TAd Marine Resort @ Pulau Tinggi

Pulau Tinggi or Tinggi Island is an underexplored low-key gazetted marine park island off Johor's east coast. Same like Rawa and Besar, It has powdery white sandy beaches, azure turquoise blue waters and rich with various marine creatures. The first glimpse of the island afar is a cone-shaped mountain like a hat into the clouds. During the olden days, the Chinese Traders called it "The General's Hat Island". 

It is named "Tinggi" as this island has one of the highest hills in this area. Its peak is known as Mount Semundu which is about 600 m or 2,000 feet above sea level. Pulau Tinggi is about 30-45 minutes speedboat journey from Tanjung Leman jetty. 

The southern coast of the island has a few smaller islands that are popular with angling/fishing, snorkelling & scuba diving activities: Pulau Mentinggi,.etc.

In the meanwhile, North-Eastern coast is a wild uninhabited place of rocky headlands, 30m-high cliffs, sea caves and quiet beaches.

The interior of the island is mostly covered with secondary lowland Dipterocarp rainforest. It has fresh waters, fruits, rattan, timber and a sheltered harbour and coral reefs which abound with prolific marine life. It has a long coastline and white sandy beaches dotted with caves. The seas around it contain coral, fish and reef.

This island has the highest residential population among the east coast Johor islands, with the latest tally estimated at 448 people, from three village settlements: Kampung Tanjung Balang, Kampung Pasir Panjang and Kampung Sebirah Besar. The main village is at Kampung Tanjung Balang, with a school, clinic, mosque, police post, & etc. All the villages are settled at the west coast of the island.

There are 2 resorts at the island known as Shaz Resort and TAd Marine Resort. Shaz Resort is located at Kampung Tanjong Balang, facing Pulau Mentinggi. 

TAd Marine Resort has just opened not long ago. To date, the resort has 87 chalets on this island. 

Everything from the exterior to the interior of TAd Marine resort looks new. Same as Bayu Lestari Island Resort, the resort is made up of wood which believed from the forest of the island.

Popular Recreation Activities at Pulau Tinggi are 

• Beach Swimming, 
• Walking / Strolling along white sandy beach, 
• Snorkeling at the coral reefs spots / islands, 
• Visit the Marine Park Centre for Marine Awareness, 
• Visit Turtle Hatchery, 
• Rock Climbing / Hiking / Jungle Trekking to the top of the mountain offers superb panoromic views/waterfall, 
• Sighting Fireflies congregate on the mangrove trees at night, Kayaking, 
• Sailing, 
• Wind Surfing, 
• Scuba Diving, 

etc

I wrongly set my alarm which supposed to wake me up at 7am. I was then awakened by the movement sound from the upper floor. Just so coincidentally, my roommate and I set the alarm wrong. The noise absorbance is not as good as those with carpet on floor. But I rather grateful for this design as if not I might be overslept.

Each of our 87 rooms is equipped with the following amenities:

• LCD TV
• Astro
• Air-conditioning
• Hair dryer
• Hot & cold shower
• Coffee & tea-making facilities
• Toiletries

There are 3 blocks of double-storey rooms like above. Others are in chalet style.

TAd Marine Resort also provides a KTV room for guests.

TAd Marine Resort reception area is like a convenient store. The float, slipper, snack, instant noodles, drink are all available.

2 Days 1 Night Package (top); 3 Days 2 Nights Package (bottom)

2 Days / 1 Night Package (Rate valid from 15th February until 31st October 2018) Inclusive Of:

• One (1) nights’ accommodation at TAd Marine Resort
• Three (3) Meals: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

3 Days / 2 Nights Packages (Rate valid from 15th February until 31st October 2018) Inclusive Of:

• Two (2) nights’ accommodation at TAd Marine Resort
• Six (6) Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
• One (1) Snorkeling trip (inclusive of Snorkel, Mask & Safety Vest) for approximately 2 hours
• One (1) Jungle Trekking Trip with Guide for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

One thing I would like to mention. The food served was very nice! 

The jacuzzi pool and swimming pool is side by side. This is also where the dinner served.

The island also comprises 8 smaller islets that are ideal for island-hopping, swimming and snorkelling. Its long coastline, which is dotted with caves, is home to coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it a haven for underwater photography. Declared as a protected Marine Park, Pulau Tinggi is also home to a museum, a turtle hatchery, as well as a charming Malay village. 

You can also do island hopping to this island if you are not staying here.

From the jetty, we can clearly see the fishes swimming at the water. 

In sum, I had a great fun time here. Definitely, I will come again with my close friend for a revisit on this beautiful place. I will advise to those who wanna do snorkelling at Pulau Mentinggi, you advised to come and stay here as nearer to the site. But the gentle reminder is you need to check up sharp at 12pm for the boat arrangement sending you back to Tanjung Leman jetty. There is no other scheduled time for the boat to send you back unless you make a special arrangement with the resort with some charges.

For more info: http://tadmarineresort.com/