Pulau Besar (Melaka)
Destination Guide
OVERVIEW
Located approximately three nautical miles off Pengkalan Pernu
in Umbai, 10 km south of Malacca town, is Pulau Besar. Covering
an area of 133 hectares, it is the largest of eight islands
off the coast of Malacca. Believed to be the location of Malaysia's
earliest civilisation, it abounds with legends of mermaids
and princesses, as well as sacred graves and shrines.
Its unspoilt beauty makes it a tranquil haven for those in
search of fresh air and white sandy beaches. There is an international
class hotel and several beach chalets, an 18-hole international
golf course, a yacht club and a host of water sport facilities
for fishing, parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and Snorkeling.
The island is an equally inviting spot for island hopping,
swimming, camping, picnicking and jungle trekking.
ATTRACTION
SHRINE OF SULTAN ARIFFIN
According to legend Sultan Ariffin of Baghdad stopped over
at Pulau Besar on his way home, whilst spreading the Islamic
faith in Acheh from 1416-1420. On his way home, he disembarked
on the island and fell ill there. Soon he passed away and
was buried on the island. His tomb, measuring some thirty
feet long is considered the oldest ever built in Melaka. Back
then, it was beleieved that the size of the tomb was determined
by the age of the deceased. If he was 30 years old at the
time of his death, then his tomb would be five cubic long.
If he was 60 the tomb would be ten cubic or thirty feet long.
GUA YUNUS
The mysterious cave where a wise man called Yunus used as
part of his training in self-discipline and silat practices.
TELAGA AIR TAWAR (FRESH WATER WELL)
It is a unique fresh water well exceedingly close to the sea.
Legend has it that when the tide is high the water in the
well would be saline but during low tide the water would be
fresh.
TELAGA TEMPAYAN (WISHING WELL)
Legend has it that this well could make your wishes come true
if you dipped your hand in the well and made the wish.
SHRINE OF SEVEN PRINCESSES
The tomb belonging to seven princesses from India who while
on a visited to Pulau Besar were struck down by an epidemic.
The princesses were buried on the island and their graves
marked with the shrine.
BATU BELAH (SPLITTING ROCK)
The famous rock at the golf course, where more then a century
ago Panglima Lidah Hitam demonstrated his power by using his
tongue to crack the rock into two.
SHRINE OF SHARIFAH RODZIAH
Sharifah Rodziah was a pious woman and a devout Muslim. She
was said to be the 'guru' to Malay queen legend, Siti Zubaidah.
Sharifah Rodziah played a prominent role in the spread of
Islam in the region.
GETTING TO PULAU BESAR
Syarikat Kenderaan Aziz bus line operates
regular services to Umbai from the Jalan Tun Ali Terminal
in Malacca town. From the Pengkalan Pernu jetty, a speedboat
then transports you to the island; the journey takes 15 minutes.
A 45-minute boat service is also available from the Syahbandar
jetty and the jetty behind the State Tourist Information Centre
in Malacca town.
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