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.
Welcome to Tioman Island !!!

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