B & J Diving Centre / Tioman Dive Resort
Tioman Dive Resort is barely a few years old and it shows. The construction is built to last, solid quality and the rooms are obviously being well maintained, both inside and out.
The group I was with when I stayed at Tioman Dive Resort had selected this resort, because our approach to diving has gradually changed over the years, from logging as many dives as possible throughout the year, to being more selective.
In the past, we'd crash pretty much anywhere, including at most of the bare-bones chalets peppered here and there in Tioman.
But we now tend to cherry-pick our dive dates, our dive locations, as well as the accommodation we stay at. Mind you, the less-is-more shacks still serve a great purpose, because they're decent and cheap and make Tioman accessible to backpackers and other budget travelers. So all power to these budget chalets.
Clearly, however, Tioman Dive Resort is an altogether different kettle of fish (pardon the pun).
Book your ferry tickets to Tioman
From Mersing, Feb - Mar 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 |
Staying at Tioman Dive Resort doesn't at all compare to any of these "basic" cold-water rooms with fans. If you, too, feel you've outgrown your budget accommodation phase, but you still want to do quality dives in Tioman, then I recommend staying in Tioman Dive Resort.
For one thing, the rooms at Tioman Dive Resort are very spacious, tastefully decorated and come with a wide range of amenities. These include air-con, ceiling fan, tv, fridge, hair dryer, tea/coffee maker and a safe to keep your valuables in.
The bathrooms at Tioman Dive Resort are complete also, as they have a hot-water shower and plenty of toiletries. The toiletries I found a nice little touch, because as scuba-divers, we need copious amounts of bath suds to clear ourselves of sea grime, salt etc.
Cleanliness-wise, the whole Tioman Dive Resort unit was absolutely top of the bill the moment we opened the door, and, in fact, stayed that way throughout our stay, courtesy of Tioman Dive Resort's daily housekeeping service. Whenever a room occupied by a group of a scuba-divers remains clean and tidy, it's time to be thoroughly impressed by housekeeping :)
As for the beds at Tioman Dive Resort, it's kudos galore. The bed frame is robust and the mattress is firm yet comfy. These beds are not cheap and neither is the bed linen. This whole sleep set-up is well-chosen; after all, when you're spending a string of days scuba-diving, you really do need good quality sleep, so you can stay fresh and fruity for your next round of dives.
Other great aspects of Tioman Dive Resort? Well, it's mostly a scuba-community there, so you're always running into like-minded people with great stories to tell.
In fact, we learned as much by chewing the fat with fellow divers whilst chillaxing on the sea-view balcony as we did on our actual dives.
Oh, FYI, the dive center itself is just down the steps from Tioman Dive Resort. Convenient.
Tip: Best book in advance as Tioman Dive Resort rooms are limited and it gets fully booked pretty fast especially during peak season () and holidays. Lots of divers in this part of the world. Tioman Dive Resort don't serve food, but there are plenty of cheap, yet decent eateries nearby.
