Another popular myth from the island that is popular with the locals is about a couple that transformed into mermaids. The story goes that once, the pregnant wife of a local fisherman had a craving for a seaweed that can only be found in the waters of Mersing. After dining on the seaweed, she was transformed into a mermaid and her heartbroken husband decided to join her by dining on the very same seaweed that she took. Even to this day, the locals claim that they can still see the couple swimming around the island together. During low tide, one can see small nibble marks on the island rocks that are said to be the mark of the mermaids.

Rising some 2,000 feet above the sea level, this is one of the largest islands off the coast of Mersing and is surrounded by 15 other islands. Several long streches of finest beaches with fine, soft white sand fringe the island carefully hidden from the outside world.It is irresistible to those who seek tranquility amidst charm of a village setting. The island houses many exotic coral reefs and underwater flora as well as numerous chalets and restaurants. Besar island is accesible by boat from Mersing town (approximately 30 minutes).

IIn the Mersing waters, there are at least 15 other small islands scattered around the area. Each island is unique in its own way. All the while, tourists have only been accustomed to the popularity of Pulau Tioman in Pahang and Pulau Pemanggil in Johor which actually are situated within the same area.

The name, Pulau Besar (formerly known as Pulau Babi Besar) is strange to many despite its idyllic beaches and stunning natural beauty. The island which is surrounded by Pulau Rawa, Pulau Sibu & Pulau Tinggi is characterized by quiet, clean beaches of powdery white sand that promises an amazingly spectacular view.Crystal clear waters surround the island; Pulau Besar. The waters are so clean that visitors can even see the many reefs from the surface. To preserve the unspoiled marine life, the Government has gazetted it as a marine park to protect around 60 species of marine life from any activity that can harm their natural habitats within 2 nautical miles around the island.

The wild vegetation of the tropical jungle are rich in many different green colours and the sight of coconut palm dotting the landscape is a normal one. There are about 7 – 8 small villages that are still populated by around 100 friendly dwellers who are mostly fishermen.

Here, you can find many species of the giant cockle that live on the ocean floor and 6 of them can only be found around Mersing waters.A number of the surrounding islands such as Pulau Aur, Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Tinggi and Pulau Rawa have been identified as new habitats for the new generation of the giant cockles. These cockles have a life span of 70 years. They are 1-metre long and can weigh as much as 200 kilograms. Tourists will be able to set their eyes on these lovely shelled-creatures while snorkeling in the breathtakingly picturesque underwater.

Pulau Besar is surrounded by vistas so beautiful that even a number of foreign TV stations have flocked the island to savor the natural wonders and immortalise them in their films. In fact, just a short time ago, a Hollywood film called the Ocean Lifeguard had chosen Pulau Besar as its main shooting location.

This island got its former name, Pulau Babi Besar, (directly translated as Big Boars Island) from the numerous wild boars that roamed the island before man inhabited the place. Surprisingly, there is not a single boar on the island at present and thus, the reason for the change of name to Pulau Besar.