SNORKELLING

The warm, crystal clear water, the abundance of marine life and the fact that snorkelling trips are included in almost every resort package, means that there is only a very slight chance that you will leave Tioman without doing some snorkelling.

There are many patches of coral in the water in front of most villages and you can easily rent a mask and fins (and lifejacket if you wish) and wade into the water from the beach. Some of the better snorkelling spots need to be reached by boat and these are some spots that are popular stops for snorkelling outings:

The name says it all and this protected island is one of the most popular stops for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts coming to Tioman.

Tulai Island is a short boat ride to the north-east of Tioman Island (closest village – Salang) and there are numerous operators that arrange snorkelling trips here. Remember to pack drinks and a lunch if it is not included in your trip

Nothing more than a stack of boulders and a tangle of trees, Renggis Island’s attraction lies beneath the water around it. For many years, coral polyps have been attaching themselves to the rocks below the water here and the result is one of the vastest and most colourful coral gardens around Tioman.

The island is right in front of the Berjaya resort. Trips here are usually included in snorkelling outings offered by resorts as part of their weekend packages. Boats stop here for about 45 minutes. If you feel like you need to rest, make use of the snorkelling platforms in the water: staying inside the boat on a choppy sea could bring on a severe bout of sea sickness.

Marine Park

Tioman and the surrounding smaller islands have been zoned as a Marine Park in order to protect the sensitive eco systems in the sea here. Only activities that do not harm the coral reefs and the aquatic life that they support are allowed here.

The water in front of the Marine Park Headquarters, situated close to Tekek Village, is an area that has been set aside for snorkelling and this spot is often included in the snorkelling outings that are part of resort packages.

Clouds of colourful fish gather here, no doubt attracted by the breadcrumbs that they snatch from visitors’ outstretched hands. Here you can truly feel what it is like to be right in the middle of a constantly moving, synchronised school of fish. 

Monkey Bay is tucked between Salang and Air Batang village on the north of the island. With a deserted stretch of white sandy beach and crystal clear water, it is no wonder that this is one of Tioman’s popular attractions.

You are able to reach this spot from Air Batang or Salang village on a pathway that cuts through the jungle, or on one of the round-island or snorkelling trips arranged by operators on the island. After exploring the waters, stretch your legs on the beach of this undeveloped bay.