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Getting to Pulau Besar Johor

Your journey to Pulau Besar begins at Mersing, a charming coastal town on Johor’s east coast. From here, the island lies just a short boat ride away across the turquoise waters of the South China Sea.

The Boat to Pulau Besar

From Mersing Jetty, the final leg of the journey is a 20–30 minute boat ride to Besar Island. Along the way, you’ll pass other idyllic islands within the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park, each surrounded by crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.

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Most resorts on Besar Island provide pre-arranged boat transfers for guests, so it’s best to confirm your timing in advance. Boat schedules depend on the tide, and departures may vary daily.

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If you’re arriving in Mersing on the same day as your boat trip, plan to reach early, ideally at least one hour before departure to allow for ticketing and boarding.

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By Air

The nearest airport to Pulau Besar is Senai International Airport (JHB), located just outside Johor Bahru. It serves frequent domestic flights from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, as well as international connections from Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City.

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From Senai Airport, travellers can reach Mersing Jetty in about 2½ to 3 hours by private car, taxi, or pre-arranged resort transfer. Car rental services and intercity coaches are also available for those planning to explore more of Johor before heading to the coast.

By Road to Mersing

Mersing is well connected by road and easily accessible from major cities across Peninsular Malaysia.

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  • From Johor Bahru: Approximately 130 km northeast; the drive takes 2–3 hours via the Senai–Desaru Expressway (E22) and Route 3.

  • From Kuala Lumpur: Around 360 km or 4–5 hours by car; buses and express coaches operate daily to Mersing Bus Terminal.

  • From Singapore: Roughly 3–4 hours by private transfer or cross-border coach services.

 

If travelling by bus, note that the Mersing Bus Terminal is only a few minutes’ walk or short taxi ride from Mersing Jetty, the departure point for boats to Pulau Besar.

Best Time to Travel

Pulau Besar is open to visitors from March to October, the best time for calm seas, sunny skies, and clear underwater visibility. During these months, marine activities, resort operations and boat transfers run smoothly.

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From November to February, the island is closed to visitors due to the northeast monsoon season. Strong winds and high waves make sea travel unsafe, and the seasonal rest helps preserve Pulau Besar’s delicate ecosystem.

Travel Tips

  • Arrive early at Mersing Jetty, as boat timings follow the tide.

  • Cash is essential — ATMs and card facilities are limited on the island.

  • Keep important items in a waterproof bag during the boat ride.

  • Parking is available near Mersing Jetty for self-drive travellers.

  • Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid single-use plastics to help protect the marine environment.

A Journey Worth Taking

Reaching Pulau Besar is more than just a trip, it’s the beginning of an unforgettable island experience. As your boat glides over the blue-green waters and the island’s white sands come into view, you’ll feel that sense of calm that only paradise can offer.

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