Today I’ll continue my exploration of island destinations with a visit to Pulau Tioman, a tiny island off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea near Singapore.

Think you’ve never come across Tioman? Think again. It was immortalized in South Pacific as the exotic fictional island “Bali Hai.”

Visitors will be awe-inspired by the natural beauty of Asah Waterfall, Minang Cove, Juara Lagoon and Panuba Bay. They will also enjoy exploring the tiny villages like Tekek and Salang that have maintained their traditional charm.

If there are very experienced scuba divers in the party, they will welcome the opportunity to see the reefs at Magician Rock, Fan Canyon, Tiger Reef and other legendary dive sites. In addition to diving, guests can enjoy boat excursions, kayaking, rock climbing and jungle treks.

Where to Stay in Tioman

With 268 guest rooms and 5 meeting rooms, Berjaya Tioman Resort is Tioman’s largest resort. Tuna Maya Beach and Spa Resort is a cluster of 54 villas beach, rainforest and garden villas. JapaMala Resort has 14 sarangs (rooms) including treetop chalets, seacliff chalets, a jungle luxe chalet, seaview sarangs and hillside sarangs with plunge pools. Located on the island’s only cove, Minang Cove Resort and Spa has 12 luxury chalets and 3 villas with a traditional Malay. For a truly restful experience, small groups will welcome the opportunity to rest and relax in one of the 7 secluded chalets of Bagus Place Retreat. Other places to stay in Tioman include budget-friendly Salang Beach Resort.

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