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Pulau Tioman
Tioman Island (locally, Pulau Tioman) is a small island located 32 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang, and is some 39 km long and 12 km wide. It has eight main villages, the largest and most populous being Kampung Tekek in the north. Yet, the densely forested island is still sparsely inhabited, and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a scuba diving haven.
Its beaches were depicted in the 1958 movie, South Pacific as Bali Hai. In the 1970s, TIME magazine selected Tioman as one of the world’s most beautiful islands.
Apart from its diverse marine life, the inland rainforest area, encompassing approximately 12,383 hectares, in Tioman is a strictly enforced reserve. There are several protected species of mammals on the island, including the Binturong, Long-tailed Macaque, Slow Loris, Black Giant Squirrel, Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Mouse deer, Brush-tailed Porcupine, and Common Palm Civet, from a total of 45 species of mammals and 138 species of birds, including the majestic Frigatebird. Moreover, Tioman has species that are endemic to its shores. The soft-shelled turtle and the Tioman walking catfish are both unique and can be seen on rainforest walks.
The island is served by ferries from the Malaysian mainland, and a propeller plane service by Berjaya Air from Singapore (Seletar Airport) and Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur International Airport)
History
Tioman has been used for thousands of years by fishermen as an important navigation point and a source of fresh water and wood. During the past thousand years, it has played host to Chinese, Arab, and European trading ships, and often porcelain shards can be found on beaches around the island.
In more recent history, Tioman has played host to both the British and the Japanese during the Second World War, and the waters around the island are littered with war remains (including HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales).
The local resident population is 100% bumiputera (Malay people), all of which are Moslem and Tioman has numerous mosques.
Legend
According to legend, Tioman Island is the resting place of a beautiful dragon princess. Whilst flying from China to visit her prince in Singapore, this beautiful maiden stopped to seek solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. Enraptured by the charms of the place, she decided to discontinue her journey. By taking the form of an island, she pledged to offer shelter and comfort to passing travelers.
Development
The Malaysian government has big plans for Tioman. In 2004, Kampung Tekek was put up for development as part of a RM40 million (USD$10.9 million) public marina project, despite criticisms from the Malaysian Nature Society, WWF-Malaysia, and the like, who have described the project as a disaster for the environment in Tioman and the surrounding sea. The project covers 127,000 sq metres of the village and includes a yacht marina and also a cargo jetty which will extend 175 meters into the sea.
Villagers, residents and business owners had submitted a petition with 165 signatures to the...
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