Tioman is an island made up of a number of villages and I had picked the last stop called Kampung Salang to spend a couple of days in.There are buses that will get you to Mersing from Singapore and Malaysia. If you're coming from Johore Bahru,the bus ride would only cost 11RM and there's the option of taking the taxis that cost 80RM one way which is a pretty good deal if there's four of you. The journey shouldn't take more than two and a half hours, once you're in mersing, there's heaps of ferries that you can take. The best bet would be to take the speed boat for 70RM return and takes slightly over an hr of traveling time.
Upon arriving in Salang,there are numerous places that you can stay,I stayed at Salang Pusaka which isn't too far away from the jetty. Accommodations throughout the island is very basic and simple, with the outdoors being more tantalising,who wants to stay indoors? Here you will find lots of foreigners,mostly backpackers who come for a weekend but stay for weeks, Salang is the biggest village in Tioman and is dominated by Malays. People are friendly and helpful, and the clear blue water just draws you in.
Most people come to Tioman to dive. In Salang there are four dive operators Scuba Naut, B&J, Fishermen Dive, and Diveasia. Highly recommended would be Scuba Naut whose shop may not look impressive but the people are great. If you're already a diver,rest assured that this place has got one of the most beautiful dive sites and for those of you who aren't, don't fret, you can learn to dive in Tioman for a reasonable fee. I do however highly recommend that you bring insect repellent as this island is infested with sandflies & the best time to visit Tioman would be from April to September avoiding the monsoon season.
When night falls, feast on the glorious seafood and relax with some beer.
But I must add for those whose blood is too rich for the simple kampung life than I suggest that you stay in Berjaya Resort not too far off from Salang, there's a place for everyone.