Hey travel fam! 👋 It’s Roman & Fizah here – your favorite French-Malaysian duo on the road again. This time, we traded the KL skyline for turquoise waters and island vibes. That’s right… we went all the way from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Island, and we’re bringing you along for the ride (and the snacks, of course).
So, grab your kopi, sit back, and let’s take you on a journey that includes a pitstop in Malacca, a cozy night in Mersing, a ferry ride to paradise, and all the juicy details in between.
🚙 First Stop: Malacca – Friends, Food & Feels
Our road trip kicked off from the buzzing streets of Kuala Lumpur, with the car packed, spirits high, and a carefully curated Spotify playlist setting the tone for adventure. With every passing kilometre, the city skyline gave way to lush countryside, and soon enough, we were in full road trip mode—windows down, snacks within reach, and shameless singalongs echoing through the car.
After a few joyful hours on the road, we made a heartwarming detour in the historical city of Malacca. This wasn’t just any random pitstop—it was a meaningful one. We dropped by to visit a dear friend who runs a charming little guesthouse tucked away in one of the quieter lanes of the city. The kind of place that feels like home the moment you step through the door—where time slows down, the décor tells stories, and every corner holds a little piece of nostalgia.
Catching up over iced coffees and local kuih under the shade of the courtyard trees was a perfect reminder of why we travel—not just to see places, but to reconnect with people and moments that matter. Malacca, with its laid-back vibes and rich history, always finds a way to welcome us back like an old friend. And this brief but beautiful stop filled our hearts before we hit the road again, with even more memories and a couple of kuih packed for the drive.
We didn’t plan to stay long – just enough time to stretch our legs, catch up, and soak in those vintage Malacca vibes. If you’ve never been, it’s worth a detour – colonial buildings, killer street food, and the kind of chill that makes you forget what day it is.
Welcome to Mersing – Seaway Hotel, You’re a Gem!
Next stop: Mersing – the jump-off point to Tioman Island. We stayed the night at Seaway Hotel, and honestly? We were pleasantly surprised. It was super cozy, sparkling clean, and had that peaceful small-town charm we didn’t know we needed.
Perfect place to crash before catching the early morning ferry. Would 100% stay again. Clean beds, hot showers, and smiles at the front desk – what more could you want?
All Aboard the Ferry to Paradise!
Early the next morning, we made our way to the Mersing Jetty to hop on the ferry to Tioman Island. Tickets were RM70 per person (one way), and you can get them right at the jetty – but book online in advance if you’re coming during peak season or holidays (trust us, it gets crowded).
The ferry ride takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions – but it’s scenic and smooth, and you’ll want your camera ready!
Home Sweet Island: ABC Chalet, Tioman
We landed at ABC Beach (Air Batang) and checked into the lovely ABC Chalet. For just RM150 per night, we got ourselves a simple but super charming beachfront chalet. Think: sea breeze, barefoot walks, and sunsets straight out of a postcard. ( Tioman Island)
It’s budget-friendly, laid-back, and perfect for travelers who want to unplug and just enjoy nature. No fancy resorts here – just real island life.
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Top 5 Things to Do in Mersing (Don’t Skip It!)
Okay, hear us out: Mersing isn’t just a transit town. If you’ve got time before or after your Tioman trip, here are 5 awesome things to do in and around Mersing:
1. 🌊 Go Snorkeling
Crystal clear waters and colorful coral? Yes, please! Plenty of snorkeling tours available – ask your hotel or the ferry staff for the best recs.
2. 🚙 Take a 4WD Jungle Tour
Explore the jungle with a 4WD tour that takes you to Ali’s Waterfall and Juara Village. It’s like an off-road safari, but tropical.
3. 🤿 Try Diving
Certified divers, this one’s for you. There are dive centers in both Mersing and Tioman offering courses and fun dives.
4. 🥾 Hike from Monkey Beach to Monkey Bay
A scenic coastal hike that makes you feel like Indiana Jones (minus the snakes, hopefully).
5. 🍜 Eat, Eat, Eat
Seafood lovers, rejoice! Mersing’s local restaurants are full of flavor – grilled fish, spicy sambal, and coconut everything.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Tioman?
Tioman Island is a dry season darling – plan your trip between March and October. That’s when the sun is out, the sea is calm, and all the chalets are open for business. 🌞
Avoid the monsoon season (November to February) – ferries are less reliable, and most places shut down like it’s the end of the world.
Who Is Tioman For?
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Tioman is perfect for:
- Budget travelers looking for nature and simplicity
- Couples who want a quiet beach escape
- Adventure seekers who love snorkeling, diving, and jungle trekking
- Families wanting a chilled-out island holiday without the Bali-level crowds
If you’re into over-the-top luxury, maybe not the place for you. But if you love barefoot mornings, nasi lemak by the sea, and island sunsets, this is your vibe.
💬 Is Tioman Island Worth Visiting?
Short answer? YES.
Long answer? ABSOLUTELY YES. 😄
It’s unpretentious, affordable, and genuinely beautiful. The kind of place that slows you down (in the best way) and reminds you that WiFi isn’t everything.
Whether you’re there for diving, daydreaming, or devouring grilled squid, Tioman leaves a mark on your soul.
🎥 Watch Our Journey!
Want to see the full adventure in motion?
👉 Check out our YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ1H5ow9Fh4
We documented the whole trip – from our road trip vibes to that magical Tioman sunset. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop us a comment if you’ve been or want to go!
🧭 Final Thoughts
This trip reminded us why we love exploring Malaysia so much. You don’t have to hop on a plane to feel like you’re in paradise – sometimes, all it takes is a car, a ferry, and a sense of adventure.
If you’re craving an affordable island getaway with charm, nature, and lots of local flavor – Tioman Island is calling.
Until our next trip…
Stay curious, stay hungry, and keep chasing those horizons 🌍💛
📍 For More information about Malaysia: Visit their website
– Roman & Fizah
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