Back in 1958, Pulo Tioman was chosen as the site to film the Hollywood classic South Pacific. Bali Hai, the fictional island of the film, was meant to be a tropical paradise, and ever since the film came out visitors have been flocking to the island in search of their own slice of heaven. The good news is that despite the many weekend trippers, this Malaysian island still manages to retain its charm and beauty. The warm waters and good visibility make Tioman a paradise for divers. You can discover astounding sights such as colourful Gorgonian sea fans, Staghorn corals, nudibranchs and beautifully sculptured sea sponges. Snorkelers can delight in swimming alongside huge Napoleon Wrasse, Golden Striped Trevally, Bumphead Parrotfish and shoals of Fusiliers.

There are several villages scattered around the coastline, the larger ones being Salang, Tekek, Genting, Paya and Juara. Each village offers a different and unique atmosphere. Tioman’s verdant greenery is home to a splendid variety of plants and small animals, including butterflies, monitor lizards, deer and monkeys.

The island’s granite formations make for excellent rock-climbing expeditions. The more adventurous can attempt to scale the sheer cliff face of the legendary Gunung Nenek Semukut or Dragons Horns. If you like hiking, you should try the beautiful cross-island hike from the village of Tekek on the west to Juara on the east. It can easily be done in a day and gives both jungle and beach views of both sides of Tioman.