If you’re looking for the best resort in Tioman, you’re in for a treat.
Pulau Tioman is one of Malaysia’s most beautiful islands. It’s the kind of place where the water is so clear you can see fish swimming under your boat, the beaches look like postcards, and the jungle feels untouched.
It’s a paradise that’s just a few hours from the mainland, but once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet.
The island is also big. Way bigger than most people expect. Each beach has its own personality. Some are quiet and peaceful. Others are lively with restaurants, bars, and dive shops. That’s why where you stay really matters.
Getting around Tioman isn’t easy because transport is limited and taxis are pricey. So it’s best to pick a resort at a beach that matches your vibe.
In this guide, we’ve done the legwork for you. We’ll share the resorts and hotels that we think are worth your time. From luxury jungle escapes to budget-friendly chalets, this list has something for everyone.
Quick Guide: Best Resorts & Stays in Pulau Tioman
| Resort / Stay | Beach / Area | Budget | Highlights |
| Berjaya Resort Tioman | Tekek Beach | Mid–High | Big resort, pool, spa, golf, family-friendly, near Tioman Island Airport |
| Japamala Resort | Lanting (west coast) | Luxury | Eco-luxury villas, private cove, romantic, fine dining |
| Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort | South Tioman | Upper Mid–High | Infinity pool, spa, beachfront villas, dive centre |
| The Barat Tioman Beach Resort | Tekek Beach | Mid-range | Pool, good food, water sports, and a convenient location |
| Salang Indah Resort | Salang Beach | Budget | Great snorkeling, lively nightlife, basic chalets |
| Aman Tioman Beach Resort | Juara Beach | Mid-range | Quiet beach, turtle-watching tours, peaceful vibes |
| Paya Beach Spa & Dive Resort | Paya Beach | Mid-range | All-inclusive packages, pool, spa, family-friendly |
| Tioman Dive Resort | Air Batang (ABC Village) | Budget–Mid | Clean rooms, dive centre, great for divers |
| Sun Beach Resort | Genting Village | Budget–Mid | Affordable, family-friendly, quiet beach |
| The Boathouse Pulau Tioman | Tekek area | Mid-range | Boutique chalets, personalized service, homely feel |
1. Berjaya Resort Tioman
When people ask about the best resort in Tioman, Berjaya Resort Tioman is always the first name that comes up. It’s one of the biggest and most established resorts on the island, sitting right by Tekek Village.
What makes Berjaya stand out is its size. The property stretches over a long sandy beach with chalets hidden among coconut palms.
You’ll find a swimming pool, a golf course, restaurants, and even a spa. For families, it’s super convenient because you don’t need to leave the resort.
And if you want to explore, Tekek is the main hub where the Tioman Island Airport is located.
Extra perk: Berjaya has its own dive centre and snorkeling trips. You can book everything directly with them.
- Rooms start from: 825/night
- Location: Tekek Beach, near the airport
- Facilities: Pool, spa, golf, dive centre, multiple restaurants
- Drawbacks: Can feel crowded during peak season, less “secluded island” vibes
2. Japamala Resort
Japamala is the dreamiest spot on Tioman. Tucked into a private cove, this eco-luxury resort feels like it belongs on a travel magazine cover.
It’s built into the cliffs and rainforest, so you get wooden villas with stunning sea views or jungle hideaways.
The whole vibe here is romance and relaxation. You can have sunset dinners on the pier, spa treatments with jungle sounds in the background, and quiet beaches with hardly anyone around.
It’s perfect for couples or families who really want to enjoy some quiet time together..
- Rooms start from: 1440 RM/night
- Location: Lanting, on the west coast
- Facilities: Fine dining, spa, private beach, boat transfers
- Drawbacks: Expensive, not ideal if you’re on a budget or want nightlife
3. Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort
Another contender for the best resort in Tioman is Tunamaya. It’s at the far south of the island, which makes it very peaceful.
The resort faces the South China Sea with views of Gunung Kajang, Tioman’s highest peak.
Tunamaya is known for its spacious villas, infinity pool, and relaxing spa. The beach here is calm, perfect for families with kids. It also has its own dive centre and organizes snorkeling trips.
- Rooms start from: 478 RM/night
- Location: Sarang Burung, Kampung Mukut
- Facilities: Infinity pool, spa, dive centre, beachfront dining
- Drawbacks: Remote location, pricey transfers
4. The Barat Tioman Beach Resort
The Barat Tioman is one of the nicest places to stay on Juara Beach. Unlike Tekek or Salang, Juara is much quieter and more secluded.
The beach stretches wide with soft sand, and you won’t find big crowds here. It’s perfect if you want peace but still enjoy the comfort of a proper resort.
The resort itself has spacious rooms, a large swimming pool, and a beachfront restaurant that serves surprisingly good food.
Guests also love the friendly staff and how easy it is to book snorkeling or jungle trekking tours directly with them. It’s a great mix of convenience and tranquility.
- Rooms start from: 340 RM/night (peak season)
- Location: Juara Beach
- Facilities: Pool, restaurant, dive packages, water sports
- Drawbacks: Limited nightlife
5. Salang Indah Resort
If you’re more into snorkeling than infinity pools, Salang Indah is for you.
Salang Beach, at the north of the island, is known for its amazing dive spots. You can literally snorkel from the shore and see colorful corals and fish.
The resort itself is basic: wooden chalets, simple rooms, and a laid-back vibe. It’s popular with backpackers and young travelers who want to be near the action. But families love it too!
- Rooms start from: Budget-friendly
- Location: Salang Beach
- Facilities: Chalets, restaurant, dive shop access
- Drawbacks: Service may not always be as prompt.
6. Aman Tioman Beach Resort
Aman Tioman sits right on Paya Beach, one of the most accessible and popular stretches on the island.
It’s a modern resort with clean, spacious rooms and a beachfront location that makes it easy to swim, snorkel, or just relax by the sea.
The vibe here is relaxed and friendly. Families like it because the beach is calm and safe, while couples enjoy the laid-back setting.
The resort also helps arrange snorkeling trips and diving packages if you want to explore the nearby reefs.
- Rooms start from: 1180 RM for a 3D2N package for 2, including meals
- Location: Paya Beach
- Facilities: Beachfront rooms, restaurant, snorkeling, and diving packages
- Drawbacks: Mixed reviews on food. Many people don’t recommend the BBQ dinner.
7. Paya Beach Spa & Dive Resort
Paya Beach is halfway down the west coast. The resort here is big and popular with families and groups. Rooms are comfortable, and there’s a pool, spa, and restaurant.
Paya Beach Spa & Dive Resort is also well known for its all-inclusive packages. You can book snorkeling, diving, island hopping, and even spa treatments together.
- Rooms start from: Mid-range
- Location: Paya Beach
- Facilities: Pool, spa, dive packages, beachfront restaurant
- Drawbacks: Can feel touristy, less “local” charm
8. Tioman Dive Resort
As the name suggests, this one is for serious divers. Tioman Dive Resort is located in ABC Village (Air Batang). It’s not fancy, but it’s clean and modern.
The big draw is the dive centre next door, which has great reviews and caters to beginners as well as advanced divers.
ABC Village is also fun. It’s cheaper than Tekek but more relaxed than Salang. Great if you want a balance of diving and chilling.
- Rooms start from: Dorm beds start from 60 RM/night, Deluxe room from 340 RM/night
- Location: Air Batang (ABC Village)
- Facilities: Dive shop, clean modern rooms, easy snorkeling
- Drawbacks: Focused on divers, limited luxury amenities
9. Sun Beach Resort
Sun Beach Resort is at Genting Village, which is one of the first stops if you take a ferry from Mersing to Tioman. This makes it convenient. Genting itself is quiet but has a few restaurants and shops.
The resort offers very simple rooms and chalets. It’s popular with families and budget travelers who want comfort without splurging. The beach here is also very nice and less crowded than Tekek.
- Rooms start from: 18 RM/night
- Location: Genting Village
- Facilities: Chalets, restaurant, snorkeling trips
- Drawbacks: Not ideal if you’re looking for a very fancy resort
10. The Boathouse Pulau Tioman
The Boathouse is one of the more unique stays on the island. It’s a small boutique-style resort with cozy wooden chalets right by the beach.
What makes it stand out is the personal touch. Guests rave about the warm hospitality and peaceful vibe.
It’s great if you want something different from the big resorts. It feels homely, almost like a stylish homestay in Pulau Tioman, but with extra comfort.
- Rooms start from: 945 RM/night
- Location: Tekek area
- Facilities: Boutique chalets, beachfront dining, personalized service
- Drawbacks: Limited facilities compared to large resorts
How to go to Pulau Tioman
Most people travel from Mersing to Tioman by ferry. The ride takes about 2 hours, depending on the weather. There’s also a smaller jetty at Tanjung Gemok with ferries to the island.
If you’re wondering how to go to Tioman Island from Kuala Lumpur, the fastest way is to drive or take a bus to Mersing, then catch the ferry.
Flights used to land at the Tioman Island Airport, but commercial flights are not frequent these days.
How to Get Around Tioman
Getting around Tioman can be tricky. There are no regular taxis or buses. You can take water taxis between villages, but they are expensive.
Some resorts arrange transfers, so always check before you go. The best tip is to pick a beach where you’re happy to spend most of your time.
Best Things to See in Tioman
- Snorkeling and diving: Coral reefs are everywhere, especially around Salang and ABC.
- Juara Turtle Project: Learn about turtle conservation.
- Gunung Kajang hike: For adventurous souls.
- Duty-free shopping: Tekek has shops selling duty-free alcohol and chocolate.
- Relaxing on beaches: Genting, Juara, and Paya are all beautiful in their own way.
FAQs on Best Resort in Tioman
Which part of Tioman Island is the best?
The most popular areas to stay at Tioman are Juara Beach, Tekek, and Genting Village. Salang, on the north of the island, is popular among divers and snorkelers due to its proximity to excellent dive sites.
What is Pulau Tioman famous for?
The densely forested island is sparsely inhabited and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a popular scuba diving, snorkelling, and surfing spot. There are many resorts and chalets for tourists around the island, which have a duty-free status.
Which month can’t you go to Tioman?
Because of the northeast monsoon, November to March is not a popular period to visit Tioman Island, as many resorts will close during this period. Visibility will decrease underwater with currents that will make diving and snorkeling unsafe and not enjoyable.
How many days do you need in Tioman?
Leave the hectic mainland life back at the Mersing and enjoy Tioman’s peaceful pace and friendly atmosphere. We would say that two or three nights on the island are usually enough, but some people stay there for a week, especially when they plan to scuba dive or slowly move from one village to another.
Which is better, Perhentian or Tioman?
Perhentian Besar is better for families. Same dive sites as Kecil, so diving is pretty much the same. Tioman is much bigger, with some great dive sites, but because of the size of the island, your day will be spent around the dive shop and the few lodging options.
Final Thoughts on the Best Resort in Tioman
Choosing the best resort in Tioman depends on what you’re looking for. If you want luxury, Japamala or Tunamaya will blow your mind. For families, Berjaya and Paya Beach make life easy. If you’re a diver, Tioman Dive Resort is the obvious choice.
And if you’re on a budget, Salang Indah or Sun Beach will give you great value.
No matter where you stay, Tioman will leave you with memories of turquoise waters, coral reefs, and lazy beach days. It’s the kind of island that makes you want to come back again and again.
Here are some more helpful resources:
- 7 Amazing Beaches Near Kota Kinabalu You MUST VISIT! – SOCAR Blog
- Our Top 10 Favorite Things to Do On An Ipoh Day Trip – SOCAR Blog
- Our Top 10 Picks | The BEST Food in Port Dickson – SOCAR Blog
- Top 10 Attractions in Cameron Highlands In 2025 – SOCAR Blog
- Top 15 Kundasang Tourist Attractions In 2025 – SOCAR Blog
- The 10 BEST River View Cafes In Melaka in 2025 – SOCAR Blog
Ride with SOCAR for Your Tioman Trip
Planning your trip to the best resort in Tioman starts even before you get on the ferry.
Driving down to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok is the easiest way to catch your boat, and that’s where SOCAR comes in.
With SOCAR, you can choose a car that fits your budget and travel style, whether it’s a compact for two or a spacious SUV for the whole family.
It’s flexible, affordable, and way more convenient than juggling bus schedules.
Plus, you get to enjoy the scenic drive at your own pace. For us, it made the journey smoother and stress-free, exactly how a beach holiday should begin.
