Amazing Things to Do and Interesting Places to Visit in Mersing
Mersing district is the large western district in Johor with a capital coastal town of the same name. There are two contesting theories regarding the name of the town & the district. One theory says that it originated from the names of two prominent Indian traders named Amir Singh and Mann Singh. Another theory suggests that the name came from the Chinese term “Mau Sheng”, in fact, the region was known as “Fau Sheng Port” in Chinese; which means a good harvest. So Mau Sheng later became Mersing. The origin of the name does not diminish or elevate the beauty of the places to visit in Mersing. It is an absolutely gorgeous tropical destination.
The biggest Mersing attractions are the little and large islands near the coast, closely followed by the beaches. The amazing and colourful tropical islands are like pearls floating on the ocean. You will need a boat ride to get to these Mersing tourist attractions. Even if you don’t visit the islands they are beautiful sight among things to see in Mersing. If you do choose to visit these islands, which you absolutely should, it’s the best thing you could do in Mersing, you get all kinds of boats and means of transport to take you to these little islands. They are regular ferry boats, sailing boats, speed boats, motorboats, small ships, and even cruise boats to visit Mersing islands. Some of these islands turn into a club at night and some even host music festivals and other events. There is no lack of entertainment and engagement on Mersing trip. You can even rent an entire island to be private to you. This is the most interesting places in Mersing to hold a wedding.
Besides the utter joy of hopping between islands, there are several other things to do in Mersing. There are wonderful beaches on the mainland itself and you can expect all the usual traits of beachside fun at Mersing attractions. Some beaches are a place of interest in water sports and there are plenty of water sports to enjoy on Mersing trip. Near the mainland coast as well as near the island’s coast, there are several interesting places to go snorkelling. You will come across small fishes, corals and even turtles if you are lucky. You can venture out deeper into the ocean and go for deep-sea diving. If you are done diving in the ocean, you can also go skydiving among things to do in Mersing. There are also interesting packages where you can skydive onto an island, spend the day at these tourist attractions, and get picked up in a boat to take you back to the mainland.
On the mainland as well as on some of the island you can also enjoy forest and nature exploration activities like hiking, trekking, camping, bird watching and so on. There are actually not many tourist attractions to visit on the mainland or the island. There are a few temples among places to visit in Mersing town, but that’s about it. You can enjoy a great leisurely time at one of the beach resorts on the mainland. These resorts are the best place to visit on Mersing trip if you looking to just relax and enjoy the views of the ocean and be pampered.
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Table of Contents
Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Mersing
1. Tioman Island
This is one of the largest islands off the shore and offers several things to do in Mersing. The island has wonderful beaches, forests, mountains and so on. The island is also known for Juara Turtle Project. You can enjoy hiking, mountain climbing, snorkeling and scuba diving on this island as well. You would need an entire day to explore this various experiences on this island.
2. Air Papan Mersing Beach (Pantai Air Papan)
This beach is among the most popular Mersing attractions. The beach is lined with a small forest and coconut trees. There aren’t many activities on the beach, but you can enjoy the scenery and chill there for several hours if you like.
3. Mersing Marine Park Center
This park is included among things to see in Mersing for 2 reasons. Firstly, it is a place where you can learn a great deal about the town and its history. Secondly, it also exhibits several marine flora and fauna. You will need an hour or so to explore it.
4. Hock Soon Temple (Fushun Temple)
This Chinese temple is known for its taoist style architecture. The temple is dedicated to Tua Pek Kong, the god of prosperity. It is one of the most important cultural Mersing tourist attractions. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for the temple.
5. Rawa Island (Pulau Rawa)
This coral island is close to the coast and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches. The cliff on the island is also visited for hiking and to see several land and marine species like sea eagles, snakes, squids, jelly fishes and more. You would need at least half a day’s time to explore this island during Mersing trip.
6. Kuil Sri Subramaniam Temple
This hindu temple is dedicated to thaipusam deity named Subramaniam or Murugan. It is among major Mersing points of interest for South Indian community.The temple is known for its colorful decor and intricate carvings. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this temple.
7. Kelong Fishing Experience
There are several jetties and fishing resorts which you can go to for a fishing experience. Many of these places provide all the necessary equipments on rent, but people do choose to bring their own stuff. Some of the well known fishing resorts among Mersing tourist attractions include Poseidon Oysterbay Resort, Kelong Acheh, Chia Soon, Ah Fatt and so on. Fishing activity at these resorts are active during the day as well as at night, so most of these resorts offer night-stay packages for visitors.
8. Gunung Arong Recreational Forest
This is one of the most interesting places in Mersing for hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, camping and other outdoor activities. You get an amazing view of the South China Sea from atop this hill. You would need half a day for this place.
9. Quarters Masjid Jamek Bandar Mersing
This gorgeous mosque sits on a small hillock. It is an important cultural landmark in the town. People also come to the mosque to get a nice view of the town, the river and the sea during Mersing sightseeing. You would need about an hour for this mosque.
10. Island Hopping
There are several small and large islands which you can explore during Mersing travel. Some islands are well known for hiking trails, some are popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are a few best known beautiful beaches. You can take an entire day exploring the islands.
If you are looking for more places to visit in Mersing, check out the section below. We have prepared an extensive list of places and activities you can enjoy during your visit.
Things to do in Mersing
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spot in Mersing
- Pulau Rawa Island
- Besar Island
- Pulau Sibu Island
- Pulau Tinggi Island
- Tangah Island
- Pulau Pemanggi Island
- Dayang Island
- Hiramau Island
- Pulau Papan Island
- Mensirip Island
- Pulau Mawar Island
- Arong Mountain
- Pulau Sibu Kuku Island
- Pulau Sibu Tengah Island
- Pulau Kukus Island
- Pulau Goal Island
- Pulau Babi Tengah Island
- Pulau Hujung Island
- Pulau Babi Hujong Island
- Pulau Mentigi Island
- Pulau Stenan Island
- Pulau Lima Besar Island
- Pulau Penyembang Island
- Endau Rompin National Park
- Gunung Arong Mountain
- Arong Recreational Forest
- Gunung Janing Mountain
- Bukit Tinggi Mountain Peak
- Tasik Linggiu Lake
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Mersing
- Mersing Marien Park Center
- Sebukang Bay Resort
- Mirage Island Resort
- Twin Beach Resort
- Tunjunk Laut Beach Resort
- Maksu Zimah Resort
Shopping in Mersing
- Mersing Night Walk Market
- Kini
Beaches to visit in Mersing
- Twin Beach
- Pantai Penyabung Beach
- Gorek Bay Beach
- Pantai Rekreasi Beach
- Pantai Teluk Iskandar Beach
- Pulau Rawa Island Beach
- Besar Island Beach
- Pulau Sibu Island Beach
- Pulau Tinggi Island Beach
- Tangah Island Beach
- Pulau Pemanggi Island Beach
- Dayang Island Beach
- Hiramau Island Beach
- Pulau Papan Island Beach
- Mensirip Island Beach
- Pulau Mawar Island Beach
- Pulau Sibu Kuku Island Beach
- Pulau Sibu Tengah Island Beach
- Pulau Kukus Island Beach
- Pulau Goal Island Beach
- Pulau Babi Tengah Island Beach
- Pulau Hujung Island Beach
- Pulau Babi Hujong Island Beach
- Pulau Mentigi Island Beach
- Pulau Stenan Island Beach
- Pulau Lima Besar Island Beach
- Pulau Penyembang Island Beach
Offbeat Places & Adventure things to do in Mersing
- Sky Diving
- Snorkeling
- Speed Boats
- Sailing
- Paragliding
Sightseeing in Mersing
- Tanjung Leman Terminal Jeti
- Mersing Espandale Park
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Mersing
- The Port
- Brother Joe
- Warung Ikan Bakar
- Nasi Dagang Mak Yah
- Mersing Seafood Restaurant
- Sri Mersing Cafe
- Loke Tien Yuen
- Satay Teluk iskandar
- Vegetarian Food Stall
- Baek Coffee Bistro
- Syed Ali Mersing
- Ee Lo
- Kedai Ucu Selera Kita
- Dee Beach Tomyam Seafood
- History 1948 Cafe
- Hai Soon
Where to Stay in Mersing?
Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in Mersing. Here we recommended some of mid-range and budget Hotels in Mersing.
How to Reach Mersing?
By Air
There is an airport in Mersing, but it is mainly used for skydiving. The closest airport for Mersing travel is the Senai International Airport in Johar Bahru. You will then have to travel by road to visit Mersing from Johor Bahru.
By Road
It lacks a railway station, so you will have to travel by bus to this coastal city to enjoy the places to visit in Mersing. The city sits on route 3, so any road leading to this route will take you to visit Mersing. It is well connected by road so so you can reach here by driving yourself or renting a car to take you on a Mersing trip. If you don’t have a problem using public transport, there are buses from Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Johor Bahru and many other cities in Malaysia for Singapore travel. You can also get a bus from Singapore to visiting Mersing tourist attractions.
By Water
Mersing is a coastal city with many options to travel by water. You can get boats to travel from the mainland to the islands among things to do in Mersing. Several boat services run to and fro between the islands and mainland on a daily basis. There are also a few cruises which include a visit to the nearby island or the mainland among interesting places in Mersing.
Image Reference
- Tioman Island – _paVan_ / Flickr
- Air Papan Mersing Beach (Pantai Air Papan) – Zul1603 / Wikimedia Commons
- Mersing Marine Park Center –
- Hock Soon Temple (Fushun Temple) –
- Rawa Island (Pulau Rawa) – Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi / Flickr
- Kuil Sri Subramaniam Temple –
- Kelong Fishing Experience – Chung Kevin / PxHere
- Gunung Arong Recreational Forest – aHzwan harm Done / Flickr
- Quarters Masjid Jamek Bandar Mersing – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons
- Island Hopping – Chongkian / Wikimedia Commons
