Images of Tioman Island

Late afternoon, about an hour before sunset, sitting on a tiny beach-side patio at low tide, diamonds sparkling on the water.

Several of the ever-present island cats curl around our ankles looking for handouts or windfalls. The heat is at its peak, but there is the promise of an evening breeze. Pop-blues play on the sound system, mixed with the sounds of dinner preparation.

There are a few late-day snorkelers in the water, but most divers and water adventurers have returned to shore, and the tour boats are at anchor. It is that quiet time of waiting, between afternoon and evening.

Well out into the bay we can see our ship swaying at anchor, and a few rocky islands further in the distance.

Behind us are collections of small ABC tourist cabins (Air Batang Chalets) and the homes of the local people who work here. The village is connected to the main town of Tekek by a narrow paved path wide enough for a motorcycle, punctuated by ornate bridges painted red and pink.

Behind the chalets the island rises steeply, covered by dense green jungle. A few wispy clouds hang on the highest peaks.