Hey there, so let me break it down for you about my awesome trip to Tioman. The place is super chill and perfect for solo travelers or small groups. I’d say about 30% of the folks there were solo travelers, mostly in their 20s, but there were also some older peeps hanging around. It’s a cool mix of Europeans and Asians, which gives the place a unique vibe.
I stayed in this village that’s known for its diving scene, so if you’re into that, this spot is a must-visit. The village is pretty budget-friendly, but don’t expect a wild party scene because there wasn’t a lot of alcohol around where I was staying. If you’re looking for more of a couple-friendly atmosphere, you might want to check out other villages on the island.
Getting to Tioman was a bit of an adventure. I hopped on a 6 am bus from Singapore, and the ride was smooth sailing. Crossing the border into Malaysia was a breeze since it was early in the morning. The weather in Mersing, where you catch the boat to Tioman, was lovely, so I took advantage of the wait and explored the town for about an hour. Mersing is a quiet little place but well-kept and clean, unlike another Malaysian town I visited before, Semporna.
Pro tip: make sure you have cash on hand because the boat ticket and conservation fee only accept cash. And whatever you do, do not use the ATM at the ticketing hall. It charged me way more than a regular exchange rate. That ATM is basically a foreign exchange machine, not a regular bank ATM.
I stayed in Batang Village, also known as ABC, which is a haven for divers. It’s less crowded than some of the other villages on the island, like Juara or Tekek. I didn’t explore those areas, but ABC suited me just fine. I went diving with Blue Heaven Divers, a shop run by a Japanese couple. It cost me RM120 per dive for three dives, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny.
The dives around Tioman were incredible. We saw all sorts of marine life, like cuttlefish, turtles, bumphead parrotfish, and nudibranchs. The highlight was definitely the Labas dive, where we were surrounded by a school of fish. Golden Reef was a bit challenging due to the strong currents, but still cool.