Are you a solo traveler, either by choice or by chance, looking for a paradise beach holiday that's not only idyllic but safe as well? Then you've found it in Tioman Island.
Tioman's island community isn't only small, but it's tightly-knit too. The islanders living in the handful of kampungs* year-round all know each other like neighbors. Apart from Tioman's gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear seas, solo travelers often choose Tioman for this very reason.
Personal Touch
That is to say, there aren't any massive people-churning hotel towers in Tioman, with countless anonymous staff at the one end of the equation and a constant stream of tourists at the sopposite end. Instead, in Tioman, the majority of the accommodations are family-owned by the island's villagers. In practice, this translates to Tioman's visitors, especially solo travelers, being appreciated and remembered. You're less anonymous than when you're staying on the 43rd floor of the Holiday Inn at, say, Waikiki Beach. A Tioman holiday is a more personal experience.
And since most of the kampungs are modestly-sized and accommodation chalets are relatively close together, you'll never have to walk far to go from A to B. There's no need to worry about long unsettling walks at night through jungle or across uneven unlit pathways, because most of the walkways are nearby other chalets. In short, Tioman is safe.
That said, keep in mind that it's still a good idea to keep your belongings safe when you're leaving your chalet. And locking your windows and doors is always a good habit too.
Forewarned is forearmed
And speaking of good and bad habits, do note that monkeys around some of the villages in Tioman can get a little cheeky. So best not leave any food on your chalet patio.
Nature
Whilst Tioman is loved for its abundant and still-pristine wildlife, most visitors prefer to observe jungle creatures in the jungle. Now, it seems that not all jungle creatures are aware of this, so always keep a look-out for the occasional snake, spider or scorpion that's ventured off its natural habitat. Forewarned is forearmed.
But, frankly, aside from a few stray but harmless monitor lizards and a few obligatory mozzies or sandflieshere and there, you'll rarely spot any creepy-crawlies around the kampungs. Still, keeping your eyes open is a good idea all the same, particularly when you're going off the beaten track.
Bottom line? Solo-travelers love Tioman. And Tioman loves solo-travelers.
*[Edit: kampung = Malay village]
