Tioman Island Wildlife Reserve
From Malaysia National Parks Eco Tourism Website
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Pulau Tioman is the third largest island off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia, and is part of a scattering of 64 islands in this southeastern area. The Pulau Tioman Marine Park encompasses the waters around Pulau Tioman itself, around the small offshore islands of Pulau Labas, Pulau Sepoi, Pulau Gut, Pulau Tokong Bahara, Pulau Chebah and Pulau Tulai, as well as around Pulau Sembilang and Pulai Seri Buat which are further afield.
Most of Pulau Tioman, a Wildlife Reserve since 1972, is still covered in primary forest on slopes with steep gradients. These forests are a haven for many species of birds, bats, mousedeer, lizards, squirrels and myriad insects. At altitudes below about 610 metres (2,000 feet), lofty hardwood tress such as Shores and Dipterocarpus are typical. The closed canopy provides dense shade from the heat of the day and the open forest floor has sporadic understorey vegetation characterized by many exotic-looking shrubs and palms. In contrast, the montane forest in the zone above is made up of somewhat more stunted trees such as myrtles, laurels and heaths, all covered with a lush growth of ferns and lichens, Along the coastline, beach strand vegetation is characterized by carpeting creepers, low shrubs, coconut palms and casuarinas. Pulau Tioman also houses fragments of mangroves, mainly along the west coast of the island, especially in the vicinity of the village of Kampung Paya.
The secrets of the park are contained within its diverse coral reefs, whose beauty accentuates their crucial role in protecting shorelines, enhancing fishery resources and providing biodiversity value. An impressive array of 170 species of hard corals has been recorded around Pulau Tioman and Pulau Tulai. Reef development is concentrated on the west coast of the island as the east coast is too exposed to tempestuous weather for any coral growth, apart from a few hardy encrusting species and some soft corals.
Some of the best reefs are found around the tiny, dome-shaped island of Pulau Renggis, which is situated of Kampung Lalang. Frigatebirds sometimes roost on this rocky island. Other good reefs are reported south of Tanjung Said on the west coast and at Teluk Elin on the southeast coast. Golden Reef and Tiger Reef boast copious gorgonian sea fans, while the outlying islands such as Pulau Tokong Bahara and Pulau Gut offer the best unspoilt reefs. The rocky outcrop of Pulau Labas off the northwest coast is well known for its splendid multi-coloured soft corals. Pulau Tulai, which is a very popular snorkelling spot, has extensive coral reefs that can be found in the main bay in front of the sweeping white sands of Pasir Panjang. This area is characterized by extensive thickness of branching Acropora interspersed with narrow gullies of shifting sand.
Swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving are by far the most popular activities in the park. The marine life that rules the deep blue waters is remarkably prolific. Shoals of colourful reef fish including angelfish, rabbitfish, wrasses, fusiliers, snappers, parrotfish and the like are ubiquitous, especially around the Marine Park Centre jetty. They dart frantically amongst the intricate spaces of the reef when the larger groupers and Blacktip Reef Sharks swim by in stately fashion. Both Hawksbill and Green Turtles have been known to nest on Pulau Tioman, although their numbers have declined. The gentle giants of the seas, manta rays and Whale Sharks, have sometimes been sighted in open waters around the islands, especially between the months of March and May.
The resort at Kampung Lalang operates glass-bottomed boat rides to explore the fascinating beauty of Pulau Renggis. Look out for the resident Blacktip Reef Sharks, and the many other fish such as butterflyfish, barracuda, batfish and triggerfish.
Pictureque villages dot the island and contribute to its rustic charm, Pulau Tioman has a resident population of over 2000 people and many local people, traditionally fisherfolk, are now involved directly or indirectly in the lucrative tourism industry.
Many enjoyable activities beckon on land. Head for the jungle-clad hills and scale the spectacular twin granite peaks. One can, with some persistent enquiry, hire a guide willing to brave the task of climbing the peak of Gunung Kajang. A steep track across the hills connects Kampung Tekek with Kampung Juara, and offers a challenging three-hour trek through tropical forest and bypasses a waterfall cascading down green slopes. Other, shorter treks run between Kampung Air Batang and Kempung Salang, and between Kampung Lalang and Kempung Genting. Alternatively, you can enjoy the tranquil suroundings of the waterfall at Kampung Mukut, site of the famous ‘Bali Hai’ in the classic 1956 film South Pacific.
Google Map link: http://g.co/maps/vv4h3"
Original data record from World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) via ProtectedPlanet.net [view record on site].
