{"id":7327,"date":"2022-11-05T21:37:34","date_gmt":"2022-11-05T21:37:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/2022\/11\/05\/berjaya-tioman-resort-review-ditch-the-dive-huts-for-fancy-resort-living\/"},"modified":"2022-11-05T21:37:35","modified_gmt":"2022-11-05T21:37:35","slug":"berjaya-tioman-resort-overview-ditch-the-dive-huts-for-fancy-resort-dwelling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hoptraveler.com\/index.php\/2022\/11\/05\/berjaya-tioman-resort-overview-ditch-the-dive-huts-for-fancy-resort-dwelling\/","title":{"rendered":"Berjaya Tioman Resort overview \u2013 ditch the dive huts for fancy resort dwelling"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The final time I used to be wherever close to Tioman, I used to be doing a dwell on board<\/a> scuba diving journey on a dinky little boat. Cramped down within the hull in a bunk mattress dorm subsequent to the hum of the engine, I\u2019ve since determined that I\u2019m somewhat extra prepared to pay for some consolation today. So when the Berjaya Tioman Resort<\/a> invited me to take a look at their refurbished lodge, I used to be positively excited to make a protracted awaited journey again to Tioman and see what it\u2019d be like dwelling the excessive life on this lovely island for as soon as.<\/p>\n

\"Berjaya
Welcome to Berjaya Tioman Resort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My keep on the Berjaya Tioman Resort was sponsored by the lodge. All opinions are my very own.<\/em><\/p>\n

I wrote about issues you are able to do on Tioman moreover scuba diving for The Straits Times \u2013 learn the web article at ST<\/a> [paywall] or try extra right here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Location<\/h2>\n

South Tekek<\/em><\/p>\n

Berjaya Tioman Resort is situated in Tekek, the most important village in Tioman and the place many of the administration and facilities are situated. The resort takes up about 200 acres of land to the south of the village.<\/p>\n

The resort is straightforward to get to as the general public ferries (Bluewater & Cataferry) cease at Tekek. It\u2019s positively extra handy in comparison with among the different resorts in additional distant villages that require a separate water taxi switch or non-public ferry association.<\/p>\n

The resort is about 20mins strolling distance from the ferry terminal, although I wouldn\u2019t say it\u2019s simple to stroll and and from the village as there\u2019s a small steep hill in between. The lodge can drop you through automobile\/van on the ferry terminal and foremost village space if requested.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Vans selecting up Berjaya visitors on the Tekek ferry terminal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hotel<\/h2>\n

Kampung Style<\/em><\/p>\n

Berjaya Tioman Resort opened again in 1985 so it is likely one of the older villages on the island. Occupying an enormous space alongside the Tekek shoreline, the resort is virtually a village in itself which is what I believe the design was impressed by.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Berjaya
The picket panelling, ornamental eaves and raised flooring on stilts are fairly typical of Malay type homes usually seen in villages.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The foremost constructing and the person chalets and duplexes are constructed like typical picket Malay homes with sloping roofs and raised flooring on stilts and appear to be grouped in little clusters, which makes it nice for households and teams reserving a number of rooms as there are not any giant family-style suites or rooms \u2013 every room solely homes 2 folks although you’ll be able to add 1 additional mattress if you have to.<\/p>\n

*That mentioned, there are 2-bedroom chalets marked on the resort\u2019s map although it\u2019s not mirrored within the web site<\/p>\n

\"Berjaya
These beachfront chalets face the ocean and have their very own little yard and deckchairs, in addition to a full-length sliding glass door to the terrace so you’ll be able to admire the view from inside.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even in case you can\u2019t get a beachfront view that are the most costly rooms, the mountain view or backyard chalets has a pleasant inexperienced view, although among the Garden rooms are fairly distant from the primary reception and required buggy transfers in case you don\u2019t need to stroll.<\/p>\n

\"Berjaya
These backyard chalets are considerably on the seaside although these specific items have been dealing with the small river that flowed into the ocean<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Room<\/h3>\n

Comfortable<\/em><\/p>\n

I stayed in Room 103, a Garden Premier Terrace room which was in the identical block because the reception space. It\u2019s one of many bigger rooms obtainable and I preferred that it was near reception and many of the resort\u2019s facilities with out having to name a buggy.<\/p>\n

\"post
Posing on our ATVs in entrance of our room. To the left of our room is one other smaller room of unknown perform (employees quarter? retailer room?)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Berjaya
View from Room 103\u2019s terrace. Too dangerous it\u2019s principally blocked by the recreation constructing (it\u2019s a bit overexposed, however you’ll be able to see the ocean from behind the place the vans are)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The room itself was spacious with two queen beds and a settee set to relaxation on. There was a small desk within the nook the place I spent some late nights banging out some writing, and for leisure there’s a giant television with Netflix. One signal of the resort\u2019s age is its energy outlet scenario \u2013 there have been retailers at each the work desk and the dressing room desk, however not any proper subsequent to the mattress, nor any signal of USB retailers both.<\/p>\n

\"Garden
Room 103 is a Garden Premier Terrace which is likely one of the bigger rooms obtainable, principally because of the prolonged sitting room space<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"View
Here\u2019s the view from the beds so you’ll be able to see the sitting room space, desk and TV. Room has each air-con and fan. Toilet entrance to the left of the beds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The bathroom was lengthy and spacious with an oddly giant dressing room space the place the wardrobes are. It had each bathtub tub and bathe, 2 sinks, a sitting bathroom and bidet subsequent to it.<\/p>\n

\"Dressing
Entrance to the bathroom \u2013 that is the \u2018dry\u2019 space aka the dressing room space. Inside the wardrobes you had the protected and different facilities.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Berjaya
Bathtub and bathe on the left, bathroom and sinks to the fitting. This \u2018wet\u2019 bathroom space doesn\u2019t have a separate door from the dry space, however this bathroom is fairly spacious general.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I like that the room had a pleasant outside terrace with chairs, however the sea view was principally blocked by the very giant recreation corridor proper in entrance of it. Also, can be good if they’d a rack to hold moist garments out to dry on the terrace so we don\u2019t need to drape garments on the railing.<\/p>\n

\"Berjaya
View from Room 103\u2019s terrace. Too dangerous it\u2019s principally blocked (it\u2019s a bit overexposed on this image, however you’ll be able to see the ocean from behind the place the vans are on the fitting). That constructing in entrance of us is the recreation centre.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dining<\/h3>\n

Berjaya Tioman\u2019s foremost restaurant is the ASEAN All Day Dining the place you may get breakfast on a primary bundle. I received to attempt the resort\u2019s new premium all entry bundle (extra 500 RM per day) the place you may get all three meals and tea together with free circulation drinks (beers, home pour wines and a few exhausting liquors included!) \u2013 in case you don\u2019t intend to enterprise out of the resort in any respect, that is one thing you’ll be able to think about. The buffet dishes change day-after-day and there’s a number of Malaysian and western dishes on the buffet and a la carte menu.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
The foremost eating space<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Buffet time!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On Friday and Saturday nights, dinner is a extra raucous affair as they’ve dwell BBQ grills with meat and seafood as an alternative of the standard buffet meals. The odor is fairly wonderful all through the resort then. Also, look out for the employees performing an precise fireplace present!<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
All that satay, meat and seafood!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Hard to imagine however these are the resort\u2019s employees multi-tasking as fireplace respiratory entertainers!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re within the resort for an important day, the resort may customise some particular meals for you. They kindly let me expertise a few of these too. First, breakfast on the seaside in case you\u2019re a morning particular person:<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Having a picnic breakfast on the seaside \u2013 beautiful view although it does get sizzling rapidly so have your breakfast early if you wish to do that!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Breakfast picnic unfold with Pulau Renggis within the background<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Berjaya Tioman Resort faces the west coast and its sunsets are its most spectacular pure sight. There is somewhat elevated house above the pool that\u2019s excellent for small events or non-public dinners, the place they\u2019ll even throw in some decorations together with a 3-course plated meal.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Having dinner at a non-public pavilion by the ocean for sundown views over dinner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Having a date with some cocktails and a plated 3-course dinner up on the pool deck. Sadly not a lot of a sundown that night!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beach + water actions<\/h2>\n

The seaside is after all the primary spotlight of Tioman, and the resort has an ideal stretch of personal white sand seaside, although for all of the seashores in Tioman: BEWARE OF SANDFLIES. The resort has a bunch of sprays with do-it-yourself sandfly repellent close to the sand \u2013 spray that liberally on any uncovered physique elements. I principally sprayed my ft however my higher thighs, arms and shoulders ended up fairly itchy >_<<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Deck chairs for tanning<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Low tide is ideal for intertidal exploration and you’ll stroll out fairly far as its fairly shallow<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Grab a beer on the seaside bar and benefit from the sundown!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Managed one first rate sundown on our first night there, was fairly cloudy remainder of the time<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
You know I gotta do some jumpshots (and that is additionally once I ended up getting sandfly bites)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You may lease a kayak or SUP board if you need a bit extra of a exercise, however I used to be pleased sufficient simply wading within the lovely blue waters. You may lease snorkelling tools, although I\u2019d advocate taking a snorkelling journey to close by Renggis Island or someplace additional for higher fish recognizing.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
View from the water \u2013 that inexperienced constructing is the resort\u2019s recreation centre<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Scuba Diving<\/h3>\n

The resort has began its personal dive centre<\/a> and considered one of its highlights is being only a literal stone\u2019s throw away from Renggis Island, top-of-the-line spots for scuba diving and snorkelling in Tioman. Sea turtles and black-tipped sharks are frequently noticed in these shallow waters right here which are about 10-15m deep.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve dived in different elements of Tioman<\/a> earlier than and solely had time for 1 dive on this journey, however nonetheless managed to see some turtles and make pals with some sociable pufferfish. The visibility was not tremendous excessive, possibly 10-15m? Lots of small fish shoals as properly right here at Renggis Island.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Whale shark sighting? I\u2019ll make it occur!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Artificial reef to encourage coral progress together with the pleasant pufferfish swimming with us<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Caught a turtle munching on coral<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tioman truthfully shouldn’t be a nasty place to get your dive certification as a result of there are sufficient fish and corals to curiosity newbies and water situations often aren\u2019t too troublesome. Those fascinated about scuba diving often keep alongside the west coast of Tioman \u2013 Salang up north is nearer to extra of the dive websites, although you will discover a lot of dive outlets in Tekek, ABC, Paya and Genting as properly.<\/p>\n

Swim within the beachfront pool<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re not a fan of sand, there’s a beautiful swimming pool space that faces the seaside so you’ll be able to get pleasure from a soak whereas nonetheless taking within the coastal views. There is a swim up bar so you’ll be able to seize a drink whereas within the water, and deck chairs for lounging across the pool.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
I really love the pool view at evening with all of the lights on<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
The pool by day with among the duplexes and mountain view within the background<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Enjoying the hill view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other land actions<\/h2>\n

Yoga by the seaside<\/h3>\n

One free factor you are able to do within the resort day-after-day is to take a morning or night yoga class within the beachfront pavilion. Just enroll, flip up and revel in a serene stretch with sea views and hill views to wake you up. We did a 1-hour yoga session within the morning which was a refreshing solution to begin the day.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Mountain view from the pavilion. No photographs of me doing yoga as all my limbs have been in use then!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Movies on the seaside<\/h3>\n

Tioman doesn\u2019t have a lot nightlife, so in case you get bored at evening, you could possibly come out to the film nights that they organise on the seaside. Just pull up a mat and a few beanbags and catch what\u2019s enjoying \u2013 we had The Secrets of Dumbledore working once we popped by. There is Netflix in your room with a big TV if you need higher decision and sound, however it\u2019s good simply chilling out beneath the celebs on the seaside.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Movies on the seaside at evening<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Taaras Spa<\/h3>\n

Kick off your journey with a soothing therapeutic massage, physique scrub or wrap on the lodge\u2019s Taaras Spa<\/a>. I had a fairly good 1hr deep tissue therapeutic massage, although you’ll be able to go for aromatherapy as properly. There is a cute little jacuzzi pool in the course of the spa\u2019s backyard space which was being cleaned once we have been there sadly, however in any other case it has a very nice view of the mountains the place you’ll be able to soak and loosen up.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Relaxing with some ginger tea post-massage \u2013 my therapeutic massage befell within the little hut to the left.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

ATV Rides<\/h3>\n

You can lease bicycles, e-scooters and quadricycles to higher discover Berjaya Tioman Resort\u2019s large 200 acre compound, however I assumed the ATV journey was really one of many extra enjoyable issues you are able to do. We received a fast primer on deal with the ATV proper initially, after which we adopted our information south previous the golf course\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Tioman\u2019s 18-hole golf course is one other of its highlights although a few of it’s being refurbished proper now<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2026 all the best way to the Condotel property on the finish of the principally paved street. From there issues get a bit dicier because the gravel street turns into extra rocky and it’s a must to be fairly cautious to not steer your self off the downward sloping path.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Condotel within the background. This was really taken on the best way again as a result of I used to be a bit nervous on the drive right here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But ultimately, you’re rewarded with a beautiful secluded seaside identified to the locals as Bunut Beach, although it was renamed TAT Turtle Sanctuary afterward. There\u2019s no sanctuary right here now although \u2013 it’s a must to head to Juara if you wish to see the precise turtle centre. There is an deserted hut right here so possibly there have been actions right here earlier than, however now it\u2019s only a very beautiful quiet stretch of seaside the place you’ll be able to try and journey your ATV on sand (simply don\u2019t get caught in a sand pit like me\u2026)<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Riding on the seaside!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You can\u2019t journey your ATV past this seaside space due to the thick forests. More on that subsequent\u2026<\/p>\n

Jungle Trekking<\/h3>\n

One of the issues I used to be positively inquisitive about was jungle trekking in Tioman. I\u2019ve spent far more time underwater than on land in Tioman thus far, so it was good to have the ability to really discover its forests. Because of our restricted time, the resort organized for considered one of their employees to take us on a brief hike from the southern finish of the resort to the neighbouring village Paya.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Wear good sneakers and spray on the repellent! It can get slippery particularly if it\u2019s been raining the evening earlier than.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This specific hike is one thing you\u2019ll in all probability solely be capable to do with the Berjaya Tioman Resort because it passes by their non-public property, however among the different villages are linked by jungle paths as properly.<\/p>\n

We saved a good quantity of strolling by getting a carry on the buggy so far as the Condotel property that\u2019s perched on the cliffside, and from there we walked alongside the grime paths, previous Bunut seaside till we reached the forested space. This half requires some climbing, however there’s a path marked and a few handholds and ropes on the steeper bits to assist.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
We had a stray cat observe us over the steep ridge from Tekek to Paya! Sadly we didn\u2019t have any meals available to feed it so it deserted us at Paya for extra beneficiant wanting vacationers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The crossing didn\u2019t take that lengthy \u2013 about 20-Half-hour of strolling and climbing up and down the hilly forested ridge later, we discovered ourselves within the village of Paya!<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Paya village is far smaller than Tekek and has a unique vibe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Over there, we took one other trek to see some attention-grabbing issues across the space. First up: the rock falls.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
The Rock Falls is principally a small swimming gap to relax in when it will get sizzling. It\u2019s extra spectacular after it rains although!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After an extended stroll by the forest (ATV can be an choice in case you don\u2019t need to stroll a lot \u2013 there\u2019s a rental place on the village space initially of the trail), we made it to Mother Willow, an enormous tree on high of a rock that\u2019s apparently over 300 years previous! You can climb up through a ladder constructed into the facet of the rock for a pleasant excessive view of the forest ground.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Climbing up the ladder<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Scary view from the highest? The ladder is safe sufficient however you haven’t any different obstacles round to maintain you from falling, so I stored myself wedged near the trunk as a lot as potential.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are different treks obtainable \u2013 there’s a extra hardcore trek from Tekek to Juara, and a extra wildlife centered one round Tekek to search for Rafflesia flowers. If you\u2019re actually into trekking, Mukut down south is the place you’ll be able to climb the dual peaks, or scale Tioman\u2019s highest peak Gunung Kajang, 1000m excessive between Paya and Juara.<\/p>\n

Best time to go to Tioman<\/h2>\n

Tioman\u2019s excessive season is from March to October, when the climate is mostly drier and seas are calmer so you are able to do all of the outside actions as in comparison with November to February when it\u2019s monsoon season. However, it\u2019s not which you could\u2019t go to Tioman in any respect through the wetter months. Berjaya Tioman Resort presents a high-quality climate assure the place it’s possible you’ll get evening extensions or reductions in case your journey is affected by perpetual rain. Also, the rain in these tropical elements is intermittent and customarily you’ll nonetheless get some solar even through the wet season \u2013 having a bigger resort like Berjaya with many exercise choices enables you to tide over these wet moments in between.<\/p>\n

How to get from Singapore to Tioman<\/h2>\n

Despite its relative distance from Singapore, Tioman is definitely a little bit of a ache to get to from Singapore, principally as a result of there are not any direct choices from Singapore to Tioman.<\/p>\n

You have two choices:<\/p>\n

Cheaper: Bus to Mersing, Ferry to Tekek Jetty<\/h3>\n

KKKL has a coach service from Kovan Hub (6am) or Tan Quee Lan Street (630am) to Mersing Ferry Terminal. The journey often takes about 3-3.5 hours however relies on how briskly you get by customs. I visited over the college holidays and solely reached Mersing at round 1130am.<\/p>\n

The bus is comfy and a information hops on after you cross Malaysian customs who will transient passengers on what to anticipate on the ferry terminal.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A one-way bus ticket on KKKL <\/a>prices $39 and might be booked at kkkl.com.sg<\/a> or subsidiaries like Busonlineticket<\/a> or Easybook<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
630am bus from Bugis, zzz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Comfortable coach seats!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

An various is to rearrange for a non-public automobile switch from Singapore to Mersing. It could also be dearer however presents extra flexibility and could also be worthwhile if travelling in a big group. Sgmytaxi.com<\/a> has automobiles that begin from $440 per automobile (spherical journey).<\/p>\n

The bus drops you in entrance of Mersing Ferry Terminal, however you will have to cross the street to Mersing Harbour Centre to select up your ferry tickets in case you haven\u2019t already printed them out, in addition to to pay the necessary Tioman Marine Park Fee. Look for the Taman Laut Malaysia signal. The price is RM30 ($10) for non-Malaysians and a receipt is issued that you have to present along with your ferry ticket if you board.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Mersing Harbour Centre is correct throughout the street from the ferry terminal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
This is the Taman Laut counter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are two ferry choices from Mersing to Tioman: Bluewater Ferry<\/strong><\/a> is older and their seats are extra rundown and has one normal worth of RM65 ($20). Despite the quantity on the ticket, it\u2019s free seating so hustle on board for a great seat. Cataferry<\/a><\/strong> is newer and has a nicer atmosphere with assigned seating and a premium choice on the higher deck.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Here\u2019s what the ticket scenario seems like \u2013 the precise ticket (white, proper), a gaggle marker (yellow, left \u2013 there are lots of ferries going off on the identical time so that they used this to assist type the crowds), Marine Park Fee (Taman Laut Malaysia, left) and a baggage tag (purple, proper) with Tekek so the luggage folks know the place to dump your bag<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Waiting space to board the ferry \u2013 tremendous crowded trigger it was the college holidays<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The ferries usually make stops on the villages in a loop: Genting, Paya, Tekek, Air Batang (ABC) and Salang earlier than returning to Mersing. Pay consideration to the place names which are shouted out and alight promptly when the boat is in dock. Some villages like Juara, Nipah and Mukut are usually not on the general public ferry route and require particular preparations to attach.<\/p>\n

A one-way ferry ticket on Bluewater Ferry prices RM65 ($20) and might be booked at bluewater.my<\/a> or Easybook<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Bluewater ferry<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Meanwhile that is Bluewater\u2019s inside \u2013 the entrance has extra legroom<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cataferry tickets have variable costs from RM40-300 ($12-94) relying on the day and seat class. Book tickets at cataferry.com<\/a> \u2013 they’re identified to run promos the place costs drop as little as RM5, so e book as early as potential.<\/p>\n

\"Tioman
Cataferry is considered one of two ferry suppliers. They are a lot newer and have nicer boats in comparison with Bluewater which is the OG ferry service<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Tioman
Cataferry inside. You can come out the again for an open-air deck!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A notice that buses and ferries do hook up with Tioman from Tanjung Gemok as properly, which is farther from Singapore, so your bus journey is roughly half an hour longer, and the ferry journey correspondingly shorter. There are much less ferry connections at Tanjung Gemok in comparison with Mersing, so within the occasion of missed connections, you have got a greater likelihood of rebooking at Mersing.<\/p>\n

Expensive: Flight to Subang Airport, Flight to Tioman Airport<\/h3>\n

If you get seasick or are prepared to pay for it, you’ll be able to fly from Seletar Airport to Subang Airport in Kuala Lumpur. There are two flights per day which you could then take to Tioman\u2019s airport in Tekek, however notice that the airplane may be very small so there are very strict baggage limits (10kg max).<\/p>\n