Tioman Island off Malaysia's peninsular east coast is known for its dive sites, and extensive, resilient coral reefs. In addition, climbing enthusiasts come to scale its dragon's peak, and wildlife enthusiasts hike its rainforest in search of the rafflesia flower and endemic species.
Tourism is a significant economic activity for the people of Tioman. Its large size but steep inland hills support several villages spread around the island's many beaches. Tourism accommodation is, therefore, distributed around the island.
Located more towards the south of the peninsular coast, the monsoon season affects Tioman less than the northern islands. Thus, it also has a longer tourism season, typically only closing down in December - although this is still not well known among tourists. Even so, there are still local activities on the island during the monsoon season. Juara beach, facing the South China Sea, experiences higher waves during the monsoon, which makes it the perfect season for surfing.
While surveys indicate that the Tioman's coral reefs are among the most resilient in Malaysia, global warming pressure has increased, with coral bleaching events reported in recent years. Many tourism operators are shifting towards sustainable tourism, undertaking voluntary assessments against the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard and promoting more nature-based activities.
You can support the island's transition to sustainable tourism by making eco-friendly choices when you come on holiday. This shows that tourists want these choices, and that sustainable business is good business.
SUPPORT CONSERVATION WHILE ON HOLIDAY IN TIOMAN
For tourists who are interested in giving back to nature, you have a few options depending on commitment level. You can volunteer for a turtle conservation project, or underwater cleanup initiatives at dive centres. Resorts may also have sustainability activities you can join. See our Sustainable Tioman map for how to find these projects.
Click on the icons on the map for more information. Open more map layers by clicking the drawer icon next to the map title.
Contact us here if you want to suggest corrections or additions to the map. Thank you for contributing!
TURTLE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING IN TIOMAN
You can sign up for a turtle volunteering project in Tioman. Juara Turtle Project runs a turtle conservation project on Kampung Juara beach. The project requires a commitment of two weeks (one week can be considered for citizens from ASEAN countries).
CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERING IN TIOMAN FOR SCUBA DIVERS
Volunteer with B&J Diving Centre for their program to combat Crown of Thorns (COT) starfish outbreak. Volunteers get free accommodation & diving, and will be on the boat daily to inject COTs. There are 3 weekend programs planned in 2026 close to events in the marine conservation calendar:
- Earth Day (24-26 April)
- World Oceans Day (12-14 June)
- International Coastal Cleanup Day (18-20 September)
Minimum dive certification required: Rescue Diver
Tioman also hosts the Reef Check island-based office, and is one of Reef Check's training locations for the EcoDiver Survey program. Qualified scuba divers who want to volunteer on one of Reef Check's annual survey dives around Malaysia can sign up and get certified. EcoDivers can also join other Reef Check surveys in the Asia Pacific region.
