7 stunning Johor islands to go from Mersing

Malaysia is rich with natural beauty and would you believe it if we say you don’t need to fly thousands of miles to have that perfect island holiday? Yep, that’s right! We have those right at our doorstep. Pristine white beaches, azure water, salty air — you name it, we got it! We’ve rounded up some of the islands where you can take the ferry from the Mersing Jetty. These islands are perfect to visit from April to October, so what are you waiting for? Pick an island to unwind!

1. Pulau Rawa

Pulau Rawa may be a familiar destination for Johoreans and Singaporeans, but many Malaysians have yet to visit this beautiful island that's as picturesque as they come. Offering stunning views and warm sunshine, Rawa Island is a seaside hotspot where water activities like snorkelling, windsurfing and kayaking are sure to fill your days. You can also hike around the island or follow the Island Walk Trail for an amazing sunset stroll. One of Rawa Island's highlights is the massive waterslide that is open to everyone! Take a few flights of stairs up and slide all the way down into Rawa Island's crystal clear waters!

2. Pulau Babi Tengah

You might be unfamiliar with Pulau Babi Tengah, but mention the luxurious Batu Batu Resort, you might know of it as the resort is so popular that the island name is often substituted with that of the resort’s. It’s also the only resort on the island. When you stay at the resort, you’ll also have access to the island’s eight beaches, where you can dive or snorkel amid the coral reefs. It’s also perfect if you want to unwind — take a stroll along the beaches and enjoy the soothing sounds of the crashing waves. Aahh, perfect!

3. Pulau Sibu

Known as the Sibu Islands, Pulau Sibu consists of several islands — Pulau Sibu Hujung, Pulau Sibu Besar, Pulau Sibu Kukus and Pulau Sibu Tengah. Some of these islands were also shown in some seasons of the TV show Expedition Robinson. Sibu Besar, covered by thick vegetation, is the main island. The eastern side of the island has four main beaches, which will offer you white sand, clear water and no crowds.

4. Pulau Tinggi

Nicknamed the “General’s Hat Island” by Chinese seamen hundreds of years ago, Pulau Tinggi is 32 km southeast off the coast of Mersing. It is a peaceful island with white sandy beaches and stunning oceans! The island is sure a charming retreat, especially for anglers! If you don’t fish, don’t fret as there are plenty of water activities that you could take part in such as scuba diving, canoeing and snorkelling. If water sports are out of your league, embark on a land adventure such as trekking through the tropical jungles, where, after a 40-minute walk, you will be able to witness the beautiful waterfall above a small lagoon! Don’t walk alone though, the path is not clearly marked unless you’re splendid with directions!

5. Pulau Pemanggil

Another island famous for its fishing community is Pulau Pemanggil, located about 1.5 hours speed boat ride from Mersing Jetty. While the beaches here are nothing too extraordinary, the rocky cliff views and beautiful marine life are among the unique attractions of Pulau Pemanggil. Beneath the waters lie amazing coral reefs, offering a splendid snorkelling adventure for water-sport enthusiasts, who can also enjoy other activities such as canoeing and jet skiing.

6. Pulau Aur

If you really want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life, Pulau Aur is the one for you. Located about 80km east of Mersing, the island is part of the Johor Marine Park and since it’s quite far from the mainland, Internet connectivity is very limited. It was a stopover point for local fishermen for many years but thanks to its offshore pools, coral lagoons and pristine beaches, it’s now a popular tourist destination. From Mersing Jetty, you can board the ferry to Pulau Aur which takes a four to six hours ride.

7. Pulau Dayang

Pulau Dayang is a small island just next to Pulau Aur. At the moment there is no speed boat to Pulau Dayang, so you will have to take the ferry which is a bit slower. The journey from Mersing Jetty is about 3.5 hours. Pulau Dayang is arguably the most beautiful Johor island thanks to its turquoise blue sea waters and powdery white sandy beach. Make sure you don’t miss the snorkelling trips and hiking excursions to the peak of Pulau Dayang which promises one of the best hiking views that you will ever see. You’ll have to be there and see it for yourself to fully appreciate the “king of the world” experience when you are at the peak! There you go! If you need more inspiration for an island holiday, check out our articles: