According to local folk-lore, the island of Tioman was formed when a magical dragon princess; flying from China to join her beloved prince in Singapore became so enchanted with the warm clear crystal waters of this particular spot in the South China Sea that she decided to discontinue her journey and formed into the beautiful dragon shaped island, complete with a set of "horns", to provide shelter and comfort for weary travelers.
Pulau Tioman (Malay for Tioman Island) is the largest island on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is located in the South China Sea, approximately 32 km off Mersing, the mainland port, and is part of the Seribuat Archipelago of 64 volcanic islands off the southeastern coast of Pahang. Tioman Island has a total land area of approximately 133.6 sq km, measuring 38 km long and 19 km at the widest point.
Tioman belongs to the state of Pahang in Malaysia. It was a stopover for sailors, fishermen and traders to get fresh water and firewood or for seeking shelter from storms. The island became a settlement for Malay fishermen several hundred years ago and there are now six major villages (kampungs) on the island, mainly on the west coast. The population now numbers approximately 2,700 people, most of whom were originally fishermen. The main crops planted on the flat coastal area are mostly Rubber and Coconut .
Tioman has beautiful beaches with bountiful marine life, making it a favourite snorkeling and scuba diving destination. The natural luscious green landscape, majestic cascading waterfalls and the beauty of the island during a romantic sunset attracts many nature loving tourists, as Time magazine once voted the island one of the 10 most beautiful in the world. |
