Mersing
Discover Mersing
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. Most tourists will use this town to get 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.
What to Experience in Mersing
Famous Beaches
Taste of Mersing...
There are numerous hotels and motels in Mersing town. However, early reservation is recommended especially when your visit coincides with Singapore and Malaysian holidays. 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. These hotels are suitable for business and family vacation travelers.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsSeveral bus companies operate direct services to Mersing, e.g. Transnasional from Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Singapore, while others that use the east coast highway (e.g. Johor Bahru to/from Kota Bahru) also call at Mersing. From Melaka, take the S&S International from Central Bus Station (it's the only direct bus). Departure times are 8AM, 12:45 and 6:15PM. It takes about 4½ hours to arrive at the Mersing Bus Terminal (15 min walk to the island boats). From Singapore, the cheapest way to Mersing is to first take a bus from Queen Street Bus Terminal) to Larkin terminal in Johor Bahru. It takes about an hour off-peak. But it's important to note that direct onward buses from Larkin to Mersing are limited so get there in time to catch an early bus like 8:30AM, 9AM, 10AM, 11:30AM or 2:30PM (the latter being often too late to take the last ferry to Tioman). Buses heading to Kuantan will drop you off in Mersing. There is a direct Transnasional bus from Lavender Street Terminal....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting 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. Officially opened by the Sultan of Johor on September 10, 2017, Mersing Harbour Centre has assumed a central role with regards to transport in and out of Mersing, both by road and by sea. But apart from bus and ferry counters, the complex also offers a F&B section, a number of retail outlets, as well as a range of useful amenities, including a tourism information desk. In addition, taxis, hotels and trips to nearby Endau can also be booked at Mersing Harbour Centre. 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.
Where to Stay
There are numerous hotels and motels in Mersing town. However, early reservation is recommended especially when your visit coincides with Singapore and Malaysian holidays. 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. These hotels are suitable for business and family vacation travelers.
Money & Budget
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. Otherwise, there is a large "Kini" Supermarket only 2 min walk from the Mersing Bus Terminal. There are numerous hotels and motels in Mersing town. However, early reservation is recommended especially when your visit coincides with Singapore and Malaysian holidays. 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. These hotels are suitable for business and family vacation travelers.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Mersing
a wooden post in the water
landscape photo of ocean during golden hour
a beach with houses and trees
We were walking in the Jungle in Malaysia, on the Tioman Island. Smoke mixed with trees. It was a timeless moment.
a white wall with palm trees
a beach with trees and a body of water
a couple of huts sitting in the middle of a forest
a beach with houses and trees
green trees on mountain beside sea during daytime
a long bridge over a body of water
a wooden post in the water
landscape photo of ocean during golden hour
a beach with houses and trees