Tioman island is one of the heaven for divers around Malaysia. i went there in early march this year.
Actually we plan to go Perhentian island but during that period Perhentian still closed due to monsoon season. Tioman is the earliest island in the pantai timur to start their operation whereby other island only start to operate mid or end of march.
We were told that the sea gonna be clearer in April, June and July. Where the weather is more nicer.
At the time we stayed there, the weather was just fine. Only in the night it is raining.
This time me and my friend decided to plan first. We browse the internet and found many good packages to choose on. After checking and compare we found the cheapest package, which is at SOBA resorts situated at Kg Genting. There are a number places in Tioman you can stayed Kg Genting, Salang,Paya and etc.
The package that we choose is a 3d2n including accommodation quad sharing room, meal exclude for lunch for the first day,ferry tix, snorkeling at 3 different places, and BBQ. The packages for quad sharing room is
RM275.For more detail do visit their website :
http://www.sobatioman.com/
The extra cost that is not include in the package is
RM5 for Marine park charge and
RM5 for snorkeling gear. Plus meal for lunch for the first day about
RM7 and another
RM10 for snack. The jetty were situated at Mersing, i think the expense for transportation if you go by car
about RM50 per person include oil and food.
The first day
We arrive at Mersing jetty, there is someone you have to find, they will arrange for your ferry. When fisrt arrive at Tioman we all were amazed by the crystal clear of the sea. You can see fish swim in the sea. Once we arrived at the Kg Genting jetty, the staff of Soba resort was there to welcomed us,we were serve with welcomed drink, the staff at Soba Resort were really nice. There is not much activity done in the first day as we are tired of long hour of driving, so just take a nap, have our lunch at the nearest warong, go for a walk, and go and swim in the evening.
The second day
It were filled with awesomness activity. Snorkeling for 3-4 hours. It was great you can see the coluorful coral and fish. If you were lucky enough you might even see turtle!!!. Then in the night we have our BBQ and also a karaoke.
The third day
The ferry awaits us on 9 o'clock, its consider as early rite, but we have to follow the schedule. Then off to KL.
The Chalet
What i loved about the chalet is they have a open hall where you can watch TV, and chillexing. The room was not too great but it is comfortable and equipped with air-cond. Their services were great, they even call you if the food were ready. The food was great and there are quite a lot!!. The chalet is not a sea view chalet, but it is very near to the beach.
The Snorkeling
They will bring you to two snorkeling spot and the third one you can choose weather to go to river or the tekek the shopping town. But we advise you to go to the river where you can relax yourself with fresh water. There is not much you can buy at tioman although they are tax free, the only cheap is cigarette and liquor.
The BBQ
To me the BBQ was not to great as i experienced in Pangkor. The food was kinda okey. And we are not to lucky as it is raining so we had to have it indoor.
The Total Cost
Overall cost per person is mainly
RM352. My advise it is easier for you to take the packages, although it is quite expensive but it is easier s the arrange everything for you. Yeah you can saved up if you just planned it for yourself, but you will not have a great food like if you take the package.
All i can say, Tioman is a must place to go, as they offer you the best colorful coral reef and fish. A placed where you can relax your mind and to enjoy the best nature can offer.
Plan for your trip now~
