Crystal blue waters and vibrant undersea gardens
TIOMAN ISLAND: Kampung Salang, located on the northwest of Tioman Island, is a diving haven for both foreign and local tourists.
Every year between the month of May and August, scores of diving enthusiasts make a beeline for the village.
Salang is renowned for its clear waters, high underwater visibility, myriad corals and marine animals, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving.
It is also close to Monkey Bay and Tulai Island, which are popular for their pristine beaches and vibrant undersea gardens, in addition to other diving sites such as Soyak Island, Varella Wreck and Layang-Layang Cave, an underwater rock formation.
There is a variety of chalets from as low as RM40 a night and restaurants offering Western and local food along with a scenic sunset view.
Salang is renowned for its clear waters, high underwater visibility, myriad corals and marine animals, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving.
It is also close to Monkey Bay and Tulai Island, which are popular for their pristine beaches and vibrant undersea gardens, in addition to other diving sites such as Soyak Island, Varella Wreck and Layang-Layang Cave, an underwater rock formation.
There is a variety of chalets from as low as RM40 a night and restaurants offering Western and local food along with a scenic sunset view.
There are also numerous dive shops offering packages that cover island hopping, sightseeing, snorkelling and underwater exploration activities.
Tioman assemblyman Datuk Mohd Johari Hussain said the village was well equipped with basic facilities such as the Salang Complex, a surau, police station, mini markets, restaurants and dive shops.
“Tioman Island has over 20 popular diving sites and is one of the most sought-after destination among international scuba divers.
“The state government and Tioman Development Authority will continue to promote and support all sea-related activities on the island,” he said, assuring that any development would take into consideration the island’s natural surroundings so that it would not adversely impact the environment and marine life.
Tioman is one of the cluster of islands gazetted as a marine park besides Tulai, Chebeh, Sepoi, Labas, Sembilang, Seri Buat, Tokong Bahara and Gut as a sanctuary for the coral reef community.
British tourist Stephen Smith, 23, said he enjoyed his two-week stay at Tioman Island, particularly in Salang and ABC (Kampung Air Batang).
He had initially planned to stay in Malaysia for two weeks only but extended his stay in the country to a month as he was captivated by the “good food, nice weather and friendly people.”
“I find Tioman Island pretty fun to explore and relaxing. It has fantastic beaches,” he said, adding that more should be done by the authorities to preserve the beauty of the island.
Another backpacker, Jack Tonkin, 22, said the weather was humid but not as hot as he had expected.
“This is my first time in Malaysia and I love the experience, especially snorkelling and diving in Tioman’s clear waters with plenty to see.”
Salang Pusaka Resort managing director Abdul Khalid Mohamad said the months of June to August recorded the most number of visitors, with locals making up half of the guests staying at his chalets.
He said the resort also conducted activities such as snorkelling, diving and fishing trips.
“We also host events such as a scuba diving camp and other introductory diving courses to promote the island and state as a whole,” he added.
-News courtesy of The Star-
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