Tropical island paradises are a dream vacation spot for many a holiday planner. What’s not to like about places like Fiji or Maldives, with clear seas and spotless beaches? Well, are you aware that Malaysia’s very own Johor has quite a few of these spectacular islands?
As it turns out, the southernmost state has some islands that have so far remained unspoilt by overcommercialisation. Getting here is best done via boat ride from Mersing. Without further ado, here are five Johor islands to consider visiting on your next holiday:
- Pulau Harimau
Image Credit: maisarahzaidee_ii on IG (Left), Sandee.com (Right)
Before you ask, no. No living tigers are roaming around this island waiting to munch on unsuspecting tourists. This island gets its name from its shape, which is tiger-like if you view it from above.
The waters surrounding this island are clean and clear. You can see reefs without even leaving your boat. You will want to leave your boat, though, as Gua Harimau has a ledge which you can leap off into the sea below. Are you brave enough?
- Pulau Besar
Image Credit: Trixoli
As one can guess from the name, this island is the biggest island in this part of Johor. With an area covering 4 km², it is one of the few islands here which has a permanent settlement. In fact, the island has something of a history.
Back in the old days, this island was used as a hideout for local pirates. While the pirates are gone now, people still go exploring around the island’s jungles. Maybe they expect to find stumble upon buried treasure here?
- Pulau Tengah
Image Credit: Shivaram NS on Google Review (Left), Thomas Allard on Google Review (Right)
If you want a little slice of heaven, Pulau Tengah is right there waiting for you. You see, this moderately-sized island is actually the site of a high-end resort. Most locals aren’t familiar with this spot, but it regularly attracts foreign guests.
The resort’s location makes perfect sense, given its natural beauty and appealing surroundings. Gorgeous reefs surround the island, housing all sorts of fish. Even from the hotel, you can see sharks circling around in the water. This island is also a turtle nesting ground, with a conservation centre you can visit.
- Pulau Hujung
Image Credit: Travis Ng on Google Review (Left), James Tenaga on Google Review (Right)
Trying to escape the chaos of civilisation? Pulau Hujung is the perfect place for you to get away from it all. This island is uninhabited, with people only capable of visiting but not staying here. Perhaps it is beautiful because of the limited human activity here.
Surrounding the island are chains of coral reefs, which you can actually reach from the beach itself. Some tour operators provide snorkelling gear for you to see these reefs up close and personal. Otherwise, you are often welcome to have a picnic on the beach.
- Pulau Rawa
Image Credit: PulauMalaysia.com (Left), Holidaygogogo.com (Right)
Probably the most famous of these islands, Pulau Rawa is a popular holiday destination for Singaporeans. The island is private property of the Johor royal family, but there are several luxurious resorts on the island.
If the beach does not catch one’s interest, there is always the jungle interior for visitors to explore. Local fishermen sometimes refer to the island as Pulau Merpati Putih because of the white dove population living within its interior.
You should also check out: Is Batu Feringghi too crowded? Penang has many beaches worth checking out & we listed them here
Feature Image Credit: Rawaislandresort.com (Left), Tripadvisor (Right)
