Pulau Babi Besar in Malaysia
If you’re craving clear waters, soft white sand, and a peaceful escape far from city life but don’t want to deal with the hassle of boarding a plane, check out Pulau Babi Besar. Just a 30-minute boat ride from Johor Bahru, this lesser-known island offers all the idyllic beach vibes you’d expect from a tropical getaway, without the crowds.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 25th April 2025.
How to get to Pulau Babi Besar from Singapore?
Image credit: 12go
To get to Pulau Babi Besar from Singapore, you’ll first have to head to Mersing Jetty in Johor. You can either hop on a 3 to 4-hour bus ride or drive up if you’ve got access to a car. Bus tickets can be booked via 12go.asia from S$35 for a one-way trip and from S$61 for a round-trip.
From Mersing Jetty, it’s just a breezy 30-minute boat ride to Pulau Babi Besar. Most resorts on the island will help arrange this transfer, so you won’t need to worry about figuring out the boat schedule yourself. Boat transfers usually cost RM55 per person each way, if it’s not already included in your resort package.
Where to stay on Pulau Babi Besar?
Despite being tiny, the island is home to a few cosy resorts that sit right along the shoreline. If you’re wondering where to stay on Pulau Babi Besar, go for Aseania Beach Resort. It’s got the best stretch of beach, picture-perfect sunrise views, and cosy chalets that are either garden-facing or right by the water.
Image credit: Chong via Google Maps
Rates go from RM438/night for an all-inclusive package, which includes your accommodation and meals. It’s the ideal pick if you want that peace-of-mind, little to no planning kinda vacay. They also serve good food at the in-house restaurant, and it’s one of the few places on the island where you can get alcoholic drinks other than just beer.
Alternatively, check out D’Coconut Island Resort. It’s a bit more low-key compared to Aseania Beach Resort, but you’ll still be waking up to beachfront views and the sound of waves.
Image credit: HolidayGoGoGo
Rooms here start from RM230/night for bed and breakfast – great if you don’t mind planning your meals and activities on your own. If you’d prefer a full 3-day 2-night package, those go for RM640, including meals, jungle or beach treks, and boat transfers.
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What is there to do on Pulau Babi Besar?
Snorkelling & kayaking
Image credit: AMI Travels & Tours
It’s not a beach holiday without getting in the water, and Pulau Babi Besar is practically made for activities like snorkelling and kayaking. The waters here are crystal clear, and the coral reefs just a short swim from shore make it a beginner-friendly spot.
Image credit: Flywind Holidays
If you don’t have your own gear, opt to rent snorkelling gear from the resorts on the island for about RM15/day. Some of the best spots to snorkel at are the beach near Aseana Beach Resort and Pulau Besar Jetty. Expect to spot clownfish, reef sharks, and vibrant coral that looks straight out of Finding Nemo.
Image credit: HolidayGoGoGo
For something more chill, choose to kayak and paddle along the coastline, drifting down the water at your own pace and taking your time to soak in the views. With how clear the water is, you’ll be able to spot marine life swimming beneath you in the shallower spots. Most resorts rent out kayaks for roughly RM30/hour.
Hike to secret beaches & viewpoints
There isn’t much infrastructure on the island, which adds to the whole private paradise vibe. If you’re up for some adventure, your resort can help arrange a jungle trek that leads you to secluded beaches on the other side of the island.
Image credit: @meerashree_s via Instagram
Do note that you’ll likely need a guide for this hike as the paths aren’t well-marked and it’s easy to get lost. Most resorts can provide one, so just remember to arrange it ahead of time. The trek takes about 2 hours one way – we recommend starting early in the day to avoid the midday heat, and definitely swap flip flops for appropriate footwear.
Chill by the beach
Image credit: Google Images
What Pulau Babi Besar lacks in attractions, it more than makes up for with postcard-worthy beaches. Think powdery white sand, swaying palm trees, and zero crowds.
You’ll find hammocks and lounge chairs scattered outside the resorts, but the real charm is just strolling along the shore and beach-hopping from one cove to the next. The waters are calm and shallow, great for non-swimmers and young kids to splash around safely.
Image adapted from: @naimifaris, @meerashree_s via Instagram
Bring your picnic mat or sarong, and just spend hours lying under the sun or zoning out to the sound of waves. There’s honestly not a whole lot to do here, but that’s the whole point for a no-frills beach day.
When is the best time to visit Pulau Babi Besar?
The best time to visit Pulau Babi Besar is between March and October, when the resorts are open and the sun’s out. Peak season runs from April to September, so if you’re aiming for fewer crowds and better deals, plan a trip in March or October instead.
Note that the monsoon season hits from November to February, and most resorts shut down during this period.
Escape to Pulau Babi Besar for your next long weekend
Pulau Babi Besar might not be on everyone’s radar yet, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s a laidback slice of paradise that’s just a few hours from home – no flights, no stress, just pure island bliss.
Whether you’re planning a romantic beach vacay or a chill trip with your friends, Pulau Babi Besar is the kind of place that’ll have you dreaming of your return the moment you leave.
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Cover image adapted from: @naimifaris, @meerashree_s, @nazifahnazifah via Instagram