Living in Mersing has its pro’s and con’s. Our small Malaysian town isn’t exactly what you would call “happening” so things generally take slower to reach here. Like crime.
And coffee.
One of the most significant pro’s however is that we live just an hour and a half away from Pulau Tioman – one of the most stunning islands to grace the surface of our planet. Tioman is actually just one of the Seribuat Archipelago off the coast of Mersing (during our time here we are hoping to see as many as possible.)
Ferry travel has always excited me, maybe that’s because I grew up in South Africa and there weren’t many islands to go to. Travel was generally restricted to road, rail and if you could afford it, the air. But climbing on board a ferry just feels so much more adventurous.
The feeling you get when heading out over the sea with your backpack and your book – destined to arrive at a mysterious island that many have never heard of (let alone seen,) has always crept beneath my skin, climbed up the small of my neck and peaked in a shiver of fresh anticipation.
Wanderlust.
It’s not all romance though; in fact sometimes the journey can be downright terrifying. At least that was what I read upon the face of the sweat drenched German man who was suffering from a bad case of seasickness. I’ve been there before and it’s not pretty.
But, these are the ‘risks’ we take to see the world and a few days later when we saw him again on the ferry back home, his bronzed skin and smile told me all I needed to know about whether he considered the adventure “worth it.”
Photo’s from our time on Tioman Island.
About to step off the ferry at Genting jetty.
Our cowboy-of-the-sea water taxi.
Dive boats.
Young kids fishing off the jetty.
Thanks for the lift!
Exploring the peaceful shore lines.
The first thing we did after arriving. Snorkelling!
Taking it all in.
Lush vegetation and Chinese Hibiscus.
The next day we went to the majestic Tuna Maya Beach and Spa Resort.
A perfect blend of beach and rainforest.
La soaking up the sun.
Sunsets from Tuna Maya are ethereal.
So is the food!
Heading to Tekek Jetty after three incredible nights to wait for the ferry back home.
But not before making new friends from Saudi Arabia and Singapore.
If you are ever in Mersing and in need of good coffee then drop us a line and we’ll be more than happy to share some of our best espresso (sent all the way from South Africa) with you.
Hi Vaughan and Lauren, we spent 3 weeks in Tioman Island earlier this year and I completely agree with you, it is absolute paradise and one of our new favourite spots in the world.
I’m looking for another island in SE that is a similar vibe to Tioman, the Juara side. Would you recommend any particular islands in Thailand or Indonesia or even on the West Coast of Malaysia? Thank you!