Pulau Besar (formerly known as Pulau Babi Besar) rising some 2,000 feet above the sea level is one of the largest islands off the coast of Mersing. This island got its former name, Pulau Babi Besar, (directly translated as Big Boars Island) from the numerous wild boars that roamed the island before man inhabited the place.
Surprisingly, there is not a single boar on the island at present and thus, the reason for the change of name to Pulau Besar. The island is surrounded by 15 scattered islands including Pulau Rawa, Pulau Sibu & Pulau Tinggi. A place irresistible to those who seek tranquility amidst charm of a village setting.
is characterized by long stretches of finest beaches with fine, soft white sand fringe the island carefully hidden from the outside world. Pulau Besar is fringed by crystal-clear azure waters that people can actually catch sight of the abundant reefs. To preserve the unspoiled marine life, the Government has gazetted it as a marine park to protect around 60 species of marine life from any activities that can harm their natural habitats within 2 nautical miles around the island. The area houses most exotic coral reefs and underwater flora as well as numerous chalet and restaurant.
Rich hues of wild vegetations are dappled throughout with the lush greens of the coconut palms and tropical jungles. There are about 7 - 8 small villages that are still populated by around 100 friendly dwellers who are mostly fishermen. A myth was that about a fisherman couple who transformed into mermaids. This legend is so popular among the local folks that they believed at one time, a pregnant fisherman's wife was craving for a kind of seaweed, that is plentiful in the Mersing waters.
After eating, she turned into a mermaid and the heartbroken husband became one too after eating the same seaweed. Until today, it is claimed that mermaids floating in couples can sometimes be spotted eating seaweed around the island. During low tide, tourists can see nibbling marks on the island rocks that supposedly proves the existence of the mammals.
Location: Besar island is accessible by boat from Mersing town, approximately 30 minutes
ISLAND & BEACHES
MADE BY CHRISTY
