Quiet beaches
Sand and clear water away from the crowds.
Chongkian — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Chongkian — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Bjoertvedt — CC BY-SA 4.0
A green island off Mersing whose Malay name means the big island, its hills cloaked in forest and ringed by calm sandy beaches and clear water, with a small village for its people complete with a mosque and a jetty. The island lies within the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park, which protects the coral reefs around the Mersing islands, so swimming and snorkelling are a pleasure here. It has a number of resorts, chalets and small cafés, and draws visitors looking for peace away from the crowds. The marine park conservation fee is thirty ringgit for foreign adults. The best season is March to October; in winter the monsoon roughens the sea, boats thin out and some resorts close. Boats leave the Mersing jetty and take about half an hour, usually arranged by the resort, so book your stay and transfer together, and allow a night or two.
Sand and clear water away from the crowds.
Protected coral reefs.
A mosque and jetty for the islanders.
Off Mersing, about half an hour by boat
Yes: the small village on the island has a mosque for its people where Muslim visitors can pray. Ask about halal meals at the resort you choose when you book.