Pulau Tioman is one of the most beautiful islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. According to local legend, the island is a dragon princess who stopped here on her way from China to Singapore, fell in love with the spot, and transformed herself into land to shelter passing travellers. The shape of the island, with its twin granite peaks, does look vaguely like a sleeping dragon if you squint.
The island runs about 39 kilometres north to south and is covered in dense tropical rainforest, with a handful of kampungs (villages) strung along the west coast and one, Juara, facing east. Most visitors come for the water: the snorkelling and diving are excellent, with healthy coral reefs and visibility that can reach 30 metres on a good day. The island is also duty-free, which makes a cold Tiger beer remarkably cheap.
Tioman is quieter and less developed than the islands off the west coast. There are no high-rises, few cars, and most of the interior is protected forest. Getting between beaches means taking a water taxi or hiking through the jungle. The main village is Tekek, where you will find the airport, a mosque, a few shops, and most of the island's practical services.
The best time to visit is between March and October. During the monsoon season (November to February), most resorts close and ferry services are suspended.