Tioman Island

Scaling Gunung Nenek Semukut on Tioman Island is less "leisurely vacation" and more like playing a vertical chess game against Mother Nature herself. Towering arrogantly 700 meters above sea level, this craggy icon-whose Malay name charmingly translates to "Grandmother Semukut Mountain"-boasts the kind of rugged grandeur that dares climbers to bring their best game or stay sunbathing on the beach. Historically shrouded in local legends, this granite spire has tempted climbers since the 1980s, but only a handful have danced their way to the top. Practical tip: strap your nerves on early, preferably setting out at dawn when the mountain blushes pink under the sunrise, and book a trusted guide at least two weeks ahead-leaving spontaneity for your choice of cocktails afterward. Bring sturdy shoes, a trusty harness, plenty of water, some insect repellent, and budget about 400-600 ringgit for a guided climb. Is it challenging? Absolutely. Slightly terrifying? Delightfully so. But standing at the peak, sweat-soaked and triumphant, looking out over emerald jungle canopies and turquoise waters far below, you'll know the bruises and blisters were more than worth it-even if just to casually drop this insane adventure into your next dinner conversation.

Plunging beneath Chebeh Island's waters feels a little like gatecrashing the coolest underwater party you never knew existed-complete with flamboyant nudibranchs flaunting neon colors, aloof sea turtles gliding nonchalantly past, and eccentric marine life that's strictly endemic, darling. Nestled within Tioman Island's marine park, Chebeh isn't just any tropical dive; it's a submerged speakeasy brimming with marine hipsters that insistently evade mainstream popularity, yet shamelessly boast their rarity. To dive here properly, roll out of bed obscenely early-morning dives around 8 a.m. offer unmatched visibility and fewer humans spoiling the cool-kid vibe. Secure your spot at least two weeks ahead to join a reputable dive operator, and budget around $80-$120 for a pair of dives-including gear rental, chilled watermelon slices (because, hydration), and obligatory tall tales from your divemaster. Bring sunscreen, a dry bag, and a healthy respect for currents-they've been known to mischievously whisk inattentive divers halfway toward Vietnam. Despite the minor logistical inconveniences and occasional mouthful of seawater, Chebeh Island offers something worth braving cramped wetsuits for: bragging rights. Because let's face it, sipping beer later while casually recounting how you swam alongside a psychedelic nudibranch species found nowhere else in existence is exactly the kind of anecdote that makes life-and storytelling at dinner parties-infinitely more interesting.

Nothing quite merges history, adventure, and the mild thrill of trespassing on nature's turf like snorkeling down to the WWII plane wreck off Salang. Half-hidden beneath an emerald shroud of coral and curious marine life, this rusting relic from wartime drama now stoically hosts clownfish and triggerfish, unmoved by your intrusion. It's advisable to set out around mid-morning, when sunlight penetrates clear waters, illuminating the twisted metal carcass in all its eerie glory. Book at least a day or two ahead-we humans, predictably, aren't the only ones interested in old war relics-and prepare around $30-$50 for a boat and gear rental. Bring your own fins, mask, and sardonic humor, as there's something deliciously irreverent about floating gently over a once-fearsome war machine that's now essentially an Airbnb for crustaceans. Whether or not you fancy yourself a history buff, swimming above this rusted hulk and letting your mind wander-contemplating heroism, folly, or simply how nature shrugs off our grand ambitions-makes for a damn good story.