Island Days
In the morning, I woke to the sound of waves rolling onto the shore,
which became my constant companion as I settled into a beachfront
bungalow. With the off-season in full swing, I negotiated a
remarkable rate, and the near-empty beaches stretched before me
like a private sanctuary. Days slipped by in blissful rhythm: sipping
tax-free beers, watching the tide breathe in and out, and
surrendering to the tranquillity that seemed to envelop the island.
The following day I finally stirred from my reverie. Joined by two
fellow travellers I had met on the ferry—Niklas and Benedikte—we set
out on a hike across the island. The trail wound through dense jungle,
alive with monkeys swinging overhead, and led us past waterfalls that
cascaded in breathtaking torrents. By the time we reached the far
side for lunch, Tioman had revealed itself not only as a place of rest
but of wonder, a paradise where stillness and adventure coexisted in
perfect balance.