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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. 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.
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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 streches of finest
beaches with fine, soft white sand fringe the island
carefully hidden from the outside world. A place
irresistable to those who seek tranquility amidst
charm of a village setting. 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.
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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.
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.
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