Another myth was about a fisherman couple who transformed into mermaids. This legend is so popular among the local folks that they believed at one time, a pregnant fisherman’s wife was craving for a kind of seaweed, that is plentiful in the Mersing waters. After eating, she turned into a mermaid and the heartbroken husband became one too after eating the same seaweed. Until today, it is claimed that mermaids floating in couples can sometimes be spotted eating seaweed around the island. During low tide, tourists can see nibbling marks on the island rocks that proves the existence of the mammals.

Rising some 2,000 feet above the sea level. One of the largest islands off the coast of Mersing. Surrounded by 15 scattered islands. Several long streches of finest beaches with fine, soft white sand fringe the island carefully hidden from the outside world. A place irresistable to those who seek tranquility admidst charm of a village setting. The area houses most exotic coral reefs and underwater flora as well as numerous chalet and restaurant. Besar island is accesible by boat from Mersing town (approximately 30 minutes).

In the Mersing waters, there are at least 15 small and scattered islands and each 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.Pulau Besar is fringed by crystal-clear azure waters that people can actually catch sight of the abundant reefs. 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 activities that can harm their natural habitats within 2 nautical miles around the island.

Rich hues of wild vegetations are dappled throughout with the lush greens of the coconut palms and tropical jungles. 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 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 that have a lifespan of 70 years, 1-metre long shell 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 treasured them in films. In fact, a short time ago, a Hollywood film, 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.