirit and value are strong and as long as you respect them, people will respect you.

Don’t expect a party place, there are a few bars and occasional parties, but the main purpose here is about relaxing, meeting other people, diving and trekking. This is also a major reason people visit ABC, for this balance between traditions and respect for other people, but also for the possibility to enjoy a fresh drink on the beach.

Being a small village close to the jungle also brings different kinds of visitors: monkeys and giant monitor lizards, these guys are regularly crossing your path, reminding you that they know the place more that you ever will. Lastly the most unavoidable animals are the cats, they are everywhere, sleeping or craving your food and affection.

Walk along the path (it will take you about 40 min to go from one side of the village to the other) enjoy the sea and the giant trees, have your lunch on a terrace and observe life moving around you. In the evening have a cocktail while talking with some locals or travellers and fall a sleep with the sound of the waves or the music of the jungle…

The local village is spread back from the little track which follows the line of the sea. People live all over the place normally in simple huts. The tourist huts and accommodation is within 20 m of high water mark.

Juara is a very quiet beach at the east coast especially in the off season, when almost nobody is there. There are three rivers coming from the mountains, delivering cold freshwater to the beach, a chilling alternative to swimming in the sea.

A path leads to waterfalls in the jungle, which is nice for a swim and climb over the large rocks.

The place itself is divided into two beaches that are separated by a small hill, which is said to be the "origin" of Tioman. Some locals say: "you have not been on Tioman, if you did not stand on these rocks".

• The beach more towards the north where the jetty has very nice sand but with some dead coral in the shallow water. Swimming is OK, but walking in the water can be painful. At both ends of this beach is the mouth of one of the rivers.
• The beach more towards the south is even quieter. The sand again is very nice and there are no obstacles in the water. At the south end of this beach the last of the three rivers meets the sea.
• At the southern end of Mrntawak beach there is a turtle hatchery.

Scuba facilities are readily available, and the diving is reasonably good, especially in view of the proximity to Singapore. Most villages have a variety of dive shops. Padi Open water courses average at about RM990 (4 day course), and for licensed divers each dive is roughly RM100). You plan to dive and are travelling with small budget? Go to Air Batang (ABC) since accommodation is about RM30 and not RM40 like in Salang.

• B&J Dive Center, Salang Village. Has two full-service dive shops, at Air Batang and Salang. A very accommodating bunch of people with good dives. B&J can cater to technical divers offering nitrox and trimix as well as deeper wreck expeditions. Can also help to arrange accommodation.
• Blue Heaven Divers, Air Batang (Take the path on your left from the ABC Jetty, +60 10 400 6135. 8:30am to 7:00pm daily. Small, friendly dive centre. Blue Heaven Divers can also help you to arrange your accommodation.
• DiveAsia - PADI 5 Star IDC, Salang Village (From the jetty, turn left, walk straight and it's on the left., +60 9 419 5017. Established in 1976. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Excellent dive sites (Salang is best for diving). Helpful with arranging accommodation. The first and only Instructor Development Centre on Tioman Island. Services include boat dives, day and night shore dives, equipment servicing, air/nitrox/trimix refill, hydro testing, PADI recreational dive courses (Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Emergency First Response, Rescue Diver, Master Scuba Diver, Divemaster and Instructor). RM900 for PADI Open Water course.
• Eco Divers, Air Batang (At the Air Batang jetty, go south (turn right) for 200 m, +60 13 6022640, +60 13 3687833. A small diving centre with limited equipment and good diving courses. RM90–110 for a fun dive..
• Fisherman Divers. Very professional PADI certified dive shop with experienced instructors & divemasters and really friendly staff. They can provide Nitrox (EANx) fills as well. Located at Salang beach, opposite to Four "S" cafe.
• Ray’s Dive Adventure, Air Batang (450 m south (turn right) of the Air Batang jetty, +60 19 3308062, +60 19 3338682. Dive with local guided Shamrock to explore underwater world. With friendly and helpful staff and have experienced divers. Provides accommodation too for divers. RM90–110 for a fun dive.
• Tioman Dive Centre, +60 9 4191 228. Enjoy diving in clear blue waters over beautiful coral reefs teeming with marine life. Tioman is perfect for both learning to dive (TDC offer a comprehensive range of PADI dive training courses) and diving for fun at over 20 dive sites. Safety is, of course, their primary concern, but your fun and enjoyment are also important. They maintain a friendly, informal atmosphere in the dive centre.
• Tioman MyDive Centre Sdn Bhd, tekek village, Tioman Island (Next to Tioman Cabana, +60 135320708. always open. PADI Dive Resort; tuition and fun diving available in English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. Very professional and welcoming staff. Great new gear with good prices.
• Scuba Do Dive Centre, Lot 423A (Juala village, +65 8144 0265. provides scuba diving courses including Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Nitrox, Rescue, Divemaster and Instructor.
• De Dive Centre, Kampung Paya, +60 19-606 3482. Provides dive arrangement facilities by PADI dive professionals.

B&J Dive Center, Salang Village. Has two full-service dive shops, at Air Batang and Salang. A very accommodating bunch of people with good dives. B&J can cater to technical divers offering nitrox and trimix as well as deeper wreck expeditions. Can also help to arrange accommodation.

Blue Heaven Divers, Air Batang (Take the path on your left from the ABC Jetty, +60 10 400 6135. 8:30am to 7:00pm daily. Small, friendly dive centre. Blue Heaven Divers can also help you to arrange your accommodation.

DiveAsia - PADI 5 Star IDC, Salang Village (From the jetty, turn left, walk straight and it's on the left., +60 9 419 5017. Established in 1976. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Excellent dive sites (Salang is best for diving). Helpful with arranging accommodation. The first and only Instructor Development Centre on Tioman Island. Services include boat dives, day and night shore dives, equipment servicing, air/nitrox/trimix refill, hydro testing, PADI recreational dive courses (Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Emergency First Response, Rescue Diver, Master Scuba Diver, Divemaster and Instructor). RM900 for PADI Open Water course.

Eco Divers, Air Batang (At the Air Batang jetty, go south (turn right) for 200 m, +60 13 6022640, +60 13 3687833. A small diving centre with limited equipment and good diving courses. RM90–110 for a fun dive..

Fisherman Divers. Very professional PADI certified dive shop with experienced instructors & divemasters and really friendly staff. They can provide Nitrox (EANx) fills as well. Located at Salang beach, opposite to Four "S" cafe.

Ray’s Dive Adventure, Air Batang (450 m south (turn right) of the Air Batang jetty, +60 19 3308062, +60 19 3338682. Dive with local guided Shamrock to explore underwater world. With friendly and helpful staff and have experienced divers. Provides accommodation too for divers. RM90–110 for a fun dive.

Tioman Dive Centre, +60 9 4191 228. Enjoy diving in clear blue waters over beautiful coral reefs teeming with marine life. Tioman is perfect for both learning to dive (TDC offer a comprehensive range of PADI dive training courses) and diving for fun at over 20 dive sites. Safety is, of course, their primary concern, but your fun and enjoyment are also important. They maintain a friendly, informal atmosphere in the dive centre.

Tioman MyDive Centre Sdn Bhd, tekek village, Tioman Island (Next to Tioman Cabana, +60 135320708. always open. PADI Dive Resort; tuition and fun diving available in English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. Very professional and welcoming staff. Great new gear with good prices.

Scuba Do Dive Centre, Lot 423A (Juala village, +65 8144 0265. provides scuba diving courses including Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Nitrox, Rescue, Divemaster and Instructor.

De Dive Centre, Kampung Paya, +60 19-606 3482. Provides dive arrangement facilities by PADI dive professionals.

Perhaps the most popular activity for visitors is snorkelling. Most resorts can arrange for speedboats or seabuses to take you to the beaches and small uninhabited islands nearby (such as Pulau Tulai, aka "Coral Island") and Renggis island where the snorkelling is at its best. The water is almost pristine save for the occasional litter. Just be careful of the small jellyfish, as they can pack a sting, and try not to lose your rental gear or you'll be subject to the renter's arbitrary fines. However, snorkelling is fantastic in front of most beaches and can rival that of any snorkelling trip at a fraction of the cost. However, do note that the beaches are home to several "Portuguese Man of War". These prickly creatures tend to rest on rocks and if snorkelling in shallow waters, one should be especially careful of not coming in contact with these. They pack quite a sting and might require medical attention. Snorkellers who are squeamish about brushing against thick clouds of jellyfish in the water (as can happen in the May-September period) can try wearing a long-sleeved shirt or a rash guard when snorkelling. Alternately, you can rent a wetsuit from one of the dive shops if you're not comfortable with the jellies. You can rent snorkelling equipment for about 15RM/day (mask, scuba, fins). Some of the best locations are as follows.

• Paya: A group of rocks adjacent from the beach offers a variety of colourful coral and fish.
• Tekek: The marine park, 3 km north of Tekek, has a man-made artificial reef just off its jetty. The visibility can be questionable and theres not much coral but is teeming with fish.
• Air Batang: The best village for snorkelling. At ABC (the far end of the beach) one can snorkel around the rocks towards Panuba with a full reef full of colourful coral and fish. Its not too deep, making it perfect for snorkelling. Even more colourful is the reef on either side of the jetty where one can see turtles and a vast garden of yellow coral.
• Salang: South of the Jetty the coral begins almost as soon as the water is deep enough to swim in, offering some great views of a variety of fish and even turtles to the less confident swimmer. Following the rocks further out and around the headland gives an even greater variety of marine life. It is also worth swimming out to the small Island just off the headland for the possibility of seeing black tip reef sharks.

Paya: A group of rocks adjacent from the beach offers a variety of colourful coral and fish.

Tekek: The marine park, 3 km north of Tekek, has a man-made artificial reef just off its jetty. The visibility can be questionable and theres not much coral but is teeming with fish.

Air Batang: The best village for snorkelling. At ABC (the far end of the beach) one can snorkel around the rocks towards Panuba with a full reef full of colourful coral and fish. Its not too deep, making it perfect for snorkelling. Even more colourful is the reef on either side of the jetty where one can see turtles and a vast garden of yellow coral.

Salang: South of the Jetty the coral begins almost as soon as the water is deep enough to swim in, offering some great views of a variety of fish and even turtles to the less confident swimmer. Following the rocks further out and around the headland gives an even greater variety of marine life. It is also worth swimming out to the small Island just off the headland for the possibility of seeing black tip reef sharks.

For the surf junkies, Tioman receives swells up to 2 m from the South China Sea. They only come during the wet season (Nov – Mar) and only hit the eastern side of the island.

• Beach Shack Surf, Juara (1.4 km south from Juara jetty, +60 9 4193148. Located in front of the Juara beach, this is one of the oldest surf centres on the island. You can rent boards from RM20/h and take lessons.

Beach Shack Surf, Juara (1.4 km south from Juara jetty, +60 9 4193148. Located in front of the Juara beach, this is one of the oldest surf centres on the island. You can rent boards from RM20/h and take lessons.

• Tekek – Juara jungle trek. 1:30 hour to 3:00 hours. In front of the power station closed doors, you will see a discreet "to Juara" sign on your right. Go around the power station fence on an uncleared path and spot the red and white plastic stripes knotted to the trees that mark the track. Climb uphill (320 m elevation) between rocks and concrete steps for 2 km, following either the powerline or the waterpipes collecting drinking water in the waterfalls. Reach the concrete road on top of the mountain and slowly descent for 4.5 km to the Juara jetty. Count 1,5 hour (athletic pace, no backpack) to 2,5 hours (normal pace, full backpack), significantly more if you want to stop along the way. Take plenty of water (and optionally bug repellent). You can refill water bottles in the stream that feeds the Tekek town as drinking water catchment area about half way. Bear in mind that the path is unlit and that it gets dark early in the jungle (especially on the Tekek side).
• Waterfall trail. To reach the waterfalls, just follow a marked path for about 30 min. The path starts at the south beach, next to the turtle breeding farm. Opposite of the great rocks, which lie on the beach. The path is marked by the bottoms of cans, nailed to the trees and painted yellow and red. At the beginning of the path there are three such signs at a tree. If you walk along the only concrete road towards south to the turtle breeding farm, you can not miss it.
• Juara Turtle Project, +60 9 419 3244. open during the day to visitors. available volunteer and group programs. sea turtle conservation / sustainable living / habitat protection. privately funded and operated. 1-2h to understand more how live sea turtle and how to preserve them, you may see eggs or injured sea turtles depending on current situation. Minimum donation of RM10 as entrance fee.

Tekek – Juara jungle trek. 1:30 hour to 3:00 hours. In front of the power station closed doors, you will see a discreet "to Juara" sign on your right. Go around the power station fence on an uncleared path and spot the red and white plastic stripes knotted to the trees that mark the track. Climb uphill (320 m elevation) between rocks and concrete steps for 2 km, following either the powerline or the waterpipes collecting drinking water in the waterfalls. Reach the concrete road on top of the mountain and slowly descent for 4.5 km to the Juara jetty. Count 1,5 hour (athletic pace, no backpack) to 2,5 hours (normal pace, full backpack), significantly more if you want to stop along the way. Take plenty of water (and optionally bug repellent). You can refill water bottles in the stream that feeds the Tekek town as drinking water catchment area about half way. Bear in mind that the path is unlit and that it gets dark early in the jungle (especially on the Tekek side).

Waterfall trail. To reach the waterfalls, just follow a marked path for about 30 min. The path starts at the south beach, next to the turtle breeding farm. Opposite of the great rocks, which lie on the beach. The path is marked by the bottoms of cans, nailed to the trees and painted yellow and red. At the beginning of the path there are three such signs at a tree. If you walk along the only concrete road towards south to the turtle breeding farm, you can not miss it.

Juara Turtle Project, +60 9 419 3244. open during the day to visitors. available volunteer and group programs. sea turtle conservation / sustainable living / habitat protection. privately funded and operated. 1-2h to understand more how live sea turtle and how to preserve them, you may see eggs or injured sea turtles depending on current situation. Minimum donation of RM10 as entrance fee.

Tioman is a duty-free zone and offers a good selection of alcohol and cigarettes at very cheap prices. The main outlet is "Vision Duty Free"

• Vision Duty-free, Lot 90, Tekek (past the hopital and school, along the airport track, +60 94191737. 7 AM – 10 PM. Chang or Skol beer RM2.50, Heineken RM3.50, 1 liter Absolut Vodka RM48, 1 liter local gin or vodka RM22. Duty-free chocolate boxes too.

All the other villages have small outlets, but no alcohol can be found there.

In case you intend to purchase alcohol or cigarettes and carry them into neighbouring Singapore, then you would need to pay duty on these goods and hence the cost advantage vanishes. Refer to Singapore customs website on duty free allowances; the Singapore authorities can be pretty strict, always declare tobacco and alcohol to Singapore customs officials and be prepared to pay high duty or dispose of the items.

One ATM is available at Tekek:

• Bank Simpanan Nasional, Tekek (from Tekek jetty, cross the small bridge and turn left for 100 m.
• Snorkelling equipment. Can be bought in the larger shops in Telek if you prefer not to rent it.

Vision Duty-free, Lot 90, Tekek (past the hopital and school, along the airport track, +60 94191737. 7 AM – 10 PM. Chang or Skol beer RM2.50, Heineken RM3.50, 1 liter Absolut Vodka RM48, 1 liter local gin or vodka RM22. Duty-free chocolate boxes too.

Bank Simpanan Nasional, Tekek (from Tekek jetty, cross the small bridge and turn left for 100 m.

Snorkelling equipment. Can be bought in the larger shops in Telek if you prefer not to rent it.

Depending on where you eat, food can be quite expensive on Tioman, compared to other places in Malaysia. Western food can be up to RM15 per plate, whilst local food is cheaper (between RM8-12). Especially if you eat at the restaurants attached to the resorts and chalets, you should plan around RM 30+ per day (good breakfast, lunch and dinner). "Street food" in the form of fried rice or burger booths can be found everywhere, but the opening times are unclear.

During Ramadan, most of the restaurants around the island are closed for lunch.

The 1.5 l bottle of water costs RM4, some places offer refill with locally filtered water for RM1-2. Canned soft drinks are about RM3, beer starts at RM3 (Skol Beer at local shop), but note that you cannot take/consume alcohol in some restaurants.

• Aqiss Bistro, +60 19 300 2274. 7PM-11PM sometimes during lunch. Real nice place to be, beach restaurant with fusion food and burgers (no alcohol but you can bring your own one).
• Arini's Family Restaurant, ABC Beach (Ayer Batang) (From ABC jetty on your left. 12PM-2PM. A small family restaurant on the ABC beach. The food is well prepared by the owner himself and the menu is an eclectic mix of many cultures with the Malayan traditional food as the main focus. The mixes of spices and herbs are done to taste and "in action" by "Man" himself. Chicken and egg burger
• Ketapang Roof, Air Batang (Just on your left from Air Batang jetty. 3M-10PM. Peaceful place with music to have a drink, chill, play games or read a book. Good sandwiches (baguette), no alcohol but you can bring your own.
• Roti Canai, Air Batang (On your left at ABC jetty. 7PM-10PM and morning sometimes. Place to eat roti and noodle soup.
• Hijau, Air Batang (Nazri's Place 2. 8AM-10AM / 12PM-2:00PM / 7PM-10:30PM.
• ABC Restaurant, Air Batang (At the end of the path on your left coming from the jetty. breakfast lunch and diner.
• Fiqthya Café, Air Batang (From the jetty on your left. brakfast-lunch-diner.
• Johan's restaurant, Air Batang (On the left coming from the ABC jetty. lunch-diner.
• South Pacific Restaurant, Air Batang (On your left at ABC jetty. breackfast and diner.
• Zinza Café, Air Batang (Just on your right from ABC jetty. breakfast and lunch.
• Nordin's Café, Air Batang (On your right at ABC jetty. breakfast and lunch.
• Mawar Restaurant, Air Batang (On your right at ABC jetty. breakfast-lunch-diner.
• Tioman House Café, Air Batang (On your right from ABC jetty. breakfast and lunch.

Aqiss Bistro, +60 19 300 2274. 7PM-11PM sometimes during lunch. Real nice place to be, beach restaurant with fusion food and burgers (no alcohol but you can bring your own one).

Arini's Family Restaurant, ABC Beach (Ayer Batang) (From ABC jetty on your left. 12PM-2PM. A small family restaurant on the ABC beach. The food is well prepared by the owner himself and the menu is an eclectic mix of many cultures with the Malayan traditional food as the main focus. The mixes of spices and herbs are done to taste and "in action" by "Man" himself. Chicken and egg burger

Ketapang Roof, Air Batang (Just on your left from Air Batang jetty. 3M-10PM. Peaceful place with music to have a drink, chill, play games or read a book. Good sandwiches (baguette), no alcohol but you can bring your own.

Roti Canai, Air Batang (On your left at ABC jetty. 7PM-10PM and morning sometimes. Place to eat roti and noodle soup.

Hijau, Air Batang (Nazri's Place 2. 8AM-10AM / 12PM-2:00PM / 7PM-10:30PM.

ABC Restaurant, Air Batang (At the end of the path on your left coming from the jetty. breakfast lunch and diner.

Fiqthya Café, Air Batang (From the jetty on your left. brakfast-lunch-diner.

Johan's restaurant, Air Batang (On the left coming from the ABC jetty. lunch-diner.

South Pacific Restaurant, Air Batang (On your left at ABC jetty. breackfast and diner.

Zinza Café, Air Batang (Just on your right from ABC jetty. breakfast and lunch.

Nordin's Café, Air Batang (On your right at ABC jetty. breakfast and lunch.

Mawar Restaurant, Air Batang (On your right at ABC jetty. breakfast-lunch-diner.

Tioman House Café, Air Batang (On your right from ABC jetty. breakfast and lunch.

• ThaiFun Restaurant, near Berjaya Tioman Resort. 24 hr/day. Thai restaurant opened in 2011. You can watch Thai television there.

ThaiFun Restaurant, near Berjaya Tioman Resort. 24 hr/day. Thai restaurant opened in 2011. You can watch Thai television there.

Food options in Juara are not particularly exciting. As everywhere on the island, the prices are a bit high.

If you are staying at Juara Mutiara, avoid the buffet-style breakfast they try to sell you, one look at it will tell you why - and yes it is possible to just book a room, at a discount, without any food included. While they don't sell alcohol, they are ok with BYO.

• Bushman’s. Food is ok, but if you are hungry order at least two mains per adult, or a lot of sides. Bushman's serves beer, but it's lukewarm and the selection is limited, with only Tiger and Chang on offer (RM5/can). They also sell wine at RM35/bottle.

There is also a Chinese restaurant which has a great view from its veranda overlooking the beach, so even if you don't feel like you want to eat there its a great place to have a drink before dinner. The food is decent, but relatively pricey for what it is. The beer selection is good, from RM3-7 per can/bottle, and drinks arrive ice-chilled - always a bonus in the tropics.

• Santai Bistrot, Juara (Right in front of the Juara jetty, +60 177777200. One of the biggest restaurants on Juara. Great selection of local food, seafood available depending on the season. Wins hands down in terms of tastiness. Ambiance, however, is not their strong point, so seek out other options if you are after a romantic dinner location.
• Juara Beach resort, Juara (from the jetty, turn right (north) for 200 m. Restaurant attached to the resort with decent prices and good atmosphere.

Bushman’s. Food is ok, but if you are hungry order at least two mains per adult, or a lot of sides. Bushman's serves beer, but it's lukewarm and the selection is limited, with only Tiger and Chang on offer (RM5/can). They also sell wine at RM35/bottle.

Santai Bistrot, Juara (Right in front of the Juara jetty, +60 177777200. One of the biggest restaurants on Juara. Great selection of local food, seafood available depending on the season. Wins hands down in terms of tastiness. Ambiance, however, is not their strong point, so seek out other options if you are after a romantic dinner location.

Juara Beach resort, Juara (from the jetty, turn right (north) for 200 m. Restaurant attached to the resort with decent prices and good atmosphere.

The food in Salang is similarly priced and there is a variety of western and local fare. For those who enjoy seafood there are numerous barbeque restaurants offering freshly caught fish, shrimp, squid and crabs, these begin opening around 7pm.

Village restaurant at Coral Reef Holidays the most Malay and western food also good view (by the beach).

If you want nightlife and atmosphere, there are some bars between Tekek Village till Air Batang which serve everything from cheap beer to cocktails and most do bonfire nights on the beach on occasions.

• Ari's Cafe, Between ABC and Tekek (make your way from ABC to Tekek, You can't miss it..
• B&J Bar, Air Batang (250m north from the Air Batang jetty, near Johan’s guesthouse. Has a large selection of cocktails and liquors. Very chilled out.
• Hallo Bar, Air Batang (from the Air Batang jetty, walk north (turn left) for 600m till Nazri II restaurant. Fantastic beach bar, perhaps the best on the island. Beautifully arranged, cheap alcohol with a great atmosphere. Beer, like at most bars on Tioman is 3 for RM10 from 5PM-7PM. Otherwise expect to pay RM5 a can.
• Sunset Cafe, Air Batang (710m south (turn right) from the Air Batang jetty, in front of Nazri I restaurant. Serves a variety of homemade pizza ranging from RM18-25, sunset bar is right on the beach. No alcohol in this bar but you can bring your one own.
• Ketapang Roof, Air Batang (Just on your left from Air Batang jetty. 3M-10PM. Peaceful place with music to have a drink, milkshake, ice cream, no alcohol but you can bring your own one.

Ari's Cafe, Between ABC and Tekek (make your way from ABC to Tekek, You can't miss it..

B&J Bar, Air Batang (250m north from the Air Batang jetty, near Johan’s guesthouse. Has a large selection of cocktails and liquors. Very chilled out.

Hallo Bar, Air Batang (from the Air Batang jetty, walk north (turn left) for 600m till Nazri II restaurant. Fantastic beach bar, perhaps the best on the island. Beautifully arranged, cheap alcohol with a great atmosphere. Beer, like at most bars on Tioman is 3 for RM10 from 5PM-7PM. Otherwise expect to pay RM5 a can.

Sunset Cafe, Air Batang (710m south (turn right) from the Air Batang jetty, in front of Nazri I restaurant. Serves a variety of homemade pizza ranging from RM18-25, sunset bar is right on the beach. No alcohol in this bar but you can bring your one own.

Ketapang Roof, Air Batang (Just on your left from Air Batang jetty. 3M-10PM. Peaceful place with music to have a drink, milkshake, ice cream, no alcohol but you can bring your own one.

• Bar Rumba, Genting (5 minutes walk north from the jetty). Newly opened in 2011, cony intimate place right on the beach run by a friendly young local couple who have taken a lot of effort to give the place an individual feel: coral chandeliers, driftwood construction, amazing tree and swinging picnic table. Drinks are a decent price and the cocktails are really well made.

Bar Rumba, Genting (5 minutes walk north from the jetty). Newly opened in 2011, cony intimate place right on the beach run by a friendly young local couple who have taken a lot of effort to give the place an individual feel: coral chandeliers, driftwood construction, amazing tree and swinging picnic table. Drinks are a decent price and the cocktails are really well made.

• Mañana, Juara (1.4 km south from Juara jetty. Wooden open air lounge/terrace at the beach with cushions, very good selection of chilled music in the evening, good food and a nice flair. But don't expect any wild parties going on there.

Mañana, Juara (1.4 km south from Juara jetty. Wooden open air lounge/terrace at the beach with cushions, very good selection of chilled music in the evening, good food and a nice flair. But don't expect any wild parties going on there.

• Tioman Cabana Bar, Tekek (between Coral Reef Holidays Chalets & Wak Cottage. 8pm to 3am. Good selection of music from the 70s onwards, Sells beer and cocktails, also hosts private parties. Fireball (poipoi) shows and lessons most nights, plus bonfires The owners are backpackers and also good place to meet backpackers, travellers and locals. Coconut tree, bamboo and tree building.

Tioman Cabana Bar, Tekek (between Coral Reef Holidays Chalets & Wak Cottage. 8pm to 3am. Good selection of music from the 70s onwards, Sells beer and cocktails, also hosts private parties. Fireball (poipoi) shows and lessons most nights, plus bonfires The owners are backpackers and also good place to meet backpackers, travellers and locals. Coconut tree, bamboo and tree building.

Wifi is not well provided for on Tioman. The accommodation places that do provide it often only cover the restaurant area and even then it can be painfully slow. If internet is important to you, better to bring you own via your mobile phones sim card provider.

• 3G Mobile Broadband If you have your own laptop then by far the cheapest way to get online on Tioman is to subscribe to a mobile broadband service from Celcom] Celcom or Maxis. The cost from Celcom is about RM20 per week for unlimited access (5GB). Buy your internet package before you arrive in Tioman, such as in Mersing.
• Broadband: There is an Internet café across from the airport in Tekek. The rate is 10rm/hour. It is open 09:00-18:00. There is also broadband available at Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort for similar rates, and one at Paya Beach Resort.
• Dial-up: most of the villages have a couple of dial-up spots. In Air Batang, there are 2
• Bamboo Hill has dialup for RM10/hr available 8:30AM-7:30PM. There is also an Internet café near the jetty with 2 computers, open until late
• Tioman Cabana You can surf the internet and also have access to hotspot-wifi, The rate is RM10/hour.Open from 9AM-2AM.
• Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort if you have a laptop, wireless broadband is available at RM80 nett for the duration of your stay but only available in public areas - poolside, restaurant, café and lobby.
• Tioman Dive Centre Located at Swiss Cottage, Tioman Dive Centre offers free wifi for customers with their own laptops who are diving with them, for the duration of their stay. They also have an on-site computer with internet access for RM10/hr.
• Panuba offers a single internet service for RM1 per 5 min.
• Tioman Cozy Hotel internet is available for free and unlimited time at the 1st floor after the last room.

3G Mobile Broadband If you have your own laptop then by far the cheapest way to get online on Tioman is to subscribe to a mobile broadband service from Celcom] Celcom or Maxis. The cost from Celcom is about RM20 per week for unlimited access (5GB). Buy your internet package before you arrive in Tioman, such as in Mersing.

Bamboo Hill has dialup for RM10/hr available 8:30AM-7:30PM. There is also an Internet café near the jetty with 2 computers, open until late

Tioman Cabana You can surf the internet and also have access to hotspot-wifi, The rate is RM10/hour.Open from 9AM-2AM.

Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort if you have a laptop, wireless broadband is available at RM80 nett for the duration of your stay but only available in public areas - poolside, restaurant, café and lobby.

Tioman Dive Centre Located at Swiss Cottage, Tioman Dive Centre offers free wifi for customers with their own laptops who are diving with them, for the duration of their stay. They also have an on-site computer with internet access for RM10/hr.

Panuba offers a single internet service for RM1 per 5 min.

Tioman Cozy Hotel internet is available for free and unlimited time at the 1st floor after the last room.

Most, but not all, of Tioman has cellphone coverage. Celcom, DIGI and Maxis coverages are available but may be limited due geographical conditions. You can buy prepaid SIM cards from the shops at Tioman or at the airport. Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission's new regulation (MCMC/G/06/06 dated 5 June 2006), prepaid registration is mandatory, expect a day or two for line activation.

Tioman advertises that it has a number of payphones that can be used upon purchasing a phonecard, and a lot of travellers buy the cards before realising that none of these phones work.If you want to call home, a lot of chalet complexes offer international call services at a price, otherwise consider using skype via the internet (call credit can be purchased online in order to call regular telephones thru skype).

Now, in Tioman, does not have television available without satellite except TV3, the only way is setting up a satellite. On Salang, the 4 S Cafe (which is in fact a bar) and the Salang Dreams Cafe both have cable TV. Ask nicely, and you might get the staff to change the channel - though watching TV is usually low on the list of things to do in Tioman.

There have been repeat outbreaks of Sarcocystosis, a rare and poorly understood parasitic tropical disease, amongst travelers to Tioman, particularly in 2012 (100+ cases) and as recently as May 2014 (40+ cases). Sarcocystosis is not well known amongst physicians and is often mis-diagnosed. If you have flu-like symptoms and severe muscle aches after traveling to Tioman consult a tropical disease specialist immediately. Experimental treatment options with Cotrimoxazole and steroids are available.

Theft is not generally an issue in private rooms. One thing to watch out for is coral cuts, which are bacteria-laden and turn septic very quickly if not treated in good time. Bring sterile wound wash and antiseptic cream for coral cuts; wash and treat them immediately to avoid a nasty infection.

Watch out for the triggerfish as well; these little pointy-nosed fish are very cute but they do get territorial and attack swimmers during their mating season. The monkeys can be quite feral, and have been known to attempt to force open windows and doors to look for food, thanks to irresponsible tourists who insist on feeding the monkeys.

Some young men (in their 20s) may invite female tourists to have drinks. If you're not interested, politely but firmly decline their offer. There have been some rapes on this island.

• Mersing