The beautiful Tioman Island in Malaysia is home to beautiful beaches, marine life, waterfalls and a special turtle conservation project. I spent several days here as part of my 3 weeks in Malaysia learning about the important work to save the region’s endangered turtles. Here’s the lowdown on the best things to do on Tioman Island, from snorkelling to seeing baby turtles hatching.
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Where to stay on Tioman Island
Finding the right Tioman Island resort for you depends on your budget but Juara Beach and its surroundings are lovely. This is a pristine beach with soft cream sand, a gentle blue sea and trees where you can spot snoozing bats hanging from the high branches. It is so beautiful here that people come here on honeymoon.
There are a number of romantic Tioman Island hotels where you can soak up the sun, we’ll explore these now.
The best accommodation on Juara Beach
At the fabulous Permata Beach Chalet you’ll have your own little air-conditioned cabin right on the beach with a lovely balcony to relax on. Similarly, the Juara Seaview Chalet has great reviews for its beachfront chalets and nearby restaurant.
If you’re on a Tioman Island backpackers budget, the affordable Permai Chalet Tioman is also a good choice. Basic but cosy, it’s located directly on the beach so you can hear the sound of the waves.
I’d read in my guidebook about the Bushman accommodation. This collection of newly-built boutique beachside huts are priced at around 80 ringgits (£15) per night. Booking one of these babies is like winning the lottery, according to my Malaysia guidebook. Our luck was in, as the friendly Bushman staff gave us the key to the last available bungalow. Maybe we should have bought a Lotto ticket too.
The huts are furnished with high quality fittings in rich dark wood, air-conditioning, a fridge, comfortable beds and a pleasant bathroom, all spotlessly maintained. Thoughtful touches included shell and coral decorations, a washing line and a tap to wash the sand from your feet.
The icing on the cake was our own veranda and sun-loungers where we could put our feet up and take in the dazzling view of the beach and the sea. For me, this was easily the best place to stay in Tioman island.
To browse and book accommodation on Tioman Island, click here or explore the map below.
The best things to do on Tioman Island
On Tioman Island there are incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities with crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs around spots like Coral Island and Renggis Island. You can go jungle trekking through rainforest trails and discover waterfalls. Its excellent beaches range from the backpacker hub of Salang to Juara Beach where you can visit the wonderful turtle conservation centre.
Scuba diving and snorkelling
On Tioman Island, what to do during the day includes snorkelling and scuba diving to explore the rich waters around the island. Tioman is surrounded by colourful coral reefs and teeming marine life, making it a world-class destination for snorkeling and diving.
At Juara Beach, try the Amigo Dive Center, where you can take trips to stunning dive sites around Tioman including Coral Island and Renggis Island, known for its abundant reef sharks and colourful fish. Visit the Marine Park Centre to learn about the island’s protected underwater ecosystems or dive deeper to see shipwrecks or vibrant reefs at dive spots like Chebeh and Tiger Reef.
Equipment is available for rent and many resorts offer guided tours.
Jungle trekking
Tioman’s rainforests are home to unique wildlife, cascading waterfalls and scenic trails. Tioman Island activities include a jungle trek to visit the stunning waterfalls, though getting to them can be an adventure in itself. You’ll need proper hiking shoes, and bring plenty of water and insect repellent.
On the trek between Tekek and Juara Beach, you’ll pass through dense jungle and maybe encounter wildlife like monitor lizards and monkeys. You can also visit Asah Waterfall, one of the island’s most picturesque spots, located in the southern village of Mukut.
Cool off under a waterfall
One of the locals told us that Juara has its own hidden waterfall. While it is only a 20 minute walk from Juara beach, much of the walk is almost vertical – or certainly feels like it. It involved climbing up the steepest road I’d ever tackled on foot. At the top, tired and sweating, we finally found the small, low-key entrance. We made our way down the narrow walkway, navigating the tree roots and man-made car-tyre steps.
Here we discovered a little oasis. A small but perfectly formed waterfall surrounded by trees, rocks and tangled vines. The tranquil, transparent water was populated with little fish, who didn’t seem disturbed when we dived in.
It was so refreshing to cool off here in this secluded spot on a hot day. Such a soul-soothingly peaceful place.
See baby turtles hatching at the Juara Turtle Project
If you’re looking for what to do in Tioman Island and you’re a wildlife lover, don’t miss its turtle conservation centre.
Being nature lovers, we weren’t going to leave without visiting the Juara Turtle Project. Immediately upon our arrival, we were welcomed by one of the sea turtle project centre’s workers. He introduced us to the valuable conservation work they do at this Malaysian turtle sanctuary.
We browsed the centre’s comprehensive exhibition, which outlines how many of the island’s turtle nest beaches have been destroyed and why the remaining population is endangered. Sadly, it’s mostly because of human interference and carelessness.
Meeting the residents
We were guided into the cordoned-off area that is usually only frequented by the volunteers.
Here we met Jo, a giant turtle who the volunteers have raised by hand, as she is blind. The staff member assured us that, while Jo cannot see, she enjoys gentle human contact. Soon, Jo will be moved to a larger and more comfortable tank, built thanks to funding from a large water company.
Seeing the hatcheries
Then it was time to see the hatcheries.
The sea turtle hatching locations are in a fenced-off section of the beach. Volunteers collect turtle eggs from beaches around the island, where they would otherwise be vulnerable to a variety of threats. They place these eggs in the hatchery for incubation, where the sea turtle eggs can hatch in safety.
Each nest contains around a hundred eggs. Once one of these Tioman turtles starts to hatch, the rest will follow suit within minutes.
By chance, just as we were watching the hatchery, one of the little critters had decided that it was time to emerge. We knew that the other 99 or so baby sea turtles would soon start hatching too.
All the volunteers became excited, knowing that their work was about to be rewarded, as they welcomed these new precious lives into the world.
The volunteers got busy ensuring that each turtle was checked, measured and accounted for. They kindly invited us to join them on the beach at sunset.
Watching the baby turtles’ first steps
That evening, they would be helping these brand new sea turtle babies on their natural, instinctive path into the wilderness of the sea.
This is the final chapter in the conservation centre’s role for each turtle. That is, until the few surviving females become pregnant and search Pulau Tioman for somewhere to lay their eggs. Then, the process starts again.
It felt like a ceremony, as around fifty of us lined the beach in anticipation. One of the staff members gently angled the large box containing the turtles, so they could make their way out.
Despite being a long way from the sea, all of them knew exactly which direction to head, like an in-built sat nav. It was fun to watch as over a hundred turtles scrambled along the sand using their flippers, racing each other to reach the waves.
Once in the sea, they would be on their own, to face their natural predators in the water and search for food to sustain them. One poor creature wasn’t well enough to make it that far, so the staff decided they would nurture it at the centre until it was strong enough to try again.
This was a humbling and fascinating occasion and one I feel very privileged to have experienced.
To find out where to stay near the Juara Turtle Project for your own baby turtles experience, click here.
This is the best time to visit Tioman Island
While the weather on Tioman Island is generally consistent year-round, it’s important to note that the island’s monsoon season runs from November to March. If you’re planning to visit during these months, check ahead that your chosen accommodation will be open and that ferry services are running.
For the best experience with reliable weather, calm seas, and all facilities open, plan your visit between April and October.
Sea turtle hatching season runs from June to September, making this the ideal time to go if you want to visit the Juara Turtle Project.
Where is Tioman Island in Malaysia?
Known in Malaysian as Pulau Tioman, the island is part of Malaysia’s Pahang state and lies around 20 miles off its east coast. At only 13 miles long, it consists of seven villages, forests, waterfalls, sandy beaches and well-preserved coral reefs, making it a popular diving spot. Tioman is one of the world’s most beautiful islands.
How to get to Tioman Island
We travelled from Singapore to Tioman Island, crossing the border into Malaysia and catching a bus to Mersing on the east coast. We boarded a ferry from Mersing to Tioman’s Tekek village. You can also catch flights to Tioman island airport from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.
From Tekek we shared the price of a four-wheeled drive taxi (35 Ringgits) with Anna, a dreadlocked student from London. As we crossed the mountainous terrain to Juara on the island’s east coast, Anna explained how she was coming here specifically to volunteer at the Juara Turtle Project.
Frequently asked questions about Tioman Island
Is Tioman Island worth visiting?
Absolutely! Tioman Island is worth visiting for its pristine beaches, world-class diving, and unique turtle conservation experiences. What sets it apart from other Malaysian islands is the Juara Turtle Project where you can witness baby turtles being released into the sea. The island has a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure without being overly commercialized.
How many days enough for Tioman Island?
I’d recommend at least 3-4 days for Tioman Island to fully experience the highlights. This gives you time to relax on the beaches, do some snorkeling or diving, trek to a waterfall, and visit the turtle conservation centre. Many visitors stay 5-7 days to truly unwind and explore multiple beaches around the island.
What is Tioman famous for?
Tioman Island is famous for being ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful islands, its excellent diving and snorkeling with vibrant coral reefs, and the Juara Turtle Project conservation centre. It’s also known for duty-free shopping, pristine beaches, and being relatively undeveloped compared to other Malaysian tourist destinations.
Things to do in Tekek
Tekek is Tioman’s main village where you can enjoy duty-free shopping for alcohol, cigarettes and chocolate, visit the Marine Park Centre to learn about conservation efforts, arrange diving and snorkeling trips, explore the local mosque, and use it as a base for jungle trekking to other parts of the island. Tekek also has the widest selection of restaurants and tour operators.
Is Tioman Island expensive?
Tioman Island is more expensive than mainland Malaysia due to its remote location, but still affordable by Western standards. Budget travellers can expect $65 USD per day including basic accommodation and local food, while mid-range travellers should budget $150 per day.
What are the free things to do on Tioman Island?
Free activities on Tioman Island include swimming, sunbathing and walking along beaches and jungle trails to discover waterfalls and hidden coves. You can also visit the turtle conservation centre to learn about their work.
Things to do on Tioman Island at night
Tioman Island nightlife is laid-back. In the evenings, you can enjoy beachfront dining at resort restaurants and have drinks at beach bars. Some resorts offer occasional live music or performances. If you’re lucky during turtle season, participate in the magical baby turtle release ceremonies at dusk.
Final thoughts on the best things to do on Tioman Island
Tioman Island is something special – a perfect blend of pristine natural beauty, laid-back beaches and diving in crystal-clear waters.
But it’s the turtle conservation project that really sets Tioman apart, giving visitors the chance to understand more about their important environmental work and see their resident turtles.
Yes, getting to Tioman requires a bit more effort than some other Malaysian destinations, and costs are higher due to its remote location. The reward is time on an island that feels genuinely unspoiled.
Want to explore more of Malaysia? Discover the best three week itinerary for Malaysia, including seeing orangutans in Borneo.
