Best to approach the bay in daylight hours as the fringing reef rises rapidly from 20 metres. Anchorage is possible off the reef along the entire length of the bay in 12 metres or more on a rocky bottom.
Next to the ferry terminal jetty, behind a long rock wall breakwater, is the newly opened marina. The construction was highly controversial on environmental grounds, but is certainly a welcome facility for yachts visiting the island. The one-stop port clearance is located 5 minutes walk away.
The marina sits below unspoilt jungle covered mountains with the community and airstrip running along the coastal flats. Watching aircraft take off and land is entertaining.
There is a resort, several bungalow-style hotels ashore, and a village behind a sandy beach. Tekok Village is close to the airport, and most provisions are available. Gasoline and diesel are by calling the local ‘Supermarket’, who will deliver the fuel to your boat by jerry can. There are regular direct flights to KL and Singapore with Berjaya Air and significant numbers of tourists arrive for the weekends.
Two miles south west of the airport in front of Berjaya Resort is the tiny island of Palau Renggis which has the unique site of hundreds of frigate birds congregating at sunset. Above the resort is a picturesque mountainside golf course overlooking the bay.
A small community and resort bay with a sandy beach on the east coast. Anchor in 4-5 metres on a sandy bottom off the jetty.
There is a small village ashore and several small resorts where provisions are available. A scenic walking track runs back over the mountain to Tekek Village Bay and a very basic road also connects Telok Juara to Berjaya Resort.
There are a number of small bays and basic resorts scattered along this coast. The scenery is impressive with the distinctive twin peaks ‘Donkey’s Ears’ towering above. There is a concrete jetty from which a 10 minute walk takes you to the famous ‘South Pacific’ waterfall Asah. Water is available on the concrete jetty, which smaller vessels can approach at high tide.
Anchor in 15 metres in the channel for good protection from north and south swells. The tidal flow through this channel can run up to 2 knots on springs. Fishing boats often raft-up in this channel in heavy weather. Good diving and snorkelling is found within dinghy access of the anchorage.
Anchor in 5 metres on a sandy bottom. There is a small sandy beach ashore and clear water for snorkelling during slack water at low tide.
On the mainland, the port of Mersing has a river entrance to a jetty where fuel and water can be taken onboard. The jetty is the main ferry terminal to go to Tioman.
The channel is buoyed and has leading markers. There are plenty of ferries to follow if you are unsure of the access.
Best to drop anchor in 5 metres and go ashore by dinghy if you are restricted by draft.
Mersing is a transit point to the large number of small islands between Tioman and the coast to the south (a total of 64.)
Tinggi, Rawa, Babi Basar and Pub Sribuat all offer reasonable anchorages, depending on prevailing winds.
These twin islands connected by drying reef offer good shelter in both seasons. Anchor in 8-10 metres on the sandy bank to the south or in 10-12 metres on the eastern side.
(I) Pulau Rawa There is good holding in 8-10 metres in front of the resort which has a jetty and a long covered walkway runing parallel to the beach and rocky headland. This is one of the first resorts built in the area and is owned by a nephew of the Sultan of Johore. It’s easy to spot from a distance since the name of the island is carved into the mountain backdrop. To the north are a number of very small islets and drying rocks, which offer snorkelling and diving opportunities.
(J) Pulau Babi Besar Safe anchorage can be found on the east or west coast on Babi Besar according to the prevailing winds in 6-8 metres. Low-key bungalow resorts and restaurants can be found ashore and 2 miles to the north are the twin islands of Pulau Babi Kechil, joined by a shallow reef which offers excellent snorkelling. Day time anchorage is possible.
(K) (L) Pulau Tingi This island is dramatic with its 650- metre volcanic peak. It offers several good locations for anchorage depending on wind conditions in 5-8 metres. The most sheltered spots are to be found on the south coast well offshore, or on the east coast inside Pulau lboi. Just to the south are a series of small islets with fantastic beaches and shoals where daytime anchorage is possible. Amongst these is the famous One Tree Rock.
(M) Pulau Sibu Otherwise known as ‘The Island of Perilous Passage’ because it was a pirate haunt, Pulau Sibu is well known for its beaches and is a favourite for Singaporeans and regional expats. The best anchorage is on the east coast off the small resorts and restaurants in the two bays. Just south Pulau Sibu, Tenga was a refugee camp for Vietnamese boat people that has now been declared a National Park for its reef and the Giant Leatherback Turtles that lay their eggs here between June and August.
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is accurate, the charts of anchorages are based on personal experience and satellite imagery and are intended as a guide only. They should not be used for navigation. Please refer to Official Hydrographic Charts of the respective countries.
The contents of this website may not be reproduced or copied in any form – printed, electronic, photocopy or otherwise – except for excerpts used in reviews,
without the written permission of the publisher.
Image Asia Events Co., Ltd