Kampong Paya - What Can You Find Here? @ Tioman Island [Malaysia]

As we disembarked from the ferry originating from mainland Malaysia, the first word that came to mind was "awesome"! Morbidly, i thought this would be great place to bury my remains.

In Feng Shui, this has the beneficial backing of the tallest mountain in Tioman Island and the auspicious facing of an almost crystal-clear water; optimal conditions for my descendants' fortune and prosperity!

Jokes aside, we were really impressed by the clarity of the water and the amount of fishes surrounding the frequently used jetty; i caught sightings of big-sized parrotfish and even the elegant ribbonfish.

Another view of the jetty which i heard was made of wooden planks ten to twenty years back. That would have resulted in a more rustic feel but i guess the frequent maintenance would have enticed most operators to switch to concrete.

Signage clearly notifying that you are in the marine parks area and would be subject to a list of rules and regulations; many of which are openly flouted like the use of fins.

From the jetty, you have three simple directions ahead of you; right in front was the Sri Paya Tioman Chalet which seemed pretty much uninteresting and i decided not to venture further.

To the left was where our choice of accommodation was located; Paya Beach Resort. For my feedback, please refer to HERE.

Since Paya Beach resort was the biggest in the village, you would find yourself flanked by commercial entities out to provide convenience and information.

I am refraining from using "out to earn your dough" because that's the original motivator for any commercial enterprise. There is a need / want and providing supply is just a natural progression. Anyway, the above is place where i had my ramly burger! Click HERE for the details.

Don't have an underwater camera? Fret not; you can rent a unit from the above shop. If not, you can also find shops selling waterproof handphone pouches for you to bring along your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy on a snorkeling trip!

One of three convenience shops (one of which was air-conditioned) in Kampong Paya. These do not include those in the resorts).

Things sold in the shops were pretty varied; soft toys, tools for sandcastle building, T-shirts for those who didn't bring enough clothes, bread / biscuits for the fishes, ice cream, snacks etc.

For those who are too lazy to sign up for a non-permanent data line yet want to have the freedom to visit facebook, load your photos on instagram etc can consider the option above. Pay RM10 and she would key in the password in your mobile phone for the use of her wifi. Connection was not too bad and if you are interested, it would be the first provision shop to the right as you turn from the jetty.

Another place for ramly burger.

The seaview was much better being nearer and without pedestrians blocking your way. I was actually supposed to try this ramly burger on my last day.... Didn't manage to as i was too full! :(

Otherwise, this would be the view greeting me.

This was the area beyond Paya Beach Resort. Don't be deceived by this low-tide picture as i can confidently tell you that snorkeling in the channel between the above island and the mainland is one of the best we ever have!

Pictures of snorkeling in the area would be posted in this blog within a week; so do look out for it if you are keen to find out more.

Tioman Paya Resort - your third choice of accommodation would be accessible via a smaller road to the right before the entrance of Paya Beach Resort.

Honestly, this would be the last place i would consider for accommodation; wooden planks aside, you are basically surrounded by trees which would be incredibly scary when the sun sets! You know what's worse? Power failure!

There were dwellings at some point (even a carpentry workshop) even though this would still be considered as an off-beaten track best avoided by timid and pampered tourists.

I would have loved to check out the housing condition but the whole place was dead quiet and it would be impolite to barge into a residential area without permission.

Eventually, you would reach a wooden bridge that offered no protection if someone (or something) accidentally causes you to lose your balance.

That would be fine in the daytime.

Definitely another story altogether at night.

Swimming in litter-strewn water is one thing; having to battle with unknown creatures lurking in the water is another. By unknown, i am referring to the monitor lizards and snakes!!!

The gaps in between the wooden planks!

Entrance to the Tioman Paya Resort. Accommodation type was alike to the chalets in Paya Beach Resort although they were more sparsely located, providing a bit more privacy.

Back to civilization! Rewarding you with a black and white filter for staying put! :P Anyway, the village reminded me somewhat of my old kampong in Nee Soon.

Let's proceed with the left side from the jetty.

This pavilion would be the first thing you meet as you turn right; nothing extraordinary although i found a similar one in Kampong Salang before too. 

A cafe which i didn't have the opportunity to visit. 

Pantai Paya Seafood Restaurant - i had my last meal in Tioman here! Click HERE for the details. 

Could you guess what this is for? I bet it was for the flies! For those who don't get it, it's common for eateries to hang plastic bags filled with water on the ceiling; the water reflection was supposed to confuse the flies, hence forcing them to avoid the place.

Branded as 'local activities services' which i assumed to be sea-sports, it appeared to be more a residential area than a commercial strip offering services. 

You can rent a canoe apparently which should be fun. Other than that, i don't see any unique offerings that differ from what you can get from your resort at similar pricing. 

I could be wrong of course since i never did ask the proprietor and there could also be more chances of bargaining for a better offer in such establishment. 

Here's the end of my take on Kampong Paya. I thought Kampong Salang was more vibrant and crowded even though this would be a more appropriate destination over Salang if you are looking for quieter moments.

=====

Map of Kampong Paya

As above.