It took a long bus journey from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing then ferry to Pulau Tioman but it was well worth it! We stayed on ABC which is a quiet part of the island and has a relaxed vibe. There are lots of cute restaurants and bars which are mostly empty each night. It is a perfect setting with hammocks, swings and makeshift wind-chimes with shells. Every time I see a swing I have to get on it and ask WanderMan to video me. I know he hates it but I feel free and like a child again. We spent an entire day in hammocks on the beach admiring the view. I think we might have broken a record. I was in my element alternating between the swing hanging from the tree and the hammock. This makes a difference to my usual Monday teaching a 5 period day at school!

We attempted the 1.30 hours trek to monkey bay on the day we arrived but who would have guessed that monkeys would block our path?! Instead we turned back to find a secluded beach and snorkelled. I think I’ve found new favourite hobbies- hiking and snorkelling. We have seen beautiful fish, colourful coral and two baby sharks. We must have looked crazy to people passing on boats as we attempted to do a circuit using a log as an exercise bar for squats. I packed resistance bands which have yet seen day light! I also practised kart wheeling (badly) in the sand.

Eventually we made it to monkey bay which was a quiet stretch of beach with a forest backdrop. The hike was literally blood, sweat but thankfully no tears. I fell over and cut my leg and hand, which I keep moaning about. I wasn’t impressed with the speed of WM’s reaction to helping me up. While we were in the sea I had to intercept monkey theft by running out to shoo them away from our rucksacks. Thankfully only one monkey was successful and got away with a bread roll! I found said monkey sitting in the bushes looking smug while enjoying our lunch. However, the other monkey owes WanderMan a new rucksack as he broke the zip mid rummage.

We also trekked 7km to Juara beach through the rainforest. It felt like we were in a video game or the jungle from Jumanji. The time went quicker as we listened to podcasts – I used this as an opportunity to get WM to listen to my favourites Ruby Wax and Fearne Cotton. It was worth the 3 hour trek as the beach was beautiful. I admired the bubbling foam at the edge of the waves and the glistening sand.

Lots of love,

Wander Woman 👣 🌍