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Pulau Sibu

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If you've heard great things about Tioman Island and Sibu Island and are now not sure at which of the two paradise islands you should spend your upcoming getaway, then fret not. We've done a bit of a compare and contrast between Pulau Tioman and Pulau Sibu, as they're also known, so you can take in their respective pros and cons. By the end of this article, we're pretty sure you'll be able to tip the balance.

Size matters

The main difference between Tioman and Pulau Sibu is their size. Tioman is the largest of the idyllic islands located of Malaysia's eastern seaboard, whereas Sibu is one of the more diminutive ones. As a result, Pulau Sibu has far fewer hotels on offer, which, if you enjoy secluded tranquillity, may be right up your alley.

Pulau Sibu
Pulau Sibu, your personal paradise

Tioman, on the other hand, has dozens and dozens accommodations of quite a extensive range. In fact, Tioman offers lodgings that vary from basic budget lodgings all the way to 5-star swankiness. Sibu meanwhile features fewer than a handful hotels/resorts, so your choice at Sibu is considerably more limited. That said, Rimba Resort comes recommended.

We're getting there

The other way Pulau Tioman and Pulau Sibu differ is in getting to each. In order to visit Tioman, you need to get to the coastal town of Mersing first, either by bus or by taxi (See below to book). From Mersing, you can catch a dedicated ferry direct to Tioman.

Whilst you can reach Pulau Sibu by way of Mersing too, typically, most Sibu holiday-makers head to Tanjung Leman instead, located further down the coast. From Tanjung Leman, you can take one of the Sibu-based boats to Sibu's shores. Incidentally, if you've already booked your stay at Sibu, you can ask them to arrange for your crossing.

If you're based in Kuala Lumpur or further north, then you won't need to travel quite as far for your beach get-away if you're booked for Tioman. The converse applies if you're located in Singapore, i.e. in that case, your journey time will be shorter if you've booked for Sibu. Pulau Sibu
Pulau Sibu: sea, sand, surf and sun

Speaking of beaches, one area Tioman and Sibu share is in their gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear azure-colored seas. Both Tioman and Sibu are ideal tropical beach holiday locations, so if you're into lazy days of lounging under a swaying coconut tree, then you can do a lot worse than Tioman or Sibu.

However, if you're more inclined to be involved in (water) activities, then you'll be pleased to note that Tioman and Sibu offer superb snorkeling and scubadiving. Both islands have been allocated nature park status, thanks to their abundance if wildlife below the waterline, especially.

Tioman, by the way, also has a lot of exciting jungle trek and nature walk choices, so if you're more of a landlubber and you have a keen interest in untouched nature, then Tioman is for you.

Hopefully, our quick side-by-side Tioman/Sibu analysis, has helped you make your choice. Will it be Pulau Tioman or Pulau Sibu? In either case: enjoy your holidays :)

Enjoy up to 20% discount when booking online


As most buses go to Mersing just once daily, we recommend securing your bus tickets before the bus is fully booked.

NOTE: Peak season is !


Do you prefer going to Tioman or Pulau Sibu by taxi? Click here to see the available taxi models and taxi rates.

Mersing Harbour Centre

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...

Tioman Spa

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...

Tioman Honeymoon

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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