Pulau Sibu is covered with thick tropical forests and skirted by pristine sandy beaches. Along the coast, the numerous rocky caves formed by the long-standing impact of seawater during northeast monsoon, give the island its rugged beauty.

Various recreational amenities are available on the island, such as snorkelling, waterskiing, windsurfing, seafishing, etc. The waters off the shores are teeming with a rich variety of corals and aquatic lives.

For accommodation, the island offers well-equipped hotels as well as simple chalets.

North of Pulau Sibu, Pulau Tinggi was once an important transit stop for ocean-going cargo ships loaded with spices some 600 years ago.

Situated in between Pulau Besar and Pulau Hujong, the uninhabited Pulau Tengah is a mere 9km from the fishing town of Mersing. Gazetted as part of the marine park in 1985, the island’s waters are rich in marine lives and many rare fish and coral species. The giant leatherback turtles make regulars trips to the island every July to lay eggs on its shores.

15km off the coast from Mersing, Pulau Besar has a few marvellous beaches. Tourists can put up at the village-style chalets on the island and enjoy the fun of fishing, boating and diving there.

Lying 13.5km from Mersing, Pulau Hujong is famous for its palm-fringed beaches and numerous tropical fish and corals.

16km off Mersing, Pulau Rawa is reputed for its pristine beaches. Off the shores are coral reefs, brightly coloured tropical fish and exotic marine lives.

The other enthralling islands further away are Pulau Pemanggil, 55km from Mesing and Pulau Aur, 75km away.

Mersing , a fishing port 138km north of Johor Bahru, is the main gateway to the various offshore islands on South China Sea.

Mersing is about 3 hours by car from Johor Bahru. Coach services are also available from Johor Bahru to Mersing. Alternatively, tourists can take a taxi to Mersing.

Going to Pulau Sibu
Boats are available from Mersing to the various offshore islands. The boat journey to Pulau Tengah, Pulau Besar or Pulau Rawa should take approximately an hour.

From Tanjung Sedili, tourists can catch a speedboat to Pulau Sibu; the journey takes about 90 minutes. Most of the ferries from Pulau Sibu are bound for Tanjung Leman which is 2-hour drive from Johor Bahru.

The boat journey to Pulau Tinggi takes 3 hours, while that to Pulau Aur takes 4 – 5 hours. The speedboat to Pulau Pemanggil takes about 2 hours while an ordinary boat takes 4 hours.