Rustic paradise in the South China Sea

The monsoon season in the South China Sea is finally over, so we headed to the island of Tioman for a relaxing, tropical escape with our friends visiting from Portland. We had heard nothing but great things about the island, and if the place looked anything like it did in South Pacific, we would be in heaven. Bagus Place Retreat, located along the southern edge of the island, provided the perfect rustic refuge for us...Just a few bungalows tucked amongst huge limestone rocks, coconut palms and tropical foliage. With a bar stocked with cold Tigers and set above water that was a hard-to-believe-happens-in-nature shade of turquoise, it was paradise.

The warm water off the beach offered clear views for snorkeling and swimming, while a near-constant breeze kept us cool (we didn't even need AC) and the mozzies at bay.

We spent a couple days chilling on the sand, diving a couple outlying islands, and tearing up the beach volleyball court. Our friends also soaked up the sun to combat the miserable Portland weather.