Waterfalls

Pulau Tioman is one of the most verdant islands in Southeast Asia, home to a lush rainforest that well watered by numerous streams and springs. Several waterfalls can be located by visitors in Tioman, flowing from the vast mountain range that forms the backbone of the island. Even in times of low rainfall, the streams continue to flow unceassingly, providing much needed refreshment for the tropical landscape and people who live here.

The most popular waterfalls in Tioman are Asah in Mukut, Rock Falls in Kampung Paya and an unnamed one near Kampung Juara. There is also a waterfall which cascades magnificently over several tiers of rocks and boulders hidden within the forest near Tekek. This waterfall is located along the side of the cross island jungle trail from Tekek to Juara.

It can be reached after about 30-45 minutes of uphill trekking, where the waterfall can be seen clearly at the side. Part of the area is fenced up as the waterfall is actually part of a water catchment area, but that has not stopped visitors from hopping over to enjoy the scenery and take a swim. Further up, a gentle stream will meander along the trail.

The Asah Waterfalls in Mukut is the most popular and largest in Tioman. It can be reached from Kampung Mukut in the south of Tioman through a jungle trek that takes about 45 minutes. While waterfalls in most small islands are often considered low risk areas, Asah has claimed two lives as recently as 2009, when they may have either drowned or slipped and dashed themselves on the rocks. The other famous waterfall actually does not have an official name. Most locals will identify it as Juara Falls, referring to its nearest location. This waterfall is hidden by the forest along the gravel from Tekek to Juara, but it can also be reached from Juara Beach itself at the southern rocks.

From the road, it takes only 5 minutes while from Juara Beach, about 30 minutes of trekking. Lastly, there is a small waterfall area behind Kampung Paya. Called the Rock Falls, the waterfall is small and not very impressive, but offers a cooling place to breathe, relax and bathe. It can be reached in as little as 15 minutes from behind Paya Beach Resort. If you follow the trail further up, it will lead you on the trek to climb Gunung Kajang, where you can also find some amazing dry river beds littered with huge granite boulders and fallen trees. Visitors from Tekek can hike on the southern coastal trail from Berjaya Tioman Resort to reach Paya while those from Kampung Genting, the other way round.