Most resorts in Pulau Tioman are mostly wooden rustic chalets with creaking floors. Rooms in Pulau Tioman are often very basic, with little or no amenities. For those with a faint heart, it is recommended you bring along your own sleeping bag and a pillow case, or better still, your own personal sleeping pillow.

Rooms – Most packages offered are based on Quad Sharing. Be sure to ask if the beds are bunk beds or two queen size beds. Sharing a queen size bed with a stranger is an awkward feeling. Should you upgrade to twin sharing, be sure to ask for photos how the rooms look like

Toilets – Most Pulau Tioman resorts have upgraded their rooms to ensuite bathroom. However, do not expect clean toilets in most resorts. Do check with them if your room has hot-shower. If you have opted for quad sharing, be reminded the long waiting time to use the bathroom.

By Bus – This is usually a forty (40) seater bus, especially for dive centres who are sharing spaces with other bigger dive shops. Do not expect a comfortable bus ride. Time taken from Singapore to Mersing is approximately 5 to 6 hours. There will be a dinner break in between.

By Van – This is the least desired mode of transfer. Most vans provided by local dive shops are cramped and uncomfortable. Do factor if you are tall, you will be sitting in cramped position for 5 to 6 hours. Plus the vans are often driving at 160kmph in winding roads.

By MPV or Car – We love dive shops offering this service or you can always request to pay more for this service. Clearing both Singapore and Malaysia immigration departments with this mode of transfer do not require you disembark and carry on your wet diving gear in the long snake queues.

Overnight in Mersing Option – Some dive shops will opt for an overnight stay in Mersing prior to heading to Pulau Tioman. For dive shops offering this service, to check with them the hotel you will be residing. Many dive operators using this option will loosely classify their package as a 2D/2N Tioman package.

Overnight Boat Transfer (Slow Boat) – Most cheap scuba diving courses (between SGD$ 400 – SGD$ 600) uses a slow dive boat for transfer. Do expect 4 to 5 hours wasted traveling to Tioman. This is one of the most dreadful options in our own opinion.

Overnight Boat Transfer (Bluewater Ferry) –  For those who are using Blue Water Ferry, the traveling time is between 3 to 4 hours. The downside is the waiting time. Bluewater is known to have a very erratic schedule for their transfers. So do expect to waste a few hours waiting for your ferry service.