Tioman Island has a variety of hiking trails for our guests who enjoy spending time in the jungle and trekking. Tekek Village is well connected, and there are walk-able trails to Juara, Monkey Bay, Paya, Genting and Salang for example. To find out more about the hiking trail to Juara, you can read up about it here: Jungle Trek Tekek to Juara
The trail from The Station Tioman (located in Tekek) to Paya village is an easy one. The approximate time is 1.5h from The Station Tioman to Paya Beach.
From The Station Tioman you turn right on the main road and walk up the hill towards Berjaya Tioman Resort. It’s worth taking a moment at one of the peaks to enjoy the view over the ocean and maybe take a photo or two. You may encounter wild monkeys, and we recommend you avoid them. Many tourists interact with the monkeys, and some even feed them. This can work out fine sometimes, but it’s very very bad when it doesn’t. Please also consider the walkers that come after someone who has been feeding the monkeys, monkeys can start to expect food and become aggressive.
Once you are over the hill, you will see the entrance to Berjaya Tioman Resort in front of you, and Jetty Paya Restaurant to your right. At times Berjaya will allow hikers to pass through their gate, however this is not always the case. You can then use the beach entrance next to Jetty Paya Restaurant. The route is quite scenic as you walk along the pristine beach path. You will see Renggis Island towards your right, parts of Berjaya Hotel, and their beautiful 18-hole golf course. At some point you will no longer be able to continue on the beach, and you can proceed on the pathway along the golf course. Please be careful if there are golfers, and avoid walking directly on the golf course.
Once you’ve passed through the Berjaya Tioman Golf Course you will reach the Horizon Condotel (apartments and time shares) on your right hand side. This is where the road becomes an off-road trail. The dirt road leads down to Bunot Beach, which is uninhabited and quite private. There is a campsite and turtle sanctuary at the beginning of Bunut (or Bunot) Beach. The rest of the beach is perfect for a short picnic or swim. Don’t forget about the monkeys, so make sure to tie your bag to a tree and keep an eye on your belongings so that they don’t run off with anything.
To continue on to Paya Village you walk to the end of Bunot Beach, past the swamp and enter the jungle trail before the rocks. At the beginning of the trail you will encounter a small bridge and a signboard that says “Welcome to Paya”. Althought welcoming and friendly, it is slightly pre-mature, as the next part is about a 30-minute hike through the jungle.
It is not an advanced hike, but it is somewhat steep, so shoes and a hiking stick are advisable. There are a few section with assist-ropes to help you with the steeper climbs and descents.
As you exit the jungle, you will cross a bridge and then enter into the village of Paya. There’s is a great massage/spa at the very beginning and you may want to consider a full-body or foot massage to ease your muscles. Best Wellness Spa also has a restaurant next door where you can get a cold drink and some food.
Paya has quite a few bigger resorts that offer a variety of food options. Paya Beach Resort often serves a buffet lunch, as well as a la carte options, and in the evenings they offer BBQ at their Beach Bar. Towards the end there is Aman Beach Resort which has a deck by the ocean, and some smaller stalls that offer real coffee, which is great for Cappuccino lovers. If you prefer local food, you will find smaller restaurants and stalls throughout.