TIOMAN ISLAND

Tioman Island (locally known as Gunung Daik Bercabang Tiga) is a small island located 32 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang, and is some 39 km long and 12 km wide. It has eight main villages, the largest and most populous being Kampung Tekek in the north. The densely forested island is sparsely inhabited, and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a popular scuba diving spot. There are also a lot of resorts and chalets around the island which has duty free status.
Its beaches were depicted in the 1958 movie, South Pacific as Bali Hai. In the 1970s, TIME Magazine selected Tioman as one of the world's most beautiful islands.
Apart from its diverse marine life, the inland rainforest area, encompassing approximately 12,383 hectares, in Tioman is a strictly enforced nature reserve. There are several protected species of mammals on the island, including the Binturong, Long-tailed Macaque, Slow Loris, Black Giant Squirrel, Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Mouse deer, Brush-tailed Porcupine, and Common Palm Civet, from a total of 45 species of mammals and 138 species of birds, including the majestic Frigatebird. Moreover, Tioman has species that are endemic to its shores. The soft-shelled turtle and the Tioman walking catfish are both unique and can be seen on rainforest walks

Tioman Island was the first discovered by Chinese and Arabs seafarers and traders around thousand years ago. Tioman was named one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world.Today ,its one of the best locations along the East Coast of Penisular Malaysia to dive, snorkel or just relax and enjoy the tranquility of the sea and the beaches.It is one of the hot spots for scuba diving with some 20 dive sites all located within less than 30 minute boat ride from the main villages such Salang Bay and Ayer Batang. Tioman lies in the South China Sea,just on the edge of the famous coral triangle where most species of coral,fish and other marine life are found. The underwater scenery is made out of large granite boulders, densely covered in soft corals,hards corals and gorgonian sea fans.If you go beyond 20 meters deep often encompass the rare black corals as well. These rock formations and corals gardens are a perfect nursery ground for an abundance of fish species which themselves again attract predators such as barracudas, travellies and even sharks. Sea turtles are seen on some 70% for all dives and there is not a dive where you don't find amazing macro creatures such as colorful nudibranchs.

For those with deeper thoughts some amazing World War II wrecks such as the famous British battleship HMS Repulse are waiting some 46 nautical miles north of Tioman Island.Those wrecks however lie in waters of 55 meters and beyond and are therefore reserved for divers with technical diving certification and experince