Pulau Tioman

I didn't expect to be using my passport so soon after my return from the travel. However, in just 3 weeks,I've been using my passport to enter Malaysia twice. First trip to Berlumut, second trip to Pulau Tioman.

A couple of years ago, David Teo shared with me his adventure, or misadventure as some might called, in Tioman several years ago. He and 2 other guys planned to spend 4 days exploring Tioman Island. The plan is simple-just backpack and circumnavigate the island and in the course, camped and set up tents along the way.

Sounds simple: Island, beautiful sandy beach on the coast and just keep walking.They soon found out it was not exactly as they thought.

Several stretch of the coast are line with slippery rocks or muddy area or swampy area, depending on the tide. Others are just cliffs and the only way to get around is to wade in the water or swim across in worst case.

On my journey to Mersing, I was contemplating with the idea of doing what David did. However, I only have 1 full day to explore the island.

Arriving at Mersing. Thank goodness someone has done something to make travel from Mersing to Tioman a breeze. At the reservation office, I was able to arrange everything- from purchasing 2-ways ferry to Tioman, to arrange my accommodation, to the bus ride back to Singapore. Even diving trips can be arrange and purchase here.

Thanks to Fangjing who provide me with the information on Mersing and Tioman, Otherwise I would have to spent maney on tour pakages.

So, what is my purpose here? Why the sudden interest to visit Tioman when I'm not even interested in diving and snorkeling?

Well, Joon Uk a brother from Korean wants to spend a couple of days in Malaysia and/or Indonesia diving and a little sight seeing. Many of my best friends are leisure divers and hence I have an idea on arranging diving trips.

I agree to help Joon Uk. Fang Jing helped me call several dive operator and finally found 1. The operator charges 500 sing. I called the operator at 1100hrs to confirm. Then I call at 1700hrs again, I was told that the company is unable to secure a bus ticket to Mersing.

Not wanting to disappoint and make him feel like he has wasted his time in Singapore, I decided to arrange his DIY diving trip for me. So here I am entering Malaysia again.