Your beautiful and tranquil hideaway.
The island was formerly known as Pulau Babi Besar – Big Boar Island – due to the wild boar that used to roam freely here. But in recent years this island has become famous as the location for the Scandinavian reality show Expedition Robinson, where contestants are left on a remote island and have to fend for themselves while competing for a cash prize.
Getting There
Things to see and do
Hotels & Resorts
Boats to Besar
Besar Island forms part of the Seribuat archipelago, off the south-eastern shore of peninsular Malaysia. Boats to the island depart from Tanjung Leman. Resorts all have their own boat services and timings are mostly arranged according to guests’ needs when making a reservation, taking note of boat availability and tidal conditions. Transfers are either included in your packages or charged on a per person basis and are around RM40-50 each way. At Tanjung Leman, you will need to buy a ticket (RM 4 per person) for the use of the jetty in addition to your boat transfer costs.
By Air
The closest airports to Besar island are the Senai airport in Johor Bahru and Changi airport in Singapore.
By road – public transport
Some of the resorts on the island can arrange for land transfers by air-conditioned minivan from Singapore, Johor Bahru and (on special request) from Kuala Lumpur. This is the most convenient option.
Alternatively, these are the options for reaching Tanjung Leman by public transport:
From Johor Bahru (and Senai airport):
- From the Larkin bus terminal, there are regular local buses to Kota Tinggi, from where you can get a taxi to Tanjung Leman (approximately 45 minutes, RM 40-60)
- Less frequent buses leave to Mersing (approximately 3 hours, RM 10: Causeway Link, Transnational and S&S Express) from where you can take a local bus (approximately 1 hour, RM 8)or a taxi to Tanjung Leman (approximately 45 minutes, RM 60-100)
From Kuala Lumpur
- Take a Transnational bus (5-6 hours, RM 25) to Mersing and then take a local bus (approximately 1 hour, RM 8) or a taxi (approximately 45 minutes, RM 60-100) to Tanjung Leman.
From other destinations in Malaysia
- Transnational, S&S Internasional and other bus companies that serve destinations along the east coast (Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Kota Bahru etc.) mostly stop at Mersing as well. S&S Internasional also has a service from Melaka to Mersing. From there you can take a taxi or local bus to Tanjung Leman.
In Tanjung Leman
There is a secure car park at the Tanjung Leman jetty. The charge is around RM 8 per day.
You will need to buy a ticket (RM 4 per person) for the use of the jetty.
There are food stalls and small convenience stores at the jetty for any last-minute needs.
There are no banks or ATMs.
Snorkeling and island hopping
One of the area’s biggest attractions is the prolific occurrence of the giant cockle: a massive species of clam that grows up to one and a half metres in length and can weigh up to 70kg. Sea turtles, moray eels, sting rays and countless species of coral and fish also make their home in these waters. Around Besar there are several other islands (like Pulau Harimau, Pulau Mensirip, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Tengah and Pulau Hujung), all having protected marine park status and being mostly uninhabited.
Other activities
Jungle trekking, whether by yourself or with a guide, is a great activity for nature lovers. Remember to bring insect repellent! You can also try beach volleyball or sea kayaking.