Located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Tioman Island is part of the Mersing Marine Park and has long been a popular destination for scuba diving. Its clear turquoise waters, pristine coral reefs, and vibrant marine life offer a memorable underwater experience for both beginners and experienced divers.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Experienced Divers
Tiger Reef: A submerged reef in the middle of Salang Bay, Tiger Reef is an exhilarating dive spot known for its strong currents. The site is abundant with corals and sea fans, and it is not uncommon to spot large pelagics such as blacktip sharks, barracudas, and giant trevallies.
Labas Island: This dive site, located near Tioman, offers an exciting exploration through swim-throughs and caves formed by huge granite boulders. It's a favorite among experienced divers for its dynamic topography and sightings of nurse sharks, moray eels, and groupers.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Beginners
Renggis Island: This small island near the Berjaya Tioman Resort is a popular spot for beginner divers and snorkelers. The shallow, sheltered waters are home to an impressive array of marine life, including clownfish, parrotfish, and occasional sightings of harmless blacktip reef sharks.
Salang Bay: This site provides a gentle dive with minimal currents, making it perfect for beginners and training dives. The coral-covered seabed houses a myriad of marine species, including batfish, boxfish, and cuttlefish.
Marine Life
Tioman Island offers an array of tropical marine life. The vibrant coral reefs host hundreds of colorful fish species, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and clownfish. Divers can also encounter larger species such as blacktip reef sharks, barracudas, and sea turtles. During certain times of the year, whale sharks and manta rays are known to visit the island's surrounding waters.
Dive Conditions
Tioman's diving season typically runs from March to October, with the monsoon season hitting between November and February. During the peak diving season, water temperatures average a warm 28-30°C (82-86°F), and visibility can reach up to 20 meters (65 feet), though this can vary depending on weather conditions.
Cost
The cost of scuba diving on Tioman Island varies depending on the package and dive center. A fun dive usually costs around $30-$50, while a full PADI Open Water course can range from $250-$350, including equipment rental. Accommodation and dive packages are also available and can offer better value.
Tioman Island offers a diverse underwater world that caters to divers of all skill levels. Its clear waters, rich biodiversity, and the array of dive sites make it a must-visit destination for any scuba diving enthusiast.