Tioman Island

The enduring impressions of Tioman remains that of its sparkling white beaches, swaying palm trees, teeming marine life, colourful coral gardens and placid villages. The setting for James Michener's fictitious Bali Hai in the Hollywood musical South Pacific, Tioman cuts a striking profile of two towering peaks in the South China Sea. It is covered in luxuriant green forests and fringed by crystalline turquoise waters. It is immaterial if you approach Tioman by sea or by air, its stunning beauty will unfailingly make your heart beat a little faster.

Pulau Tioman is the largest and most spectacular of the east coast islands. It may not be the isolated paradise it once was, but its sheer size (39km long and 12km wide) affords a diversity of attractions like snorkelling, diving, jungle trekking or just lazing around on the beach. Note that the island can get crowded during holiday periods. Also be warned that the island's beaches are home to a large population of sandflies, and some travellers suffer very badly from their bites. The only way to avoid then is to stay off the beach.

Jan-Dec: Average temp 30C during the day and 22C during the night.
Sep-Nov: Rainy season on West Coast.
Nov-Mar: Rainy season on East Coast.