Tioman Island 3D2N Getaway.

Tioman Island is located 32km off the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia and it's around 2 hours drive from Skudai/JB. Since it's just a 2hrs drive, we decided to go there right before the next peak season - school mid-term break.  We did not make any booking before going there; since it's not a peak season (we assumed) We chose Tioman Island just because it's the nearest we can afford to go. (not prefer long hour drive as we only have maximum 3 days to spend)

DAY 1:
We decided to detour to Sibu Island right after we passed by Kota Tinggi. We changed the GPS destination to Tanjung Leman instead. We spent shorter time to reach the jetty of Tanjung Leman as it's closer. At first, we were very happy of the detour decision. But, our joy was dampen when we found out that we actually need a booking to go to the resort in Sibu Island. There is no ferry service like Tioman Island. The boat will only pick up guests who had make their booking/reservation with the specific resort. Well, we managed to call up one. Guess what? The accommodation, including 3 meals (for 2 adults, 2 kids) only RM235. However, the boat fare is killing us! Since there is no guest check-in to that resort on that particular day, we have to pay RM540 for a return boat trip! Since we have no visibility on the situation, we decided to drive to Tioman. 

Finally, we reached Mersing Jetty after another 1 hour drive. Everything was running smoothly, we managed to get a chalet (surprisingly, many places are fully booked)
Tips: Please book your resort before you go. You can have more choices if you book ahead. Also, please remember to asked for 'package' price. Normally, the price for packaged deal is more worthwhile.

The next ferry departure time is 11:30 am and we were thinking to have our lunch at Tioman as the ferry ride will take us about 1.5 hours. WHO KNOWS, the ferry was delayed for 2 hours! Luckily there are stalls selling snacks.
Tips: Remember to bring along food that is able to fill up your stomach, like bread or burgers. This is important especially if you are traveling with kids.

We arrived at Genting at 3pm. It took us about 10mins to walk to our chalet - Idaman Beach Holiday. http://www.cuti.my/tour/info/id/1336/Malaysia/Pahang/tour/3D2N-Idaman-Beach-Tioman-Fullboard-Package/
Tips: If you are going to Genting, choose the resorts/chalets that are located at the right side of the island. The right side sea shore is more sandy while left side is rocky. (beside Idaman, Impiana Inn also located on the right side)

We were looking for food at odd hour of 4:30pm. Most of them still close and one Chinese lady recommended us a Chinese restaurant - . We spent RM96 for 1 vege, 1 soup, 1 prawn & 1 fish dish. They have most of the items price listed on the menu. However, the quality of the dishes didn't appear in par with the price charged.

Tips: If you are not engaged with any packaged deal, and going for budget trip; try going to other restaurant where food prices are cheaper. 

We walked along the rocky, then sandy seaside.

Right before sunset, kids had their very first experience swimming in the sea. They were scared at first, and thrilled after that. They enjoyed it so much till we need to hurry them to go home before the sky turned totally dark.

DAY 2:
We arranged snorkelling trip with the hotel manager and he only charged us RM150 for the whole family. Then we pay extra RM20 more for kids masks. And, after breakfast, there we go!

The first snorkelling spot was actually marine park. We saw only fishes, in different sizes. Kids were thrilled with their first snorkelling experience. However,  their masks were either spoiled or too tight. (we forgot to try on their big head before we hop into the boat)

Luckily we had standby two loaves of bread for fishes. They stayed on the big floater and enjoy feeding fish while both of us continue snorkelling.

We had enough relaxation with warm sea breeze and scenic island view.

The boat continues to cruise to another snorkelling location after lunch. It was in the middle of big blue sea. Weather suddenly turned cloudy and started to rain. They stayed in the boat while daddy jumped down to see if there is anything. To our surprise, there were many beautiful corals. We swam quite a distance from the boat to look for more corals.

We got back to our chalet around 2:30pm. After a nice shower, we took a short nap. Then, around 5pm, we were out again.

Pink colour banana flower in upright position. (I dunno whether this is rare or not; but for me, that was the first time I saw this)



Playing in the sunset.

Sleeping beauties around the island were caught in action. They must be waiting for their prince charming to arrive. Or they are actually working night shift.

DAY 3:

No letting go any chances to play, like never see sands in their life....

We decided to take 10:00 a.m ferry but AGAIN, we were waited in the small, congested jetty for 2 hours before we board on the ferry! And, the best thing is No One knows what's going on & No One were sent to inform the passengers when is the exact time.

Bidding bye-bye to the fishes with bread.