Pulau Besar Johor Travel Guide
OVERVIEW
Located 8 km off Mersing, Pulau Besar (literally means "big
island") is one of the closest islands to the Malay Peninsula.
It is one of the largest islands off the coast of Mersing
and is surrounded by Pulau Rawa, Pulau Tengah and Pulau Tinggi.
Its proximity to the mainland draws throngs of visitors from
the mainland to its stretch of white sandy beach and glistening
blue waters.
The island's beautiful coral reefs and amazing
marine life makes Pulau Besar a superb diving destination
and a sheer delight for underwater photographers. Besides
that, it is also a great place to enjoy Snorkeling, fishing,
windsurfing, canoeing and jungle trekking. To protect its
pristine environment from human activities, the Government
has gazetted this island as a Marine Park.
Formerly known as Pulau Babi Besar, this
island is said to have been a pirates' hideout in the olden
days. Today, scores of accommodations and other facilities
are available here to cater to both vacationers and day-trippers.
ATTRACTION
Diving, oceanic and island bird-watching. Trekking, climb
up an extinct volcano (Pulau Tinggi). If you are lucky, nesting
Leatherback Turtles may been seen on Pulau Babi Tengah in
July. Varied dive opportunities. Deeper waters are usually
good for pelagic marine life: schools of Hammerhead Sharks,
lone Whale Sharks, or Manta Rays. Wall-diving (Pulau Aur)
for Moray Eels, groupers and snappers. Sponges, soft corals,
sea squirts, nudibranks and flatworms on rocks.
By Road
from Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur (Karak Highway) - Temerloh - Kuantan - Pekan
- Rompin - Tg Gemok - Mersing
Journey - approx 4 to 5 hours.
Kuala Lumpur (PLUS Highway) - Seremban - Bahau - Muadzam Shah
- Rompin - Tg Gemok - Mersing
Journey - approx 4 to 5 hours.
from Singapore
Singapore - Johor Bahru - Mersing - Tg Gemok
Journey - approx 3 to 4 hours.
from Kuantan
Kuantan - Pekan - Rompin - Tg Gemok
Public Transport
from Kuala Lumpur
Puduraya bus station Transnational Express, the
buses leave at noon and about 8:30 at night with the ride
taking about 6 hours.
from Johor Bahru
Larkin Bus Station, Johor Bahru. Johora Express. Depart at
8:30 a.m.
from Singpapore
Bus express at Newton Circus Food Court and Jalan Sultan Bus
Station. Depart at 6:30 a.m. daily.
Car park services are available at both Tg. Gemuk and Mersing
jetties. Parking charges are at around RM5 - RM7 per night
inclusive of security.
Pulau Besar is approximately 30 minute's boat ride from Mersing
Jetty. |
