Sunday, May 24, 2015

Malaysian Tioman Island - At the Decision Point

Tekek is a small village, almost centrally located on the west shore of Tioman. Due to its central location, and its natural shelter from the rough open sea, it was rightfully chosen as the entry point to the island. It has the only immigration terminals for the island, serving the incoming as well as the out-going traffics to Mersing, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

There are a couple of ways for tourists to reach Tioman. If you come from Kuala Lumpur, you can take a flight from Subang Airport. Subang Airport is the old airport located about ten km from the city center. The flight is operated by Berjaya Air, the same group that operates the Berjaya Resort in Tioman. Alternatively, you can take the six hour bus ride to Mersing followed by another 3 hours ferry to Tioman. Unfortunately, the ferry service is not punctual, as it depends on the tide. At low tide the ferry will not be able to dock due to the shallow water.

If you are coming from Singapore, you have more choice. You can take Berjaya Air flight from Seletar Airport or you can catch a ferry from Tanah Merah Terminal. It will take you direct to Tekek in Tioman Island. The cheapest mean is of course by bus to Mersing and followed by the ferry ride.

The Development of Tekek Tioman is under the state of Pahang. Many, including the local would have though that it is under Johor, as the access point to the island is from Mersing, in Johor. In an effort to attract more tourists, Tioman was given a free port status. This had attracted more investment. A controversial marina was built intended to draw more tourist and it has caused heavy siltation affecting the coral reef and other marine life.

Beaches at Tekek are considered average, by Pulau Tioman's standard. I think this is because of its location, some sections of the beach had to resort to retaining walls stop further erosion especially during the monsoon seasons. However the southern part of Tekek offers beautiful beaches near the Babura Seaview Resort and Samudra Swiss Cottage. The water is crystal-clear.

Further south, there are a number of lookout points perched on top of a hill along the asphalt road that leads to Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort. The view can be considered attractive as you can see the contrast between the open sea and the lush green forest. There is an interior road leading Juara, on the eastern side of the island. If you like, you can trek across the tropical green to the side of the island. The journey will normally take about two hours. Then you can take a boat ride back to Tekek.

Despite the recent development, Tekek can still maintain the natural beauty and attraction. We hope the authority realize that people come to the island to enjoy its natural beauty and serenity, not for the comfort of the modern amenities.

The author is a local Malaysian, interested in sharing the beauty of his country. At the same time he is concerned on its future as efforts are being made by the authority to develop the island.
Further information in his blog on Pahang at: http://pahangtour.blogspot.com/2010/02/tioman.html

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