MY · Johor · 2.43°N 103.83°E

mersing

Jetty town for the Johor islands, with seafood and a sleepy seafront.

Best time
March to October. During the northeast monsoon, roughly November to February, the sea gets rough, ferries are cut back and many island resorts close.
How long
Half a day, or a night before an early boat
Getting there
About 4–4.5 hours' drive from KL, or about 2 hours from JB. Express buses run to Mersing from both.
Save postcard
MY · Johormersing2.43°N 103.83°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Jetty town for the Johor islands, with seafood and a sleepy seafront.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingMersingMY, Johor
KLmersing
≈ 250 km from KL, as the crow flies
Mersing Bridge is a bridge that crossing the Mersing River

Photo: Wee Hong · CC BY-SA 4.0

1 / 5

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A small fishing town at the southern end of the east coast, and the main jumping-off point for Rawa, Tioman and the other islands offshore. Most people pass through on the way to a boat, but it's worth a night for the seafood and the slower pace.

Makan

  1. SeafoodFresh fish, squid and prawns at the seafood restaurants around town.Map ↗
  2. Dried seafoodSalted fish, anchovies and keropok to bring home.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The jettyBoats leave for Rawa, Tioman, Pulau Besar and other islands.Map ↗
  2. Island-hopping tripsDay trips with snorkelling stops around the nearby islands, booked in town.Map ↗
  3. Pantai Air PapanA long, quiet beach a short drive north of town.Map ↗
  4. The river mouthWatch the fishing boats come and go along the river.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Ferry times change with the tide, so check the schedule the day before.
  • Marine park conservation fees are collected at the jetty for island trips.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.