Palua Tioman

Tioman Island 9/10 to 24/10

The Lonely Planet sums it up perfectly

"intensely beautiful island where the locals have to be asleep to be more laid back".

The plan was to stay 3 nights and we ended up staying 16! It was our first glance of true remote tropical paradise! Our first 3 nights were in ABC in a hillside Chalet overlooking the beach - best place in the village! We spent 3 fun packed days and nights with Luke, Agnes and Enclaire before doing the jungle trek to the other side of the island.......after 2.5 hours straight over a mountain (TC thought she was going to die!) we saw one of the most beautiful beaches in the world - Juara. It didn't take us long to make the decision - back we went to get our bags this was going to be our home for the next 10 nights. The trip back with our bags involved a 4WD and a so called 'road' - most terrifying trip ever.

There was little to do apart from swim, snorkel, body surfing, sunbake, read and totally relax!! PERFECT! The only other tourists in the village were Steve, Matt and Steph all from England who were great fun to have dinner and a few drinks with each night. Our last 3 nights were spent in Salang - a busier village with great coral reefs - we even saw a turtle!

We absolutely loved Malaysia - the friendliness and hospitality of the laid back locals is truly amazing!

Highlights

- Celebrating Hari Raya with the locals - this is an Islam tradition were the locals invite everyone into their homes and share a meal after fasting during daylight hours for over a month ('open house'). We were invited into 2 houses and were offered sticky rice in bamboo leaves, curry and biscuits.

It also involves a few homemade fireworks!

- Going for a night swim and seeing the plankton! just like the movie - The Beach.

- Seeing moneys during our jungle treks

- Fish BBQs

- Rainbow Chalets & Bushman Cafe

Tool of the week

Sandflys & mozzies!