Pulau Tioman: Sights and Sounds

We got to Tioman by coach and ferry. First we took the coach from Singapore to Mersing, which takes about 3 hours. From Mersing, we took a 2-hour ferry to Pulau Tioman. Pulau Tioman is big by my terms. It measures about 20km by 11km, maybe 1/3 the size of Singapore. Most of the island is untouched except for the few resorts around the perimeter.

Postcard worthy shot

In the back you can see Renggis Island off the beach of Berjaya Tioman. Renggis Island is one of the best places to snorkel. And you know what? I swam around that island. One and a half times.

Lounging on the beach

Beach chairs can be found on the beach at Berjaya. The place was quiet and peaceful. It was very relaxing indeed.

Endless sea

Tioman is located in the South China Sea. The endless horizon, apart from sporadic other islands, is an amazing view.

Berjaya Tioman

I spent a lot of time by the poolside at the resort. I’d lounge, try to read a book, people watch, eat and drink, swim and while time away. Splendid slacking vacation.

蓝天白云

It’s just the clouds, the sky and the sea. I haven’t seen such views in a really really really long time.

That's blue.

This is the view from Tioman Suites in the morning. I have never seen blue sea in my life.

Low tide

When the tide is low one can traipse about further out from the beach.

Coral pieces washed ashore. The sand is not exactly pristine – but not from human rubbish.

ONE sea urchin, like the street variety

There are indeed sea urchins in the sea. However sea urchins like to hide between rocks and coral formations. As long as you don’t stand on rocks or corals while out at sea, it’s generally fine.

Monkeys!

Monkeys are native to the island. They are everywhere.

Monitor lizard.

So are monitor lizards.

When was the last time you watched a sun set into a clean horizon not littered with boats?

I never really watched sunsets in Singapore. The awful tankers littering our horizon just makes it gross. This sunset was breathtakingly beautiful. It made me feel like running off and never coming back.