Pulau Besar: A Quick Guide To Explore The Besar Island

Pulau Besar has an ancient name called Pulau Babi Besar which stands for “Big Boars Island”.

Due to the inhabitation of man, the number of wild boars decreases and its name changed to Pulau Besar at present.

Set within nature beauty, Pulau Besar is the tropical paradise on earth.

The island is fringed by swaying palm trees, dazzling waters and it has the finest white sands that can comfort your feet.

Established resorts complete your short trips from Singapore in Pulau Besar.

Table of Contents
1. Why Stay In Pulau Besar?
2. How To Get To Pulau Besar
3. What To Do In Pulau Besar
4. Where to Stay in Pulau Besar
5. When Is The Best Time To Visit Pulau Besar
6. Pulau Besar Travel Tips

Why Stay In Pulau Besar?

Located 15km off the east coast of Johor, Pulau Besar is surrounded by many other scattered islands. Clean, peaceful and attractive are not enough to describe this beautiful island.

The water is so clear that even tiny sea creatures and the coral reef can be seen from the water surface.

Also read: 10 Best Haven Islands off Mersing, Johor

Due to the wide range of marine life offered, the island is appointed as Marine Park to preserve them. Decent tropical jungles offer numerous unique flora and fauna for nature lovers. Jungle trekking is a recommended activity on the island. Research on nature can be done too.

Fewer people know that overseas survival programmes and films have been shot in Pulau Besar. The resorts were once closed due to the filming progress. To make the locals proud, even overseas programmes have acclaimed Pulau Besar as a beautiful island.

Various water sports activities such as canoeing, diving, snorkeling, and swimming can be enjoyed on Pulau Besar. These activities make you stay more enjoyable and more interesting.

How To Get To Pulau Besar

Mersing jetty is the only gateway to Pulau Besar. You can get to Mersing jetty by coach or car. The journey takes around 3 hours depending on traffic condition.

Also read: Sibu Island, Johor

1. Bus To Pulau Besar From Singapore

These coaches will bring you directly to Mersing jetty. The bus fare costs SGD35 on average. Bus tickets can be booked online.

Transnasional Coach Services
Pick-up point:  The Plaza@ Beach Road

One Travel & Tours
Pick up point: Golden Mile Complex

WTS Travel Singapore Flyer
Pick up point: Textile Centre

2. Private Taxi To Pulau Besar From Singapore

It’s better to travel by car as it is more convenient and hassle-free. SGMYTAXI is now offering private car services to Mersing jetty from any pick-up point in Singapore.

At the jetty, ferry tickets to Pulau Besar can be bought at the counter. Before boarding, you need to pay for marine park conservation fund. It costs RM25 for non-Malaysians and RM10 for Malaysians.

What To Do In Pulau Besar

The environment and weather of Pulau Besar are great for water sports and beach activities. Sunny days and calm coast offer the best experience for the visitors. Activities that can be enjoyed on the island are:

• Jungle trekking
• Visit to kelong – experience the daily lives of local fishermen
• Snorkeling
• Fishing
• Island Hopping
• Scuba-diving
• Beach volleyball
• Canoeing
• Beach futsal
• Visit treehouse
• Swinging hamster
• Relax in hammock around the beach
• Photo Shooting
• Leisure stroll

Also read: 16 Fun & Memorable Outdoor Activities In Johor

There are a few souvenir shops selling local products on the island. Buy some souvenirs here for friends or keep them as your memory.

Where To Stay In Pulau Besar

1. Aseania Beach Resort Pulau Besar

Aseania Beach Resort Pulau Besar is a 3-star resort located within a stone throws distance from the white sandy beach. Offering an exciting and relaxing travel experience at once, the resort makes your dream summer holiday becomes real.

The wooden resort blends wonderfully into the natural environment of Pulau Besar. It features 47 beachfront rooms that are all furnished in traditional style, offering a classic and conventional environment.

It’s inevitable to feel the warm hospitality from their attentive and passionate staffs.

Also read: 15 Best Beach Resorts in Johor You’ll Absolutely Love

Kayu Manis Restaurant, the on-site restaurant, offers you the finest dining experience. Various local and international cuisines are cooked by their experienced chef.

As beach facilities and equipment for water sport activities are provided, guests need not bring them along. To give some privacy and solitude, a beach hut facing the sea is offered.

On the island, there are unlimited spots for sightseeing and photographing. Take some pictures home and keep them as one of your precious memories.

2. D’Coconut Island Resort

D’Coconut Island Resort is a famous resort strategically located in Pulau Besar. Because of the excellent services and facilities they provide, the resort has a lot of returning guests each year. Many of their guests turn into friends.

Rooms provided are ranged from the terrace, standard rooms, deluxe rooms, executive deluxe rooms to family rooms.

The room rates are affordable and additional charges of RM40 will be imposed during public holidays. These rooms feature an en-suite bathroom and a mini-fridge.

Take advantage of its strategic location by indulging yourself in the water activities provided such as snorkeling, canoeing, island hopping, beach volleyball, and fishing trips.

The resort features a swimming pool and a pool bar for relaxation. For business travelers, the resort is well-equipped with conference facilities. After long day activities, take pleasure at the on-site restaurant for a delightful meal.

3. Nirwana Beach Resort Mersing

Nestled in Pulau Besar, Nirwana Beach Resort Pulau Besar has welcomed lots of local and international tourists each year. Due to its cosy atmosphere, it’s pleasant to spend a few days of holidays here to be totally indulged in the wonders of nature.

The resort features Malay style chalets and dormitory style chalets. These chalets come with an en-suite bathroom and modern amenities to provide utmost comfort. The restaurant serves local and western cuisines that are simple and delightful.

To convenience the guests, it offers cheap packages that include accommodation fees, meals and returns boat transfer. If you wish to enjoy BBQ dinner, additional charges are imposed.

Beach is within a few steps from the resort. Guests get to enjoy snorkeling, fishing, diving and island hopping during their stay. If you wish to stay indoors, a pool table is provided for leisure. Otherwise, simply take a stroll and watch stunning sunset along the beach.

4. Mirage Island Resort

Mirage Island Resort offers a different type of unique designed chalets ranging from A-frame chalet, family chalet to sea view chalet. Among the chalets, A-frame chalet will be the most economical.

All are equipped with air-conditioning, clean beds, bathroom and resting chairs on the outdoor terrace. If you are looking for a luxury stay on this island, this resort is not your choice.

For the 3 days, 2 nights stay package, the price per pax ranging from RM425 to RM620. The package includes accommodation, food, and speedboat (Mersing-resort-Mersing).

When Is The Best Time To Visit Pulau Besar

To ensure safety, Pulau Besar does not welcome visitors during monsoon season (October to March). The sea is rough and the wind is strong and fast. Thus, water sports are prohibited to keep visitors safe. Many resorts close their doors within this period too.

June to August is the summertime in Malaysia. This time period has great weather for water sports and many other activities. Boat transfers are less influenced by unfavorable tidal conditions. Thus, it is recommended to visit Pulau Besar between June to August.

Pulau Besar Travel Tips

1. There are a lot of sand flies on the beach. Remember to bring insect repellent.
2. Snorkeling equipment is not available in Mirage Island Resort.
3. Chalet does not provide any shampoos, body wash liquid and remember to bring on your own.
4. Mobile signal coverage on the island is not good. Therefore, it is a good opportunity to keep you away from the phone.
5. No ATM is available at Pulau Besar. Therefore, you need to bring enough cash to pay for your accommodation and drink.
6. There is no medical infrastructure on the island and don’t have any trained staff in first aid. If anything serious happens, you need to take the boat back to Mersing.
7. Most resorts closed on monsoon season (around November to February).
8. Only Aseania Resort Pulau Besar and D’Coconut Island Resort have a swimming pool.