Tioman Island, Malaysia, is located off the east coast of the peninsula, not far from Singapore. Largely undeveloped, narrow Tioman is still mostly green with no roads or high-rise hotels. Singaporeans and backpackers come to take advantage of excellent snorkeling and cheap drinks, thanks to the island's duty-free status.

• Tioman Island is one of the top 10 destinations in Malaysia.

Orientation

Aside from the small town of Tekek, Tioman is pleasantly undeveloped.

Lush jungle separates tiny villages and beaches spread around the island. With the exception of quiet Juara on the east coast, villages are mainly concentrated along the west side of the island.

Like many islands, the dirty, utilitarian town is not the place to be unless you have business to take care of. Most visitors to Tioman end up in either Salang (in the north), Air Batang -- known locally as ABC -- or Genting (in the south).

Getting Around on Tioman

Walking is the primary means of transportation around Tioman; concrete paths and jungle trails of varying difficulty connect the small beaches. If you wish to make a big move to another part of the island with luggage, you'll have to board the ferry again -- the cheapest option -- or hire a small taxi boat.

What to Know Before Visiting Tioman

• The only ATM on Tioman Island is located near the airport in Tekek.

• Internet speeds can be dreadfully slow and comparatively expensive on Tioman; wait until you get back to the mainland before uploading those snorkeling pictures!

• Food on Tioman Island is more expensive than on the mainland and often disappointing. Come for the snorkeling, not the culinary treats.

• Monkeys on Tioman are bold and patrol the main trails for people carrying food. They're good enough to even detect unopened snacks inside your beach bag! See more about monkey safety and avoiding attacks.

Snorkeling and Diving on Tioman Island

The underwater life is the biggest attraction on Tioman Island; opportunities abound for snorkeling and diving. ABC is generally considered the best place for snorkeling on the island. Boat trips to nearby, uninhabited islands can be arranged or you can simply rent a mask and fins at any shop to get into the water yourself.

For something different, check out the artificial reef located near the jetty in Tekek. While the water isn't the cleanest on the island, large schools of fish -- including harmless rays, sharks, and barracuda -- hang around the concrete obstacles.

Jellyfish, ranging from tiny nuisances to the Portuguese Man-of-War, can be a problem in the water between May and September. Large swarms can be easily avoided, however, sometimes detached tentacles can cause a painful, unexpected sting.

• Use these snorkeling tips for a safer, better experience.

How to Get to Tioman Island, Malaysia

Ferries to Tioman Island depart three times daily from Mersing in the south of Malaysia. Cancellations due to rough seas sometimes happen, so planning for an earlier ferry is a better way to avoid spending an unpleasant night in the port town. The ferry terminal is around one kilometer from the bus station in Mersing. You can grab waiting transport or turn right when facing the river and walk along the water. The last two-hour ferry departs Mersing around 4:30 p.m.

You'll need to tell the boat operators where you intend to get off on Tioman. The first stop is typically Genting on the southwest side of the island, then the ferry works its way around the island, dropping people at each jetty. If you aren't sure where you want to go, consider disembarking in either Air Batang (ABC Beach) or Genting.

Tioman Island has a small airport in Tekek (airport code: TOD) with daily flights to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The tiny planes have a maximum baggage allowance of 22 pounds.

Duty-Free Shopping

Tioman Island is duty free zone, however, aside from alcohol and tobacco, taking advantage of the tax-free status isn't that easy. A few small shops are dotted around Tekek, the main town, where you can purchase nuts, tacky souvenirs, and T-shirts.

Warning: Don't even consider sneaking your duty-free alcohol and tobacco into neighboring Singapore! You'll be expected to declare both and pay steep taxes, otherwise you risk a severe fine and lots of hassle at the border. See more about Singapore travel for what to expect when you cross the border.