Nordin Chalet
My girlfriend and I had heard a lot about Tioman and so set our sights on staying there one fine day. That day arrived last month. We stayed at Nordin Chalet and here we are, one month later, still day-dreaming at our pictures of our little Nordin Chalet sanctuary.
We'd been referred to Nordin Chalet by friends of ours who had stayed at Nordin Chalet earlier in the year. They told us that travelers who prefer a dressed up doorman, a carpeted lobby and a chocolate mint on their pillow best not go to Nordin Chalet.
Click here to book your Nordin Chalet room
But if you're into back-to-basic type of accommodation that's ideal for kicking back at the beach, with a clear agenda and a clear mind, then Nordin Chalet is the place to be.
In a nutshell, they couldn't have been more right.
Nordin Chalet is located in ABC Village. The actual name of this village is Ayer Batang, but the locals have - rightly so, I suppose - decided that ABC has a more memorable ring to it. Nordin Chalet is a pretty recent addition to Tioman's budget chalet category and it shows. The place looks new.
Welcome to Nordin Chalet
Our room had aircon as well as a fan. But we didn't use the fan much. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that especially during the hot season, I doubt that the fan would suffice, particularly at night. It's not only hot, but humid too.
And this is where aircon pips any fan, because aircons are great de-humidifiers. Cool not-so-humid air makes for superb sleeping ;)
The other great thing about Nordin Chalet is its convenient location. Seriously, it's got just about everything a short stroll away; from various dive outfits, to bars, to restaurants, to the ferry jetty, to, of course, the beach! Now, the beach at Nordin Chalet is about as idyllic as it gets. It's like looking at a picture in a travel brochure.
In fact, the beach was the main reason we extended our stay at Nordin Chalet from 3 days to 7 days.
If you're a scuba-diver, then, perhaps together with Sipadan, Tioman Island is a scuba-diving epicenter. And while we're not scuba-divers, on the basis of what we saw while snorkeling off Nordin Chalet, I think I have to agree with the epicenter theory; the clarity of the sea and the amount of life around the coral gardens at Tioman are both astonishing.
Book your ferry tickets to Tioman
From Mersing, Jan From Tanjung Gemok: N.A., [Tanjung Gemok = Teluk Gading] Mukut / Juara? Click here. Pro Tip: Don't know which jetty to choose when booking your ferry? Typically, the ferry stops at all the main jetties. However, there is the occasional exception, so once aboard, confirm the ferry route with the cabin crew. Taking the Tanjung Gemok ferry? Click here / here |
At times it felt like we were at some Disney World attraction. But it's all real, folks. If you're going to Tioman, make sure you at least go for a snorkel. It's nothing short of awesome.
So, whether you're backpackers, or traveling with your family, or in a group or as a couple, Nordin Chalet is a friendly, affordable place, surrounded by paradise.
Do we recommend Nordin Chalet? Confirmed.
Will we be back at Nordin Chalet. Double confirmed.
Tip: Nordin Chalet doesn't have a lot of rooms, so book your room ahead of your stay. Try Agoda. Just so you know, the ABC bars aren't the barfly variety. ABC bars are open-air establishments and quite laid-back. Also, Nordin Chalet doesn't have daily room service. But then, neither do the other budget hostels in Tioman. If you need fresh linen or a dry towel, just ask. Happy holidays!
