island overview & history.
A tropical escape in Johor with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, jungle trails, and rich heritage.
Pulau Besar lies off the northeast coast of Mersing District, Johor, Malaysia. At approximately 4.8 km² with a peak elevation of 258 meters, it is the largest island in the Seribuat Archipelago (Mersing Islands). A small community resides on the island, sustained primarily by fishing and eco-tourism. The island's official name, Pulau Besar ("Big Island"), reflects its status as the largest in the local archipelago. The misnomer "Pulau Babi Besar" ("Big Boar Island") lacks historical or official basis. While colorful folktales exist, including one about a fisherman's wife transforming into a mermaid after eating seaweed, these are undocumented local legends. Similarly, theories about wild boars swimming to the island contradict ecological records showing no evidence of porcine habitation. The name "Babi" likely stems from cartographic errors or linguistic misinterpretations by early European visitors. In 2012, the Johor state government formally shortened the island’s name to Pulau Besar, though many of those older legends remain woven into local lore.
Historical Context
Unlike neighbors Pulau Tioman and Pulau Aur (documented waypoints for Arab, Chinese, and European traders), Pulau Besar's dense jungle and limited freshwater sources precluded significant pre colonial settlement. Historical maps and colonial records from the 19th to early 20th century confirm it was used seasonally by Mersing fishermen, with no permanent villages or strategic installations noted during British administration.
Conservation and Modern Tourism
Designated part of the Johor Marine Park in 1994, Pulau Besar's pristine coral reefs, sea turtle nesting sites, and biodiverse marine life gained formal protection. This transformed the island from obscurity into an eco tourism destination. Today, it attracts snorkelers to its coral gardens, hikers to its forest trails, and hosts low impact resorts. Its identity is now defined by natural heritage conservation and sustainable tourism practices.
