2025 Mersing Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#johorbahrutrip Driving trip to Johor Bahru (JB) to Muar, Kluang, Tebrau City, and Mersing The route balances cultural stops, food adventures, and natural sights across southern Johor: ### **Suggested Route & Stops** **Day 1: Johor Bahru → Tebrau City → Kluang** - **Tebrau City** (20 mins from JB): - Start with breakfast at **The Toast Café** (famous for *kaya toast* and soft-boiled eggs). - **Drive to Kluang** (~1.5 hours): - Stop at **Kluang Rail Coffee** (original 1938 railway station café) for coffee and *roti bakar*. - Visit **UK Farm Agro Resort** (interactive goat farm) or hike **Gunung Lambak** (510m trail). - Lunch: Try *Kluang Nasi Lemak* or *Curry Mee*. - Stay overnight in Kluang (e.g., **Kluang Hotel** or eco-lodges near Gunung Lambak). **Day 2: Kluang → Muar** (~2-hour drive) - **Muar Highlights**: - Breakfast: *Muar Mee Bandung* (spicy noodle dish) at **Restoran Salahuddin**. - Explore **Muar Town**: - **Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque** (grand Moorish-style mosque). - **Tanjung Emas Park** (riverside stroll with views of the Muar River). - **Muar Street Art** (murals around Jalan Meriam/Jalan Ali). - Lunch: *Otak-Otak* (grilled fish paste) at **Haji Wahid Otak-Otak**. - Drive to **Parit Jawa** (30 mins) for fresh seafood dinner at waterfront restaurants. - Stay overnight in Muar (e.g., **Thistle Hotel** or boutique guesthouses). **Day 3: Muar → Mersing** (~3-hour scenic drive via Kota Tinggi) - **Mersing Highlights**: - Breakfast: *Roti Canai* at **Mersing Seafood Restaurant**. - Explore **Mersing Town**: - **Mersing Waterfront** (quaint fishing village vibes). - **Pantai Air Papan** (beach for a quick dip). - Optional: Take a ferry to **Tioman Island** (if extending your trip). - Lunch: Fresh seafood at **Mersing Seafood Market**. - Return to JB (~2.5-hour drive) or stay overnight in Mersing (e.g., **Mersing Hotel**). ### **Key Food Stops** - **Tebrau City**: *The Toast Café*, *Hai Kee Teochew Porridge*. - **Kluang**: *Kluang Rail Coffee*, *Restoran Yat Yat*. - **Muar**: *Mee Bandung Salahuddin*, *Haji Wahid Otak-Otak*, *Asam Pedas*. - **Mersing**: *Mersing Seafood Market*, *Warung Pokok Ketapang*. ### **Driving Tips** 1. **Route**: Use **Highway E22** (JB-Kluang) and **Highway 24** (Kluang-Muar). For Mersing, take **Highway 3** (coastal road). 2. **Tolls**: Touch ’n Go card needed for highways. 3. **Parking**: Easy in towns; RM2–5 at most lots. 4. **Safety**: Avoid rural roads at night; watch for motorcycles. ### **Bonus Detours** - **Endau-Rompin National Park** (jungle trekking, waterfalls) between Kluang and Mersing. - **Kota Tinggi Waterfalls** (en route to Mersing). This road trip blends city vibes, heritage towns, and coastal relaxation—perfect for a 3-day Johor adventure! 🚗🍜🌴 Let me know if you need more details!

#traveldiaries #malaysia Aur Island, or Pulau Aur, is a tropical paradise off the east coast of Johor, Malaysia, known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a top destination for divers and snorkelers. The island features pristine white-sand beaches, lush tropical forests, and relatively undeveloped landscapes, providing a serene escape for nature lovers. Outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the interior offer stunning panoramic views. Less commercialized than other Malaysian islands, Aur Island offers a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation and adventure, making it a hidden gem in Malaysia.

#myhiddengems Aseania Beach Resort Pulau Besar indulge their guests in all elements of relaxation.. With plenty of sun, sea and sand... and a magical view to behold!!!! Aseania Beach Resort Pulau Besar facilities includes air-conditioning, desk, separate shower and tub, mini refrigerator, satellite TV as well as complimentary bottled of water.. Address- Lot 33,34 & 35, Pulau Babi Besar, 86800 Mersing #pulaubesar #mersing #johor

#wheretogo people often saying that nothing to do in JB. did you know that you could drive 1.5 hrs from JB to Mersing to have 4 snorkeling trip to 4 beautiful islands. your could just board to boat from Mersing Harbour Center the tour fare with just less than rm200 per person including lunch for a half day snorkeling tour. the island are soooo beautiful 🤩 with crystal clear water you can see the fish swimming around you. the island hoping tour include following ;- 1. pulau Harimau 2. pulau hujung 3. pulau besar 4. pulau Tengah depending on which package you take . you should come here to see it in real , and know how I felt . seriously Johor have beautiful island which you can just doing day tour from JB or Kota Tinggi. #johor #awesomepic #snorkeling #island

Address - RESTAURANT MYL TANDOORI HOUSE, 31, Jalan Jaafar, Pusat Perdagangan Kota Tinggi, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor Ambiance/Facilities - Very good business, as the foods here are very delicious. The restaurant serves Pakistan and Malaysia Cuisine. This is a Muslim restaurant, therefore all Malaysian Muslim are welcome here. Malaysian Politicians and VIPs also came to this Restaurant Highlights - Nasi Briyani and Curry Chicken is their top selling dish. Besides that, a Pakistan Cuisine such as Cheese Naan also good. It come with generous “kacang kuda” gravy. Don’t forget to try their huge portion of Puri/Poori. It’s crispy and hot!! Avg. Price per Person - RM5.00 onwards Rating - 4.8/5.0 #deliciousfood #awesomepic

Quite apprehensive at first , long drive , reviews often mentioned sand flies , awful toilets , but we had none of those issues . I see the staff hard at work and people are genuinely happy and they show incredible attentiveness towards the guests welfare , and not being a five star hotel you know they aren’t trained to do so . It’s natural , so thank you for that . After writing , yes I encountered the Sand flies , so beware , bring repellant . But nevertheless staff are amazing #mytripvlog #2023travelwish #newyearadventure #tripblazers #yearofrabbit #awesomepic #couplestrip #couplestrip

Perfect place for honeymooners! ♥️ Breathtaking beaches galore, sapphire-hued waters, coconuts swaying in a breeze and the endless powdery white sand trickling between your toes. Everything is perfect! There are only 4 main resorts currently operating in this island, hence not too many people will stay here. Less people, more privacy right?! The journey duration is typically around 4-5 hours drive from KL to Mersing Jetty. Dekat je! 😎 #spooktaculartrip #tripblazers #couplestrip #mersing

Address - MERSING Ambiance/Facilities - so good Highlights - so good Avg. Price per Person - Rm50 Rating - 10.5/10 I LOVE IT #spooktaculartrip #tripblazers #fallingforfall #awesomepic #couplestrip

A charming quaint and charming small town that serves as the gateway to Johor’s eastern islands. The drive up to Mersing takes only an hour and a half from Johor Baru, through quiet and winding country roads. The town itself has a laidback feel, with many lazy spots to choose from. There’s an alley with multiple cute and beautiful murals to fulfill all your instagram needs, and numerous restaurants and cafes to laze the day away. Even though it is a small town, familiar stores such as Mr DIY, Tealive, Watsons and Marrybrown will meet all your shopping needs during your holiday. The beaches face the islands beyond and will make great places to play. #summervacation #beachlife #passionpassport

The view is breathtaking. You will never know what happens around you when you are here. Time stops but your heartbeat will beat faster when you see this! @Pantai Air Papan, Mersing, Johor. #awesomepic #summervacation

#summervacation The excellent local city of Mersin is not very far from Kuala Lumpur, the young people are quite developed and very friendly, but this city is used for transit to the island of Tioman. In general, such a composite route consists of a trip to Mersing (Mersing) in the state of Johor, where the ferry pier is located and then by ferry from Mersing to Tioman. Mersing is fairly easy to get to with Malaysia's extensive bus network. Direct flights are available from at least Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Butterworth (near Penang), Alor Setar (near Langkawi) and Singapore. It is best to use the night crossing to be at the pier in Mersing early in the morning, otherwise you may miss the ferry, in which case you will have to spend the night in the city or hire an expensive private boat.#gooutside

Small and quiet island with just 4 resorts on the island. Aseania resort is one of the better resorts on this island. However, this resort is old, and therefore there were lots of things that could use a makeover. The rooms were not clean and had lizards and cockroaches, and the water pressure of the shower was weak. The beach was nice, but the waters were mirky during evening time. It is usually clearer in the morning, and therefore snorkelling/diving should be done in the morning. There are many sandflies, so insect repellent is a must to bring. The best part of the resort is the deck overlooking the sea, which me and my friends spend most of our time on. #staycation #beaches #couplestrip

Being an island lover myself, I have always wanted to experience island hopping. There are lots of beautiful islands off the coast of Mersing, Johor including several uninhabited ones. The only way to access these uninhabited islands is by booking a Johor Island Hopping Tour or chartering your own private boat. I went in a group tour. I just did that few months ago, solo without booking, weekend but better to book earlier online or contact via Facebook, to be sure of a seat. The tour group and organiser gathered at the restaurant near the boat jetty around 8 am and boat ride 9am. Mersing seaview is nothing much maybe stay town centre near the boat jetty, budget hotel like BlueWater or Riverside. #staycation

Getting there: Pulau Mawar is located north of Mersing town, where a 30 minutes' drive from town will take you to Pantai Mawar. Highlights: Pulau Mawar used to be an island separated by a small straight from the mainland but after years of wave-washing. You can enjoy a stroll along the beautiful beach lapped with clear blue waters under the sun. It’s a quite a hidden beach spot, so you can have all the space to yourself! 😆 I have then walk through a trail into the forest. It’s a simple hike assisted with ropes along the way and a ladder at the end. What at the end is the Heaven’s Gate, which is the main attraction at this beach!🤩 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #createwithtrip #naturewalk #naturewonder #beach

Getting There - By Car Attractions - Nice place and view for relaxing with family and friends. The beach is beautiful and clean. Suitable for picnics and relaxing with your beloved family. Comfortable and simple strong wind. From the beach you can see small islands & also Tioman island. there are also eateries that sell food at reasonable prices for large families. So happy to be there. #staycation

#mersing

Pulau Besar has an ancient name called Pulau Babi Besar which stands for “Big Boars Island”. Due to the inhabitation of man, the number of wild boars decreases and its name changed to Pulau Besar at present. Set within nature beauty, Pulau Besar is the tropical paradise on earth. The island is fringed by swaying palm trees, dazzling waters and it has the finest white sands that can comfort your feet. Established resorts complete your short trips from Singapore in Pulau Besar. #beautifulsunsets#romanticrestaurant#naturalwonders#hiking#nationalpark

#triplocal #triplocal

You can reach Mersing from Johor Bahru or Kluang by bus. Journey is around 2hrs plus. Booking in advanced is highly recommended. Just walking around the bus terminal area, you can see the boats and Mersing Jetty is only 1000meters away. From the bus terminal you can walk 5 minutes to the nearby Chinese restaurant YJL, foods are delicious and not expensive. Just around the corner,you can see a big supermarket,very versatile product selling in this supermarket and you can buy some souvenirs and local products from there.

“Who knew paradise was just a flight away? 💙☁️ From a few clicks on Trip.com to the serene shores of Mersing, Johor — this trip was everything I needed. Crystal-clear waters, island-hopping adventures, and sunsets that make you pause and breathe. Sometimes, the best memories start with a spontaneous booking. Here’s to chasing calm tides and making moments count 🌴✨ #MersingMagic #TripcomTravels #BeachStateOfMind”

The best spot for snorkeling 🤿

#summervacay Best Time to Visit. Ideal months: April to October, when seas are calm and diving conditions optimal (especially July–August) . To avoid: November to March is affected by monsoon conditions—boats may not run and sea conditions are rough . Getting There: Depart from Mersing Jetty—regular slow ferries run late Friday nights with arrivals the next morning (4–4.5 hours). Private or dive-operator speedboats take ~2 hours . #travel #couplestrip

#summervacay Featuring top dive sites like Rayner’s Rock, The Pinnacles, Crocodile Rock, and more, the underwater world here is filled with coral reefs and marine giants—such as manta rays, sharks, bumphead parrotfish, napoleon wrasse, barracudas, and turtles .For non-divers, snorkeling reveals spectacular reef gardens in clear, calm waters . Jungle & Coastal Exploration. Hike up Bukit Batu Berhala, a granite peak offering panoramic ocean vistas. The trek includes rope-assisted sections over steep terrain and begins early to catch the sunrise view (~500 m elevation) . #travel #couplestrip

#johorbahruhotels Tucked along the serene shores of Teluk Buih, this kampung stay blends rustic charm with a resort-style experience. Wooden chalets with airy verandas overlook swaying coconut trees and the gentle sea beyond. The vibe is peaceful, with hammocks, home-cooked meals, and the scent of salt in the breeze. Mornings begin with birdsong and the distant sound of waves, while evenings glow with lantern light and quiet laughter. It’s a retreat where simplicity feels luxurious, and every corner invites you to unwind. Ideal for those seeking comfort, nature, and an authentic touch of coastal Malaysian village life.

Mersing day trip 🌴☀️ Day trip essentials: shades, sea breeze, and zero worries #beachlife #naturalwonders #seascapes

I always thought that Mersing only had Tioman Island. I didn't expect that island hopping took us to other different islands. It was so beautiful❤️✨ I was really shocked by the caves on Harimau Island. It was so spectacular! The white sand on Tengah Island was also so fine! I really liked the feeling of walking on the white beach! I felt that it was only available in foreign countries, but it turned out to be available in Malaysia😆 The sea water is really as clear as that in Sabah! One-day tour is really stress-free hahahaha. I set off directly in the morning from 9am to 5pm and rushed home the next day. I didn't need to ask for leave and rushed directly! I took a bus directly from Johor Bahru to Mersing Jetty. It was super convenient! After island hopping, I walked directly to HeySummer B&B for a shower in 3 minutes. It was super convenient! I chose this B&B after a long time and it didn't disappoint us😍 The location is very good and it is very clean! The owner of the B&B is also very enthusiastic! #travel #staycation #staycation #seascapes Recommended Mersing one-day island hopping tour! Go, go, go! ✨🧡

🌴 Hidden Paradise Alert! The Rock Hotel, Pulau Aur Pulau Aur, Johor (2-hour boat ride from Mersing) Private beach *without the crowds* + crystal-clear water! My Experience: ✔ **Exclusive & Peaceful** – Only a few chalets = total privacy! ✔ **Turquoise Waters** – Like swimming in an aquarium! 🐠 ✔ **Cozy White Sand Beach** – Perfect for lazy hammock days. ✔ **Yummy Home-Cooked Meals** – Think Chinese-Malay fusion (last-day BBQ was 🔥 – giant prawns & *ikan kembung*!). ⚠️ Heads Up: The boat ride is long (pack seasick pills if needed!) 📸 Pro Tips: - Bring snorkel gear (house reef is stunning!). - Cash only – no ATMs on the island. - Book early (limited rooms!). #PulauAur #HiddenGemMalaysia #PrivateIsland #TheRockHotel #MalaysiaTravel#travel 💞Reasons to 💰Average Price per Person: RM1500 per night for room of 4pax. full board Recommend: Yes

#springitinerary Only 2 hours by car — perfect for a short escape! 🌊 Island Hopping Day Tour (9AM–5PM) 💰 RM160/adult + Marine fee (RM40 foreigner / RM10 local) ✅ Includes: speedboat, breakfast & lunch, snorkeling gear, super friendly guides! 🏝️ Stops & Highlights: Pulau Sribuat: Optional hike, rainforest vibe 🌿 Pulau Raja: Gorgeous sandbar photo spot 📸 Pulau Harimau: Cave snorkeling (even non-swimmers can go!) Pulau Tengah: Lunch + baby clownfish 🐠 Pulau Rawa: Island cruise + boat drifting 💨 Pulau Hujung: Coral + fish galore 🐟 Pulau Besar: Rest stop with snacks & toilet 🚻 🧼 Tour team is eco-conscious — they check for trash before leaving every island! #myitinerary