Tioman Island

First site onto Tioman Island

So off we went to Tioman. We caught a bus in Singapore and it took us into Malaysia and up the coast to Mersing, where we were to catch our ferry. The bus ride was maybe 3 hours and we were really kicking ourselves for choosing the back seats of the bus, we had serious air time on a couple of the bumps. Carmen was close to losing her breakfast, but luckely for all passengers aboard the bus she held on. The ferry ride to Tioman was 1 hour and a bit, plus time to stop at all the Villages along the way to our destination which was second to last. The only transportation options from village to village is via boat, there are no cars on the island.

Our first night's accommodations at Bamboo Hill. We are the chalet in the far back.

Our first impressions was of excitment, the water was blue and clear and the island has some neat topography. We stayed out first night in a really sleepy village called Ayer Batang and we found our spot at the end of the beach. It was a little more basic then we had anticipate but i think after spending a little time on the island we got used to the accomodation. It was honeslty a really charming place and it certainly had beautiful views. Cold bucket showers are an unusual experience and not what you expect, but for $20 a night I guess you can't really complain. We enjoyed the rest of the day with some book time and then sunset beers, 10 ringgit for 3 was the special (about a $3).

Malaysian Sunset

Beach view from Bamboo Hill Chalets

Hiking to Panuba Resort (10 min away)

At the Panuba Resort dock

We awoke the next day with our plan to head to our next reservation which was in another village called Salang. Salang is known for its beach and busy, bustling environment. We hiked as far as we could along the coast and in the jungle until we reached a small resort. We were told not to try to continue on by foot to Salang as it was a difficult trek and a hard to follow trail. We hung out for a while on the resorts pier waiting for a boat willing to hop us to Salang. It took some time as there were apparently a lot of local weddings on the island, and the boats were busy transferring people and supplies to the different wedding sites.

Resort view from Salang....this resort never opened! We heard 3 different stories about this place, all in all it either lost it's funding and or the original builder sold the resort halfway through construction to another company..only to later find out the that the proper permits were not approved (landslides, plumbing, etc). We hiked up to this area one afternoon and the hotel was near complete, with the furniture still there in the rooms wrapped, as though it was ready to open in 2 weeks! It was beautiful, really nice woodwork, great views and a nice breeze. Although, it was a bit erie being up there as it is about 13 years old and the spiders and nature have started to take over the buildings.....

big big big lizard!

Jamie, enjoying the sunset from our shack in Salang

Diving!

Stupid monkey that Carmen hates though I think this monkey hates Carmen more!

View from the lost resort that never opened....

Salang had a great beach and a nice bay of clear blue. Minus the sand flies, black flies near any food vendor and the really basic accommodation, it was a beautiful place. We soaked up the sun, scuba dived (Jamie) and snorkeled. We both spent a lot of time reading, napping, and playing cards together. It was relaxing. After 4 days in Pulau Tioman, we were both excited to get back to Singapore to check our emails from friends, family and job opportunities. Until Next time...