Mersing town is on the east coast of the peninsular Malaysian state of Johor. It is 136 km northeast of the state capital Johor Bahru. It is a gateway to nature and traditional culture. But for most outsiders the small semi-tourist town is hardly more than a few-hours rest en route to Tioman Island. Mersing town is thus best known for its passenger boat jetty where boats depart daily for numerous offshore islands.
Despite its estimated population of 21,000, Mersing town should not be viewed as a mere stopover, a transient path to an offshore isle. The town possesses a quiet charm that in many ways represents a fast disappearing small-town culture that once pervaded all of Malaysia. It has yet to see any typical signs of major economic and urban development.
Two main roads run through the town. There only two junctions with traffic lights and only two traffic roundabouts. The two main roads are lined with traditional and modern shop houses that provide a range of modern services. There are traditional fruit sellers, grocers and modern supermarkets, plus a range of local restaurants and fast food outlets, several open 24-hours.
Mersing is a throwback to the small town look and temperament that existed in Malaysia some 20 or 30 years ago. There is little if at all in the way of chic clubs, cafes or shopping malls. The town's appeal lies rather in its out-of-doors, its slow-paced life and natural surroundings such as jungle reserves and unspoiled beaches, rocky coasts and offshore kelongs for pleasure angling. Air Papan and Penyabung beaches are about 15 and 30 minutes drive north of the town respectively. There you can glimpse the remaining vestiges of traditional seaside Malay village life. A must do is to circumambulate the centrally orientated hill that shoots up right behind the Hindu temple, very near to the roundabout, a short walk from the bridge.
Mersing River and the traditional Malaysian fishing boats can be viewed from the bus terminal complex down river.
A Hindu temple is at the base of the hill near to the central roundabout.
Mersing Mosque is on a hill top 15 mins walk from the center of town. It has excellent views of the town.
Mersing esplanade and marine park is located walking distance from then town and nearing from Mersing Jetty.
The Beaches in the Penyabung area and at Air Papan. These beaches are all relatively isolated and visitors are advised to exercise care and caution.
- Mersing Town Forest Park, Jalan Masjid, Mersing Kechil, 86800. Park.
- Sultan Iskandar Sea Park, Jalan Abu Bakar. Park.
Mersing Town Forest Park, Jalan Masjid, Mersing Kechil, 86800. Park.
Sultan Iskandar Sea Park, Jalan Abu Bakar. Park.
Take a walk through the town and savour traditional Malay "kueh" or confectioneries during the traditional teatime.
Have a picnic on a nearby beach.
Buy fishes and other seafood from Mersing morning market next to the Bus terminal.
Internet: an increasing number of shops, restaurants and hotels offer free wifi to customers, otherwise the standard charge in Mersing is reportedly RM 2 per hour.
You can visit Mersing year round. But it can be wet and windy in December and January. Beaches are best between March to October.
If you are on a budget, it is best to buy everything you may need before you visit Tioman island or the other islands off Mersing as mainland prices are cheaper.
There is a very small "Giant" Supermarket in Mersing which is well stocked, along with others of a similar stripe. You will also a much larger "Kini" Supermarket only 2 min walk from the Mersing Bus Terminal.
- Giant Supermarket Mersing, Ground Floor, No. 145-148, Jalan Ismail. 10AM-10PM. Supermarket.
Giant Supermarket Mersing, Ground Floor, No. 145-148, Jalan Ismail. 10AM-10PM. Supermarket.
- Restoran P1, 20, Jln. Dato Mohd. Ali, 86800 (halfway between roundabout and jetty, at the traffic island turn left, after 30m to your left. Every day noon to midnight with a break from 2:30-6PM, Wednesdays only 6PM to midnight. An alternative to the local cuisine: homemade pizza, pasta, sirloin steak, schnitzel, salmon steak, all prepared by a Swiss chef, at "local" prices. The restaurant does not prepare or sell pork, but you can get a beer! Fantastic food. And a second-hand books exchange.
- The Port. Western food.
- Warung Ikan Bakar. Barbequed fish.
- Mersing Seafood. Chinese seafood Recommended is Chinese Fried Rice, Squid stuffed with Chinese Century Egg, Spinach Soup, Butter prawns, Malay Hot "Kang Kong" vegetable dish.
- Loke Tien Yuen 乐天园. Chinese seafood. Recommended is the day's catch steamed, sweet and sour pork, yoke lan gai, lin zi ngap, fu gua pai guat, char siew
- Vegetarian food Stall. Small cost-friendly stall, clean and tidy river view. Lacto-ovo-vegetarian. Fried noodles, eggs, rice and various vegetable, curry and tofu dishes. Take away no problem. Open from early morning till about 10AM. Simple and friendly. English spoken. The only vegetarian place in Mersing.
- Viet Taste Restaurant, +60 133491882. 8AM - 4PM. Vietnamese coffee, spring roll, vegetable fried rice & noodles, soup and more. Not expensive. Cheerful owner from Vietnam. Vegetarian-friendly.
Restoran P1, 20, Jln. Dato Mohd. Ali, 86800 (halfway between roundabout and jetty, at the traffic island turn left, after 30m to your left. Every day noon to midnight with a break from 2:30-6PM, Wednesdays only 6PM to midnight. An alternative to the local cuisine: homemade pizza, pasta, sirloin steak, schnitzel, salmon steak, all prepared by a Swiss chef, at "local" prices. The restaurant does not prepare or sell pork, but you can get a beer! Fantastic food. And a second-hand books exchange.
The Port. Western food.
Warung Ikan Bakar. Barbequed fish.
Mersing Seafood. Chinese seafood Recommended is Chinese Fried Rice, Squid stuffed with Chinese Century Egg, Spinach Soup, Butter prawns, Malay Hot "Kang Kong" vegetable dish.
Loke Tien Yuen 乐天园. Chinese seafood. Recommended is the day's catch steamed, sweet and sour pork, yoke lan gai, lin zi ngap, fu gua pai guat, char siew
Vegetarian food Stall. Small cost-friendly stall, clean and tidy river view. Lacto-ovo-vegetarian. Fried noodles, eggs, rice and various vegetable, curry and tofu dishes. Take away no problem. Open from early morning till about 10AM. Simple and friendly. English spoken. The only vegetarian place in Mersing.
Viet Taste Restaurant, +60 133491882. 8AM - 4PM. Vietnamese coffee, spring roll, vegetable fried rice & noodles, soup and more. Not expensive. Cheerful owner from Vietnam. Vegetarian-friendly.
- The Port. (See above)
- R Villa Resort & Hotel, Jalan Endau (2 km from Mersing town. Fantastic views of Tioman and the other islands from the cafe and swimming pool.
The Port. (See above)
R Villa Resort & Hotel, Jalan Endau (2 km from Mersing town. Fantastic views of Tioman and the other islands from the cafe and swimming pool.
- Tioman - everybody's real destination
- Besar Island - closer to the mainland than Tioman, very quiet, no night life. Swimming, snorkeling, beach and jungle walks. Don't forget a good insect repellent as there may be sandflies around! A few budget and mid range hotels. Book in Mersing at one of the travel agents in town or at the jetty - no regular ferry service! During the monsoon season (November to February/March) you still get accommodation, but food wise the choice may be reduced to instant noodles.
- Sibu Island
- Kukup - small fishing village with house on stilts