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Tekek South Bay is generally the first snorkeling spot visitors explore after landing on Tioman Island. Located near Tekek, the island’s largest village, its free shore access makes it a prime snorkeling location on the island. A diversity of reef fish, but also blacktip sharks and rays live on this moderate depth reef, which stretches for hundreds of meters along the coast.

Grouper in Tekek
A grouper encountered at reef.

How to get to Tekek South Bay snorkeling spot?

This spot is located south of Tekek, the largest village on Tioman. From Tekek jetty, where many taxis are usually present, take the road to the Berjaya, heading south. After about 800m, you will see on your right the Swiss Cottage, which faces the reef. Several paths allow accessing the beach.

Tekek South Bay snorkeling map, Tioman

Water entrance for snorkeling Tekek South Bay

We recommend entering the water from the sandy beach, near the Swiss Cottage.

Tekek South Bay snorkeling exploration tips

Tekek South Bay beach gives access to an extensive coral reef, which starts some 50-100 meters from shore.

The shallow nearshore areas have only sandy beds, without much interest. As you swim out to sea, you will find some dense coral areas supporting a multitude of fish. The maximum depth on the reef is about 12 to 15 ft/4 to 5 meters.

Ocellaris anemonefish in Tekek
Sea anemones hosting ocellaris clownfish are found at reef.

Tekek reef hosts a diversity of hard and soft corals, quite colorful and in various shapes. You will explore coral pinnacles, around which swim schools of damselfish, as well as large expanses of branching coral and tabular coral.

Several species of echinoderms, such as the cushion starfish, the long-spined sea urchin and the double-spined sea urchin, call the reef home. Colorful giant clams are common too at this location.

Coral reef in Tekek
Some parts of the reef feature healthy hard coral.

Tekek South Bay reef supports a diversity of tropical fish. Dozens of species of wrasse, but also parrotfish, spinefoot and snapper swim around the coral. With their spectacular patterns, the sixbar angelfish, the harlequin sweetlips, the ocellaris clownfish and butterflyfish will for sure catch your eye.

Cushion sea star in Tioman Island
A cushion sea star in Tekek South Bay.

Although rarer, bluespotted ribbontail and blacktip sharks are sometimes reported at this spot.

Usual sea conditions are great in Tekek, with almost no current. Watch out for dive boat traffic.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

There are several hotels along the beach, the closest to the spot being the Swiss Cottage. If you want to have lunch near the reef, the Barbura restaurant is located on the beach, 100m north of the Swiss Cottage.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth15ft/5m
  • Water entranceFrom a sandy beach
  • Potential DangersBoat traffic
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersLow
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyYes

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.