Mersing is a popular tourist spot, well-known as a gateway to breathtakingly beautiful islands around Johor. A coastal town in southeast Malaysia, this not-so-sleepy fishing village is so much more than just an interchange point.
Blessed with pristine shorelines and a handful of gorgeous beaches, Mersing could make for the best destination for your next ultimate beach getaway. This 2-days itinerary will be the perfect guide for your adventurous trip to Mersing. Let’s go!
Day 1
Mersing Harbour Centre > Island Hopping > Snorkeling & Diving Trip > Dinner by the sea at Brother Joe Ikan Bakar
Mersing Harbour Centre
First thing first, getting all the information you need. Mersing Harbour Centre is like a one-stop centre that provides all the tourism information about Mersing that you need. Just opposite the jetty, you can rest comfortably here while waiting for your ferry ride to other nearby islands including Tioman Island and Rawa Island.
Address: Mersing Harbour Centre, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Opening Hours: Daily, 7.30 am – 8.00 pm
Island Hopping
Of course, the main purpose of coming here is to have a laid-back, relaxing beach getaway! With a wide variation of amazing islands, Mersing got you covered. Why spend your time on one island only when you can cover a total of 5 islands in a day? Apart from Tioman Island, there are a handful of islands that are just a boat’s ride away from Mersing Jetty:
- Pulau Rawa
- Pulau Tinggi
- Pulau Besar
- Pulau Pemanggil
- Pulau Aur
Book your ferry ticket here for a hassle-free island hopping!
Mersing Jetty
Address: Jalan Abu Bakar, Mersing Kechil, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Adventurous Snorkeling & Diving Trip
While you are island hopping, might as well opt for a snorkeling and diving trip. The abundance of wildlife makes it the perfect spot for you to bask in the mystical and magical wonders of sea life.
One of the must-not-missed spots for diving is Tioman Island. For certified divers, don’t miss out on the chance for a diving trip to this famous island. If you are not keen on taking a dive, why not go for a wonderful snorkeling trip? Surrounded by healthy and rich coral reefs, this trip will be a memory for life.
Aman Tioman Beach Resort
Address: Lot 73, Kampung Paya Pulau Tioman, 26800 Mersing, Pahang
Contact: +609-419 7788
Opening Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Dinner By The Sea at Brother Joe Ikan Bakar
Your beach trip in Mersing is incomplete without trying out its very own fresh seafood. One of the must-try dishes is ikan bakar! Even though this dish is common elsewhere, but here in Mersing it is prepared with the freshest, best seafood. The best part is you can choose the fish – what type, size, etc. – by yourself. It comes with a special spicy sauce, air asam.
Brother Joe Ikan Bakar & Seafood
Address: J80, Kampung Mersing Kanan, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Contact: +6013-701 7011
Opening Hours: Daily, 2.30 pm – 12.30 am
Day 2
Gunung Arong Recreational Forest > Hearty breakfast at Sri Mersing Café > Hock Soon Temple > Air Papan Beach
Gunung Arong Recreational Forest
Rise and shine in Mersing by hiking at Gunung Arong Recreational Forest. A small hill, Gunung Arong is elevated at 237 meters above sea level. A stream runs through the forest, which provides refreshing pleasure to many hikers. Its peak rewards hikers and trekkers with a panoramic view of the South China Sea and its neighboring islands.
Address: Mersing-Endau Road, 86900 Endau, Johor
Contact: +607-7981 030
Opening Hours: Daily, 7.00 am – 6.00 pm
Hearty Breakfast at Sri Mersing Café
A go-to traditional kopitiam breakfast you must have in Mersing – authentic butter kaya toast! Spread lavishly with kaya, the buttery bread is charcoal-grilled. Interestingly, it is prepared with homemade kaya that is rich in coconut flavour. Pandan-flavoured kaya is also part of the menu. Pair it with a cup of hot kopi kaw–the perfect kopitiam breakfast.
Sri Mersing Café
Address: 63, Jalan Sulaiman, Mersing Kechil, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Contact: +607-799 2912
Opening Hours: Daily, 8.00 am – 6.00 pm
Hock Soon Temple
One of the most beautiful Chinese temples in Mersing, Hock Soon Temple is a unique religious site that you must not miss. It is famous for its magnificent architecture carving design, dated from a century ago. Built as a dedication to the Taoist God of Prosperity, this temple is also rich with history.
Address: Jalan Jemaluang, Mersing Kechil. 86800 Mersing, Johor
Opening Hours: Daily, 8.00 am – 7.00 pm
Air Papan Beach
Apart from beautiful islands, Mersing is also home to several pristine beaches. One of the most popular beaches is Air Papan Beach. Not far from the jetty and Mersing town, you can have a quick stop here. Don’t forget to have a refreshing walk along its gorgeous white long beach while enjoying the picturesque view of the sunset.
Address: Air Papan Beach, 86800 Mersing, Johor
There you have it; the perfect itinerary for 2-day beach getaway in Mersing, Johor. So where are you heading to this weekend? For more wonderful activities and experiences, check out KKday now!
Featured image by YusoffJalil on Shutterstock
