Tioman beaches - Salang Beach, Monkey Bay, Panuba Bay, ABC, Tekek, Genting, Juara
Salang Beach
Salang is on the northernmost end of the island and is the beach most frequented by backpackers and independent travellers looking for a spot of diving, plenty of nightlife and cheap accommodation.
Salang has changed quite a bit since the early days. As more people arrive, more development occurs. That would not be difficult to comprehend for, during holiday seasons and school holidays - this place can be a nightmare. Local and Singaporean holidaymakers, make a beeline for the island as it is still relatively cheap to weekend on the island. Bookings must be made in advance or else you may have to end up sleeping on the beach. Everywhere you turn ….people all around…on the beach, in the shops, at the restaurants, in the water!
Then just as sudden as they appear, the holidaymakers ebb with the seasonal tides back to the mainland and their homes. The throbbing dies down and the islanders return to their idyllic way of life once again.
Despite the ‘tourist pressure’, Pulau Tioman ; and Salang beach especially has managed to retain its island beauty that many daydreamers have come to expect but expect only as an island visitors’ destination where fun also comes in the form of music and boisterous nightlife.
New jetty at Salang |
At time of visit, a new concrete jetty has already replaced the quaint wooden jetty that has served the tiny village community and its guests for so long. Along with that, the local authorities have just built a large food court by the side of the jetty, expecting more local tourists to visit Salang in the coming holiday seasons. Little by little, Salang is losing its fishing village charms, catering more towards its new found economy. Along the 700m stretch of beach there are pubs, restaurants offering western, Thai, Chinese and local food, supermarkets, Ramly burger stalls (local burger outlets) and dive shops.
end of season at Salang |
Settled comfortably amongst these establishments are chalets catering to a variety of budgets and creature comforts. The prices range from RM25/-(US$7) for a basic hut with fan and attached bathroom to RM100/-(US$27) for a chalet with TV, fridge, hot water, attached bathroom and air-conditioning. The chalets are nothing to write home about but are comfortable enough for a good snooze after the day’s dive, snorkelling and other strenuous activity and even from the evening storms.
NB> Salang Beach has its good and bad sides. There are travellers who absolutely love the place for its cafes and hang out 'pubs' and there are others who cannot stand it - the noise, the crowd, the rubbish strewn along the way. So for those of you who want to see Tioman for what it is - head for Juara or ABC but for those who are just on the route most recommended as must do & see by guide books, Salang should be as much trouble as you'd want to get yourself through for an island holiday. For divers, Salang would be the choice as most of the better dive sites are closer to Salang. More on dive rates go to : B&J Dive Centre
If you prefer to stay on Salang but want that bit of quiet time, then go to the far end of the beach - towards Salang hut and Ella's Place. Although the beach is a little rocky and narrow, it's not as crowded as on the other end closer to the jetty.
Food on Salang Beach
Has western and local food and in the evenings, barbeque is very popular with guests. Anyone eager to catch up on news, the restaurant tunes into CNN most of the day. Steaks are available during peak season between June and August
Same owner as Salang Indah Resort. Housed in a grotesque building with balustrades all round, smack in the middle of Salang beach. Thankfully the only such development on the beach so far. Serves Malaysian, Thai, Western and Chinese cuisine and offers plain pancakes for RM1.50/piece. Ice-cream for RM2/scoop and fresh fruit juice for RM2/-. Reasonable.
| Salang Chinese Restaurant |
A spacious restaurant towards the southern end of the beach which caters more to locals and Singaporean guests.
The last restaurant on this southern end, just before Ella’s place is painted green and serves fresh coconut juice and delicious fresh seafood - barbequed with home made spicy sauces to dip. The prices here are good and hospitality is great. Bring your own beer which you can buy from the pub nearby (next to DiveAsia). Can’t miss this place. A simple villager’s house, a couple of tables under the coconut trees and a small open hut for the barbeque pit. Coconut juice goes for RM3 per coconut.
Amenities
Available 24hours . 240V
| - Telecommunications and internet |
There are Telekom public phone booths scattered around and Telekom phonecards can be bought at the supermarkets but it may be better to buy from the mainland in case they run out.
013, 011 cellular services can be received on most parts of the island
internet services are available at Salang Dream restaurant ; charges at RM3/- 15minute, RM5/- for 30min. Also available at Salang Indah restaurant and Salang Chinese restaurant. But prices vary a little.
Available at Salang Indah and Khalid’s place but as expected, you will get poor exchange rates.
English widely spoken
There are a number of supermarkets around selling general needs , mineral water, snacks and some toiletries.
Laundry services are available for RM5/kilo
Snorkelling gear is available for rental with the inclusion of a RM50 deposit per set from independent operators. The set rental varies from RM8 to RM12 per day.
Best Time to Go
Island Activity - Dive , 
Getting There and Away