Beautiful Places #7: Tioman Island
More specifically, Juara village on Tioman Island off the east coast of Malaysia. The setting here is pretty much the definitive paradise island, a modest and peaceful village with glorious sandy beaches backed by palm trees swaying in the cooling breeze, probably the warmest sea water in which we have ever swum, and wildlife providing wow moments every day.
We arrived on Tioman after a city break in Kuala Lumpur followed by several days strenuous trekking in the humid jungle at Taman Negara so were ready for a beach break. As well as the gorgeous beach, Juara provides several interesting eateries, mostly just shacks attached to the private homes of the local people, many serving fabulous fresh fish dishes from the day’s catch as well as sambal, curry and other Malaysian delights. There’s not too much alcohol about, but it’s there if you want it.
The village itself sits between the island’s lofty central peak and the sea, giving it a proper feeling of remoteness. Our stay in Juara was right on the beach – we stayed in the upstairs of the house at the far right hand end of those pictured below; falling asleep listening to the rolling South China Sea was just part of Juara’s charm.
For more on Tioman and Malaysia, click here
25 Comments
grandmisadventures
Wow! What a lovely beach retreat- it seems like an idyllic place to reset and recharge.
Phil & Michaela
It is exactly that, perfect end to a full on trip. Hey, thanks for following us too 😊
grandmisadventures
So excited to follow along and see more of the places you visit!
Monkey's Tale
The sand and water look amazing. We stayed on Lankawi for a few days. It rivaled any beach in Thailand. Except of course the dress code.
Phil & Michaela
Perfect chill out Island after a busy schedule 😊
carolinehelbig
You just brought back great memories. I was there as a backpacker in 1991. Rustic and wonderful. I can still feel the soft sand and warm water. I was wondering what it looks like today.
Phil & Michaela
Always happy to bring back good memories! We were there in 2018 – still pretty rustic and still backpacker territory. We saw some terrific downpours as well as all the sunshine!
Marie
Look at that beach!!!! I want to be there……
Phil & Michaela
If only…….
normareadtalktalknet
Idyllic .. just wonderful 😍
leightontravels
Nice piece! I stayed on Tioman island for three nights back in May 2015. Stayed at Mokhtar’s Place in ABC Village. Also visited Juara after doing the jungle trek over the other side of the island. A few of your photos seem vaguely familiar.
Phil & Michaela
Thank you; this was 2018 so almost three years ago, we went on from Tioman to Singapore by boat and bus so after KL, jungle trekking and Tioman and then Singapore it was a nicely varied trip. Glad we brought back some memories!
Gilda Baxter
I have never heard of this island, so thank you for introducing me to it. I wish I could be transported there right now, very beautiful. I have never been to Malasia, but I hope to visit it when allowed.
Phil & Michaela
Evening Gilda! We can recommend it – a very lovely beach location and some exciting food. Mainland Malaysia was great too, really enjoyed the different locations we stayed in.
Christie
So lovely! We really need some beach time😍
CompassAndCamera
Love your photos! They bring back great memories. We spent a long weekend here and also got scuba certified on a different trip. Thanks for the beach escape! But that snake… wow!
Jyothi
Nice place to explore!! Thanks Michaela!
MrsWayfarer
Thank you for sharing. The sea and sand are calling! For now I’ll look at them from my screen =)
Were you up close when you took the photo of the snake?
Phil & Michaela
I was stepping over a tree root and realised I was also over the snake as well so yes, was very close, glad it didn’t wake up though 😆
Linda K
Oh wow! That beach looks like a wonderful place to visit…except for that snake…eek! Can’t wait to travel again and go exploring some new countries.
Phil & Michaela
It was amazing! Lets hope its not too long till we can see more places like that 😁
sanchitahobby
Nice photos and beautifully written
Phil & Michaela
Hi there, many thanks for the lovely comments. Just taking a look round your blog 😊
Aparna Sisodia
Malaysia is really gorgeous. For a beach lover like me, it is a serene paradise. Thank you for your detailed and informative article about Tioman Island. It’s very helpful.
Phil & Michaela
Thank you, it was a wonderful place to stay after a busy trip around Malaysia 🙂