Tioman Island

Tioman Island

Pahang's numerous sandy beaches and idyllic islands in the South China Sea offer endless bliss for sun seekers. The warm and calm waters are ideal for water sports. Most of the state's beaches are situated near Kuantan. Take your pick from a wide range of beach resorts and the delightful beach activities.

About 56 km off the coast of Pahang lies Tioman Island, an alluring holiday paradise in the South China Sea. Acclaimed as one of the best island getaways in the world, Tioman was the location of the Hollywood musical, 'South Pacific' in 1959.


According to legend, this island is the final resting place of a mythical dragon princess. Till today, the island bears a startling resemblance to a sleeping dragon. The warm waters and good visibility make Tioman a paradise for divers. Discover astounding sights such as colorful Gorgonian sea fans, Staghorn corals, nudibranchs and beautifully sculptured sea sponges. Snorkellers can delight in swimming alongside huge Napoleon Wrasse, Golden Striped Trevally, Bumphead Parrotfish and shoals of Fusiliers.

This island is an idyllic spot for leisurely days under the sun. Swim in its emerald waters, enjoy a stroll by the beach or be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. There are several villages scattered around the coastline, the larger ones being Salang, Tekek, Genting, Paya and Juara.


Each village offers a different and unique atmosphere. Tioman's verdant greenery is home to a splendid variety of plants and small animals, including butterflies, monitor lizards, deer and monkeys. Its flora and fauna have been featured in National Geographic's documentaries.

The island's granite formations make for excellent rock-climbing adventures. The more adventurous can attempt to scale the sheer cliff face of the legendary Gunung Nenek Semukut or Dragons Horns. Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort offers a luxurious stay amidst a backdrop of rolling hills and scenic views.

By Air
Malaysia Airline operates daily flights between the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport in Kuantan. The flight takes about 40 minutes.

By Road
Kuantan is situated about 260 km from Kuala Lumpur and 325 km from Johor Bahru at the southern tip of the peninsula. There is a good road link from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Pahang. Kuantan is a 2.5 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the East Coast Highway. Express air-conditioned buses and taxis to Kuantan are available from the Puduraya Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur.

By Rail
Pahang is accessible through Mentakab and Kuala Lipis on the Kuala Lumpur-Kota Bharu line.

Getting Around
Getting around Pahang is visually fascinating as the state offers views of unspoilt natural beauty and scenic coastlines. Due to the vast size of its land, visitors are advised to plan their trips to make the most of their excursions and avoid long drives.

Buses and taxis are easily available from Kuantan to other parts of the state. The two main bus stations are located in Jalan Besar and Jalan Pasar. Alternatively, cars can be rented for self-drive holidays.

Tioman is accessible by boat from Tanjung Gemok in Pahang and Mersing in Johor. Journey time is approximately 1.5 hours. It can also be reached by a 4 hour ferry ride from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore.

Berjaya Air operates daily direct 45-minute flights to Tioman from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.(*source from tourism malaysia)