Paula Besar [Besar Island]
Besar Island Overview
Besar Island (Malay: Pulau Besar), also known as Babi Besar Island (Malay: Pulau Babi Besar) is an island in Mersing District, Johor, Malaysia. Pulau Besar, located about 30 minutes by boat from Mersing Jetty in Johor, is part of the South China Sea’s coastal charm.
Besar Island, part of the famed Malacca Archipelago, is a tropical gem located off the coast of Malacca. Known for its serene beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life, it is a haven for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. The island stands out for its tranquil atmosphere compared to the more bustling nearby islands, offering a blend of nature, culture, and leisure.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | South China Sea |
| Coordinates | 2°26′30″N 103°59′00″E |
| Archipelago | Babi Islands |
| Area | 4.77 km² (1.84 sq mi) |
| Highest Elevation | 258 m (846 ft) |
| Country | Malaysia |
| State | Johor |
| District | Mersing |
| Mukim | Babi Islands |
| Population (2020) | 184 |
| Languages | Malaysian Malay, Johor-Riau Malay |
| Ethnic Groups | Malays |
| Time Zone | MST (UTC+08:00) |
| Postal Code | 86800 |
Visitors can enjoy snorkeling among vibrant corals, exploring traditional fishing villages, or simply basking in the tropical sun. Besar Island is perfect for day trips, weekend getaways, and nature-centric holidays. Uncover Pulau Besar’s best with our MyTrip Malaysia Travel Guide for 2025.
Pulua Besar Highlights
- Besar Island / Pulau Besar is the tropical paradise on earth
- Besar Island / Pulau Besar is just about 30 minutes by boat from Mersing Jetty
- Besar Island Known for its serene beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life
- Pulau Besar island is divided into 6 villages.
- Pulau Besar (Johor), an island in the South China Sea off the east coast of Johor, Malaysia;
The Journey to Besar Island
Reaching Besar Island requires a combination of land and sea travel:
- From Malacca City: Drive or take a taxi to the coastal town of Kuala Sungai Baru, approximately 1.5–2 hours from Malacca city center.
- Ferry Services: Regular ferries and speedboats operate from Kuala Sungai Baru jetty to Besar Island. The ride takes roughly 30–40 minutes
Besar Island Name
A word of mouth legend tells of a fisherman’s wife who was pregnant and craved for seaweed to eat. Upon eating the seaweed, she turned into a mermaid. Her husband was extremely angered by this, and screamed “babi! babi! babi!” (“pig! pig! pig!”; here used as an insult or curse), and called the island “pulau babi” (“pig island”) from then on.
In 2012, the Johor state government formally shortened the island’s name to Pulau Besar, though many of those older legends remain woven into local lore.
Island Geology
Besar Island, which is surrounded by Rawa, Sibu and Tinggi Island, is characterised by quiet, clean beaches of powdery white sand and crystal-clear azure waters.
Administrative Divisions
The island is divided into 6 villages, which are:
- Atap Zing Village
- Batu Hitam Village
- Busong Village
- Teluk Bakau Village
- Teluk Kampa Village
- Teluk Penagat Village
Besar Island Geography
Besar Island is the largest in its small cluster of Malacca Archipelago islands. Its terrain is a combination of sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and gentle forested hills. The island’s interior remains largely undeveloped, preserving its natural charm. Compared to nearby islands like Pulau Tengah or Pulau Hantu, Besar Island is more accessible, has better accommodation, and boasts a variety of activities for tourists.
Things to Do in Besar Island
Besar Island offers a range of activities for all types of travelers:
- Snorkeling & Diving: Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.
- Water Sports: Kayaking, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding are available at popular beaches.
- Trekking & Nature Walks: Trails lead through coastal forests and rocky viewpoints.
- Fishing Villages: Visit small traditional villages to experience local life.
- Cultural Visits: Stop by small island temples and heritage sites reflecting Malacca’s diverse culture.
- Sunset Viewing: The western coast of the island offers breathtaking sunset vistas.
Sultan Iskandar Marine Park
Sultan Iskandar Marine Park is a protected area of islands in Johor, rich in marine biodiversity, coral reefs, and nature.
Conservation charge and fee rates.
Visitors to Marine Parks Malaysia are required to pay a Conservation Charge. This is in-line with Fees Act 1951, Fees (Marine Parks Malaysia) Order 2017. Proceeds from the collection are government revenue put into the Marine Parks and Marine Reserves Trust Fund which will be used for the purpose of management and maintenance of Marine Parks to provide facilities and comfort to visitors.
| Type | MYKAD Holder | Non-MYKAD Holder |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | RM5.00 | RM30.00 |
| Children (6–12 years) & Senior Citizens (60+ years) | RM2.00 | RM15.00 |
| Disabled (OKU) | Free | Free |
🏕️ Activity Fee Rates
| Type of Activity | Fee Rates |
|---|---|
| Camping | RM10.00 per night for each site (limited to 4 people only) |
| Research | RM200.00 per research + RM500.00 deposit |
| Commercial Filming / Documentary | RM100.00 per day for each filming |
| Scuba Diving | RM150.00 per month for each operator |
| Cruise | RM100.00 per entry for each sailboat / cruise ship |
Beaches in Besar Island
- Pantai Besar: The main beach with soft golden sand, calm waters, and beachside eateries.
- Pantai Pasir Putih: A quieter beach, perfect for swimming and picnics.
- Rocky Cove: Ideal for photography and snorkeling, with small tidal pools teeming with marine life.
Stay on Besar Island
Besar Island offers a mix of accommodations from rustic lodges to modern resorts:
- Beachfront Chalets: Simple huts with direct beach access.
- Mid-range Resorts: Facilities include swimming pools, restaurants, and recreational activities.
- Guesthouses & Hostels: Affordable options for budget travelers with basic amenities.
MyTrip Recommended Stays: Besar Island Resort
- Overview: Nestled along Pantai Besar, the resort blends comfort with natural surroundings.
- Room Types: Standard rooms, family suites, and beachfront villas.
- Facilities: Pool, restaurant, spa services, water sports rentals, and guided tours.
- Special Perks: Sunset viewing deck, free snorkeling gear, and complimentary breakfast.
Food & Dining in Besar Island
🌴 Where to Eat
- Seaside Café: Casual dining with seafood specialties and local snacks.
- Fisherman’s Wharf: Offers fresh fish, prawns, and local Malaccan dishes.
- Island Market Stalls: Light meals, tropical fruits, and coconut drinks.
🍤 What to Try
- Ikan Bakar: Grilled fish seasoned with local spices.
- Sambal Prawns: Spicy stir-fried prawns, a Malacca specialty.
- Nasi Lemak: Fragrant coconut rice with sides of chicken, peanuts, and sambal.
- Fresh Coconut Juice: Refreshing and perfect for the tropical heat.
Tips for Tourists
- Pack light clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Cash is recommended as not all vendors accept cards.
- Respect local customs, especially when visiting villages or temples.
- Carry a waterproof bag for phones and cameras during water activities.
How to Get There
- Nearest Airport: Malacca International Airport (~30 km from Kuala Sungai Baru).
- From Airport to Jetty: Taxi or private car (approx. 45 minutes).
- Ferry to Besar Island: 30–40 minutes from Mersing Jetty.
- Estimated Costs: Taxi (~RM 50–70), Ferry (~RM 30–50 per person one way).
Boat Schedule / Tickets / Fares
| Departure | Arrival | Ferry Type | Approx. Fare (RM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | 8:40 AM | Speedboat | 50 |
| 10:00 AM | 10:40 AM | Ferry | 30 |
| 2:00 PM | 2:40 PM | Speedboat | 50 |
| 4:00 PM | 4:40 PM | Ferry | 30 |
Tips: Book online or at the jetty in advance during peak weekends.
Mersing to Pulau Besar Ferry Schedule and Ferry Fare
| Ferry Operator | First Ferry | Last Ferry | Fare From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluewater Express (Ferry) | 10:00 | 12:30 | RM 55.00 |
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: March to September for sunny, calm seas.
- Peak Season: School holidays and public holidays.
- Monsoon Season: October to February; some activities may be limited.
Interesting Facts about Besar Island
- The island is part of the Malacca Marine Protected Area, safeguarding coral reefs and marine life.
- Besar Island has legends linked to Malacca’s rich maritime history.
- Sea turtles occasionally nest along the quieter beaches.
Travel Tips
- Budget travelers can combine day trips with snorkeling packages.
- Carry a portable Wi-Fi hotspot; signal can be patchy on the island.
- Guided tours help in spotting wildlife and exploring hidden coves.
- Renting a kayak is a scenic and eco-friendly way to explore the coastline.
Final Thoughts: Why Visit Besar Island?
Besar Island is a serene escape that combines pristine beaches, cultural experiences, and adventure activities. Whether it’s snorkeling over vibrant coral gardens, strolling along peaceful sands, or enjoying Malacca’s local flavors, the island offers a tropical retreat with a touch of heritage and natural beauty.
FAQ – Besar Island
Q: Is Besar Island suitable for families?
A: Yes, calm beaches and family-friendly resorts make it ideal for children.
Q: Are there medical facilities?
A: Basic medical aid is available; for serious cases, return to Malacca mainland.
Q: Can you do day trips?
A: Yes, ferries allow for full-day visits, but overnight stays enhance the experience.
Q: What are accommodation options?
A: From budget guesthouses to beachfront resorts with full amenities.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Most accommodations do not allow pets.
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