From Wikitravel

Mersing town is located on the east coast of the peninsular Malaysian state of Johor. It is 136 Kilometres north east of the state capital Johor Bahru. It is a gateway to nature and traditional culture. But for most outsiders the small 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 ferries depart daily for numerous offshore island destinations.

[edit] Narrative

However Mersing town, with its estimated population of 21,000, needn't be a mere stopover - a transient path to an offshore isle. The town possesses a quiet charm that represents in many ways a fast disappearing small-town culture that once pervaded all of Malaysia. The town has yet to see any typical signs of major economic and urban development. There are only two junctions with traffic lights in the town, and only two traffic roundabouts.

Two main roads run through the town. They 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 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. It's appeal lies rather in its out-of-doors, its slow-paced life and natural surroundings such as jungle reserves, unspoiled beaches, rocky coasts, and offshore kelongs for pleasure angling. Penyabung and Air Papan beaches are about twenty-minutes drive north of the town. You can get a glimpse the remaining vestiges of traditional seaside Malay village life.

[edit] Must do

Circumambulate the hill on foot.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By bus

Several bus companies operate direct services to Mersing, e.g. Transnasional from Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Singapore, while others that use the east coast highway (e.g. Johor Bahru to/from Kota Bahru) also call at Mersing.

From Singapore, the cheapest way to Mersing is to cross the Causeway to Larkin terminal by bus, which takes about an hour off-peak (see Queen Street Bus Terminal). But buses from Larkin to Mersing are limited, so get there in time to catch the 8:30 AM bus. The direct Transnasional bus from Lavender Street Terminal is somewhat easier if three-times the cost; its first departure is at 9 AM and reaches Mersing by 1 PM. You will likely need to book a day or more in advance.

When leaving Mersing, if you don't pre-book, the bus may be full. For travel to Johor Bahru and Singapore, an alternative is to take the local bus to Kota Tinggi (less than 2 hrs) and then the local bus to Johor Bahru's Larkin terminal (less then 1 hour), and then onward to Singapore (buses going all the time).

[edit] By car

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.

[edit] By taxi

Taxi transport to and out of Mersing is available from Johor Bahru (2:15) and other Malaysian towns, figure on around RM180 per car at peak hours (Fri/Sun evenings) and as little as RM130 at other times. Taxis (official and unofficial) can be found waiting around the Tioman ferry pier.

There are also Taxis in Mersing to travel within the town and the surrounding areas.

[edit] By bicycle

Many cyclists ride to Mersing in the summer months to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the Mersing countryside.

[edit] 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.

[edit][add listing] See

Mersing river and the traditional Malaysian fishing boats

A Chinese and Hindu temples both located at the base of the hill 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.

Stargazing

[edit][add listing] 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.

[edit][add listing] 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.

[edit][add listing] Eat

VEGETARIAN

There are only two vegetarian places in Mersing. Both are very simple.

• Vegetarian Cafe – a very cost-friendly Chinese semi-self-service-style "pick-what-you-like" place run by Mahayana Buddhist devotees. Menu: rice with various vegetable and tofu dishes, fried noodles, and noodle soup, coffee, tea & soft drinks. The food contains no onion or garlic. Location: Jalan Jemaluang about 12 min walk from the main traffic circle, left-hand side. Open from early morning to about 1 pm. Closed on Monday.

• Vegetarian Hawker Stall – a very cost-friendly but tiny stall among other numerous non-veg stalls in a semi-open complex near the road called Lok Kee Restaurant. Menu: Fried noodles, eggs, rice and various vegetable and tofu dishes. Open from early morning till about 10 am. Location: Jalan Jemaluang about 8 min walk from the main traffic circle, right-hand side.

OTHER NON-VEGETARIAN PLACES

• Restoran P1, 20, Jln. Dato Mohd. Ali, 86800 Mersing, (center town, short road towards the river, about 30m from the mainroad), [1]. Every day 10:00AM to midnight, Tuesdays 7:00AM 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. Fantastic food. And a second-hand books exchange.

• The Port (right by the jetty). Western food.

• Warung Ikan Bakar (right by the jetty, further up along the esplanade). Barbequed fish.

• Mersing Seafood (near to Giant Supermarket). 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 (opposite Kentucky Fried Chicken). Chinese Seafood - Recommended is the day's catch steamed, sweet and sour pork, yoke lan gai, lin zi ngap, fu gua pai guat, BEST CHAR SIEW IN MERSING!!!

[edit][add listing] Drink

• The Port (See above)

• Raja Villa Resort & Hotel - Jalan Endau, Mersing, Johor (2 km from Mersing town) - fantastic views of Tioman and the other islands from the cafe and swimming pool.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

There are numerous hotels and motels in Mersing town.

Early reservation is recommended especially when your visit coincides with Singapore and Malaysia holidays.

[edit] 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.

• SariMawar Chalets & Campsite Lot 114, Kampung Mawar, Teluk Sari, Penyabong. Stargazers, astro-photographers and amateur astronomers flock here between May and August each year to enjoy what is probably the clearest view of the universe.

• Air Papan Chalets, Air Papan about 15 km north of Mersing. RM 60 per night for studio chalet. Good quiet beach. Two eateries, acceptable standard at local prices.

• Omar's Backpacker's Hostel [2]

• East Coast Backpacker's Hotel [3] (currently closed for renovation (as of 10 May 2008)

• Embassy Hotel, RM 35-70, 2 Jalan Ismail [4]
• Sun Dance Holiday, RM 45, 3 Jalan Ismail
• Rumah Persinggahan Mersing, RM 28-63, 490 Jalan Ismail

• Kali's Guesthouse, RM 30-70 [5]. 100 meters off Jalan Endau Road, on the Jalan Air Merah Road. Single story building and raised house near Jalan Dato' Onn. Nearby beach with concrete promenade, facilities, local food stalls.

• Golden City Hotel, RM 15-35, 23 Jalan Abu Bakar
• Syuan Koong Hotel, RM 10-28, 44A Jalan Abu Bakar

[edit] Mid-range

These hotels are suitable for business and family vacation travelers.

• Fishing Bay Resort Lot 525, Teluk Buih, Air Papan +07-799-6753 (fax: +07-799-7102) [6] is a secluded resort that offers peace, quiet, and serviced activities. Rates on their website start at US$28.

• Raja Villa Resort & Hotel [7] Affordable and clean accommodation with swimming pool and other facilities from as little as Malaysian Ringgit 65+ per night.

• Timotel Hotel [8]

Situated on Jalan Endau road, near the Mersing river and just after the central town roundabout

• Teluk Iskandar Inn, RM 80-100 [9]

• White Sand Beach Resort, RM 170-200, 3 Jalan Ismail
• Mersing Inn, 38 Jalan Ismail. Affordable and clean accommodation. Tel:+607-7991919
• Seri Malaysia Mersing, RM 130-150, 641 Jalan Ismail [10]

[edit] Get out

• Tioman - everybody's real destination

• Pulau Besar - 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....

[edit] Notes

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!