Tioman Time!

Traveling, traveling, traveling!  I never thought that I would say that I was burnt out on travel, but after the past few months I feel a bit like that.  This past trip the jet lag is seeming to rock my world more than usual.  I think my creativity is a bit burnt out on the word and narration end as well.  I have tons of experiences to share with all of you and will do my best to illustrate them and capture my memories at the same time.  I am finding that this blog has not only given all of you a picture into our world here, but a way for me to remember all of the amazing experiences that we have had.  I keep saying that I am going to scrapbook the adventures and I even brought all of my many paper crafting supplies here to Singapore, but to be honest it is just so much easier for me to capture it all right here in blog world.


So, over the past couple of months we have been trying to experience as much as we can.  I'll start with our trip in March to Tioman Island.  E was on Spring Break and the Hubby was between business trips.  Me?  I just wanted to disconnect from the world.  I felt I was attached to technology and what better way than to go "off the grid".  And, we discovered Tioman Island, Malaysia.


Tioman Island is a small island just off the east coast of Malaysia.  The island was once an active volcano from what we were told.  The island is dense with forest and there are no roads.  Some hiking and bike trails can be found as these are the primary forms of transportation once on the island.  Many get around the island by boat.  There are many coral reefs surrounding the island making it a very popular diving and snorkeling area.  Its beaches were depicted in the 1958 movie, South Pacific as Bali Hai. In the 1970s, TIME Magazine selected Tioman as one of the world's most beautiful islands. (Wikipedia)


Tioman is just a few hours drive and ferry ride from Singapore making it a great getaway for those of us seeking a more rustic experience from the "big" city.


I think the pictures will speak to some of the beauty of the island, but there some things that the written word might do more justice in its experience.  I don't want to bore you with all of the detail, so here are the highlights.

• When you hire a driver to take you to and from Malaysia, be sure to ask:   who will be driving you, what kind car, and most of all "does the car have seatbelts!" (the car on the way home didn't have seatbelts!)
• Pictures just don't do justice to the feeling and ambiance of natural beauty
• Minang Cove was the perfect place to stay for us.  The staff there made us feel so at home and would do almost anything for us.  Special thanks to Jane and Money!
• Kids playing in the sand is the best therapy for all!
• I love snorkeling!  We saw angel fish, parrot fish, sharks, beautiful coral and a sea turtle just off the beach.
• Monkeys, monkeys everywhere!  But they are better in their own habitat.

 Leaving the ferry terminal in Mersing, Malaysia

 Boatin' it to our home away from home (for a few days anyway)

Looks like it's going to be a good week!

 Welcome to Minang Cove!

 The walk from the dock

Hangin' on the veranda havin' a welcome drink!

I believe I see a face in that mountain

 Deserted Beach

 Hike to the village

 Twin Peaks Trailhead

The Twin Peaks 

 Mukut Village

 A quaint home in Mukut Village

 Bathroom in the village

 Sign above the "toilet" in the village.  I mean "REALLY"?

 Pet Monkey (somethings wrong with this picture)

 The view from my beach chair

 Contemplative E

 Sandcastle Creations

 The Family

 Sunset over the South China Sea

 The Hubby and I

 Our Beautiful E!

 E and her Daddy

 Minang Cove

 Evening BBQ on the beach

Our last day, we hate to leave!

Goodbye Tioman, we'll miss you!