Mukut

Mukut is a small fishing village at the southernmost tip of Pulau Tioman. It is also one of the most secluded and quiet villages, owing to its inaccessibility and remoteness. The beach over here is rocky at most parts, though there are clear patches good for swimming. Kampung Mukut's appeal to visitors and tourists lies in nature - This place is covered in lush rainforest that hides majestic waterfalls, along with the majestic Twin Peaks Mountain.

The Mukut Twin Peaks, also known as Gunung Nenek Semukut, is a pair of amazing limestone peaks that portrude sharply into the sky, standing 700 meters at its highest point. These amazing natural structures have been called the 'dragon horns' of Tioman, after the legend of the princess who turned into a dragon that in turn, transformed into the island.

These peaks are reported to be the highest granite spires in Malaysia, and owing to its repuation, has become popular for rock climbing activities. Besides scaling these cliffs, the Asah Waterfalls is another exciting place for nature-lovers to enjoy. A 45 minute trek from Mukut Village through the jungle will take you to these magnificent cascades.

Mukut was actually the first village in Tioman to be promoted for tourism many decades ago, but its popularity has drifted away with the development of the other destinations on the island. However, Mukut has not been forgotten by visitors who love and appreciate nature. The village that lies just below the Twin Peaks has become a hub for eco-tourism activities. There are four budget chalet operators in Mukut that provide accommodation for guests. To get here, boat rides are available via the extremely expensive water taxi service from all the other villages in town, since the ferries from Mersing do not stop here at all. There may be an unknown jungle trail that reaches Mukut from Genting, which will certainly provide a flexible option of getting there, but the author hopes to confirm this on a possible visit to Tioman again in future.