5 Days in Tioman Island (Malaysia): What to Expect on This Hidden Gem

Table of Contents

Introduction

A few weeks back, I wrote about my memories of visiting Bintan, where I travelled for a whole weekend with no Wi-Fi. questionable accommodation, and far too many card games. So when my friends suggested a week-long trip to Tioman Island, I figured I could handle anything.

Now today, I want to share my week long trip in the Tioman Island and how to get to Tioman Island Malaysia because it does require a bit of planning. But all in all it is and was just perfect a perfect trip for me and my friends.

Tioman surprised me in every way. It had waterfalls, Wi-Fi (which by now you can tell is very important to me) hikes, beaches. At this point I had travelled most of South East Asia, including living in Singapore and so was pretty confident and well aware of how I was travelling.

Still my trip to the Tioman Island tested me, taught me a lot, and left me proud of how far I’d come as a traveller. Hence why I share it, because not only is it a destination that lets you disconnect without breaking the bank but it is the perfect destination that I think everyone should go at least once in their lifetime. Wondering how to get to Tioman Island Malaysia keep on reading because I have everything I did and how I got there below. This is a trip for people that want to escape the realms of social media.

How to Get to Tioman Island Malaysia from Singapore

Getting to Tioman Island Malaysia from Singapore is an adventure in itself, but very easy and completely doable. Because I have a good friend friend from Singapore who allowed us to practically stay at her home in Malaysia we was able to have a much smoother journey.

If you are doing this on your own I would check ferry schedules ahead of time, weather can delay or cancel boats, so build flexibility into your plans.

Take a bus or drive to Mersing Jetty (about 3–4 hours)
Catch the ferry to Tioman Island (about 2 hours)

You can use Rome2Rio to plan the route and book tickets through 12Go Asia, Klook, or Easybook.

What We Did (and Didn’t Expect)

1. Jungle Hiking to a Waterfall

This was the highlight of the trip on Tioman Island and the scariest part of our trip.

We hiked through thick, humid jungle to reach a waterfall, (my actual favourite thing to do) and halfway through, one of my friends fell and had a minor concussion. My first instinct was to turn back, but she insisted she was fine. At this point I had a very minor panic attack.

We slowed down, supported her, and eventually made it to the waterfall.

The moment we arrived and heard the rush of water, it felt like we had been rewarded for our persistence (mainly mine). We cooled off, laughed about the scare, and took a moment to just appreciate where we were.

This was the first time I remember feeling calm in a situation like this, going with the flow and that was a proud moment for me as a traveller.

5 Days in Tioman Island (Malaysia): What to Expect on This Hidden Gem

2. Shack-Style Accommodation… Again!

Let’s just say my Bintan experience prepared me for this. I actually have pictures of the inside and it was not something I can ever say I would ever stay in. In fact I know after a few years I came back to Singapore/Malaysia for my friends wedding as a bridesmaid and she was going back to Tioman after her wedding and I was like absolutely not.

The accommodation was not even basic, it was just beyond livable. For me at least. Again like Bintan, Indonesia, there was A/C, but there was a fan, a thin mattresses, and shared bathrooms. But this time, I didn’t even flinch. There were no Kurt Geiger heels this time! I was used to such budget ways of travelling at this point, so I just tried to embrace it as best as I could! You can find far better options now on Booking.com.

Book through Booking.com

3. What Made Tioman Special

Although Tioman was such a peaceful trip. It felt much calmer than I expected, fewer tourists, quiet beaches, and just raw nature. It was the type of trip to that you just unplug yourself from the world. You know the kind of place where you put your phone down and just enjoy being present. Which now seems like a real treat right now.

Yes there was Wi-Fi but it was very, very patchy. Lots more hiking, more fun conversations and by this point I would say I had been around my friends for a few months so was able to relax and be more chilled with them. We had gone through the blues of missing home while in Singapore certainly brought us closer together, which I am so grateful for because I still get to relive those memories with my friends over a decade later.

Would I Recommend Tioman?

Yes of course I would. I am sure you will have an amazing time even if you’re doing a budget or luxiours trip. If you want to slow down, connect with nature, and challenge yourself a little then this is a perfect destination.

I surprised my friends with how “down for it” I was… but honestly, I surprised myself too. And I’m proud of that.

Packing Tips for Tioman Island

Hiking shoes (not sandals!)
Mosquito repellent – this is very much needed to protect your skin.
Cap/hat and Sunscreen
Microfibre towel
Reusable Water bottle
Offline maps and power bank
Dry bag (for ferry rides and waterfalls)
Swimwear (you’ll be in the water daily!)

Other Travel Resources for Tioman Island Malaysia

My Instagram and TikTok have quick reels and specifics of my visit to Tioman.
Always carry some cash, for smaller businesses, just be sure to have XE to know the daily exchange rates.
Before going to any country, I recommend visiting the Foreign Advice Page for U.K. travellers. Check if you need visas here.
Book with Viator or Get Your Guide if you want specific tours for Tioman. Please read the reviews before booking!
I used Airlo, an e-SIM card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279.
Check out my solo travel hub for tips on how to travel – Solo Travel Tips & Inspiration

Conclusion and Memories on Tiamon Island

And there you have it another trip to an Island this time in Tiamon Island. What a trip and it’s been sooo good to actually relive that trip and share it with you! I’ve already shared my trips to Japan, Thailand, Bintan and have Australia, Vietnam Cambodia and so many other memories that I hope to share and relive.

Have you ever taken a trip that showed you what you’re made of?

Tell me in the comments or share your story on Instagram and tag me @MyBreakingViews.