Tioman

Landing at Tioman Airport is not merely the conclusion of a flight, but the beginning of an exciting "Indiana Jones" style adventure, only with complete comfort. Instead of endless corridors and glass facades, you are welcomed by a cosy strip nestled between emerald jungles and the azure waters of the South China Sea. This miniature air hub instantly switches your mind to holiday mode: there is no metropolitan bustle here, and the only noise is often the rustling of palm trees and the hum of turboprop engines.

Airport Features and Advantages

Despite its modest size, Tioman Airport possesses a unique charm highly appreciated by seasoned travellers. Its main advantage is phenomenal accessibility. The airport is located literally in the heart of the island's main village, Tekek. Stepping out of the terminal, you find yourself just a few steps away from the jetty, shops, and beaches, eliminating the need for long and tiring transfers.

Another feature is the scenic nature of the flight. The approach to landing at Tioman is considered one of the most beautiful in the region: the aircraft flies low over the water and hills, gifting passengers incredible panoramic views even before touching the ground. Furthermore, thanks to the small size of the terminal, all procedures—from baggage claim to exiting into the town—take mere minutes, allowing you to be on a sun lounger by the sea almost immediately after landing.

Tioman Airport (TOD) is a small airport serving the island, so most contacts are routed to the general office. Below is the most current contact information.

• Official Website: Tioman Airport does not have its own dedicated website. It is managed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). General information can be found on the MAHB portal.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +60 9-419 1205 (general airport office number).
• Airport Address: Lapangan Terbang Tioman, Kampung Tekek, 86800 Pulau Tioman, Pahang, Malaysia.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain its own pages on social media.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: All questions regarding service within the terminal can be directed to the general airport phone number.

Getting to Tioman Airport (TOD) is quite simple, as it is located in the island's main village—Tekek. It is important to understand that the transport system on Tioman Island differs radically from mainland Malaysia. There are no conventional buses, trains, or an extensive road network here. The main methods of movement are by water or on foot, as well as by 4x4 vehicles along limited routes.

Water Taxi (Sea Bus) is the main form of "public transport" on the island, connecting various beaches and villages. If you are staying outside of Tekek, for example in Salang, Genting, or ABC (Air Batang), you will need to take a water taxi to the jetty in Tekek. From there, you can walk to the airport in 5-10 minutes.

• Travel Time: From 15 to 45 minutes depending on the remoteness of your village.
• Cost: The price is negotiable and depends on the distance and number of passengers, but usually ranges from 25 to 60 Ringgit per person.
• Features: Water taxis operate during daylight hours and may not run during rough sea conditions.

Taxi (4x4) and Hotel Transfers. There is a limited number of off-road vehicles on the island that operate as taxis. They are particularly useful if you are travelling with large luggage or staying at a secluded hotel. The only paved road connects Tekek with the Berjaya Tioman Resort, while a challenging concrete track leads through the jungle to Juara village on the east coast. Most hotels and resorts can organise a transfer to the airport for you.

• Travel Time: From 5 to 45 minutes (the trip from Juara takes the most time).
• Cost: A trip by 4x4 taxi can be quite expensive, especially for long distances (for example, from Tekek to Juara is about 100-150 Ringgit per car). It is best to confirm the transfer cost with your hotel in advance.

On Foot. If you are residing in Tekek village, the simplest and free way to get to the airport is to walk. The airport is located in the very centre of the village, and the walk from most hotels and guesthouses will take no more than 5–15 minutes.

Car Rental and Parking. Renting cars or scooters on the island is practically non-existent for tourists due to the lack of a road network. Consequently, the issue of parking at the airport is irrelevant for travellers, as you likely will not have your own car.

Recommendations:

• Always check transfer options with your hotel or resort. They will suggest the most convenient method and help organise it.
• Plan your journey to the airport in advance, especially if you rely on water taxis, the operation of which depends on the weather.
• Remember that most travellers arrive on Tioman by ferry from the towns of Mersing or Tanjung Gemok, rather than by plane, as regular air service to the island is limited.

Tioman Airport (TOD) represents an example of a charming island airport with a structure that is simple and understandable for every traveller. There are no huge complexes or confusing corridors here—everything is arranged as compactly as possible, which fully corresponds to the relaxed atmosphere of Tioman Island.

In fact, the airport consists of one small terminal that serves all flights—both arrivals and departures. It is a single-storey building where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. It is practically impossible to get lost here: upon entering, you will immediately see the check-in counters, a small waiting area, and the exit to the airfield. Since there is only one terminal, the question of transfers between them does not arise.

The departure and arrival zones here are somewhat nominal and often combined in one common space. After landing, passengers go straight to the main hall for baggage claim, while departing passengers undergo check-in and security screening in the same building. Registration and security procedures take a minimal amount of time, usually no more than 15-20 minutes, thanks to the low passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport about an hour before departure to settle all formalities without rushing.

The main advice for navigation at Tioman Airport is not to worry about it. Its modest dimensions make orientation intuitively clear. Instead of studying the terminal map, it is better to arrange a transfer to your hotel or resort on the island in advance, as transport options upon arrival may be limited.

Tioman Airport (TOD), also known as Tekek Airport, is not just a runway but an integral part of the history of transforming Tioman Island into a tourism gem of Malaysia. Its history is a tale of how a remote paradise became open to travellers from all over the world.

The airport was built in the second half of the 20th century with the primary goal of stimulating tourism development on the island. It was designed not as a major hub, but as a specialised airfield for Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft, necessitated by limited space. Located near Tekek village, it became a catalyst for the construction of hotels and resorts that made Tioman famous.

A key stage in the airport's life was the era of Berjaya Air flights. For decades, its De Havilland Canada Dash 7 aircraft were practically the only way to quickly reach the island from the mainland. This period can be considered the airport's "golden age". However, a significant event that changed its status was the suspension of regular Berjaya Air flights in 2014. Since then, the airport ceased accepting scheduled commercial flights.

In recent history, the question of modernisation or building a new airport capable of handling larger aircraft, such as the ATR 72, has been raised repeatedly. Projects to extend the runway faced environmental concerns, as the island is a protected marine park. Today, the airport mainly serves private and charter flights, remaining an important, albeit less busy, infrastructure facility.

The main achievement and most interesting fact about Tioman Airport is its reputation as one of the most challenging and scenic for landing in the world. Its short, unidirectional runway is wedged between the South China Sea and a steep, jungle-covered hill. Pilots must execute a sharp turn right before landing, turning every arrival into a spectacular sight for passengers and a true test of skill for the crew.

Tioman Airport (TOD) is a small regional airport serving as the gateway to a picturesque island. Its infrastructure is simple and functional, offering passengers a basic set of amenities sufficient for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is important to consider that this is not a major international hub, so the range of services here corresponds to its compact dimensions.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops. Inside the terminal building, there is usually a small café or kiosk operating, where one can purchase light snacks, water, soft drinks, and basic souvenirs. There are no large restaurants or duty-free shops here, so for a more substantial meal or shopping, it is better to head to the nearby village of Tekek.

Waiting Areas, Wi-Fi, and Charging. Specialised VIP halls or business lounges are absent at the airport. Access to public Wi-Fi may be unstable or non-existent. The number of power outlets for charging gadgets is limited, so it is strongly recommended to bring a fully charged power bank.

Financial Services. There are no bank branches or currency exchange points at Tioman Airport. Sometimes an ATM may be available, but it is better not to rely on it. It is recommended to exchange a sufficient amount of cash in advance, whilst on the mainland, or check the possibility of exchange at your hotel on the island.

Other Services. The airport has no specialised medical centre, mother and child rooms, or children's play areas. Passengers with reduced mobility should notify their airline in advance of the need for assistance so that staff can organise support during boarding and disembarking.

Hotels and Business Services. There are no hotels within the airport grounds. However, it is in immediate proximity to numerous hotels, resorts, and chalets, which can be reached in a few minutes by taxi or pre-booked transfer. Conference rooms and business centres are also absent at the airport.

When planning a snack or lunch at Tioman Airport (TOD), it is important to remember that this is a very small and compact airport serving mainly local flights. Its infrastructure differs significantly from large international hubs, and the choice of food outlets directly inside the terminal is extremely limited. Typically, one can only find a small kiosk selling bottled drinks, crisps, and light snacks here. Do not count on a full-service restaurant or café in the departure or arrival zones.

However, the airport's main advantage is its location. It is situated in immediate proximity to Tekek Village (Kampung Tekek), where the main dining options are concentrated. Just a few minutes' walk from the terminal building, you will find numerous local cafés and small family restaurants. This is an excellent chance to experience authentic Malaysian cuisine before checking into your hotel or right before departure.

In local establishments, it is worth trying dishes such as Nasi Lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk with various accompaniments), Satay (small skewers of chicken or beef with peanut sauce), and, of course, the freshest seafood grilled to perfection. Prices here are quite reasonable, and a full lunch will be inexpensive. Since Malaysia is a Muslim country, the majority of establishments offer Halal dishes. Vegetarian options are usually available upon request, although finding specialised vegan or gluten-free dishes may be difficult.

Thus, if you have time, the best decision would be to exit the airport and have lunch at one of the cafés in Tekek. This will allow you to enjoy authentic food and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Tioman Island. If time is limited, you should arrange a snack in advance or rely only on basic snacks available for purchase at the small kiosk in the airport terminal.

The airport on Tioman Island is the gateway to a tropical paradise, but its operation has its own specific features. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, make use of these tips.

Arrival Time at the Airport. We recommend arriving approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure. The airport is very small, so all formalities take minimal time. However, bear in mind that flight schedules to Tioman depend heavily on weather conditions and tides, so always check the status of your flight in advance.

Check-in and Security. Flight check-in and security control procedures here proceed quickly and without long queues. Staff work efficiently, but do keep your passport and boarding pass ready. If the airline offers online check-in, use it to save a little more time.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. Small propeller planes fly to Tioman, offering breathtaking views from the windows. To enjoy the panorama of the island and its turquoise waters upon landing, try to secure a window seat on the left side of the aircraft.

Hand Luggage. Standard rules regarding liquids (up to 100 ml) apply here as well. An important point: due to the compact size of the aircraft, allowances for both hand luggage and checked baggage may be significantly stricter than those of major carriers. Carefully study your airline's rules to avoid unpleasant surprises and extra charges.

Connecting Passengers. Tioman Airport is not a transit hub. If you have a connecting flight scheduled from another airport in Malaysia (for example, from Subang in Kuala Lumpur) after your holiday on the island, allow a large buffer of time for the transfer. Flights from the island may be delayed due to weather.

Customs Control. Since flights to Tioman are domestic, there is no need to pass through international customs or passport control. All procedures upon arrival and departure are simplified as much as possible.

Saving Time and Money. Book flight tickets in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the high season (from March to October). Travel light to avoid paying for excess weight. There are practically no shops in the terminal itself, so it is better to purchase water and light snacks before arriving at the airport.

In Case of Flight Delay. Delays and even cancellations of flights due to bad weather are a fairly frequent occurrence. Treat this with understanding and stay in touch with the airline representative. Do not plan important meetings or your next flight immediately upon returning from the island. If the flight is delayed for a long time, it will be more comfortable to spend time in one of the cafés in the nearby village of Tekek rather than in the airport's small waiting room.