Tioman Island, Malaysia

Tioman Island is one of the popular islands in peninsular Malaysia. Be the biggest in the archipelago of about 60 volcanic islands, some inhabited, and situated in the southern shores of the Malaysia East Coast. The size oi the island is about 20 X 12 km (12.5 X 7.5 mi), and boast fabulous tropical beaches set around the mountainous interior.

Tioman Island was first recorded in the journals of Arabian merchants in the tenth century. Traders from India, Persia and China also came this way since Tioman Island had betelnut, sandalwood and camphor to trade and was safe haven from monsoon storms. The island also marked the navigational point at which to head north-east towards Cambodia.

Beautiful landscape of Tioman Island.

Map of the island.

In 1830 the islanders deserted their homes for 15 years, after pirates landed and took 70 people for the slave trade. In the 1920’s the island was again deserted after devastating outbreak of malaria swept through the population. After World War II, when the Japanese detachment used the island as a base, it sank into oblivion until, in the late 1950’s, it was chosen as the setting for the Rogers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific because its unspoiled beauty.

Many coral reefs surround Tioman Island and there are several good dive sites. It is possible to walk across the island in a couple of hours and explore the forest the forest that is home to many species of flora and fauna.

Feeding the fish.

Diving.

There are many resorts provided the facilities for diving activities. The transportation to get into this island too are includes boats and airplanes. Tioman Island is among the greatest for its beautiful corals and crystal clear water.