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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. 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.
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Another myth was 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 proves the
existence of the mammals. Rising some
2,000 feet above the sea level. One of the largest
islands off the coast of Mersing. Surrounded by 15
scattered islands. Several long stretches of finest
beaches with fine, soft white sand fringe the island
carefully hidden from the outside world. A place
irresistible to those who seek tranquility amidst
charm of a village setting.
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The area houses most
exotic coral reefs and underwater flora as well as
numerous chalet and restaurant. Besar island is
accessible by boat from Mersing town (approximately
30 minutes). In the
Mersing waters, there are at least 15 small and
scattered islands and each 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.
Here, you can find many species of giant cockle that
live on the ocean floor and 6 of them can only be found
around Mersing waters.
A number of
the surrounding islands such as
Pulau Aur,
Pulau Pemanggil,
Pulau Tinggi
and Pulau Rawa have been identified as new habitats for
the new generation of the giant cockles that have a
lifespan of 70 years, 1-metre long shell and can weigh
as much as 200 kilograms. Tourists will be able to set
their eyes on these lovely shelled-creatures while
snorkeling in the breathtakingly picturesque underwater.
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Pulau Besar is surrounded by vistas so beautiful that
even a number of foreign TV stations have flocked the
island to savor the natural wonders and treasured them
in films. In fact, a short time ago, a Hollywood film,
Ocean Lifeguard, had chosen Pulau Besar as its main
shooting location.
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.
Due to the
Monsoon and the North East Wind from the South China
Sea, most resorts on the island will be closed for
maintenance from end of October until end of January the
following year and are subject to changes depending on
the conditions of the weather.
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