A few nautical miles off the coast of Mersing lie some of the most beautiful islands in the South China Sea. Being remote, these islands are relatively untouched. The combination of unspoilt charm and tranquillity makes these islands a much sought after destination among a growing number of visitors who flock to the islands in search of its soothing calm amidst rustic retreats and crystal clear emerald waters.

The tropical islands provide a spectacular haven for nature lovers, with long stretches of coral reefs and a clear blue sea.

Tinggi Island

The Tinggi Island lies 32 kilometres south east of Mersing, Johor, and is 3 1/2 hours by boat from Mersing. It has a long coastline of unpolluted, white sand beaches. Visitors will be able to trek up to the peak of the conical hill located on the island to get a mesmerizing view of the nearby islands of Aur and Pemanggil beckoning from a distance.

The island is also very secluded, allowing visitors privacy for some quite bathing. The seas around the island are teeming with tropical fishes of all kinds such as the butterfly fish, angelfish and much more. The clear waters of the island allow visitors to go snorkeling where the fascinating underwater treasure troves await. Visitors will be able to find accommodation built in traditional Malay style in the form of wooden chalets with "attap" roofs on the island.

The resort's restaurant serves both local and Western cuisine and has a wide range of recreational facilities including a swimming pool, gymnasium, windsurfing, sailing and deep sea fishing.

Besar Island

Located off the east coast of Johor - 15 km from Mersing, the Besar Island is another Malaysia's paradise island where stretches of untouched beautiful beaches will overwhelm visitors from around the world. This island offers visitors clear blue waters where coral reefs form an enchanting underwater garden below and is only an hour boat ride journey from Mersing.

Originally known as Pulau Babi Besar, this should not be confused with Pulau Sibu Besar. "Besar" means big, therefore it is not surprising that there are many Besar Islands in Malaysia.

There are many interesting activities. One can go snorkeling, fishing, diving or take a trip to all the nearby islands. Visitors can trek through the woods to see the tropical plants and animals or visit a 'kelong' to see the fishermen hauling up their nets laden with the bountiful harvest from the sea. A number of resorts on the island offer visitors accommodation facilities ranging from traditional Malay village chalets to A-frame huts. Restaurants at these resorts do serve a variety of local, Asian and Western delicacies.

Pemanggil Island

Another enchanting island paradise is Pulau Pemanggil, above five hours away by boat from Mersing. This remote island is also famed for the beauty and abundance of marine life within its clear emerald waters. Chalets and longhouses are available for visitors wishing to spend the night.

Sibu Island

Pulau Sibu is actually three km off the Johor coast together with 16 other beautiful islands. It may not be as celebrated as Pulau Tioman or Pulau Rawa bur the Sibu archipelago has almost the same magical charm and brilliance.
The island chain consists as Pulau Sibu Besar, Pulau Sibu Tengah, Pulau Sibu Hujung, Pulau Kukus, Pulau Lima, Pulau Mentinggi and Pulau Tinggi.

The abundance of marine life makes it a terrific spot for recreational diving and snorkeling, angling and watersports like canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, yachting, cruising and island hoping.
Angling is probably the most popular activity around the archipelago, offering highly regarded sportfish like tenggiri(narrow barred mackerel), black marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi or dolphin and good quality food fish like garoupers and snappers.
The resort can arrange fishing trips around the islands or at the surrounding kelongs or one can just try one's luck at the breakwater bunds at the island's jetty.

Those who prefer to take a "deep" dip into the sea can go for diving or snorkeling trips to the nearby Pulau Kukus or Pulau Lima. Uninhabited Kukus is the perfect hideout for those who treasure privacy.
On the way back, make a stop at Sibu Besar to absorb the picturesque view of the serene Kampung Duku, home to about 200 villagers. Witness the time-tested method on making copra or the handicraft-making from coconut wastes.

Back on land, take a short moderate jungle walk into the vegetation to reach a beautiful stretch of beach, nicknamed by staff as the Private Beach. The 30-minute trip is suitable for both children and healthy senior citizens.

The best months to visit the Sibu archipelago are from March to August. Though it isn't closed to visitors during the monsoon season, the choppy sea will deter "enjoyable and comfortable sea activities".
With its natural beauty and charm and offering adventurous and "soft" activities, Sibu Tengah is great destination for the whole family or those planning to treat themselves to a perfect holiday.