Tioman Dive Resort is barely a few years old and it shows. The construction is built to last, solid quality and the rooms are obviously being well maintained, both inside and out.
The group I was with when I stayed at Tioman Dive Resort had selected this resort, because our approach to diving has gradually changed over the years, from logging as many dives as possible throughout the year, to being more selective. In the past, we'd crash pretty much anywhere, including at most of the bare-bones chalets peppered here and there in Tioman.
But we now tend to cherry-pick our dive dates, our dive locations, as well as the accommodation we stay at. Mind you, the less-is-more shacks still serve a great purpose, because they're decent and cheap and make Tioman accessible to backpackers and other budget travelers. So all power to these budget chalets.
Clearly, however, Tioman Dive Resort is an altogether different kettle of fish (pardon the pun).
Staying at Tioman Dive Resort doesn't at all compare to any of these "basic" cold-water rooms with fans. If you, too, feel you've outgrown your budget accommodation phase, but you still want to do quality dives in Tioman, then I recommend staying in Tioman Dive Resort.
For one thing, the rooms at Tioman Dive Resort are very spacious, tastefully decorated and come with a wide range of amenities. These include air-con, ceiling fan, tv, fridge, hair dryer, tea/coffee maker and a safe to keep your valuables in.
The bathrooms at Tioman Dive Resort are complete also, as they have a hot-water shower and plenty of toiletries. The toiletries I found a nice little touch, because as scuba-divers, we need copious amounts of bath suds to clear ourselves of sea grime, salt etc.
Cleanliness-wise, the whole Tioman Dive Resort unit was absolutely top of the bill the moment we opened the door, and, in fact, stayed that way throughout our stay, courtesy of Tioman Dive Resort's daily housekeeping service. Whenever a room occupied by a group of a scuba-divers remains clean and tidy, it's time to be thoroughly impressed by housekeeping :)
As for the beds at Tioman Dive Resort, it's kudos galore. The bed frame is robust and the mattress is firm yet comfy. These beds are not cheap and neither is the bed linen. This whole sleep set-up is well-chosen; after all, when you're spending a string of days scuba-diving, you really do need good quality sleep, so you can stay fresh and fruity for your next round of dives.
Other great aspects of Tioman Dive Resort? Well, it's mostly a scuba-community there, so you're always running into like-minded people with great stories to tell.
In fact, we learned as much by chewing the fat with fellow divers whilst chillaxing on the sea-view balcony as we did on our actual dives.
Oh, FYI, the dive center itself is just down the steps from Tioman Dive Resort. Convenient.
Tip: Best book in advance as Tioman Dive Resort rooms are limited and it gets fully booked pretty fast especially during peak season () and holidays. Lots of divers in this part of the world. Tioman Dive Resort don't serve food, but there are plenty of cheap, yet decent eateries nearby.
Want to reserve your ferry for Tioman Dive 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 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.
[NOTE: 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 need to be amended or removed due to weather or sea conditions, or for to technical reasons. For outsized items, bicycles, surfboards etc, excess luggage fee may apply. For the latest updates, contact +6014 822 7742, or follow us on 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...
*Twitter updates Whilst we spare no effort, due to the nature of sea travel, we're unable to guarantee that we can always send out alerts in time.