GEMS WORLD ACADEMY | TIOMAN, MALAYSIA

Follow along with GWA as they embark on an adventure of study and research on the stunning island of Tioman!

June 9^th, 2025

Day 1 - Sights of Singapore

And we’re off – the GWA Tioman tour has officially begun! After an early morning flight, we touched down safely in Singapore by the afternoon. Once we arrived, we headed straight to the hotel to check in and freshen up.

We made the most of our evening by exploring the vibrant city and seeing some of the city's best landmarks. We kicked things off with a delicious dinner at one of Singapore’s famous Hawker Markets – an absolute must for food lovers!

Next, we ventured to the stunning Gardens by the Bay, where we explored the breathtaking Flower Dome and the mystical Cloud Forest. As night fell, we were treated to the spectacular light show at the Supertree Grove – a magical end to a fantastic first day.

Now it’s off to bed, as tomorrow we set out on our journey to Tioman!

Day 2 - Settling in on Tioman Island

Today we arrived on Tioman Island, a place of natural beauty with a peaceful, unspoiled feel. Following the ferry ride from mainland Malaysia, we made a short walk along the island’s scenic coastline to reach our resort. The path offered our first glimpse of the surrounding landscape - dense forest on one side and calm, clear waters on the other.

After settling into our accommodation, we took some time to get familiar with the area and prepare for the days ahead. The island’s ecological diversity is immediately apparent, and it’s an ideal setting for fieldwork. We are looking forward to starting our data collection and getting a closer look at the environment we'll be studying over the coming days.

Day 3 - Into the Wild

Today was a deep dive into Tioman’s diverse environments as part of our IB research. We began in the primary rainforest, learning field survey techniques surrounded by dense jungle. A stop at a secondary rainforest site followed, offering a great contrast in habitat and biodiversity.

Next, we moved to a freshwater stream to practice aquatic survey methods before heading to the mangroves. There, we explored both primary and secondary sites, applying new techniques and observing the unique adaptations of mangrove species.

A quick stop at Paya Village gave us insight into the local community, and we ended the day with a presentation on coral reefs and intertidal zones - perfect preparation for what’s next. A challenging but rewarding day of real-world science in action!

Day 4 - Into the Blue

Our adventures today took us took us under the sea as we focused on marine ecosystems. We set off by boat for a full morning of snorkelling at multiple reef sites around Tioman, combining exploration with data collection. It was an amazing opportunity to observe coral reef biodiversity firsthand while gathering valuable information for our projects.

After returning to shore, we shifted gears with an introduction to statistics - essential for making sense of our field data. Later, we got hands-on again with intertidal survey methods, learning how to study life between the tides.

The afternoon wrapped up with project planning and refining our research questions. It was a productive end to a day filled with science, sea life, and solid progress on our IB investigations.

Day 5 - Mangrove Mission

Today was all about the mangroves. We began with a presentation to deepen our understanding of these vital coastal ecosystems and how they function as buffers, nurseries, and biodiversity hotspots.

After checking our equipment and preparing for the field, we set off to the mangrove site for an afternoon of sampling and data collection. Applying the techniques we’ve been learning, we gathered valuable information to support our individual research projects.

It was a physically demanding but rewarding session, and we returned to base feeling accomplished. The evening wrapped up on a lighter note with a fun trivia quiz - well-earned after a day of serious science in the mud!

Day 6 - Beaches and Bonfires

Our final full day on Tioman brought everything together - data, impact, and a little celebration. The morning was dedicated to analysing our findings in a statistical workshop, followed by focused time to begin writing up our projects.

In the afternoon, we swapped study for snorkels and set off around the beautiful island to find tranquil beaches and completed a coral reef restoration workshop. It was incredible to be hands-on in real conservation to help rebuild the reef systems we’ve come to know so well.

To round off the last day on the island we enjoyed a delicious BBQ and gathered around a bonfire under the stars. A perfect end to a week of learning, discovery, and unforgettable memories.