Pulau Besar, Johor

It feels good to have a vacation with friends occasionally. I just came back from my trip to Pulau Besar, Johor with my friend and 3 of her other friends. We only reached Pudu bus terminal after about 6 hours. The driver did not use the highway but the alternative routes and we passed by lots of greenery.

We had taken lots of photos and I missed the island after looking back at the photos while transferring to laptop. It's only been a day after trip! The entire vacation package, inclusive of 3D2N accomodation, 3 meals per day and boat ride from Mersing to Pulau Besar and Pulau Besar to Mersing only costs MYR290. MYR150 is paid as deposit upon making reservation.If you opt to take a bus to Mersing, it would cost you MYR46 for return tickets. We bought the bus ticket from Transnasional and the place to board the bus was none other than Pudu bus terminal.

You may take a walk from the Mersing bus terminal to the jetty. It's only about 10 or 15 minutes walk.

On the 29th August 2008, the 6 of us took the night bus (10PM but it was delayed to about 10.40PM) and arrived at Mersing bus terminal during the wee hours of 3AM or so on the 30th August 2008. My eyelids were so heavy when we were told to get off the bus. The boys went to look for a place where we could kill time and we were lucky to have one. It's a coffee shop but the food sold were mamak style. With backpacks resting on our shoulders, we headed to the coffee shop. It was pleasant to have chilly air kissing our cheeks as we marched on the quiet streets of Mersing.

When the sky was brighter, we walked to the Mersing Jetty. There's still plenty of time to kill as the boat would only be picking us up at 10AM and it was barely 8AM when we reached the jetty. Fortunately, one of the boys brought board games Risk.We played while listening to some Brazilian songs from the MP3 player connected to a mini stereo owned by one of the boys. It did give me the vacation "feel". The boat did not come when our watches read beyond 10AM. We were later told that the boat would only arrive at about noon as there was another group arriving Mersing at that time. Furious by the excuse given, we demanded for compensation and the agent as well as the boatman agreed to treat us lunch on that day and we could play all the water sports available in the beach resort for free! This actually saved our travel expenses ;p

View at the Mersing jetty

Lovely, isn't it?

The resort we stayed for 3 days and 2 nights were known as Nirwana Beach Resort and it's renamed to Famosa Resort. It's a good bargain if you are in for a budget stay. All facilities available are essential and really down to the basics. Although it's normal that water supplies at beach resorts would have a strange taste, I really must say the mineral taste of the water supply in this resort is really strong. It has a heavy metallic taste. My friend also lamented the same. We almost threw up when brushing our teeth with it. Anyway, fret not, you may purchase mineral water at the cafeteria.

There's air-condition and 2 power outlets for you to recharge mobile phone or digital camera, however, the electricity was generated via generator which would only be activated at 7PM daily. You would not need the air-condition, though. Stay out and enjoy the breeze by the beach or lay on the lazy chairs outside the room.

Bedroom view - with air-con

bathroom

I enjoyed the beach game we had - beach volleyball, captain ball, kite-flying, freebie, kayaking. Thanks to my lack of activeness in sports, I am having aches all over. LOL. It seems like my face was a favourite target for balls. First, my right eye was hit by the ball when my teammate passed the ball to me. Then, it hit the left side of my face. My left eye was not spared :S Earlier, the freebie hit my head while I was playing it with my friend. Er,...my face can't be that irritating, eh? LOL

Among all the activities mentioned above, the most unforgettable experience would be kayaking. As I didn't know how to swim, I dared not venture further to the middle of the sea. It was embarassing that the boat went into the pillars of the jetty because we didn't know how to turn the boat to the right and a family of four was right in front watching us (my sis and I were in the same boat). Not to forget the other 3 boys were also looking ~____~" One of them teased us. Anyway, I gave myself a pat on the back as it was a departure from my usual timidity. After this trip, I made a resolution - to learn to swim and to be more courageous and adventurous.

The water is clear and the sand is as fine as flour!

The jetty

Breath-taking view

Woohoo, the machos are in action to jet-ski

There are 3 more resorts next to Nirwana and they seemes a little more luxurious - Mirage, Aseania and D'Coconut.We visited the 3 resorts and couldn't help but snapped some photos. The pub in Aseania was rather happening. If you are a huge fan of extreme water sports, you may go jet skiing at Aseania or D'Coconut.The waters there are deeper. To those who would like to snorkel, try the walking all the way to D'Coconut. We were told the best place to snorkel was the area after D'Coconut. The rest went snorkeling at Aseania except for my sister and I.

During the night, we played cards and watch TV at the common area, which happened to be the caferia as well. It's very breezy and chilly when night fell. It's adviseble to bring a torchlight or get one from the reception if you intend to walk to the other resort's pub at night. It's complete darkness once it hits 8PM. Sunset was about 7.30PM and we could not see sunrise from our side as the sun rose from the other side of the mountain. Anyway, we got a nice shot of sunset.

Sunset at Pulau Besar

The rocks

Fortunately, we brought repellent spray as there were sandflies and mosquitoes at the beach. It would be also useful if you plan to hike or jungle-trek. We visited the sites where European Survivor episodes were shot and the mosquitoes there were really hungry. They were practically waiting to sink their needles into our skin for blood.

The pictures of the Survivor site are with my friend. Shall upload them once obtained from her.

All in all, I was indeed destressed for 3 days. Kudos, my mind was not even thinking of work. The beach and sea are magical ;-) One downside is the process of unpacking and doing laundry. LOL. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the trip.