Malaysia is blessed with an astounding 878 islands, each offering unique experiences for travelers seeking adventure, tranquility, or cultural immersion. On my recent trip, I ventured south of the Peninsular Malaysia, exploring the lesser-known islands in Johor. Among these gems is Pulau Besar, formerly known as Pulau Babi Besar—a name that often sparks curiosity and surprise. If you wonder why it’s called the “Big Pig Island,” whether there are pigs roaming around, or why this island is rapidly gaining popularity among foreign tourists while remaining a hidden treasure for locals, join me as I share my immersive journey with @nurhadibeseri exploring this serene haven.
Getting to Pulau Besar: Your Gateway via Mersing Jetty
The adventure begins at Mersing Jetty, the main departure point for boats heading to Pulau Besar as well as the famous Pulau Tioman. Parking here is hassle-free and affordable, with plenty of spaces available at just RM15 per day. This convenience ensures you can leave your vehicle safely while you embark on your island getaway.
Unlike the ferry used to reach Pulau Tioman, Pulau Besar is accessed via a speedboat, making the journey swift and exhilarating. The boat ride from Mersing Jetty to Pulau Besar takes approximately 20 minutes, offering stunning views of the South China Sea as you approach the island.
Pulau Besar: A Tranquil Island with a Curious Name
Upon arrival, the calm and serene atmosphere of Pulau Besar immediately embraces you. The island is far from crowded, a stark contrast to more commercialized islands like Perhentian or Redang. Interestingly, Pulau Besar is more popular among foreign tourists, especially visitors from Singapore and Western countries, while many Malaysians remain unaware of its charms.
The island’s original name, Pulau Babi Besar, literally translates to “Big Pig Island.” However, the name was altered to Pulau Besar to avoid any negative connotations. This name change reflects the local efforts to preserve the island’s image as a peaceful tourist destination.
The Legend Behind the Name
One of the most fascinating stories I heard during my stay was from Ivuad, a staff member at Bayu Lestari Island Resort. He shared a local legend about how the island got its name:
“There was a married couple living on the island. The wife had a sudden craving for something—possibly seaweed. The husband was unable to fulfill her desire, which left her disappointed. One day, while he was at work, the wife found seaweed near the beach. Upon eating it, she magically transformed into a mermaid. When the husband saw this and the mermaid wife jumped into the sea, he became furious and cursed the island, calling it ‘Swine, swine, swine.’”
This story, though surprising, is etched in the island’s folklore and even referenced on local notification boards. The curse is believed to have given the island its original name, Pulau Babi Besar. However, to attract tourists and maintain a respectful image, the word “Babi” (pig) was removed from official usage.
Bayu Lestari Island Resort: Your Comfortable Home on Pulau Besar
For accommodation, I stayed at Bayu Lestari Island Resort, conveniently located near the jetty. This means you won’t have to haul your luggage far after the boat ride, a significant relief after traveling. The resort offers scooters and bicycles for rent, a fun and efficient way to explore the island and nearby villages.
The resort’s facilities are simple but comfortable, designed to complement the island’s laid-back vibe. At night, the common spaces provide sofas to lounge on, a television for entertainment, and even a pool table—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Exploring Kampung Busung: A Tiny Village with Big Character
Just a short ride from the resort is Kampung Busung, a quaint village with approximately 30 inhabitants. Most of the residents work at the resort or are fishermen, giving the village a tight-knit community feel. Strolling through Kampung Busung takes no more than 10 minutes, yet it offers a glimpse into local life, with small restaurants, provision shops, and even a diving center catering to tourists.
The village is a perfect place to experience authentic island living and enjoy fresh seafood or simple meals before heading back to the resort for rest.
The Island’s Commitment to Cleanliness and Preservation
One of the standout features of Pulau Besar is its impressive cleanliness. Despite being a small island, the community and resort management take great care in maintaining the environment. Recycling bins are plentiful, and there is an excellent garbage disposal system in place. This commitment is unusual for many islands, where environmental challenges often arise due to tourism pressure.
The relatively low number of visitors helps keep the island pristine and tranquil, making it a perfect destination for travelers who appreciate nature and a peaceful atmosphere.
The Island Life: Friendly Locals and Simple Pleasures
Despite the limited population, the locals of Pulau Besar are naturally warm and welcoming. During my stay, I had the chance to meet fishermen and resort workers who shared their stories and daily routines. One fisherman showed me how he catches stingrays, though mostly small-sized ones, highlighting the island’s rich marine biodiversity.
Transportation on the island is easy and fun, thanks to the availability of scooters. However, as I discovered, it’s wise to keep an eye on battery levels, as running out of power means pushing the scooter back—a good workout and a bonding experience with the island’s terrain!
Natural Attractions: Turtle Hatchery and Untouched Beaches
On the island, there is a Turtle Hatchery Center located at the end of the main road. Unfortunately, I visited during the off-season, so the center was closed and deserted. However, locals informed me that turtles often come to lay their eggs here, a testament to the island’s role in marine conservation efforts.
The island’s beaches are pristine and inviting, with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters that provide an idyllic setting for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun. The sunsets here are particularly breathtaking, offering tranquil moments where the only sounds are waves gently lapping the shore.
Island Hopping Adventure: Exploring Surrounding Islands
The next day, I embarked on an island hopping tour from Pulau Besar, a must-do activity for visitors wanting to experience the diversity of islands in the region. The package typically includes visits to five islands, each with its own unique attractions. The ride can be rough, so be prepared for some exhilarating waves and hold on tight!
Pulau Raja: The Shallow Sea and Sand Bars
The first stop was Pulau Raja, located in the neighboring state of Pahang. This island features shallow seas with numerous sand bars, creating a mesmerizing landscape perfect for walking and photography. The water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom, resembling the famous Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor when the tide is right.
What’s special about this area is the proximity to the border between Johor and Pahang, allowing visitors to explore both states’ waters and enjoy diverse island experiences within a short distance.
Pulau Seri Buat: Hiking and Panoramic Views
Next, we visited Pulau Seri Buat, an uninhabited island boasting untouched white sandy beaches and a hiking trail that leads to spectacular viewpoints. The hike is short but steep, requiring the use of ropes to assist the climb. The effort is well worth it, as the panoramic views from the top rival those of Bohey Dulang in Semporna, Sabah.
This hidden gem offers a perfect combination of adventure and natural beauty right in Peninsular Malaysia. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island and the lush greenery create a postcard-perfect scene.
Snorkeling and Lunch at Pulau Hujung
After the hike, we made a stop at Pulau Hujung to enjoy a relaxing lunch on soft white sands. The meal included bento, sweet and sour chicken, fresh oranges, and vegetables—a healthy and satisfying spread. Following lunch, we planned to snorkel, eager to discover the vibrant marine life around the island.
Snorkeling Challenges and Jellyfish Encounters
Snorkeling near Pulau Tengah was a mixed experience. Although the waters are generally clear and inviting, we encountered an abundance of small jellyfish this time of year, making swimming a bit challenging. The choppy seas added to the difficulty, and I even got stung by a jellyfish—a painful but memorable experience!
Despite these challenges, the underwater scenery was beautiful, and the experience added a unique story to my island adventure.
Why Pulau Besar is the Ultimate Healing Island
What makes Pulau Besar stand out among Malaysia’s many islands is its tranquility and unspoiled nature. The island is rarely crowded, allowing visitors to truly relax and reconnect with themselves and nature. The peaceful environment, combined with stunning sunsets and soothing ocean sounds, creates an ideal setting for self-healing and rejuvenation.
As I reflected on my time here, it became clear that Pulau Besar offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, providing a rare opportunity to unwind in a pristine tropical paradise.
Final Thoughts
Pulau Besar, with its fascinating legend, clean environment, friendly locals, and breathtaking natural beauty, is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Whether you seek adventure through island hopping and hiking, or simply a peaceful retreat to heal and recharge, this island in Johor has something special to offer.
For those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, Pulau Besar promises an authentic and enriching Malaysian island experience. I encourage you to add it to your travel list and witness firsthand why it is becoming a favorite among discerning travelers.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. Until next time, happy travels and stay curious!
