faq.subtitle Tioman Island
March to October is dry season with best diving conditions. April-September ideal. November to February is monsoon - rough seas, many resorts close, limited ferries. Book ahead for April-June peak season
Ferry from Mersing Jetty (1.5-2 hours, 75 MYR one-way). Get to Mersing by bus from KL (5 hours) or Singapore (3 hours). Book ferry online via Bluewater or Cataferry. Small planes fly from KL to Tekek airport but limited schedule
ABC Beach (Air Batang) - backpacker favorite with great snorkeling. Salang - best for diving, lively atmosphere. Tekek - main village with ATM and airport. Juara - secluded east coast beach, turtles nest here. Paya - mid-range resorts
Yes! Alcohol, cigarettes and chocolate are much cheaper than mainland Malaysia. Beer from 6-8 MYR, cigarettes from 8 MYR. Stock up at local shops. This makes Tioman popular with Singaporeans
Fun dive 80-100 MYR per dive. PADI Open Water course from 900-1200 MYR. Snorkeling trips 50-80 MYR. Many dive shops in Salang and ABC. Equipment rental included. Great visibility March-October
Useful tips for visiting Tioman Island
Bring plenty of cash from mainland - only one ATM on island (Tekek) which often runs out. Budget 200-300 MYR per day minimum
Book ferry tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and Malaysian/Singapore public holidays. Arrive at Mersing jetty 1 hour before departure
Take advantage of duty-free prices - alcohol and cigarettes are a fraction of mainland prices. Stock up at local shops in Tekek
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes - coral is sharp and rocks slippery. Protect the marine environment by not touching corals
Check resort availability during monsoon season (Nov-Feb) - many close completely. Ferries are also reduced and seas can be rough
Try the jungle trek to Asah Waterfall from ABC - 2 hour hike through pristine rainforest. Also watch for monitor lizards, monkeys and hornbills around the villages
Don't forget Marine Park Conservation Fee - 30 MYR for foreigners, 5 MYR for Malaysians. Paid in cash at Mersing jetty before boarding ferry
Average temperature by month
location.transport.subtitle
| location.transport.title | location.transport.price | location.transport.app | location.transport.note |
|---|---|---|---|
location.transport.ferry | 75 RM ~19.2 $ | Bluewater FerryCataferry | Ferries from Mersing Jetty (1.5-2 hours). 75 MYR one-way, 150 MYR return. Book online via Bluewater or Cataferry. Arrive 1 hour early. Marine park fee 30 MYR for foreigners |
location.transport.taxi | 20 RM ~5.1 $ | — | 4x4 jungle taxis between villages where roads exist (mainly Tekek area). Most villages connected by boat only. Negotiate price beforehand |
location.transport.scooter | 60 RM ~15.4 $ | — | Scooter rental available in Tekek only (60 MYR/day). Limited roads - mainly Tekek to Juara cross-island route (challenging jungle road) |
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Hotels and rental prices
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.subtitle
Bring plenty of cash - only one ATM in Tekek village (CIMB bank) and often runs out. Most places cash only. Some resorts accept cards
No money changers on island - bring MYR from mainland. Mersing has exchange offices near jetty
Tipping not expected but appreciated for dive instructors and boat captains
Attractions and points of interest