Tioman
Simanderal
Michael Hughes and Ger White
Fri 1 Jun 2012 06:08
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We arrived at Tioman island on Wednesday after a
somewhat boring passage of 35 miles from Pulau Aur--no wind at all, so engine
all the way! There is a small marina here, built perhaps 5 years ago, but
already falling into disrepair! A phone call indicated there might be
space for us---but there again there might not! Come in and have a look! Seem to
be no staff on site and it's first come first served.
So we entered the somewhat tight marina
cautiously--maybe 35 berths and all looked taken as far as we could see, but we
slowly motored along the pontoon and found a space at the end free---occupied by
a dinghy, but easily moved to let us in. So here we are! Nicely
moored--occassional electricity! Our problem will be getting back out again if
the wind gets up--not helped by the fact that many taxi boats moor up here
overnight at this end of the marina, and block you in.
But I can think of worse places to spend unintended
time.
Not a lot sophisticated about the place, but there
are good cheap restaurants, nice beaches, warm water, some
provisions---and duty free beer & wine---this island, like Langkawi, is duty
free!
Yesterday we took a water taxi to another village
further north--Ayer Batang--for lunch etc. No road--just a path through the
village--and a nice walk back to the marina via the "museum" which is a good
display about marine life. But, boy, was it a hot day---inside the boat was 38
degrees when we got back!
And having eaten at the recommended BBQ restaurant
the previous evening, we ate at the also recommended Chinese restaurant---after
a couple of beers with other cruisers at Captain Kerk's bar--a small hut with
plastic tables & chairs outside, where the sailing community seem to
congregate before dinner----the Captain serves very cold, and cheap, beer---and
to Ger's delight, wine as well!!
Today is swimming and snorkelling.
I think we'll stay
awhile.
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