My girlfriend and I had heard a lot about Tioman and so set our sights on staying there one fine day. Last month, as we boarded the ferry to Tioman, that day finally arrived.
We stayed at Nordin Chalet and here we are, one month later, still day-dreaming at our pictures of our little Nordin Chalet sanctuary.
We'd been referred to Nordin Chalet by friends of ours who had stayed at Nordin Chalet earlier in the year. They told us that travelers who prefer a flamboyantly dressed up doorman, a carpeted lobby and a chocolate mint on their pillow best not go to Nordin Chalet. It's the diametric opposite of that.
Welcome to Nordin Chalet
If, on the other hand, you're into back-to-basic type of accommodation that's ideal for kicking back at the beach, with a clear agenda and a clear mind, then Nordin Chalet is the place to be.
In a nutshell, our friends couldn't have been more right.
Air Batang
Nordin Chalet is located in ABC Village. The actual name of this village is Air Batang, but the locals have - rightly so, I suppose - decided that
ABC has a more memorable ring to it. Nordin Chalet is a pretty recent addition to Tioman's budget chalet category and it shows. The place looks new.
Click here to book your Nordin Chalet room
Our room had aircon as well as a fan. But we didn't use the fan much. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that especially during the hot season, I doubt that the fan would suffice, particularly at night. It's not only hot, but humid too.
And this is where aircon pips any fan, because aircons are great de-humidifiers. Cool not-so-humid air makes for superb sleeping ;)
Location. Location. Location.
The other great thing about Nordin Chalet is its convenient location. Seriously, it's got just about everything a short stroll away; from various dive outfits, to bars, to restaurants, to the ferry jetty, to, of course, the beach!
Now, the beach at Nordin Chalet is about as
idyllic as it gets. Looking at a glossy travel brochure. In fact, the beach was the main reason we extended our stay at Nordin Chalet from 3 days to 7 days.
Scuba
If you're a
scuba-diver, then, perhaps together with Sipadan, Tioman Island can be considered a scuba-diving epicenter. And while we're not scuba-divers, on the basis of what we saw while snorkeling off Nordin Chalet, I think I have to agree with the epicenter theory; the clarity of the sea and the sheer amount of life around the coral gardens at Tioman are both astonishing.
At times it felt like we were at some Disney World attraction. But it's all real, folks. If you're going to Tioman, make sure you at least go for a snorkel. It's nothing short of awesome.
Wrapping up
So, whether you're backpackers, or traveling with your family, or in a group or as a couple, Nordin Chalet is a friendly, affordable place, surrounded by paradise. Do we recommend Nordin Chalet? Confirmed. Will we be back at Nordin Chalet. Double confirmed :)
Tip:
Nordin Chalet doesn't have a lot of rooms, so book your room ahead of your stay. Try Agoda. Or contact Mr Izuan on +60 1977 88445. Just so you know, the ABC bars aren't the barfly variety. ABC bars are open-air establishments and quite laid-back. Also, Nordin Chalet doesn't have daily room service. But then, neither do the other budget hostels in Tioman. If you need fresh linen or a dry towel, just ask. Happy holidays!
Want to reserve your ferry for Nordin Chalet now? Use the booking form below.
Pro Tip: Not sure which jetty to select in the booking form? You can choose any of the jetties in the form, because the ferry typically (though there's the occasional exeption) goes to each of the jetties listed.
| From Mersing - Dec 2024:
 |  |
From Mersing:
Jan
From Tanjung Gemok: N.A.
| | Select:
1) One Way or Return
2) Start location (From) and destination (To)
3) Travel date/s
4) Number of Passengers
5) Book Now. This opens a new window, to transaction provider Busonlineticket.
|
No availability for your dates? Click
here.
[NOTE: Tanjung Gemuk is also called Teluk Gading]
To expedite boarding, we highly recommend passengers arrive at Mersing Harbour Centre 1 hour before stated departure time. Ferry times displayed may need to be amended or removed due to weather or sea conditions, or for to technical reasons. For outsized items, bicycles, surfboards etc, excess luggage fee may apply. For the latest updates, contact +6014 822 7742, or follow us on
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(
BK = Smaller vessel).
Going to Juara or Mukut? Click
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