FAQ

You cannot fly to Tioman Island. The island has a small airport, but no airline flies there right now. The only way to reach Tioman is by passenger ferry from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok. The crossing takes 2 to 2.5 hours, and tickets typically cost between RM60 and RM300, depending on the season and how early you book. Two companies run this ferry: Cataferry and Bluewater Ferry. You can also rent a speedboat through Naga Charter. This costs more, so it only makes sense for larger groups who want extra flexibility.

Most nationalities do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. This is enough time for a normal Tioman trip. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months from the day you enter Malaysia. Visa rules are different for each country, so check the official Malaysia entry requirements for your country before you book.

Yes. Since January 2024, most foreign visitors to Malaysia must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online, at least 3 days before entry. If you are coming straight to The Station Tioman, you can use our address on the form: The Station Tioman, Tekek Village, Tioman Island, 26800 Rompin, Pahang. This is not our postal address, so please do not use it to send mail or packages.

We recommend staying at least 3 nights on Tioman Island. Travel to and from the island already takes up a full day. If you want to dive or visit several villages and beaches, we recommend staying 4 to 5 nights

The Tioman ferry is usually reliable from March to October, with several departures every day from Mersing and Tanjung Gemok. From November to February, monsoon season can bring rough seas. This often causes delays or cancellations, sometimes for several days in a row. If you travel during monsoon season, plan a few extra days in your schedule for your return to the mainland in case the ferry is delayed.

Tioman Island is known for diving, snorkeling, and freediving. You can explore coral reefs and wrecks, such as the Al-Sultan Abdullah Dive Site, better known as the LRT wreck. Tioman is a marine park, and ongoing marine conservation work protects its waters along with those of eight nearby islands. On land, Tioman's rainforest is protected as a wildlife reserve, with jungle hiking trails where you might see the rare Rafflesia Tiomanensis flower. Freediving is very popular here, mostly thanks to Freedive Tioman, a freediving school right next to The Station Tioman. The most popular hiking trails run between Tekek and Juara, ABC and Salang, and Tekek and Paya. You can hike alone or book a guided tour. For something more adventurous, try the Dragon Horn via ferrata near Mukut village, which uses cables and metal rungs to climb the island's twin granite peaks. Tioman also has two turtle conservation projects: the Juara Turtle Project (JTP) in Kampung Juara, and a small hatchery at Campsite Sekuci on Bunot Beach, run by local conservationist Mohd Don Mustapha.

There is only one ATM on Tioman Island, located in Tekek village. It sometimes runs out of cash or stops working. We recommend withdrawing enough cash in Mersing before you take the ferry, since almost no one on the island accepts card payments.

Bring enough cash for your whole stay, since Tioman has only one ATM and it does not always work. For a short trip, RM300 to RM500 usually covers food, drinks, and small expenses. If you plan to dive or join other paid activities, bring more. As a guide, budget about RM150 per person for island hopping, RM200 per person for jungle trekking, RM10 to RM50 per meal, and RM80 to RM120 per day for motorbike rental. 

No, most places on Tioman Island do not accept credit cards. Cash is the standard way to pay for food, transport, and most activities. A few larger resorts may accept cards, but you should not rely on this. Bring enough Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) with you, since the island has only one ATM and it does not always work.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear, and a light rain jacket. Bring insect repellent with DEET, since there are sandflies and mosquitoes on the island. Water shoes are useful, because some beaches have rocks where you enter the water. If you plan to dive or snorkel, you can bring your own mask, or you can rent mask and snorkel on the island. Bring a large beach towel. Pack antihistamine for sandfly and mosquito bites, plus any other medication you need, since pharmacies outside Tekek are limited. If you plan to hike, bring hiking shoes or another pair of sturdy shoes. Bring a refillable water bottle — most hotels have water filters, and this helps reduce plastic waste. A headlamp or small torch is also useful

Tekek is the best place to stay for most visitors. It is Tioman's main village, with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants, and shops, and it has the main ferry jetty. We're based right here in Tekek — you can check availability and book directly through our Booking.com listing (booking.com/hotel/my/the-station-tioman.html), which is the only place we accept bookings. Tioman has no roads, so you travel between villages by boat or on foot through the jungle. Keep this in mind when you plan your trip. Air Batang (ABC) is just north of Tekek and connected by a coastal trail. It is popular with backpackers and has budget-friendly places to stay. Salang, at the north tip of the island, has the most dive centers and some of the best snorkeling right off the beach. Genting is livelier on weekends, with karaoke bars and cheap chalets. Paya has larger resorts, good for families and groups. Nipah is the quietest and least developed village, good if you want to fully disconnect. Juara, on the calmer east coast, has a long sandy beach and is home to the Juara Turtle Project. Mukut is a small, quiet fishing village at the southern tip of the island. It sits at the foot of the Dragon Horn peaks and is the starting point for the trail to Asah Waterfall, Tioman's tallest waterfall, which also appeared in the 1958 film South Pacific.

No. Diving and snorkeling conditions are best from March to October, when visibility is highest and the whole marine park is open. From November to February, the monsoon brings rough seas and lower visibility. This makes diving harder, so many dive operators reduce or pause their trips.

The Station Tioman has excellent WiFi throughout the property, including all rooms, making it a great option for remote workers. WiFi quality varies elsewhere on the island, so it is worth checking with your accommodation directly. Mobile coverage reaches most villages but can be weak in remote spots. For reliable internet, buy a Malaysian SIM card before you arrive — Maxis/Hotlink and U Mobile tend to work best on the island.

Tioman's tap water comes from natural springs and is untreated. It is safe to drink once boiled, so it is fine to use for your in-room kettle when making coffee or tea. Do not drink it straight from the tap — stick to bottled or filtered water instead. Many hotels offer free refills from large filtered containers, so bring a reusable bottle to cut down on plastic waste.

Malaysia uses the UK-style three-pin plug (Type G), and the standard voltage is 230V. If you are traveling from France or Germany, bring a plug adapter, since your devices will not fit the sockets without one.

Yes. Tioman is a duty-free zone, so beer, wine, and spirits are cheaper here than on mainland Malaysia. Most resorts, restaurants, and small shops do not sell alcohol, so it is best to buy what you need from the duty-free shops on the island. Some restaurants will let you bring your own alcohol, but since Tioman is a Muslim island, please check with the restaurant first. If they allow it, they may give you a single-use plastic cup instead of their regular glassware, since alcohol should not be poured into the restaurant's normal cups. Please take your empty cans or bottles with you when you leave.

Bikinis and swim trunks are completely normal on the beach and at your resort. Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, though, so once you leave the beach, it is polite to cover up a bit before walking through the villages or eating at a restaurant.

Malay is the local language, but English is spoken widely in tourist areas. Most people working in hotels, dive shops, and restaurants speak good English, so you should have no trouble communicating.

Tioman has a tropical climate, so rain is possible at any time of year, even outside monsoon season. We recommend packing a poncho or light rain jacket; The Station Tioman also provides umbrellas in all guest rooms. When the sun is out, it can be intense, since Tioman sits close to the equator, so bring sunscreen, a hat, or light long sleeves.

No, pets are not allowed in our guest rooms. Dogs and other pets cannot be transported on the ferry, and most accommodations on the island do not allow pets.

No, cooking is not allowed in the rooms or on the balconies. There are many restaurants within walking distance of The Station Tioman, and food is reasonably priced.