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How do you organize a Tioman Snorkeling trip independently and on a budget in 2024? If you are visiting Tioman island, a snorkeling trip is one of THE BEST ways to experience the clear waters, coral reef and beautiful array of sea life.
But it can be difficult to find accurate up-to-date information in advance on how to arrange a Tioman snorkeling trip. In this article we will tell you everything you need to know to arrange an amazing and memorable Tioman snorkeling trip.
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE – What is the BEST Tioman island Resort?
What can you expect on a Tioman Snorkeling Trip?
A Tioman snorkeling trip is an amazing way to explore the beautiful clear waters and coral reef around this Paradise Island. You can generally find pretty clear waters with a visibility of 5 – 10m and you can see a wide range of sea life including barracuda, reef sharks, sea turtles, clown fish, wrasse fish, angel fish and much much more.
You may also be interested in our guide on the best places to go snorkelling in Malaysia
What is normally included on a Tioman Snorkeling trip?
If you have been on all inclusive snorkeling trips in south-east Asia you will be familiar with all of the things that are normally included such as drinks, lunch, equipment and transfer.
A Tioman snorkeling trip may only include the boat service to several snorkeling sites. So be aware that you may need to bring your own food, drinks and arrange your own transportation to and from a meeting point. You may also need to arrange rental of your own snorkeling equipment. This should cost around RM10 – RM20 for a mask, snorkel and fins. Make sure you check exactly what is included when you arrange your trip.
What stops can you visit on a Tioman Snorkeling Trip?
Different Tioman Snorkeling trips also vary in terms of the number of stops and locations. If you arrange a trip that only visits coastal destinations around Tioman island it will be cheaper.
Here are some of the stops that may be included in a Tioman snorkeling trip:
- Monkey Bay – secluded, tranquil bay with clear calm turquoise waters and plenty of fish. Located on the west coast of Tioman island.
- Salang Village – a small quiet and remote village on the north west coast of Tioman island. Beautiful beach and clear waters.
- Tulai Island (or Coral island) – beautiful island with clean white sand beaches, clear waters and nice snorkeling spots. Located to the north west of Tioman island.
- Malang Rock – beautiful rocky island located close to Tulai island with lots of fish and a chance of seeing turtles and reef sharks. Nice deep waters in places 10m – 20m
- Teluk Genting – a bay on Tulai island – calm clear waters with lots of fish and coral (there is also a Genting bay on Tioman main island so it can be confusing).
- Renggis Island – a small beautiful island with coral and plenty of fish. You can also see black tip reef sharks in this area. Renggis island is a short distance off the west coast of Tioman (near the Berjaya Tioman Resort)
- Juara Bay – beautiful bay on the east side of Tioman island. Some Tioman snorkeling trips stop here. There is lots of accommodation on this part of the island.
If you feel strongly about visiting any of these destinations make sure it is included in the trip. Boat drivers may also be willing to make a special stop for you – talk to them on the day.
We recommend that you take a snorkeling trip that includes Pulau Tulai (a small island located in the Tioman marine park to the Northwest of Tioman island). Near Pulau Tulai are great snorkeling spots like Malang island and Teluk Genting. More stops does not guarantee a better experience: We recommend taking a trip with around 3 – 4 stops in the day and plenty of time to explore.
How much does a Tioman Snorkeling trip cost?
If you book a Tioman snorkeling trip with a local tour operator expect to pay in the range of RM60 – RM120 per person (shared trip)
Prices depend on your location on the island. Expect to pay more if you are based in a more remote location on the island (e.g. Juara bay OR on a resort along the secluded coastline). You can either book tours on a sharing basis. This is cheaper BUT relies on having around 6 people minimum. OR you can book private snorkeling tours. This is more expensive.
If you would like to take a snorkeling trip from Kampong Tekek, Adult tickets start at RM65 for a shorter simple coastal trip up to RM100 for a longer trip including the Marine Park. Children’s tickets range from around RM30 to RM50. From Juara Bay, snorkeling trips are likely to cost RM80 – RM120 and children’s tickets are likely to cost RM50 – RM70.
Tioman snorkeling private tours range between depending on the number of destinations and the size of the boat. Expect to pay around RM350 – RM800 for a private boat tour.
A Tioman snorkeling trip is not likely to include food or drinks. Therefore, we recommend planning to bring your own lunch and plenty of water. You may also need to arrange rental of masks and fins for an additional cost (around RM10 – RM20). Discuss this with your tour agent prior to the trip.
How do you book a Tioman snorkeling trip?
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on getting to Tioman
The Cheapest way to arrange a Tioman snorkeling trip is to book it on the island when you arrive. If possible try to book around 1-2 days in advance. The exact prices will depend on your location. If you are trying to book a trip on a sharing basis (cheaper) – whether your trip goes DEPENDS whether they are able to get enough people for the trip. Here are a couple of tour operators that offer Tioman snorkeling trips for a reasonable price:
- For a snorkeling trip around the Tekek Bay area contact Tioman Padu Legacy +60 13972 1448 or +60 19306 8236. Their office is located a few minutes walk from Tioman airport.
- For a snorkeling trip in the Juara Bay area contact the Juara Mutiara Resort +60 419 3161. Their office is located at the Juara Mutiara Bay on the main street.
What should you bring on a Tioman Snorkeling trip?
We recommend bringing the following things on a Tioman Snorkeling trip:
- Suncream (SPF 50 recommended)
- Swimming kit
- Rash guard (SPF 50 if possible)
- Plenty of water
- Towel and dry clothes
- Sandals
- Waterproof camera
- Snorkel, mask and find (may need to rent)
- Lunch/Snacks
What are THE BEST places to stay in Tioman?
If you are planning an epic Tioman snorkeling trip make sure you also find some EPIC Tioman accommodation too. Looking for accommodation on Tioman can be pretty tricky. Prices are pretty high and it is hard to find places that actually give you good value for money. We recommend going in at the budget end to save money OR splash out on one of the epic resorts. Mid-range accommodation doesn’t seem to be worthwhile on Tioman.
Santai Resort (GREAT value for money)
Tioman Santai Bistro Resort is the BEST option if you are traveling on a budget. This small hotel is located right on the seafront in Juara and offers sea view rooms. Be aware that the rooms are pretty basic but reasonably clean and nice. The Santai Bistro Resort also has an outdoor swimming pool and a cafe (opening hours variable). The Tioman Santai Bistro Resort is not only GREAT value for money. It is also an excellent location for MANY of the things to do in Tioman.
Japamala Resort
Japamala resort is THE BEST choice for a luxurious stay. The Japamala Resort really is VERY beautiful and offers a range of comfortable luxury accommodation – perfect for splashing out in Tioman. We love the dark-wood aesthetic of this resort – the perfect synergy with the wild natural surroundings. They also have a villa with a private swimming pool. The only disadvantage of the Japamala Resort is that it is out of the way for many of the things to do in Tioman. So if you are planning to explore Tioman – you will need to factor in the time and cost of taking boats around the island. The Japamala resort can help you arrange a Tioman snorkeling trip too.
Looking for more inspiration?
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