Exploring Mersing

Situated in the southeast of Malaysia, Mersing is a coastal town in Johor. Very well-known as the departure point to offshore islands such as Pulau Tioman, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Tengah and Pulau Tinggi.

Mersing is also the birth place of my late father in-law.

The locals from Mersing back then were those who migrated from Terengganu. Which is why, if you've been to both Mersing and Terengganu, you will see that there are a lot of similarities between these two.

According to the old tale, the name Mersing was said originated from a man name Amir Sigh, who was on the run for kidnapping the King of Pahang's concubine. Scandalous, right?

Anyway, here in Mersing, we stayed at a small local family-run inn, the Mersing Riesa Inn. It's cheap and comfortable, with breakfast.

Going around Mersing, you can see perched up on the hill in the middle of town is the Masjid Jamek Bandar Mersing. This is the biggest mosque in town.

Mosque up on the hill.

Mersing is relatively a small fishermen's town. It can get very busy in the jetty area and in the middle of town during peak hours, but other than that, for the most part, Mersing is calm and quiet. Not really a fancy tourist destination, other than just as a gateway to the islands.

But this quiet town still have some cool things to offer. I for once, love the peacefulness and the simplicity of Mersing.

For instance, on your way to the Air Papan beach, you'll find the paddy field offering a good therapy for the eyes and mind. A good spot for picture taking too, of course.

All green and serene

The boys enjoying the view

The Pasar Nelayan (Fishermen Market) at Teluk Buih is where you can get all the seafood imaginable, freshly brought up from the sea by the local fishermen. Come by early morning because by 11 am, most of the cool stuff will be finished.

Fresh seafood!

Fish again.. Everyday you give me fish. I want steak, hooman!

Jetty next to the fisherman market

The fishermen boats

Air Papan is the most popular public beach in Mersing. Suitable for children to swim and play. It can get very busy during weekends and public holiday, but still enjoyable to all. You can find people selling kites and foods here too.

Little one splashing about at the Air Papan beach

Hey!

Fun in the water.

For the life of me, I can't find any pictures of the beach itself. All pictures in Air Papan are of my kids, hundreds of them! Forgive me, my mommy mode can be my greatest enemy sometimes.

Ok, moving on to the Tanjung Resang beach. It is a less popular beach, and further from town. But equally nice for a swim. And the sand here is softer than those in Air Papan. You can spot a cow or two chilling out under the tree here. Don't worry, they are harmless. 

Fine looking sand

Tanjung Resang beach

This time I didn't forget to take picture of the beach. Yeay me!


Next, I shall introduce you to Pantai Pasir Lanun also known as the Pirate Bay. Back in the 19th century, this is the exact spot where the pirates like to hang out. They stay here to wait out the monsoon, for shelter and entertainment. Yes folks, this right here is Mersing's very own Tortuga!

Pantai Pasir Lanun

Pier in Tortuga.. Opps.. I mean, Pantai Pasir Lanun.

I'm guessing the layout of the small islands around this beach is the reason why them pirates like to come here. The water is calmer and less visible from the ocean. I think.

I'm no pirate, but I wish I could hang out here longer,

So, those are among the cool stuff Mersing have to offer. Peaceful beaches with colourful history. When I have enough pictures, I'll make a post about the local food in Mersing. Keropok lekor, sata, and nasi dagang.. and many others. Until then.