Mersing town is well known for its jetty where passenger ferries depart daily to Tioman island and other Johor islands such as Pulau Besar, Pulau Tinggi and Pulau Rawa.
However, Mersing town is not just a mere stopover, a transient path to the nearby islands - it is a unique town in its right and well worth a stayover to flavour a fast disappearing small-town lifestyle that once predominated the Malaysian country now giving way to urban modernization and economic development. As of today, there are only 2 main traffic light junctions and 2 roundabouts in Mersing town!
2 main roads run through the heart of Mersing town and the traditional and modern shophouses along these thoroughfares provide a wide range of modern services to visitors and residents alike. There are traditional grocery shops and modern supermarkets around the town. There are traditional local restaurants serving traditional fare and seafood as well as modern cafes and fast food outlets.
For those obsessed with the trappings of modernity such as clubs, coffee cafes and shopping malls, it may appear that there is very little to see or do in Mersing but yet Mersing's true attraction is the beauty of its natural environment - the islands, its jungles and the sun, sand and the sea as well as the pace of life it offers amidst the warmth of living in a small town and community - a throwback to the life of Malaysians some 20 to 30 years ago.
There are also plenty of natural attractions around Mersing town to keep one occupied. Being on the coast, the unspoilt beaches of the East Coast awaits visitors to explore their sandy beaches and rocky coasts. Fishing or Angling is a popular past time here among residents or beachcombing for shellfish and the natural treasures of the south-china sea. For those imbued with the spirit of exploration, Penyabung beach and Air Papan beach north of the town offers visitors a glimpse into the community and traditional life of Malay villages by the sea and the promise of clear sea waters lapping the shores of the mainland.
Get in
The best mode of travel to Mersing is by your own motor car or motor cycle. This allows convenient travel and exploration around the Mersing town and surrounding area. Rental cars are available in the major Malaysian cities and town. There is as yet no reputable brand name car rental company in Mersing. Visitors are advised to make car rental arrangements elsewhere.
Taxi transport to and out of Mersing is available from Johor Bahru and other Malaysian towns. There are also Taxis in Mersing to travel within the town and the surrounding areas.
There is Coach transport from the major Malaysian cities such as Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Malacca as well as the smaller towns is also available.
Another excellent option is by bicycle. Many cyclists ride to Mersing in the summer months to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the Mersing countryside.
Get around
Mersing town can be navigated easily by foot during the summer period. It is however advisable to travel by motor vehicle as there are many beaches to explore outside of Mersing town.
See
Mersing river and the traditional Malaysian fishing boats
A Chinese and Hindu temples both located near to the central roundabout of Mersing town and the bridge. (on the right hand side if you are travelling from Singapore)
Mersing Mosque which is located in the heart of town. There are excellent views of Mersing from its high vantage point.
Mersing esplanade and park which is located near to and just after the 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.
Do
Take a walk through the town and savour traditional Malay "kueh" or confectioneries during the traditional teatime.
Have a picnic on a East Coast Beach.
Buy your fish and other seafood from Mersing market.
Internet facilities are sparse, unreliable, and expensive on the islands. Visitors who require internet access are advised to visit Mersing's internet cafe before they leave for the islands.
The standard charge in Mersing is approximately RM2/- per hour.
Visit Mersing all year round! While it can be wet in December and January, the weather is generally more windy than rainy. Beach visiting is best between March to October.
Buy
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 "Giant" Supermarket in Mersing which is well stocked.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
There are numerous hotels and motels in Mersing town.
Early reservation is recommended especially when your visit coincides with Singapore and Malaysia holidays.
Budget
The smaller hotels are most suitable for budget conscious travelers and they are usually run by families. Prices range from RM20 per night for non-aircon rooms to RM50 for air-con.
Mid-range
These hotels are suitable for business and family vacation travelers.
Get out
Mersing is the name of a town and district in the northeast corner in the state of Johor, Malaysia. It is a lively tourist town visited by Malaysians and foreign tourists who come to enjoy the quiet life, great seafood, unspoilt beaches and exotic flora and fauna of the East Coast of mainland West Malaysia.
Geographic Location
Mersing is 136 Kilometres north east of the state capital Johor Bahru.
Mersing town is also the main port for ferries to Pulau Tioman and the more than 40 other islands in the Seribuat Archipelago. It is easily accessible from the Republic of Singapore, the Johor state capital of Johor Bahru, the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur and the major northern Malaysian town of Kuantan by car, bus, taxi or coaches.
Entertainment
Although a small town, Mersing is very well serviced by a wide range of restaurants, cafes and traditional coffee shops. There are also many modern supermarkets and traditional shops providing many services including internet services and western meals for foreign tourists. The main District Hospital is also located in Mersing town and there are also other many private medical clinics if medical services are required. Most Malaysian banks also have branches in Mersing town. Near to the ferry jetty in Mersing town is a public park with playground facilities for children and restaurants.
To truly explore Mersing, it is recommended that tourists have a car or other transport. There is relatively light traffic in the area and a bicycle would be an excellent mode of travel.
Attractions
From Mersing, tourists can visit many nearby beaches. Beaches in the Mersing area rival beaches on the islands nearby. These are easily accessible from Mersing town. Other interesting places to visit near to Mersing town are Endau town, a major off-shore fishing port in Johor (about 33 km from Mersing town) and Penyabung, a very quiet fishing village located in a beautiful cove by the sea (about 20 km from Mersing town). Another attraction is the Endau Rompin National Park in the north.
There are numerous hotels at reasonable prices catering to the many Malaysian and foreign tourists who visit the Mersing town throughout the year.
The Chinese community in Mersing mainly belongs to the Cantonese dialect group and speak Mandarin and Cantonese.
Administrative
Mersing is administered by Majlis Daerah Mersing or the Mersing District Council. Mersing's postcode is 86800.
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