If you're the kind of traveler that prefers to be amongst crowds of young and wannabe young beach-attired people that sun-bathe by day and then gyrate to the resident boom-box by night, then Tamara Resort is not for you. If, on the other hand, you seek out a holiday location by its genuine tranquillity, its remote natural setting and its virtually undisturbed scenery, then head for Tamara Resort.
It so happens we belong that second kind of traveler group. And we feel we really hit the ultimate relaxation jackpot with Tamara Resort.
Tamara Resort is set in Juara Village, nestled on the East Coast of Tioman, the rustic coast. In fact, so rustic and remote is Juara, that it isn't even served by the Malaysia mainland ferry. It is the only Tioman village not to have its own dedicated ferry stop. But whilst that makes the journey to Tamara Resort that little more adventurous, the pay-back when you arrive is a serenity of the kind that can only be enjoyed here.
Endless picture-perfect beaches?
Tamara Resort has them
Getting There
To get to Tamara Resort, you need to catch the ferry from Mersing to Tekek Village first. Tekek is located on Tioman's more populated West Coast. From Tekek, you'll be able to take a 4x4 across the cross-island jungle-fringed road, a 30 minute drive. This ride is quite a thrill, because the emerald rainforest on either side of the road is so rugged, thick and dense, it almost envelops the road in total darkness. At night, you can almost taste the broody eeriness of the buzzing jungle. It's quite a unique experience.
But then, when you come out the jungle at the other end, you'll feel like you're browsing a glossy tropical paradise brochure... That's how gorgeous Juara is.
Tamara Resort rooms are basic
but they do the job just nicely
Tamara Resort's rooms are sea-facing and each time you look out of your window, you'll think the beach is there just for you - it's that close and that peaceful. This feeling of privacy is further enhanced by your Tamara Resort hosts, particularly Nazarul and Zaidi. They're not only the kindest resort hosts that you can come across, but they actually go way beyond the call of duty to make your stay a memorable one. From the moment you're served your complimentary mango drink, to anyand all requests you may have for snorkeling or jungle-trekking, Nazarul and Zaidi will come up trumps for you.
The Tamara Resort rooms are simple, but they're tidy and clean. Don't expect endless supplies of hot water, however, as Tamara Resort is not The Grande Hilton. But all meals at Tamara Resort are freshly prepared and very tasty, especially if you're keen on the local cuisine and seafood. That said, you can venture out to some of the other eateries nearby to vary your meals a little.
As far as we're concerned, Tamara Resort's rather basic set-up notwithstanding, our entire family loved our stay here. The kids were out and about most of the day and sound asleep by 8 pm, courtesy of the non-stop snorkeling, swimming and playing sand soccer with the local children. Meanwhile, my wife and I felt like we'd landed in a Robinson Crusoe chapter. It was that blissful from beginning to end at Tamara Resort. It's safe to say that we'll be back.
Tip:
Since Tamara Resort is a family-run establishment, the number of rooms on offer is quite modest. Typically, demand outpaces supply, especially during weekends, public holidays and the months of may, June, July, August and September. I recommend pre-booking your room in advance. Such as on Agoda or Booking.com (They offer a book now and pay later program).
Want to reserve your ferry for Tamara Resort 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 exception) goes to each of the main jetties listed.
| From Mersing, Apr 2025:
 |  |
From Mersing:
May -
Jun
From Tanjung Gemok:
Apr -
May -
Jun
| | Select:
1) One Way or Return
2) Start location (From) and destination (To)
3) Travel date/s
4) Number of Passengers
5) Book Now. Opens a new window, to Busonlineticket.
|
No availability for your dates? Click
here.
FYI: Tanjung Gemuk is also called Teluk Gading.
To expedite boarding, we highly recommend passengers arrive at Mersing Harbour Centre one 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 fery schedule updates: follow
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*BK = Smaller vessel.
Going to Juara or Mukut? Click
here.
