Pondok Sri Salang is a family-run chalet cluster that's set toward the southern end of Kampung Salang, in quite a lush, serene and altogether secluded garden area. Though rather modest in reach and size, Pondok Sri Salang offers both fan and air-con bungalows.
We found that Pondok Sri Salang is preferred by many travelers of the backpacker persuasion in particular, including yours truly, not only because their rooms are spacious, clean and affordable, but also because Pondok Sri Salang is a mere few minutes stroll away from both the beach and a dive school. That's two pretty major boxes ticked.
Pondok Sri Salang's room rates vary from RM 100 to RM 180, depending on size and whether you have an air-con or fan room. The rates may fluctuate on the low and peak season, however ().
We paid a very acceptable RM 150 for a triple air-con bungalow that was carpeted to boot. The fact that there's a restaurant on the grounds that serves respectable local dishes was a welcome bonus for us.
Incidentally, we also found out that all the Pondok Sri Salang chalets have a hot water shower unit in their attached bathroom, as well as a coffee/tea facility. And if that's not enough, it turns out that the air-con rooms also have a fridge.
Interestingly, Pondok Sri Salang offers a cute little library, so if you're into reading, this is worth checking out. It might also be useful to know that Pondok Sri Salang runs an in-house laundry service. For those in Tioman for the diving and/or the snorkeling, this is a major benefit, because as ardent snorkel aficionados we know you're always short of clean, dry clothes.
So, all in all, pretty serious bang for your accommodation buck at Pondok Sri Salang. We were happy to have scored our room here.
Any downside to Pondok Sri Salang at all? Well, even though the grounds are pretty shaded from the sun, it's also out of the way in terms of breeze, so it can get pretty hot during the afternoon. Mind you, by evening, you can sense the coolness radiating from the dense vegetation all around, as well as the lush jungle nearby. Soe morning, we even spotted dew clinging to the canopies!
Due to the natural aircon effect of the dense jungle nearby, the temperature is positively blissful, bot late at night and around dawn. In fact, by early morning, it can even get nippy; awesome for taking in the very enjoyable garden panorama. This is why we've come to this awesome little tropical paradise.
It's said that the litmus test of success of any hotel is whether their guests would come back for another stay. In our case, we most certainly will. Pondok Sri Salang simply offers too good a deal to pass up.
Tip: Pondok Sri Salang adheres to the following check-in and check-out times, respectively: 2.00 pm and 11.00 am. Oh, and best not leave any food outside, because there are cheeky monkeys around. Lastly, with a grand total of just 10 rooms all told (twins, triples and quads), Pondok Sri Salang's bungalows are quite few and far between, so book early if you're looking to stay at Pondok Sri Salang. If you prefer calling them, the number is +60 19-720 2169.
Want to reserve your ferry for Pondok Sri Salang 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.
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.
[FYI: 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, occasionally, need to be amended, due to changing weather or sea conditions, or for to technical reasons. For outsized items, bicycles, surfboards etc, excess luggage fee may apply. For the latest updates, there's WhatsApp, Twitter or Facebook. (BK = Smaller vessel).
This is where you collect the ferry tickets you booked online. The complex also has a great food and drinks section, as well as a decent number of cool shops for some last-minute retail therapy, before hopping onto your ferry. Find out more...
Pulau Tioman offers several Spa and Wellness Centres that you should give a try. You can select the type of treatment you want from this website, as it lists each of Tioman's resorts and hotels that feature Spa therapies. Find out more...
Tying the knot in the not too distant future and looking for an exotic paradise to immerse in newlywed bliss? Take a look at this site. It presents each of Tioman Island's resorts that offer delectable honeymoon packages. Find out more...
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