Planning to buy some souvenirs for your loved ones after a wonderful vacation at Malacca but don’t know where to go?
This article gonna help you a lot!
To make your souvenirs shopping experience less hassle, we’ve find you the most sought-after souvenirs shop near the Jonker Street.
In this way, you don’t need to travel all around Malacca to find them!
Whether it is delicious local food products, lovely T-shirts, locally made handicrafts, beauty products or even art paintings, all of them can be purchased at reasonable prices.
There must be one that your family and friends will keep it as treasure!
Let’s search for it!
9 Best Places To Shop At Jonker Street For Souvenirs
1. San Shu Gong (三叔公)
With eye-catching red building, San Shu Gong is an all-in-one souvenir shop where you can grab all local goodies for friends.
Wide range of food items are offered here. Mostly they will provide samples in a small container. Try it first and decide your purchase later.
For durian lovers, a very unique food recommended for you is their durian jam. The taste is exotic and amazing. They also sell many authentic Nyonya pastries for those who enjoy Nyonya food.
If you want to take a break, just head to the Lao Qian Ice Café at second storey to enjoy heavenly cendol and white coffee. Then, you can continue shopping at anytime!
Address: 33, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia. Contact: +606-282 8381 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
2. LW Nyonya Pineapple Tarts House
Pineapple tarts can be found anywhere over the Malaysia but if you want to have the authentic Nyonya Pineapple Tarts, you should go to the LW located in Malacca.
You know you have come to the right place when you see a giant pineapple tart displayed in front of the store. In 2004, this giant tart has been awarded the largest pineapple tart baked in Malaysia Book of Records.
Made from margarine, their pineapple tarts come with different flavour such as original butter flavour and pandan flavour. The pineapple jam inside has a very strong pineapple flavour and it is slightly fibrous.
Besides pineapple tarts, they sell variety of aromatic pastry which gives you the moreish taste.
Address: 95, Jalan Kubu, Batu Berendam, 75300 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-281 1626 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 8:00pm
3. Nyonya Story Enterprise
With more than 20 years of pastry making experience, the master chef at Nyonya Story Enterprise makes plenty of cookies and local delicacies for sale. The best part is, they offer samples for most of the pastries.
Pineapple tart is their signature. With a unique buttery taste, the sticky-sweet pineapple jam inside could just melt inside your mouth yet it still retains its thread-like fibre.
Sometimes, you might be able to catch the samples right from the hot oven. And most of the time, you probably want to finish the whole box just after one bite.
You can pre-order the pineapple tarts here for Chinese New Year.
Address: 128, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Friday to Sunday: 10:00am – 12:00am
4. Orang Utan House
Opened in 1992, Orang Utan House is established by a famous local artist named Charles Cham. Originally this is a studio gallery showcasing all his art work but now, it transforms into a shop selling souvenirs and his lovely canvas artwork.
This shop is highly noticeable by the huge orang utan mural on the exterior wall of the building. Many visitors love to take photographs here.
Inside, there is a collection of contemporary paintings for sale. However, most people are here for their creative and one-of-a-kind T-shirts.
Well-designed and well-printed by the artist, the T-shirts boasts quirky taglines or inspirational quotes on it. The quality of these T-shirts are excellent too!
Customers are not allowed to take pictures in the shop.
Address: 59, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-282 6872 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 6:00pm
5. Jonker Gallery
To shop for exquisite and inexpensive souvenirs for your loved ones, Jonker Gallery is the ideal spot for you! Featuring locally-made handicrafts, Jonker Gallery is one of the largest retailers selling souvenirs in Malacca.
Also read:
There are several Jonker Gallery outlets scattered all over the Jonker Street. Some items are only sold at certain outlets.
Jonker Gallery is also a boutique selling pretty clothes for ladies. The blouses and shirts with cute flower prints received lots of love from the girls. Besides, they sell unique and quirky tees which are nowhere to be found in other shops.
Things you can buy:
Handicrafts
Fashion accessories
Footwear
Cute tee
Retro bags
Home decorations
Trinkets
Address: 21A, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca, Malaysia. Contact: +606-286 9840 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 10:00pm
6. Jing Yuan Biscuit & Bakery (京园食品)
Jing Yuan is a humble bakery that sells pastries for many years. Once stepping at the entrance of the bakery, you instantly smell the aroma of the pastries they made.
Wide array of tasty biscuits is sold here. Among all, Chicken Floss Tou Sar Kok tops the list of customers’ favourite. It gradually becomes the signature snack at Jing Yuan.
Chicken Floss Tou Sar Kok is fresh made every day and manually packed by the staff. With a layer of tasty chicken floss on the top, it boasts a very crunchy outer but a big twist in inner texture. Inside, the sweet fillings are very smooth and soft. It feels like a sweet melting in your mouth.
They sell delicious Tau Sar Piah (bean paste pastry) as well. If you are a fan of it, grab a pack home!
Address: No.45-D, Jalan Ong Kim Wee, Melaka, 75300 Malacca, Malaysia. Opening Hours:
Daily: 8:00am – 9:00pm
7. Tan Kim Hock Product Centre
With over 100 food products sold within the premise, Tan Kim Hock Product Centre is an immensely famous souvenir shop among the locals and tourists.
Some of the food products are considered rare products because they can only be found in Malacca. But if you wonder how they taste, samples are available for customers.
All food products here are made from the raw materials that are grown at the estate of the company. Then, the food is processed at the company’s factories. This is to ensure the authenticity of food products.
Outside the shopping area there is a cendol stall operated by the store. You can have the durian cendol to cool yourself down in the hot afternoon.
Things you can buy:
Coconut candy
Gula Melaka
Medicated nutmeg balm
Cincalok
Dodol
Address: 85,87 &89, Jalan Bendahara, 75100 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-281 2763 Opening Hours:
Sunday to Friday: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday & Public Holidays: 9:00am – 8:00pm
8. Sweet Summer Cottage
Featuring beautiful white furniture and floral decoration, Sweet Summer Cottage offers many beauty products made from natural ingredients. It truly sells the perfect souvenirs for ladies!
The most significant beauty product of Sweet Summer Cottage is the homemade soap. Using the traditional European method, the soap does not contain any chemical elements that harm our skin.
If you have sensitive skin, don’t worry because the homemade soaps are formulated to suit the weather in Malaysia and sensitive skin too. Just ask the staff to recommend the soap that suits your skin.
Things you can buy:
Homemade soap
Shampoos
Hair conditioners
Insect Repellents
Makeup
Lip Balms
Perfumes
Mask
Address: No.18, Jalan Hang Lekir, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 10:00am – 6:30pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:00am – 12:00pm
9. Ah Lan Beaded Shoes & Accessories (娘惹鞋专卖店)
Established in the 80’s, the shop sells handmade Nyonya beaded shoes and accessories which the owners seem to expertise in making it. They have been making hand-craft shoes for more than 30 years before the establishment.
The Nyonya beaded shoes are made from either leather materials or silk materials. Apart from that, they offer many kinds of beaded shoes such as tiny beads, cross strap, open toes and closed toes. All are delicately made by hand.
Sometimes, you will see them working on the beaded shoes in the shop. You’ll truly be amazed at their artwork.
Besides beaded shoes, they sell dancing shoes too. However, this is only available under special requests.
Things you can buy:
Nyonya beaded shoes
Ladies’ scandals
Bound feet shoes
Beaded bags
Nyonya sarong kebaya
Address: 84, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. Contact: +606-283 0957 Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am – 7:00pm
All packed up to go for a dive or you’ve always wanted to get a diving license but doesn’t know where to go?
Tioman Island is the next destination in your to-dive list!
Listed as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, it is best known for its famous scuba diving spots filled with sponges, sea corals and shipwrecks.
Here, we’ve provided the complete guide to diving in Tioman Island that you definitely do not want to miss.
Pack your bags and get ready to dive!
Tioman Diving Season
So, now you know one of the best islands to dive but do you know the suitable season for a dive?
Tioman Island, like the rest of Malaysia is a tropical country with low humidity, hot weather and occasional rainfall throughout the rest of the year. It is best to ensure the right season to dive.
1. November till February
Monsoon Season.
It brings strong waves and unusually high tides during those time.
Diving is not allowed.
2. March till October
Dry Season
The warm water in the seas brings out the richness of the marine life.
Possible to dive
3. Mid March till May and September till Mid October
Below is the map of the common dive sites around Tioman Island. This will give you some information of the whereabouts of the dive site and help to plan your trip effortlessly.
5 Best Dive Sites Around Tioman
Do you yearn to be surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and a wide variety of fish?
With so many dive sites for divers to choose from, catering to each interest; from macro diving to wreck explorations for advanced divers- you’ll be spoilt for choice! Do not miss out the best activities to do in Tioman Island!
So, you’re not sure which dive sites you should explore? Here’s what you must not miss with 5 best dive sites in Tioman, just for you!
No divers should ever miss this because it has the most impressive reefs in the area.
It is home to an abundance of beautiful hard corals, soft corals, sea fans, sea sponges and small critters attracting thousands of fishes that macro divers will fall in love.
2. Renggis Island
One of the top famous dive site and it can get really crowded. A magnificent array of beautiful corals hard and soft- surround the reefs, in a symbiotic relationship with the aquatic life (moray eel, angel fish, puffer fish and sting ray).
Also, you may spot some sea turtles and black tip reef sharks. This site is usually used for training dives and night dives due to its rather low depths.
3. Chebeh Island
Another one of the fantastic dive site, suitable for all levels of divers, the formation of rocks and underwater scenery will leave you in awe.
Home to a school of barracudas and trevallies and some sightings of manta ray and whale shark during the migration season (around April and October).
Image credit: travelblog.expedia.com.my
4. Labas Island
This site has many wondrous caverns around, thus depicting a piece of Swiss cheese- like a maze, one can swim through the deep trough or glide along with the dense corals.
As you go deeper into the site, you may spot turtles, sharks and angel fish.
5. Sawadee Wrecks
A former Malaysian Navy Warship was sunken in 2012 to create an artificial reef alongside two old fishing vessels (Sawadee Wreck), home to families of lionfish, pufferfish and also a tiny octopus.
This dive site is more suited for advanced and leisure divers, where the large openings allow divers to enter and explore the wreck from the stern to bow.
So, remember this best dive sites so you won’t miss any of the spectacular views underwater.
4 Best Dive Centre In Tioman
Are you eager to jump into the sea now after getting to know the beautiful dive sites?
Wait… you’ll need scuba tanks, scuba mask, a diving suit and a license! Where to get all this stuff, you may ask?
Here it is, the 4 best dive center that provides all your necessary diving equipment that is readily available- hassle-free!
1. Amigo Dive Centre Juara Tioman
The only 5 star PADI dive center located at the east side of Tioman Island.
Price Starting From: You can check the prices on official Facebook page. You may contact them directly to get a better price list.
Dive Centre Highlights:
The only dive operator on the east side of the island.
The less explored dive sites are suitable for macro divers.
The dive sites ranged from shore, rocky slope, sandy slope and submerged reef.
PADI Discover Scuba, a course for ‘Introduction to Scuba Diving’.
PADI Recreational Dive courses; Open Water, Advance Open Water, and Rescue Diver.
PADI Specialty courses; Altitude Diver, Night Diver, Underwater Photographer, Enriched Air Diver, Search and Recovery Diver
PADI Professional courses; Divemaster, Instructor Development, Rescue Diver, Master Instructor.
Has inbound and outbound dive tours
Provide snorkelling trips.
Amigo Dive Centre Juara Tioman
Location: Kediaman 1, Kampung Juara, Pulau Tioman, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +6014-612 2032
Email: [email protected] Facebook
2. B&J Dive Centre
The oldest dive centre in Tioman Island and provides technical wreck diving.
Provide dive course packages that include accommodation.
Provide a list of accommodation and able to assist in booking for you.
In Air Batang
Tioman Dive Resort (own accommodation)
Tioman House Bungalows
Cozy Inn
Fiqthya Chalets
In Salang Bay
Salang Pusaka Resort
Salang Indah Resort
-> Offer PADI courses, Children Scuba Diving, Fun Dive, Tec Diving Courses, PADI Professional Courses, and CCR Rebreather Course. -> Exploring the wrecks around Tioman Island in deep water between 55m and 69m depth.
HMS Repulse
HMS Prince of Wales
Submarine 016
Submarine KXVII
HMS Banka Minesweeper
MV Seven Skies Supertanker
Aur Tanker
B&J Dive Centre
Location: Kampung Air Batang (ABC) and Jeti Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +609-419 1218 (ABC) / +609-419 5555 (Salang)
Email: [email protected] Facebook
3. Tioman Dive Centre
A renowned diving centre that not only offers a full range of diving course but also leisure diving.
Price Starting From: You may direct contact them via contact below to get the exact price.
Dive Centre Highlights:
Offers a full range of diving courses.
Offers 20 spectacular dive sites for leisure diving.
PADI Bubblemaker designed for young children aged between 8-9 years old.
PADI Discover Scuba designed for beginner divers and to experience diving.
PADI Scuba Diver course, an alternative to Open Water Course if you’re short on time.
PADI Recreational Dive courses; Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver.
PADI Professional courses; Divemaster
Provide a list of accommodation options but you will need to book them by yourself.
Swiss Cottage Resort
Cheers Chalet
Tioman Cabana
Coral Reef Resort
Babura SeaView Resort
Persona Island Resort
The Berjaya Resort
Tioman Dive Centre
Location: Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman Island, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +6013-886 2978
Email: [email protected] Facebook
4. Bayu Dive Centre
A youthful dive centre that features a look at the Snake Eels (Ophichthidae) in their natural habitat.
Provides leisure dives that includes; shore, boat and night dive.
There’s a range of PADI courses to choose from: Discover Scuba, Open Water Scuba, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response and last but not the least, Divemaster.
Get the chance to admire snake eels during one of the shore dives.
Offers course packages that includes accommodation so you don’t need the hassle to find on your own.
When you book one of the packages, it includes ferry return trip from either Tanjung Gemuk or Mersing Jetty to Kampung Genting Jetty (excludes Marine Park tax).
Bayu Dive Centre
Location: Genting Bayu Chalet, Kampung Genting, Pulau Tioman, 26800 Kuala Rompin, Malaysia
Contact: +6014-756 0092
Email: [email protected] Facebook
Tioman Diving Course Package
Do not know which diving course is suitable for you? PADI, the world’s largest recreational diving and dive training organization provide a wide range of courses from beginner to instructor level.
Here we have enlisted a few courses that cater to suit different requirements.
At the same time, PADI includes dive courses for those who wished to take a step further to become an instructor or work as a career.
The price of a divemaster course is range about MYR 3,500. You may contact the dive center directly for further inquiry on other professional dive courses.
PADI Professional Dive Courses:
PADI Master Scuba Diver
PADI Instructor Development Course
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
PADI Specialty Instructor
For the bold and adventurous, and ready to discover wrecks lying at the bottom of the sea. Here are some special diving courses for you.
Some courses require you to acquire certain skills and certificates.
For example, the Rescue Diver Course requires you to have the skillset and certificate in both; Advanced Open Water Diver and Emergency First Response.
You may contact the dive centre for further information on the type of course that interests you.
The island may be a stone throw away but you definitely can’t swim all the way there! Getting to the island itself still requires a ferry or a speedboat.
There are two jetties in Mersing that travels to Tioman Island; Tanjung Gemok Jetty and Mersing Jetty, but the journey from Singapore to the jetty has many different options which we’ve opted for your convenience.
1. Private Car From Singapore To Mersing Jetty
Hiring private car / taxi from Singapore to Mersing has been one of the best travelling options. Everything that may be inconvenient is well taken care of by the private car company. Your safety and comfort are guaranteed by them.
Advantage of Using Private Car Service:
Direct transfer services between Singapore and Mersing Jetty
Hassle-free, without the need to get down from the car at immigration
Pick-up at any preferred time, date & location in Singapore and drop-off at Mersing Jetty
Non-sharing rides
Experienced, friendly drivers & punctual and keep on track with customer’s schedule
Drivers familiar with local traffic conditions and alternative road
Vehicle thoroughly checked before travelling
Comfortable, spacious with ample legroom
No additional or hidden cost
Families travelling with younger children or elderly
Quick Links:
Types Of Private Car:
There’re many other private car companies offering the same transfer service. But what makes us, SGMYTAXI different from them?
We are the leading private car company and here are the benefits of riding with us.
SGMYTAXI Happy Customers:
SGMYTAXI private car is new and well maintained and has been receiving good feedback from customers’ experience.
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05:13 18 Feb 24
They were great! Hired a car to take 4 of us from our hotel in Singapore directly to the JB Sentral Train Station. Smooth as silk, including customs.
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How To Book Private Taxi/ Private Car:
WhatsApp us directly
Click here How To Book for the step-by-step booking procedures.
Hassle-free, flexible and convenient- what’s more to ask? So, hurry, make your booking with us!
2. Bus From Singapore To Tioman Island (via Tanjung Gemok Jetty)
If you’re travelling on a budget, there are other options that don’t burn a hole in your pocket and are equally comfortable too.
Here, 3 operators that schedule coaches to Tanjung Gemok Jetty from Singapore.
We highly advise alighting at Tanjung Gemok Jetty because it has more stable ferry schedule compared to Mersing Jetty and they’re only 40 minutes apart.
The time taken to travel doesn’t differ much from self-driving and you should be able to arrive at your destination within 4 hours from Singapore.
No matter which bus/coach you pick, you’re advised to arrive at the bus/coach departure station at least 30 minutes before the departure time. Similarly, for return trip too!
Step 1: Take Bus From Singapore To Tanjung Gemok Jetty
2.1 KKKL Singapore
Singapore To Tanjung Gemok Jetty Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location
Departure Time
Ticket Price
Kovan Hub 206
Daily 6:00am
SGD$39/pax
Bugis MRT Exit D
Daily 6:30am
SGD$39/pax
2.2 Diamond Coach Singapore
Singapore To Tanjung Gemok Jetty Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location
Departure Time
Ticket Price
The Plaza Singapore
5:45am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Novena Square Singapore
6:00am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Serangoon Nex MRT Station Exit E
6:20am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Woodlands Singapore
6:45am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Step 2: Take Ferry From Tanjung Gemok Jetty To Tioman Island
Once you’ve arrived at Tanjung Gemok Jetty, you will need to take a ferry to Tioman Island.
Now only BlueWater ferry operator operate from Tanjung Gemok Jetty to Tioman Island.
Book your ticket in advance to avoid any frustration. You may book it online to secure your tickets. Check the Tioman ferry schedule to plan your itinerary and ensure you have a smooth journey.
3. Bus From Singapore To Tioman Island (via Mersing Jetty)
Another popular option for travellers to travel from Singapore to Mersing is by bus. These buses provide more timeslot, especially for those who prefer to travel at night.
The night schedule is suitable for those who wish to catch the first ferry the next morning, but you’ll need to stay one night in Mersing.
There are 2 operators that schedule buses to Mersing Jetty or Mersing Bus Terminal from Singapore.
Step 1: Take Bus From Singapore To Mersing Jetty
3.1 KKKL Singapore
Singapore To Mersing Jetty Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location
Departure Time
Ticket Price
Kovan Hub 206
Daily 6:00am
SGD$39/pax
Bugis MRT Exit D
Daily 6:30am
SGD$39/pax
Katong V Mall
Daily 10:30pm
SGD$39/pax
Singapore To Mersing Bus Terminal Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location
Departure Time
Ticket Price
Kovan Hub 206
Daily 10:00pm
SGD$39/pax
Katong V Mall
Daily 10:30pm
SGD$39/pax
Note: 6 mins walk to Mersing Jetty from Mersing Bus Terminal
3.2 Diamond Coach Singapore
Singapore To Mersing Jetty Bus Schedule & Ticket Price
Departure Location
Departure Time
Ticket Price
The Plaza Singapore
5:45am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Novena Square Singapore
6:00am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Serangoon Nex MRT Station Exit E
6:20am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
Woodlands Singapore
6:45am
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
SGD$39/pax
With so many online booking sites, you can get yourself a preferred seat (aisle, window, single seat) and avoid any disappointment. You may book them in advance at the various sites; redbus, catchthatbus, myexpressbus, easybook and busonlineticket.
Step 2: Take Ferry From Mersing Jetty To Tioman Island
When you arrive at Mersing Jetty, you’ll come across a Bluewater Express ferry or Cataferry that will bring you to Tioman Island.
If you prefer to drive to Tanjung Gemok Jetty or Mersing Jetty yourself, the journey is pretty straight forward.
The time taken to travel from Singapore to the jetty takes an average 3.5- 4 hours, depending on the traffic conditions, time and season.
You can either drive your own car from Singapore or rent a car from Malaysia. Although, it can be strenuous to drive long hours and requires you to pay the parking fee and petrol, but driving is leisure (to some).
From Singapore, you’ll head over to Woodlands and cross the immigration. Once you’ve cross the border and entered Johor, use the EDL highway instead of Jalan Tebrau so as to avoid any traffic congestion.
From here on, look out for the direction that leads to Kota Tinggi and then to Mersing. Follow that direction and you’ll soon see the signs directing you to Tanjung Gemok. Once you’ve reached Tanjung Gemok, you’ll be able to find the signs leading you to the jetty.
After a few minutes, you’ll find an open space carpark at the jetty where you can park for MYR10 per day.
Route: Singapore –> Woodlands Causeway –> Johor Bahru –> Kota Tinggi –> Mersing –> Tanjung Gemok –> Tanjung Gemok Jetty.
Always plan your diving trip few weeks before arriving in Tioman because the dive centres need to make all the necessary arrangements to appoint a dive master for you, hence planning everything beforehand is vital.
Enquire for more information, the friendly crew of each dive centres are always ready to assist. Speak to them over the phone or via email if you’re unsure which dive course you’re able to take.
It is better to book a full board package such as ready-made packages that include lodgings.
Some dive centres provide a list of accommodations that are within easy reach of the centre itself.
If you’re wearing glasses, it is best to have a special goggle with prescription lenses so you can have a clear vision of the underwater world. Unfortunately, not every dive centres in Tioman have it, hence is easier to purchase it at a dive shop in the mainland before heading to Tioman.
The availability of ATM are scarce and credit cards can only be used in certain areas. Instead, cash is widely used in the island, so make sure to prepare enough cash in MYR currency.
If you’re not used to the movement of the boats when it crashes into the waves- seasick- you can inform the dive instructor and they will provide some anti-motion sickness pills. However, please notify the instructor if you have any allergy.
Tioman is a duty-free zone where tobacco, alcohol and chocolates are much cheaper than mainland.
“Middle Island” is the literal meaning of Pulau Tengah.
The nature beauty and its unique history add to the charm of this island.
With approximately 16km from Mersing, this personally owned island is well-known for its white sandy beach and crystal clear water.
Nestling among the coconut trees, the only resort on the island, Batu-batu resort blends into the island perfectly.
With the serenity and tranquillity offered, Pulau Tengah is definitely an ideal tropical getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city lives.
Why stay in Pulau Tengah?
Pulau Tengah was once a popular refugee camp for Vietnamese. Due to the abundance of unique marine life and coral reefs all around the islands, Pulau Tengah and other small islands was nominated as Marine Park in 1985 after the camp was closed.
Western countries had recognized the beauty of Pulau Tengah. In 1997, a famous Swedish reality television programme, Expedition Robinson, shot its scenes in Pulau Tengah. This makes the island well-known even among international tourists.
Photo credits: batubatu.com.my
Visitors get to see three different types of turtles living and breeding at the southern shore of Pulau Tengah. Those who visit the island between June and August have higher chances of watching turtles laying their eggs.
The resort on the island is ideal for perfect weekend getaways from Singapore for family vacations. By providing baby and children facilities, the resort aims at lessen the burdens of parents travelling with children. With well-trained and friendly staff, parents can leave their children at the play house and enjoy the life of two.
How to Get to Pulau Tengah
30 minutes boat ride from Mersing jetty will take you to Pulau Tengah. If you book your stay at Batu-batu resort, they will arrange a private speedboat transfer for you.
The resort also has a few scheduled speedboat transfer daily. It takes only 20 minutes to arrive at the island when the weather is good. Besides, you can also charter a boat at higher prices to get to Pulau Tengah.
For road transfers, visitors can either travel by bus or by private car.
There are a few bus companies provide direct coach transfer services from Singapore to Mersing which are One Travel & Tours and WTS Travel Singapore Flyer. The bus schedules and their pick-up point can be checked and booked online.
What to Do in Pulau Tengah
As there are lots of exciting activities offered by the island, you’ll never get bored while staying here. The activities include:
1. Scuba Diving at Pulau Tengah
Photo credits: batubatu.com.my
Dive season on the island falls from 15th March to 15th November. The dive team is currently running many diving programmes for youth at different ages. Experienced dive instructors will teach and guide them at close hand.
Join a snorkel trip to discover the underwater world at Pulau Tengah. It’s an attracting experience to get up close with the reefs and sea creatures. Diving mask and fins can be rent from the resort.
Kindly speak to the staff to plan a visit to the beautiful neighbouring islands. The resort offers 2 boats for island hopping, one is 24 foot boat and the other is 32 foot boat.
4. Jungle trekking at Tengah Island
There are two treks offered to hikers, one is 3km that trek around the island (1 hour journey) and the other one is 1.5km that trek through the interior of island (30 minutes journey).
5. Canoeing at Tengah Island
Ride on a kayak and enjoy paddling against the current. It can be enjoyed alone or with a group of people. The kayak can be rent from the resort.
Time spent with your loved one is always worthy. Beach volleyball enables you to enjoy quality bonding times with them. Besides sharing the fun of game, the families can enhance their relationship among themselves.
Where to Stay in Pulau Tengah
1. Batu-Batu Resort
Batu Batu Resort is the only resort in Pulau Tengah. Set admist the coconut trees and white sandy beach, it is a family-friendly resort suitable for a fantastic family holiday.
The rustic furnishings offer a nature and warm ambience to guests. All the villas are built by local carpenters.
Photo credits: batubatu.com.my
With a spacious pavilion overlooking the sea, the on-site restaurant offers a finest dining experience. It has a menu that change daily during lunch and dinner.
Normally, dishes served would be fresh seafood and delightful local dishes. To cater for little ones, children’s menu is available everyday.
Photo credits: batubatu.com.my
Snorkelling, diving, kayaking, swimming and hiking are the activities offered by resort. Take pleasure at their attap-roofed beach bar. It offers fresh juices as well as cocktails and wines. Otherwise, go to the spa. Their therapists will provide different treatments and massages to rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.
Pulau Tengah is not always available. There are a few months that are not suitable to travel. When planning a getaway to Pulau Tengah, avoid the annual monsoon season which falls from October to March especially during December to February.
Monsoon season leads to rough sea, high tides and strong winds. Hence, it is dangerous to go for water sports and even some beach activities.
To ensure your safety, travel in between April and September. Thanks to the calm water and sunny days within these months, you can fill your days with different interesting activities and you get to enjoy the island living to the fullest.
Travel Tips to Pulau Tengah
Need not to buy ferry tickets beforehand as resort will arrange boat transfer for you.
Bring your own bite creams and mosquito repellents even though the resort will provide.
Need not to bring the equipment for water sports as the resort will provide.
Seek for map and advice from staff at front desk beforehand if you wish to go for jungle trekking.
