besar island

Besar Island

Another popular myth from the island that is popular with the locals is about a couple that transformed into mermaids. The story goes that once, the pregnant wife of a local fisherman had a craving for a seaweed that can only be found in the waters of Mersing. After dining on the seaweed, she was transformed into a mermaid and her heartbroken husband decided to join her by dining on the very same seaweed that she took. Even to this day, the locals claim that they can still see the couple swimming around the island together. During low tide, one can see small nibble marks on the island rocks that are said to be the mark of the mermaids.

Rising some 2,000 feet above the sea level, this is one of the largest islands off the coast of Mersing and is surrounded by 15 other islands. Several long streches of finest beaches with fine, soft white sand fringe the island carefully hidden from the outside world.It is irresistible to those who seek tranquility amidst charm of a village setting. The island houses many exotic coral reefs and underwater flora as well as numerous chalets and restaurants. Besar island is accesible by boat from Mersing town (approximately 30 minutes).

IIn the Mersing waters, there are at least 15 other small islands scattered around the area. Each island is unique in its own way. All the while, tourists have only been accustomed to the popularity of Pulau Tioman in Pahang and Pulau Pemanggil in Johor which actually are situated within the same area.