Comprises Harimau, Mensirip, Gual, Rawa, Hujong, Tengah and Besar islands Pulau Harimau, Pulau Mensirip and Pulau Gual are well known scuba diving

and snorkeling.

PULAU TENGAH

9 km off the coast of Mersing, sandwiched between Pulau Besar and Pulau Hujong, is the uninhabited island of Pulau Tengah. Gazetted by the Malaysian government as a Marine Park in 1985, its waters support abundant marine life and rare species of fish and coral. Giant Leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs annually, especially during the month of July.

PULAU BESAR

Further north lies Pulau Besar (The Big Island). Located 15 km off the coast of Mersing, is the nearest from the Mersing staging point. This blissfully secluded isle has several beautiful beaches and is a haven for underwater adventure. Its long stretch of fine golden coast line has a picturesque Malay village which is a paradise to relax at, stroll leisurely or be caressed by the sea breeze laden with salty smell of the sea.  Visitor to the island may stay at one of the many rustic chalets and enjoy the delights of organised fishing, island hopping excursions, snorkeling and scuba diving. The restaurants at these resorts serve a variety of local and Western cuisine.

PULAU HUJONG

Another secluded and uninhabited island 13½ km off the coast of Mersing is Pulau Hujong, An enticing island, far from the cares of the world, Pulau Hujong beckons the travellers to endless stretches of swaying palms, glowing white beaches and glassy blue waters teeming with fish and coral.

Dubbed the “Robinson Islands” in Scandinavia, Pulau Hujong served as the location of the popular “Expedition Robinson” series akin to “Survivor”.

PULAU RAWA

16km off the coast of Mersing lies Pulau Rawa. Famed for its white coral sand, tall palm trees and offshore coral reefs with neon-coloured fish and other exotic marine life, Pulau Rawa is truly a paradise island. The wooden chalets nestled amongst coconut groves strengthen the island’s quaint island hideaway imagery.

The island of Rawa is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing. Famed for its tall palm trees, white sand and secluded coves, this is the ideal tropical getaway. Get close to the marine life as neon-coloured fish swim close to shore, right below the jetty and between your ankles! Rawa was - among the earliest islands here to he developed as a tourist destination.

The Sibu group of islands make up this cluster includes; Tinggi, Apil, Mentigi, Sibu Besar, Sibu Tengah, Sibu Kukus and Sibu Hujong islands.

PULAU SIBU

A thirty minutes boat ride from Tanjung Leman staging point will land you at Pulau Sibu Besar. Basking, sip coconut juice or revel in the delights prepared by the chef of the resort. Its sandy beaches, under water caves, lush suites with modern amenities and personal services, plunging pools and enchanting ambience offers something for everyone.

Lush vegetation and endless stretches of golden beaches characterised the Sibu Group of Islands. They are accessible from the Tanjung Leman Jetty, 60 km from Mersing. A pleasant hideaway, it abounds with lush tropical vegetation and endless stretches of golden beaches.  On the seaward side of the island are numerous sea caves carved out of its rocks. The result of constant pounding by the sea during the monsoon season, it gives the island a beautiful yet rugged appearance.

The islands abound with water sports activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing and kayaking. Visitors can hike through jungle trails leading to unspoilt mangrove swamps.  Opt for a visit to the nearby kelong, where anchovies are caught or head for the Villages on the island of Sibu Besar to se how the natives live. For some adventure, hike through the jungle trails leading to unspoilt mangrove swamps.

Off shore, its waters contain fascinating coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life. Shipwrecks off its coast may also be found. Chinese junks and pirate vessels often exchanged cannon fire around this island, and the remains of these battles lie scattered around the seabed.

Accommodation on the island range from fully furnished chalets to basic A-frame huts. Bathing facilities are available at the community showers. Restaurants may be found on the island as well, serving a variety of Western and Asian dishes.

Pulau Sibu Tengah, with a sun drenched beach has a resort that offers many activities fishing, trekking and even island hopping. Pulau Sibu Kukus and Pulau Sibu Hujong are favourite snorkeling and scuba diving haunts.

PULAU APIL & PULAU MENTIGI

Tranquil Pulau Apil and Pulau Mentigi offer visitors plenty of privacy and intimacy.

PULAU TINGGI

North of Pulau, Sibu, rising 667 metres above sea level, lies Pulau Tinggi. It was once an important stopover for spice traders more than 600 years ago. The early Chinese traders called it the General’s Hat Island’, due to its conical shape. Endowed with fresh water; a sheltered harbour, fruit, rattan and timber, it is little wonder the island was so popular with traders.

Pulau Tinggi is a rich marine ecological region with the Marine Park Centre, providing a wealth of knowledge for the enthusiast. The park is also a breeding ground for giant clams and other attraction is the turtle hatchery.

Pulau Pemanggil, Dayang and Aur, in the South China Sea, located furthest from the mainland, are favourite haunts for snorkeling and scuba diving.

PULAU PEMANGGIL

Another enchanting island in Johor’s archipelago is Pulau Pemanggil. Pulau Pemanggil is the largest among the cluster of islands of Johor. Situated 55 km from Mersing, this remote and peaceful island is much sought after for its natural beauty arid the abundance of marine life found ‘within its clear waters. About 15 km from Mersing the sea turns deep blue and flying fish skip over the water’s surface or arch their backs and take to the air, sometimes flying a distance of 33 metres.  Squid fishing is an enjoyable seasonal sport here.  Other popular activities are jungle trekking. Snorkeling and diving.

PULAU AUR

75 km from Mersing lies Pulau Aur. A picturesque island with secluded lagoons and offshore pools, it is known for its natural scenic beauty, good bathing spots and water sports. A popular destination for privately owned yachts, many anchor in the calm water between Pulau Aur and Pulau Dayang.

The unspoilt island of Aur is the perfect dive destination. Encounters with pelagics including jacks, barracudas and black tip sharks are a big draw.  The best time to dive is between April arid October when the sea is calmer and visibility is at its best.

Visibility for diving is superb, and a variety of fish and shells not found in any other part of Peninsular Malaysia can be seen here. The Pinnacles, off the eastern side of the island, is a fine spot to watch open-sea fish; there have even been sightings of the rare whale shark, the largest fish on the planet. The waters around Pulau Aur and Pulau Dayang also offer divers a glimpse of shipwrecks and artifacts strewn along the seabed.

PULAU KUKUP

On the west coast in the district of Pontian is the swampy island of Pulau Kukup. It has been gazetted as the state’s nature park and will be developed as a wetland sanctuary.  Click here for details...

PULAU SIALU

There is a tiny island with a lighthouse, Pulau Sialu, in the of Batu Pahat district. It was the home of the seafaring Orang Asli. The Orang Asli has moved to the mainland and the island has great potential to be a tourist destination.

The islands off the coast of Johor can be reached from Mersing by boat. The journey to Pulau Tengah, Pulau Besar and Pulau Rawa takes about an hour Pulau Sibu can also be reached from Tanjung Sedili by fast boats which take about 90 minutes. Most of Sibu resorts operate boat services from Tanjung Leman less than two hours drive from Johor Bahru. From Tanjung Leman, Sibu is just 12 km away. Pulau Tinggi is about three hours away While Pulau Aur can be reached in four to five hours. Pulau Pemanggil takes nearly two hours by fast boat. Ordinary boats are smaller and take about four hours.

MERSING

Mersing, a fishing village 138 km north of Johor Bahru, is the departure point to Johor’s islands in the South China Sea. The Mersing Boat Hire Association provides boats for inter-island or fishing. Mersing can be reached from Johor Bahru in a two or three hour drive. The Johor-Bahru-Mersing Express also operates scheduled bus services from Johor Bahru to Mersing on Sundays. On other days, departure time depends on the number of passengers. Many taxis ply the route as well.

BY ROAD

From Kuala Lumpur exit at Kluang in Johor on the North-South Expressway to get to either the Mersing or Tanjung Leman departure point. The two locations call also be accessed from Johor Bahru via Kota Tinggi. It takes about 4 hours to reach Mersing from Kuala Lumpur by car or 6 hours by coach. From Singapore, Mersing can be reached in two and a half hours,

BY RAIL

KTM or Malayan Railway has rail services from Kuala Lumpur to Kluang. From Kluang, public transport is available to the jetty.