MY · Melaka · 2.11°N 102.33°E

pulau besar, melaka

A short ferry to a pilgrimage island of old tombs, wells and quiet beaches off Melaka.

Best time
Any time of year on a calm day. October and November bring the most rain, and squalls can cut a crossing short.
How long
1 day
Getting there
About 2 hours' drive from KL to the Anjung Batu jetty near Umbai, via the Ayer Keroh exit; it's about 30 minutes from Melaka's old town. The public ferry runs a few times a day and takes 15–30 minutes, and speedboats can be chartered at the jetty.
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MY · Melakapulau besar, melaka2.11°N 102.33°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,A short ferry to a pilgrimage island of old tombs, wells and quiet beaches off Melaka.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingPulau Besar, MelakaMY, Melaka
KLpulau besar, melaka
≈ 135 km from KL, as the crow flies

Pulau Besar, off the coast south-east of Melaka city, is a small island that has drawn pilgrims for generations. Most come for the tomb of Sultan Al-Ariffin Syeikh Ismail, and for the wells, rocks and cave wrapped in local legend; others come for a walk round the shore and a picnic. This is Melaka's Pulau Besar, not the one off Mersing.

Makan

  1. A picnicThere are a few stalls on the east coast, but most families bring their own.Map ↗
  2. Ikan pari bakarGrilled stingray with sambal at Umbai's seafood courts, a few minutes from the jetty, after the boat back.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Makam Sultan Al-AriffinThe island's main tomb, near the beach, and the reason most pilgrims make the crossing.Map ↗
  2. The wellsOld wells with stories attached; one is said to run salty at high tide and fresh at low.Map ↗
  3. Gua YunosA small cave where, the story goes, warriors once learned silat.Map ↗
  4. Batu BelahA split boulder about 3 metres high near the island's highest point.Map ↗
  5. The shore walkBoardwalks and paved paths on the east side. A loop of the whole island takes about 3 hours.Map ↗

Good to know

  • It's a pilgrimage island with its own pantang larang. Dress modestly, even in the water, and leave pork and alcohol on the mainland.
  • Ask for the last ferry time when you buy your ticket at Anjung Batu, and keep the abandoned resort on the island to a look from outside.

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