Tekek Village | Pahang

Tekek Village is the largest and one of the most developed villages on Tioman Island, located on the western side of the island. It serves as the main hub for both local residents and tourists visiting the island, offering a variety of services, accommodations, and attractions. Tekek is known for its central location, making it an ideal base for exploring the island, as well as its relatively easy access from the Tioman Airport.

Overview of Tekek Village

• Location: Tekek Village is located on the western coast of Tioman Island, and it is positioned about 10 kilometers from Juara Beach and approximately 2 kilometers from Tioman Airport.
• Population: While Tekek is the island’s largest village, it has a small local population, with most residents involved in fishing, tourism, and agriculture. The village offers a blend of local Malay, Chinese, and Melayu influences, contributing to the multicultural atmosphere of the area.
• Accessibility: Tekek Village is easily accessible by boat and road. The island’s main road connects Tekek to other parts of Tioman, including Juara, Salang, and Paya Beach. Visitors can also reach Tekek from Mersing on the mainland by ferry.

Attractions and Things to Do in Tekek Village

1. Tioman Airport

• Tioman Airport is located just outside Tekek Village and is the island’s primary air gateway. It serves domestic flights from Subang Airport (Kuala Lumpur) to Tioman and is the starting point for many visitors arriving on the island.
• The airport itself is a small but picturesque spot, with views of the surrounding hills and ocean, offering visitors a taste of Tioman’s natural beauty as soon as they arrive.

2. Tekek Beach

• Tekek Beach is located near the village and is known for its clear waters, making it a good spot for swimming and relaxing on the sand. However, it is not as pristine as other beaches on the island like Juara Beach, as it is closer to the main settlement and has a more developed atmosphere.
• The beach is quieter than some of the other popular beaches on Tioman, providing a more peaceful setting for a day at the beach.

3. Duty-Free Shopping

• Tekek Village is home to several duty-free shops that offer a wide range of products, including alcohol, chocolates, cosmetics, and souvenirs. These shops are a great place for tourists to purchase discounted goods while exploring the village.
• As a duty-free zone, Tekek also has a reputation for selling goods at more affordable prices than in mainland Malaysia, making it a popular stop for shopping.

4. Marine Conservation and Turtle Watching

• Tekek is located near the Tioman Marine Park, which is dedicated to the preservation of the island’s marine life, including its coral reefs and endangered sea turtles. Visitors to the village can take part in turtle conservation activities and learn about the protection of green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles, which nest on Tioman Island.
• The Juara Turtle Project, located nearby, offers educational programs about marine conservation and organizes baby turtle releases at various locations on the island, including Juara Beach and sometimes around Tekek.

5. Hiking and Nature Trails

• Tekek Village is a great starting point for several hiking trails on Tioman Island. Visitors can embark on hikes to explore the island's rich rainforests, discover waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views. Notable trails include:
  • Tekek to Juara Trail: A scenic and relatively easy hike through the island’s dense jungle, leading to Juara Beach.
  • Tekek to Salang: This more challenging trail takes visitors through lush forests and offers fantastic views of the island.
  • Gunung Kajang: The highest peak on Tioman, offering a more strenuous hike for experienced trekkers, with views of the entire island.

6. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

• Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts can easily access a variety of diving spots from Tekek Village. Several dive centers in the area offer PADI-certified courses and guided diving trips to some of the best dive sites on the island, including:
  • Renggis Island: A popular spot for snorkeling and diving, known for its coral reefs and abundant marine life.
  • Tiger Reef: An excellent dive site with vibrant underwater ecosystems.
  • Marine Park: Surrounding Tioman Island is the Tioman Marine Park, a protected area where divers can see diverse marine species, including barracudas, turtles, and groupers.

7. Tekek Village Attractions

• While Tekek is mainly a tourist hub, it offers several attractions for those wishing to explore the island’s local culture. Some of the notable features of Tekek Village include:
  • Local Markets: Visitors can explore the village’s markets, where they can buy fresh produce, handmade goods, and local crafts.
  • Temples and Religious Sites: The village has a few small temples and shrines, reflecting the multicultural heritage of Tioman. The Tioman Buddhist Temple is a notable spot for those interested in local spiritual practices.
  • Cultural Experiences: Tekek also offers opportunities to interact with the local Malay and Chinese communities and learn about their traditional lifestyles.

Accommodation in Tekek Village

Tekek Village offers a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to mid-range resorts and luxury hotels. Some popular accommodations in Tekek include:

• Berjaya Tioman Resort: A large, luxury resort located on the outskirts of Tekek Village, offering comfortable rooms, a golf course, and excellent amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, and a private beach.
• Tioman Dive Resort: A mid-range resort that caters to divers, with easy access to dive centers and affordable rooms.
• Budget Chalets and Guesthouses: There are several budget-friendly guesthouses and chalets in Tekek, offering a more affordable option for travelers.

Best Time to Visit Tekek Village

• Peak Season: The best time to visit Tekek Village and Tioman Island is during the dry season, from March to October. This is when the weather is sunny and ideal for outdoor activities like diving, snorkeling, hiking, and beach outings.
• Monsoon Season: The monsoon season runs from November to February, and heavy rains and rough seas can make some activities more challenging. Some dive centers and resorts may be closed or offer limited services during this period.

Conclusion

Tekek Village serves as the central hub for visitors to Tioman Island, offering a convenient base for exploring the island’s natural beauty and engaging in a wide range of activities. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, dive in vibrant coral reefs, hike through rainforests, or shop for local products, Tekek has something to offer everyone. Its central location, range of accommodations, and proximity to Tioman Airport make it an excellent choice for both short and extended stays on the island.