Not long after Tioman Island became a major magnet for holiday-seekers from far and wide, the local and federal authorities realized that in order to ensure Tioman's wildlife survival, a Conservation Fee needed to be charged.
Tioman's Marine Park Conservation Fee was initially set at RM 5 per person. However, it has recently been increased to RM 30 per overseas visitor. (As of 2018).
Kids 6 to 12 years old and senior citizens (56 years and above) pay only RM 15.
Toddlers (0 - 6 years old) are exempt, as are OKU-holders.
Also exempt are those living on islands near the Marina Park areas.
Meanwhile, the Conservation Fee for Malaysian residents remains RM 5 for adults and RM 2 for children.
Please note that the funds collected go towards maintaining the areas of Tioman that are allocated Marine Park status.
In practical terms, the money collected is used to pay for keeping the island clean, basically preserving the island's natural beauty. This may also include waste recycling, traffic restriction, beach clean-ups etc.
Please also note that the fee charged is separate from the ferry tickets, i.e. not included in the ferry tickets.
In order to pay Conservation Fee, just make your way to the Conservation Fee counter and present your ferry tickets. You'll then be asked to pay the Conservation Fee for your visit. In return you'll receive a receipt.
Whilst perhaps a bit of an inconvenience to have to find the added counter at which to make payment for the Conservation Fee, the fact that a Conservation Fee is charged considered a good development, both for Tioman's wildlife, as well as the population in Tioman, who can subsequently continue to make a living from their land as a tourism attraction.
By the way, commercial operators on the island have their own fees to pay for the upkeep of Tioman.
Hopefully, the funds raised will enable the authorities to ensure Tioman remains as popular as a holiday destination as it is today.