Dinosaurs dominated our planet for millions of years. Their era is still mysterious, fascinating and gripping for almost every human.
For endowing a trivial idea about what dinosaurs actually were, several dinosaur museums are established in the various corners of the world that draws significant attention from locals, nationals and tourists.
One such dinosaur water park is KSL Dinosaur Alive Water Park located at 7th floor of KSL Resort Hotel at Taman Abad in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
For not wasting a single second roaming around wrong places, hire private taxi services in Singapore available at highly competitive prices.
About KSL Theme Park – Dinosaur Alive
KSL Theme Park – Dinosaur Alive is instituted within the premises of KSL Hotel and Resort, considered as the most luxurious yet reasonable hotel in Johor Bahru. The entry to theme park is devoid of any charges for those staying in KSL Resort Hotel.
The entrance fees to KSL theme park is RM 85 for adults and RM 55 for children. The package offered by the management includes Telematches, one coffee break, one meal, aerobic session, marshall for games and Background music with Rostrum and Microphone.
KSL Dinosaur Alive theme park is unique and different because they just do not have gigantic structures roaring but their color and appearance change consistently to make them look original and real.
This helps in giving a better understanding of how dinosaur looked, moved and lived during the ancient age. Replicas are developed very beautifully giving an authentic impression of Mesozoic Era.
The theme park consists of Infusion café and restaurant, Twilight Lounge/ Bar, Golf Mission and several shopping complexes and eateries.
How To Reach KSL Dinosaur Alive Water Park?
From Singapore Changi Airport, it takes one hour and 18 minutes to reach KSL Dinosaur Water Park by covering a distance of 87 km. Taxi is the most comfortable way to reach KSL Hotel and Resort and charges meagerly for all ease.
Qualified and adept drivers operate the taxis to ensure complete safety and security of occupants. The private taxis are well-maintained and go through regular servicing.
With our service, you no need to queue in long lines at Singapore-Johor custom for immigration clearance. No bus hopping experience! It is definitely comfortable and convenient especially travel with your family, big group or business trip. Plan your trip ahead now!
Drive your own car for witnessing the most thrilling and electrifying experience at KSL Theme Park – Dinosaur Alive. Free parking services are available in KSL compound.
All packed up to go for a dive or you’ve always wanted to get a diving license but doesn’t know where to go?
Tioman Island is the next destination in your to-dive list!
Listed as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, it is best known for its famous scuba diving spots filled with sponges, sea corals and shipwrecks.
Here, we’ve provided the complete guide to diving in Tioman Island that you definitely do not want to miss.
Pack your bags and get ready to dive!
Tioman Diving Season
So, now you know one of the best islands to dive but do you know the suitable season for a dive?
Tioman Island, like the rest of Malaysia is a tropical country with low humidity, hot weather and occasional rainfall throughout the rest of the year. It is best to ensure the right season to dive.
1. November till February
Monsoon Season.
It brings strong waves and unusually high tides during those time.
Diving is not allowed.
2. March till October
Dry Season
The warm water in the seas brings out the richness of the marine life.
Possible to dive
3. Mid March till May and September till Mid October
Below is the map of the common dive sites around Tioman Island. This will give you some information of the whereabouts of the dive site and help to plan your trip effortlessly.
5 Best Dive Sites Around Tioman
Do you yearn to be surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and a wide variety of fish?
With so many dive sites for divers to choose from, catering to each interest; from macro diving to wreck explorations for advanced divers- you’ll be spoilt for choice! Do not miss out the best activities to do in Tioman Island!
So, you’re not sure which dive sites you should explore? Here’s what you must not miss with 5 best dive sites in Tioman, just for you!
No divers should ever miss this because it has the most impressive reefs in the area.
It is home to an abundance of beautiful hard corals, soft corals, sea fans, sea sponges and small critters attracting thousands of fishes that macro divers will fall in love.
2. Renggis Island
One of the top famous dive site and it can get really crowded. A magnificent array of beautiful corals hard and soft- surround the reefs, in a symbiotic relationship with the aquatic life (moray eel, angel fish, puffer fish and sting ray).
Also, you may spot some sea turtles and black tip reef sharks. This site is usually used for training dives and night dives due to its rather low depths.
3. Chebeh Island
Another one of the fantastic dive site, suitable for all levels of divers, the formation of rocks and underwater scenery will leave you in awe.
Home to a school of barracudas and trevallies and some sightings of manta ray and whale shark during the migration season (around April and October).
Image credit: travelblog.expedia.com.my
4. Labas Island
This site has many wondrous caverns around, thus depicting a piece of Swiss cheese- like a maze, one can swim through the deep trough or glide along with the dense corals.
As you go deeper into the site, you may spot turtles, sharks and angel fish.
5. Sawadee Wrecks
A former Malaysian Navy Warship was sunken in 2012 to create an artificial reef alongside two old fishing vessels (Sawadee Wreck), home to families of lionfish, pufferfish and also a tiny octopus.
This dive site is more suited for advanced and leisure divers, where the large openings allow divers to enter and explore the wreck from the stern to bow.
So, remember this best dive sites so you won’t miss any of the spectacular views underwater.
4 Best Dive Centre In Tioman
Are you eager to jump into the sea now after getting to know the beautiful dive sites?
Wait… you’ll need scuba tanks, scuba mask, a diving suit and a license! Where to get all this stuff, you may ask?
Here it is, the 4 best dive center that provides all your necessary diving equipment that is readily available- hassle-free!
1. Amigo Dive Centre Juara Tioman
The only 5 star PADI dive center located at the east side of Tioman Island.
Price Starting From: You can check the prices on official Facebook page. You may contact them directly to get a better price list.
Dive Centre Highlights:
The only dive operator on the east side of the island.
The less explored dive sites are suitable for macro divers.
The dive sites ranged from shore, rocky slope, sandy slope and submerged reef.
PADI Discover Scuba, a course for ‘Introduction to Scuba Diving’.
PADI Recreational Dive courses; Open Water, Advance Open Water, and Rescue Diver.
PADI Specialty courses; Altitude Diver, Night Diver, Underwater Photographer, Enriched Air Diver, Search and Recovery Diver
PADI Professional courses; Divemaster, Instructor Development, Rescue Diver, Master Instructor.
Has inbound and outbound dive tours
Provide snorkelling trips.
Amigo Dive Centre Juara Tioman
Location: Kediaman 1, Kampung Juara, Pulau Tioman, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +6014-612 2032
Email: [email protected] Facebook
2. B&J Dive Centre
The oldest dive centre in Tioman Island and provides technical wreck diving.
Provide dive course packages that include accommodation.
Provide a list of accommodation and able to assist in booking for you.
In Air Batang
Tioman Dive Resort (own accommodation)
Tioman House Bungalows
Cozy Inn
Fiqthya Chalets
In Salang Bay
Salang Pusaka Resort
Salang Indah Resort
-> Offer PADI courses, Children Scuba Diving, Fun Dive, Tec Diving Courses, PADI Professional Courses, and CCR Rebreather Course. -> Exploring the wrecks around Tioman Island in deep water between 55m and 69m depth.
HMS Repulse
HMS Prince of Wales
Submarine 016
Submarine KXVII
HMS Banka Minesweeper
MV Seven Skies Supertanker
Aur Tanker
B&J Dive Centre
Location: Kampung Air Batang (ABC) and Jeti Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +609-419 1218 (ABC) / +609-419 5555 (Salang)
Email: [email protected] Facebook
3. Tioman Dive Centre
A renowned diving centre that not only offers a full range of diving course but also leisure diving.
Price Starting From: You may direct contact them via contact below to get the exact price.
Dive Centre Highlights:
Offers a full range of diving courses.
Offers 20 spectacular dive sites for leisure diving.
PADI Bubblemaker designed for young children aged between 8-9 years old.
PADI Discover Scuba designed for beginner divers and to experience diving.
PADI Scuba Diver course, an alternative to Open Water Course if you’re short on time.
PADI Recreational Dive courses; Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver.
PADI Professional courses; Divemaster
Provide a list of accommodation options but you will need to book them by yourself.
Swiss Cottage Resort
Cheers Chalet
Tioman Cabana
Coral Reef Resort
Babura SeaView Resort
Persona Island Resort
The Berjaya Resort
Tioman Dive Centre
Location: Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman Island, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +6013-886 2978
Email: [email protected] Facebook
4. Bayu Dive Centre
A youthful dive centre that features a look at the Snake Eels (Ophichthidae) in their natural habitat.
Provides leisure dives that includes; shore, boat and night dive.
There’s a range of PADI courses to choose from: Discover Scuba, Open Water Scuba, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response and last but not the least, Divemaster.
Get the chance to admire snake eels during one of the shore dives.
Offers course packages that includes accommodation so you don’t need the hassle to find on your own.
When you book one of the packages, it includes ferry return trip from either Tanjung Gemuk or Mersing Jetty to Kampung Genting Jetty (excludes Marine Park tax).
Bayu Dive Centre
Location: Genting Bayu Chalet, Kampung Genting, Pulau Tioman, 26800 Kuala Rompin, Malaysia
Contact: +6014-756 0092
Email: [email protected] Facebook
Tioman Diving Course Package
Do not know which diving course is suitable for you? PADI, the world’s largest recreational diving and dive training organization provide a wide range of courses from beginner to instructor level.
Here we have enlisted a few courses that cater to suit different requirements.
At the same time, PADI includes dive courses for those who wished to take a step further to become an instructor or work as a career.
The price of a divemaster course is range about MYR 3,500. You may contact the dive center directly for further inquiry on other professional dive courses.
PADI Professional Dive Courses:
PADI Master Scuba Diver
PADI Instructor Development Course
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
PADI Specialty Instructor
For the bold and adventurous, and ready to discover wrecks lying at the bottom of the sea. Here are some special diving courses for you.
Some courses require you to acquire certain skills and certificates.
For example, the Rescue Diver Course requires you to have the skillset and certificate in both; Advanced Open Water Diver and Emergency First Response.
You may contact the dive centre for further information on the type of course that interests you.
The island may be a stone throw away but you definitely can’t swim all the way there! Getting to the island itself still requires a ferry or a speedboat.
There are two jetties in Mersing that travels to Tioman Island; Tanjung Gemok Jetty and Mersing Jetty, but the journey from Singapore to the jetty has many different options which we’ve opted for your convenience.
1. Private Car From Singapore To Mersing Jetty
Hiring private car / taxi from Singapore to Mersing has been one of the best travelling options. Everything that may be inconvenient is well taken care of by the private car company. Your safety and comfort are guaranteed by them.
Advantage of Using Private Car Service:
Direct transfer services between Singapore and Mersing Jetty
Hassle-free, without the need to get down from the car at immigration
Pick-up at any preferred time, date & location in Singapore and drop-off at Mersing Jetty
Non-sharing rides
Experienced, friendly drivers & punctual and keep on track with customer’s schedule
Drivers familiar with local traffic conditions and alternative road
Vehicle thoroughly checked before travelling
Comfortable, spacious with ample legroom
No additional or hidden cost
Families travelling with younger children or elderly
Quick Links:
Types Of Private Car:
There’re many other private car companies offering the same transfer service. But what makes us, SGMYTAXI different from them?
We are the leading private car company and here are the benefits of riding with us.
SGMYTAXI Happy Customers:
SGMYTAXI private car is new and well maintained and has been receiving good feedback from customers’ experience.
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Service was quite good, both of drivers are friendly and helpful, definitely will contact again for next Malaysia trip
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05:13 18 Feb 24
They were great! Hired a car to take 4 of us from our hotel in Singapore directly to the JB Sentral Train Station. Smooth as silk, including customs.
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07:00 16 Feb 24
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How To Book Private Taxi/ Private Car:
WhatsApp us directly
Click here How To Book for the step-by-step booking procedures.
Hassle-free, flexible and convenient- what’s more to ask? So, hurry, make your booking with us!
2. Bus From Singapore To Tioman Island (via Tanjung Gemok Jetty)
If you’re travelling on a budget, there are other options that don’t burn a hole in your pocket and are equally comfortable too.
Here, 3 operators that schedule coaches to Tanjung Gemok Jetty from Singapore.
We highly advise alighting at Tanjung Gemok Jetty because it has more stable ferry schedule compared to Mersing Jetty and they’re only 40 minutes apart.
The time taken to travel doesn’t differ much from self-driving and you should be able to arrive at your destination within 4 hours from Singapore.
No matter which bus/coach you pick, you’re advised to arrive at the bus/coach departure station at least 30 minutes before the departure time. Similarly, for return trip too!
Step 1: Take Bus From Singapore To Tanjung Gemok Jetty
2.1 KKKL Singapore
Singapore To Tanjung Gemok Jetty Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location
Departure Time
Ticket Price
Kovan Hub 206
Daily 6:00am
SGD$39/pax
Bugis MRT Exit D
Daily 6:30am
SGD$39/pax
2.2 Diamond Coach Singapore
Singapore To Tanjung Gemok Jetty Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location
Departure Time
Ticket Price
The Plaza Singapore
5:45am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Novena Square Singapore
6:00am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Serangoon Nex MRT Station Exit E
6:20am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Woodlands Singapore
6:45am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Step 2: Take Ferry From Tanjung Gemok Jetty To Tioman Island
Once you’ve arrived at Tanjung Gemok Jetty, you will need to take a ferry to Tioman Island.
Now only BlueWater ferry operator operate from Tanjung Gemok Jetty to Tioman Island.
Book your ticket in advance to avoid any frustration. You may book it online to secure your tickets. Check the Tioman ferry schedule to plan your itinerary and ensure you have a smooth journey.
3. Bus From Singapore To Tioman Island (via Mersing Jetty)
Another popular option for travellers to travel from Singapore to Mersing is by bus. These buses provide more timeslot, especially for those who prefer to travel at night.
The night schedule is suitable for those who wish to catch the first ferry the next morning, but you’ll need to stay one night in Mersing.
There are 2 operators that schedule buses to Mersing Jetty or Mersing Bus Terminal from Singapore.
Step 1: Take Bus From Singapore To Mersing Jetty
3.1 KKKL Singapore
Singapore To Mersing Jetty Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location
Departure Time
Ticket Price
Kovan Hub 206
Daily 6:00am
SGD$39/pax
Bugis MRT Exit D
Daily 6:30am
SGD$39/pax
Katong V Mall
Daily 10:30pm
SGD$39/pax
Singapore To Mersing Bus Terminal Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location
Departure Time
Ticket Price
Kovan Hub 206
Daily 10:00pm
SGD$39/pax
Katong V Mall
Daily 10:30pm
SGD$39/pax
Note: 6 mins walk to Mersing Jetty from Mersing Bus Terminal
3.2 Diamond Coach Singapore
Singapore To Mersing Jetty Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location
Departure Time
Ticket Price
The Plaza Singapore
5:45am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Novena Square Singapore
6:00am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Serangoon Nex MRT Station Exit E
6:20am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Woodlands Singapore
6:45am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
With so many online booking sites, you can get yourself a preferred seat (aisle, window, single seat) and avoid any disappointment. You may book them in advance at the various sites; redbus, catchthatbus, myexpressbus, easybook and busonlineticket.
Step 2: Take Ferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
When you arrive at Mersing Jetty, you’ll come across a Bluewater Express ferry or Cataferry that will bring you to Tioman Island.
If you prefer to drive to Tanjung Gemok Jetty or Mersing Jetty yourself, the journey is pretty straight forward.
The time taken to travel from Singapore to the jetty takes an average 3.5- 4 hours, depending on the traffic conditions, time and season.
You can either drive your own car from Singapore or rent a car from Malaysia. Although, it can be strenuous to drive long hours and requires you to pay the parking fee and petrol, but driving is leisure (to some).
From Singapore, you’ll head over to Woodlands and cross the immigration. Once you’ve cross the border and entered Johor, use the EDL highway instead of Jalan Tebrau so as to avoid any traffic congestion.
From here on, look out for the direction that leads to Kota Tinggi and then to Mersing. Follow that direction and you’ll soon see the signs directing you to Tanjung Gemok. Once you’ve reached Tanjung Gemok, you’ll be able to find the signs leading you to the jetty.
After a few minutes, you’ll find an open space carpark at the jetty where you can park for MYR10 per day.
Route: Singapore –> Woodlands Causeway –> Johor Bahru –> Kota Tinggi –> Mersing –> Tanjung Gemok –> Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
Always plan your diving trip few weeks before arriving in Tioman because the dive centres need to make all the necessary arrangements to appoint a dive master for you, hence planning everything beforehand is vital.
Enquire for more information, the friendly crew of each dive centres are always ready to assist. Speak to them over the phone or via email if you’re unsure which dive course you’re able to take.
It is better to book a full board package such as ready-made packages that include lodgings.
Some dive centres provide a list of accommodations that are within easy reach of the centre itself.
If you’re wearing glasses, it is best to have a special goggle with prescription lenses so you can have a clear vision of the underwater world. Unfortunately, not every dive centres in Tioman have it, hence is easier to purchase it at a dive shop in the mainland before heading to Tioman.
The availability of ATM are scarce and credit cards can only be used in certain areas. Instead, cash is widely used in the island, so make sure to prepare enough cash in MYR currency.
If you’re not used to the movement of the boats when it crashes into the waves- seasick- you can inform the dive instructor and they will provide some anti-motion sickness pills. However, please notify the instructor if you have any allergy.
Tioman is a duty-free zone where tobacco, alcohol and chocolates are much cheaper than mainland.
Pulau Aur is a small and pristine island situated 65 km off Mersing jetty.
Home to numerous unique sea creatures and coral reefs, Pulau Aur is perfect for scuba-diving and snorkelling.
It is set on a scenic landscape fringed with lush tropical rainforests.
No roads, few shops and traditional village retain the simplicity of the island.
The most significant luxury on Pulau Aur would be the beautiful nature offered by the island itself.
Why Stay In Pulau Aur?
Pulau Aur was appointed as Marine Park in 1994. Later in 2003, the island was nominated as National Park due to the rich presence of mangrove swamps and rainforests.
The island is famous for its top-rated scuba-diving sites surround the island. Many divers are familiar with Pulau Aur since the island was nominated as Marine Park.
The crystal-clear water allows divers to discover the underwater world teeming with unlimited marine life clearly.
There are over 20 diving spot around Pulau Aur. The most famous spots include Rayners Rock, Turtle Bay and Pinnacles with depth ranging from 7m to 67m and visibility ranging from 15m to 25m.
Napoleon Wrasse, Angel Fish, Barracuda, Bat Fish and Moray Eel are few examples of fishes that can be discovered here.
With a farther distance than other diving locations off east coast of Johor, it offers a deeper sea for scuba-diving. It is believed that Pulau Aur is likely to develop to international diving sites in Malaysia.
How To Get To Pulau Aur
All the scheduled ferries heading to Pulau Aur leave from Mersing Jetty. So, one has to arrive at Mersing jetty before departing for Pulau Aur.
From Singapore, go to Golden Mile Complex to board One Travel coach leaving at 6.30am. The journey takes 3 hours and you need to bring you luggage down to clear the customs twice. Much hassle but this is the cheapest ride to jetty. One way ticket costs SGD35.
What To Do In Pulau Aur
Most tourists travel to Pulau Aur for one reason – scuba-diving and snorkelling. These are the most significant activities on Pulau Aur and subsequently, it becomes the must-do activities on Pulau Aur.
Photo credits: udive.com.my
Plan a visit to the main village in Pulau Aur, Kampung Telik Berhala by boat. The village comes with a school, grocery store, police station and jetty. The main occupation in the village is fisherman. You’ll be exposed to the lifestyles of locals.
There are other small villages at the back of the island which can be can be accessed through a long trek. The well-maintained trek ensures a safe journey and the journey takes approximately one hour.
Go for island hopping. A package tour is often offered by the resort. Or else, arrange a boat ride to nearby islands with boatman at the jetty. Nearby islands include Pulau Dayang, Pulau Pemanggil and Pulau Lang.
The island is also perfect for angling activities. The local fishermen would be delighted to share their experiences in fishing with fishing enthusiasts.
Where To Stay In Pulau Aur
Pulau Aur boasts 2 simple yet comfortable resorts that serve toothsome local and western dishes. These resorts have all you need in daily lives and they attend all the needs of guests to ensure enjoyment. The resorts on the island are:
1. Sebukang Bay Resort
Situated in Kampung Teluk Sebungkang, Sebukang Bay Resort offers a perfect escapade for visitors. As there is no WiFi connection on the island, the guests can totally indulge in the wonders of nature.
Standard rooms, quad rooms and family rooms are the accommodations here. All the rooms come with an attached bathroom and fans.
During the durian season, hiking to Durian Ochard is offered by the resort. The guests can set a campfire and enjoy BBQ at night. The most fascinating activity would be snorkelling and all the snorkelling gears are provided.
Address: Teluk Sebukang, Pulau Aur, 86800 Mersing, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia
GPS Coordinates: 2°45’37.83″N, 104°50’33.95″E
Contact:
+6019 – 739 1284 / +6017 – 674 6586 (Rumiza)
+6019 – 730 0815 (Rumizi)
+6019 – 739 6698 (Ruhil)
2. Bluewater Holidays Resort
Bluewater Holidays Resort is near to local village and the island’s jetty. The resort offers a 3D2N package that includes snorkelling, island hopping, jungle trekking, fishing, 3 meals per day and boat transfer.
The resort features 20 chalet rooms with private bathrooms. Their staffs are friendly to all their guests. White sandy beach and stunning water are just a few steps from the resort.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Pulau Aur
April to June would be the best months to visit Pulau Aur. In between these months, scuba-diving and snorkelling are favourable as the sea is calm and safe.
Avoid visiting Pulau Aur during monsoon season (November to March) as strong winds are blown from South China Sea. The villagers can only repair and maintain their fishing equipment and fishing nets within this period of time.
Travel Tips
All the equipment can be rent at the dive centre.
Money changers are available on the island.
Meals are included in travel package.
Boat departure depends on arrival time of coach. Most of them leave in the midnight.