Tioman beaches - Salang Beach, Monkey Bay, Panuba Bay, ABC, Tekek, Genting, Juara
Monkey Bay ( Telok Berus)
Moving south over a relatively wide headland which can be trekked from the southern end of Salang beach, there are two relatively secluded bays with white sandy beaches . Monkey Bay is quite popular with the snorkelling tours and sometimes can get a little too crowded but otherwise is a nice spot of lonely beach. Monkey bay has a small river and shaded areas for a picnic. Sea taxi’s can drop you off if you prefer not to trek but will cost you RM18 per person per way (min 2 pax)
Panuba Village (Kampung Penuba)
The next beach south from Monkey Bay is Penuba with only one resort; built on the hill slope facing the sea. This resort has been commended by many for their sound efforts in environmentally conscious activities. (boy, do we need more of that on Tioman!)
ABC ( Kampung Air Batang)
The other popular backpackers’ beach around this side of the island, ABC is wonderful towards the end of the season somewhere around end October when some days there would be only a handful of visitors. It was so peaceful with the season out that a large python was even spotted lazing under a tree close to the bridge leading up to Bamboo Hill Chalet when we last visited!
ABC seems to have a more relaxed atmosphere as compared with Salang and is a little more spread out along the way. The beach is wider, but unfortunately a lot of debris from the sea washes onto the beaches and it is common to find shards of broken glass embedded in the sand. Please be careful. But the snorkelling and diving off the beach is simply sublime! The corals and inhabitants are very much alive and well out there despite the everyday pressures of visitors.
ABC is a long beach area lined with basic and standard chalets all the way from the Southern end at ABC(air batang chalets) to the northern end just before heading off up the hill to Tekek.
Food on ABC
Local lad watches as dad prepares food at the restaturant |
Most restaurants here do not serve beer and other alcohol but you can pick some up for RM7(US$2) per can at Bamboo Hill Chalet . The government intends to make Tioman Duty-Free, just like Langkawi and that means that taxable items such as alcohol, cigarettes and some fashion wear will be cheaper than on mainland.
Is a favourite place with backpackers and guests from Bamboo Hill Chalet. The food is reasonable and seafood fresh as it should be. Prices are a little steep but okay for island prices.
| - Nazri’s Place II; Hijau restaurant |
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and in between too but was closed for renovations during our stay. Has a pretty, laidback ambience and is set on the 2nd floor of a wooden house. A good view of the sea from the balcony. Serves western, local and barbeques. Staff friendly and helpful.
| - Murals on the wall restaurant |
Funny, we enjoyed the food so much that we even forgot to ask for the name of the restaurant. Cant miss it though, the walls are splashed with all sorts of brightly painted murals and did I mention that the food is good? Seafood was fresh, prices were reasonable and juices fresh. The fish and chips were delicious and fish platter fresh and juicy, the burger was tender, not overcooked. Good meal, pleasant ambience and good service.
| - Nazri’s Place restaurant |
Reputed to have the best food in town and has a more kampung feel to the place.
Island Activity - Dive , 
Getting There and Away