July 5 – July 20, 2024 Available
July 23 – Aug 7, 2024 Available
Los Angeles, CA
14 – 17
Includes round trip airfare
Join The Wild Traveler on an unforgettable teen tour to Malaysia’s Tioman Island. Tioman lies off the south east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s a nature reserve with unspoiled mountainous jungle and small laid-back villages that present a tapestry of cultures and curiosities. The gorgeous greens, blues and chartreuse swirls of the sea provide us with perfect opportunity to paddle, snorkel, and dive in order to truly experience this magical place. This summer, Tioman Island is your home away from home. We'll also explore ancient temples and visit Singapore!
Tioman Island has extensive coral reefs teeming with a wide variety of tropical fish both large and small. Dive sites include intricate rock structures, stunning coral reefscapes and many wrecks, both old and new. You will discover for yourself why Southeast Asia is rated one of the world’s best diving destinations. First time divers will earn their Open Water SCUBA Certification. Already certified divers will earn their Advanced Diver Certification. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is the world’s largest diver training organization. This certification is valid throughout the world.
Our three day kayak expedition takes us to the Dragon Horns of Mukut village. Along the way we’ll explore the coastline, snorkel and cook and camp on secluded beaches under the stars. In Makut village we’ll lace up our hiking shoes and hike to the saddle of Tioman’s astounding rock formation called “The Dragon Horns” for epic panoramic views of the island.
We'll witness and experience the islands’ unparalleled biodiversity through kayaking, SCUBA diving, hiking, and our turtle conservation projects. We'll also learn about the island by talking locals, marine biologists, and conservationists about the islands cultural and natural history and the current challenges facing the island and how they are being addressed.
The Juara Turtle Project (JTP) works to protect and preserve the last remaining turtle nesting sites on the island. Volunteering with JTP includes hatchery nest excavation, evening and morning beach patrols, turtle releases, and teach visitors on the issues facing these endangered turtles and what they can do to help.
We'll learn how to cook from the top local cooks of Juara Village. We'll harvest our own fruits and vegetables from Suka Suka Farm and chop, grill, cook, until we have a feast fit for a group of teenagers!
We'll trek to the summit of Mount Kajang, towering over 3405 feet (1038 meters) high, the often cloud-shrouded and extinct volcano Gunung Kajang is Tioman's highest mountain. We’ll also hike to the Dragon Horns for breathtaking views of the Island. We'll also take short hikes out to freshwater swimming holes, waterfalls and through the village to our favorite restaurants!
All participants will be met at Los Angeles International Airport by our Wild Traveler Leaders. After a few ice breakers and some get to know you games we will take our international flight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia. Upon arrival we'll take the train into the city and settle into our downtown hostel. We'll take the afternoon to explore ancient temples, shop the bustling street markets and eat dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.
Today we'll begin our travels to Tioman Island. We'll take a shuttle from Kuala Lumpur across the peninsula to the small port town of Mersing. Early the following morning, we’ll catch our ferry from Mersing to Tioman Island. We'll be greeted by our local instructor and shuttle across the island to our beautiful host village, Juara. During our tour of the village we'll talk with locals and learn about the different conservation projects that are in progress in the village. In the afternoon we'll take a waterfall swim break, play in the ocean and eat out at one of our favorite restaurants on the island. Our host village is nestled between lush tropical rainforest and a warm emerald sea. This place is paradise.
Today we’ll prep for our kayak expedition; learn how to paddle, steer and pack our boats for tomorrow's expedition. We’ll also have time to enjoy ourselves on the beach and explore more of the village. In the afternoon we’ll take Malaysian cooking classes and cook up a delicious feast with our new friends.
CLICK THE MAP AND START YOUR ADVENTURE NOW
Getting your gear together as you get ready for your trip can be exciting. All of the items listed in the PDF are important and will be used during our trip, so please pack everything on the list. With that in mind, please resist bringing additional items, because space is limited. You can find examples of items on our Gear Recommendations page.
Below are some of the more commonly asked questions regarding our Malaysia teen adventure. Have additional questions? Give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
01.WHERE iS TIOMAN ISLAND?
Tioman lies off the south east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s a nature reserve with unspoiled mountainous jungle and small laid-back villages that present a tapestry of cultures and curiosities. The surrounding warm, clear, blue ocean waters provides ample opportunities for snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking and sailing.
02.WHERE DO WE STAY?
We will be based out of private beautiful beach side resort; complete with cabins, full bathrooms (including showers and flush toilets), dining hall and hang out areas. We’ll also have two nights camping in tents on beaches, and three nights in a hotel.
03.HOW IS THE FOOD?
The food is great. Our participants and create the menu and cook meals together. We’ll also eat out at several restaurants throughout our trip. We have no problem accommodating most dietary restrictions.
04.HOW DO WE TRAVEL?
Our leaders meet all participants at Los Angeles International Airport. We fly together from Los Angeles to Singapore. From Singapore, we’ll take a private shuttle up to Mersing, Malaysia and board our ferry out to the island. At the end of our trip, we’ll take the boat back to the mainland and shuttle down to Singapore for our flight back to Los Angeles. Our leaders are with our participants for the entirety of the trip.
05.WILL WE DO LAUNDRY DURING THE TRIP?
Yes. We will have access to washing machines during our trip.
06.WHAT WILL OUR DAYS BE LIKE?
Each day of our teen tours are fully scheduled with a variety of fun and adventurous activities, including kayaking, hiking, SCUBA diving, community service projects, surfing, and more. Check out the Tioman Island trip page for trip highlights and a day-to-day itinerary.
07.ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
Yes, our Tioman Island trips begin and end at Los Angeles International airport (LAX). Flights between LAX and Singapore are included in the price. Transportation between LAX and participants’ home are not included in the price of the trip.
08.CAN I CALL FAMILY DURING THE TRIP?
Participants will call home as soon as you meet their Wild Traveler leaders at Los Angeles International Airport, and again on departure day. Participants are welcome to call home at anytime during the trip. Parents are also welcome to contact their child at anytime during the trip. Families can follow along with our summer teen adventure as it happens by logging into our trip log. Watch short video clips, look at pictures, and read about our adventure as it unfolds! Our trip log is updated every 2-3 days by our trip leaders.
09.DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A VISA?
US citizens are required to have a passport valid for at least six months and 2 blank passport pages to enter Malaysia and Singapore. US citizens do not need to obtain a Malaysia or Singapore visa.
10.DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS TO TRAVEL TO TIOMAN ISLAND OR SINGAPORE?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need any additional vaccinations to travel to Tioman Island or Singapore. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check your local requirements on vaccinations for travel to these countries.
11.WHAT WILL GROUPS BE LIKE?
Our teen tours bring together 10-12 enthusiastic, positive, fun individuals (like yourself) ready for the experience of a lifetime. They come from all over the country, and other parts of the world as well. Our groups are created with attention to age and gender balance, in order to ensure the best possible individual and group experience. Your group is led by three experienced and knowledgeable Wild Travelers.
