Once we unpacked, we immediately fell for the island’s way of life with kittens behind every corner. It looks like cats have a special place in the hearts of Tioman’s residents. At one cafe the cat situation could be described as an obsession because we counted 16 cats before we got the coffee. Later we found out that Islamic tradition has an important influence on the island’s pets. In addition to that, it is awesome to see lazy cats casually stretching in the shade with the ocean in the background.

Speaking of an island lifestyle, don’t expect local restaurants and shops to be open all day long. There is an agreement between locals to follow the 8h working day, not more. We salute this deal and support it. Certainly, this way more businesses get a chance to earn a living because there is less competition. For example, some restaurants are open in the morning and the evening, while others cover the hours in between. Of course, the deal is off at the resort or hotel. There, the vacation bubble is in full swing, and everything you wish can come true for the right price.

Monkey Business

Well, to be honest not everything can be bought. Pristine nature is one of those items that can go their way despite your efforts. Tioman is indeed a paradise island where you’ll share the beach with colorful butterflies. Although butterflies are stunning in all colors and sizes, you shouldn’t fix your eyes just on them. You surely won’t want to miss monkeys, because they will get your stuff. One time we were on a beach and monkeys came to check what is in our bags. It didn’t take them long to unzip a bag and try how sunscreen tastes. At first, we were really happy to see monkeys, but later we took some precautions when the monkey troop came around. Our go-to defense system was throwing sand at them because who would want sand in hair and eyes. It worked every time, even when a large male sneaked behind us when we were walking through the village. 

Turtles

That monkey surprise happened on our way to the turtle sanctuary. Probably about a decade or two ago, the Tioman was home to four different sea turtle species. Now the only two species remaining are the Green and Hawksbill turtles, but who knows for how long. Sea turtles existed for 110 million years and only in the last century, their numbers are sad-looking. Hopefully, turtle hatcheries make an impact and the turtle situation will improve. The same optimistic narrative goes for the corals around the island. 

Tioman Island is famous for its diving activities around thriving coral reefs. When the season comes, even whale sharks come around! One whale has a friend at Salang Beach, a passionate diver Paul and they “hang out” when the time comes. In the past, healthy coral reefs were very close to the shore and people were having a snorkel blast. Sadly, the present is showing a changing image that is quite disturbing.

Coral Bleaching

We saw many bleached corals in the coastal water and quite a few dead ones on the beach. Dying reefs have to face climate changes and tourists who are pocketing souvenirs off the shore. Now visitors can listen to the tale about snorkeling off the shore during the boat ride to the diving spots. The good news is that a few people started to plant corals and are giving wildlife a chance to survive. What we learned about planting corals surprised us. Not only it is successful, but also that there are different ways of doing it. A particularly useful solution with strong currents is a lightly moving base.

Exploring Tioman Island

Whatever you plan to do on the island, please slowly walk around and explore it. We went literally around the island and were blown away by the surroundings. If you care for one more travel story, check how our search for a lonely beach on Tioman Island went. If not, we hope you enjoyed this tale.

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One day we opted for a remote Monkey Beach, which is between Salang Village and Panuba Inn Resort. To get there, we walked about two hours in dense jungle, with a lot of mosquitoes, a few snakes and god knows what else. But in the end, the prize is worth it – the secluded beach with pristine nature. Is there any other way? Of course, it is, you can rent a boat taxi, but where is the charm of doing that. Well, unless it is an emergency! On our way back we desperately needed a boat taxi. I got stung by a bee and because of my allergy, the traveling time mattered.

After finding out that we forgot the allergy pills, we were in for the second shock; the man didn’t answer the call. Unfortunately, all the taxi numbers written on the rocks were from the same guy. What a shame! 

So what now? Plan C, obviously! Vivi kept her cool and urged me to cool down in the sea while she was desperately trying to get us a ride. After the first two boats got away she pulled out her secret weapon; the neon-colored T-shirt. After that, the first passing boat came to get us and we went straight to the hospital. 

In the hospital, the island doctor sang me a freestyle song about an allergic reaction and gave me a few shots. Before my bottom lip started shrinking, I have become the man everyone wanted to see. That was the last thing I wanted, but hey why not let people smile a little. Now we laugh at the situation, but with massive gratitude for a happy ending in our hearts.

Before that incident, we slept under the starry skies and only jungle animals were our company. Sunsets only for two and sunrise without tourist joggers. A dream come true! If you ever have a chance, visit Tioman and hike to the Monkey Bay (hint: next beach is even more impressive) and relax. Just make sure you have enough water with you because there is no shop in this area. So why should you go there?

To relax, go away from people and just think. We are a lot on the road and interaction with people is our main activity. After all, this is the only way to get some information about places, cultures, and food. But from time to time we prefer a quiet, lonely place and this beach is one of them. Not to mention, it is a white sandy bay with plenty of tree shade. Nature sounds are the only “noise” that might wake you up. Talking about nature, if you are an animal photographer, this is paradise. Tioman is an island with many different butterflies and chasing them with a camera is fun.

We wouldn’t be Wild ‘n’ Free if we wouldn’t have some food with us. Packing light and keeping it simple we bought hot dogs (ironic, the food we rarely eat) and toasts for some old-school campfire dinner. Indeed not the cuisine for our taste, but after a few months of eating in many fine dining restaurants, this felt right. Of course, we were responsible and took care of our trash and put out the fire to avoid any possibilities of spreading it. We cherished the bay where we could roast the cancerogenic processed meat on a stick with an unforgettable sunset. Michelin star? No, but one million stars for sure!

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