20 November 2013

Tioman Island and Tunamaya Resort and Spa

Hello, friends!  Hope your week has been good so far.

On travel segment this time, I'd like to share some overdue shots from our trip to Tioman Island in Malaysia back in August this year.  The last time I was there prior to this trip was way back in 1994, back-packer style with a bunch of friends, staying in a budget chalet, went snorkeling from morning to late afternoon.. it was a blast! This time we took the boys with us, I figured since they know so little about their birth land besides Kuala Lumpur, it would be nice for them to see the other side of Malaysia, the secluded untouched island. 


Tioman Island was once voted by Time Magazine as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Facing the South China Sea and barely touched by massive development, it is secluded and a favorite among  snorkelers and divers for its beautiful marine life.  There are not too many resorts on Tioman and most of them are budget chalets.  The upscale resorts are few, 3 to be exact and Tunamaya Resort and Spa is one  of them.


There's only 2 ways to get to Tioman - by land to Mersing, a small fisherman's village on the south-east of Peninsular Malaysia and later a 2 hours boat ride or by air in this small Dash 7 aircraft run by Berjaya Air.  It was a smooth ride but I cannot help but laugh at the look of anxiety on the boys' faces all the way to Tioman and later relieved when we landed!



From the airport, we took a half hour boat ride in Tunamaya's speed boat to the resort.  The view all the way was spectacular! The blue ocean with the green backdrop was really something.


The view of the resort as we approach by sea


Tunamaya is located on a private beach, accessible only by boat.  It has 52 individual chalets with the view of the sea and the rain forest, which is the back drop of the resort.


The beach chalet has 2 entrances - facing the sea and the forest


Pool deck, very popular during low tide


The beach during high tide


Tioman's Twin Peak, backdrop of Tunamaya Resort


The restaurant serving theme buffet and ala-carte meals .  It was nice to dine outside on the deck on the non windy night


We did a bit of a hiking half way up the peak.  Being city boys, the nature was a bit strange for the twins.  45 minutes up and another 45 down was enough to kill a few hundred calories and it was fun too!  Lets just say we truly deserved our big dinner that night.



The view from above


There's another hike that leads to the Mukut waterfall


The water looks dark and deep and very very fresh and clean.


If you are looking for a different type of vacation from the usual massive hotels on city beaches or love the secluded out of this world feel far from the hustle and bustle of the city and the fuss of everyday life in general, I would recommend Tioman and if you want to feel pampered at the same time, try out Tunamaya Resort and Spa.  Mr Mohan the resort manager and his team will do their best to ensure your best and memorable stay!

29 comments:

  1. These photographs are BEAUTIFUL! What an amazing place. You're lucky to have traveled there :) That picture of the giant rock with green moss is incredible...it almost looks like it's going to tip over.

    PS. I just got a facebook page for my blog. I'd love it if you could like my page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Raven-Locks/353765731434359 I already liked yours! :)

    xo Azu

    www.raven-locks.blogspot.com

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  2. Paradise! I'd love to go back to Asia .. so much to explore.

    Monica, www.pear-shaped-gal.com

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    1. Yup, there are places I've never been myself.. we have to hurry Monica before over development wipe the natural beauty of these places!

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  3. I am dreaming, Mrs C.... these photos are the opposite of our current weather and nature! It is grey and dark all day long :-(
    Absolutely beautiful scenery and resort, thank you so much for sharing!
    I perfectly understand what you wrote to Monica regarding the future development. I have been to Asia many times but wouldn't want to go back to very the same places again simply because I want to keep the unspoilt nature in my memories for ever...

    Annette | Lady of Style

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    1. Sad but true.. the mentality of some money making corporations is beyond our control. I just fear that one day there will be nothing for us or our children to see but some concrete jungles

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  4. Amazing photos! The sand in that beach looks so fine! I would love to be able to travel there someday. :) Great representation of the hotel and sites!

    ♥, Jo | www.STYLEAT30.com
    Fashion | Food | Travel

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  5. Incredible scenery! Looks like you guys had a wonderful time. Would love to go hiking around there and swim on an empty beach

    atelier zozo

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  6. WOW! everything looks so beautiful...especially the water!!! thanks for sharing these photos. what a great family you have :)

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  7. We went to Tioman in 2008, just before leaving Singapore for Dubai. It was amazing. My son, who was 5 at that time was snorkeling for the first time and he loved it. We took the boat from Mersing and it was quite a bumpy ride but also an experience. We are actually thinking of going back to Malaysia next February, when hubby has leave. Such a beautiful country!
    Have a great weekend! (and enjoy the rain) :):) xxx

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    1. Yes, Pia it is RAINING!! The school sent an SMS just now saying they are evacuating, bracing for really bad weather.. wonder how bad could it be? On Tioman I am glad to say it is still untouched.. I hope it stays that way :)

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  8. beautiful photos :)


    http://elzanapjevic.blogspot.com/

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  9. Oh my goodness, this looks amazing! I love seeing different destinations that I've never heard about. What a beautiful place!

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  10. Wow this looks incredible! I love snorkelling. TFS

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  11. http://xoprimaxo.blogspot.com/

    oohh! It is look so amazing! Ver nice! <3

    Kisses from Poland :)

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  12. Wow, this is beautiful! I may get to go to Malaysia for the first time next year so I am excited about exploring!

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  13. Mrs C, what a beautiful place! I wish I'd have a chance to visit there. I just realized I haven't follow you on bloglovin yet, just did. Have a great weekend!

    xo Jo

    http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com/

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  14. The resort looks amazing. The views are breathtaking and gorgeous!

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

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  15. this looks like so much fun, i'm jealous! i'm glad it wasn't your typical vacation!


    xo, Alicia
    River City Chic

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  16. This resort looks like just my style! Fairly secluded and quiet. The hiking looks incredible there too!

    ~Jacy
    www.laviedelenore.blogspot.com

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  17. What a fun family trip! Malaysia is beautiful! The hiking trails look absolutely breathtaking! :)

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  18. Beautiful, magnificent. And loving (you and your family).
    Great post.
    Greetje

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  19. You sure looked like you had so much fun there! In fact, I've not been to Tioman =P I've been to another island called Redang for diving but not Tioman. Shame of me. Maybe I should go there some time soon. Glad that you and family had a great time in Malaysia =)

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    1. Hi, thanks for dropping by! Redang is a beautiful island too but a little crowded in my opinion. Tioman instead is more secluded and quite quiet compared to Redang. Should try next time around. Also since you are into diving, Perhentian Island is another beauty :)

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