Pulau Besar, Melaka

Pulau Besar is an interesting day trip destination.

It is located about 15km south east of Melaka city and can be reached by ferry or speed boat.

As the name suggests, it is a large island (168 hectares) and is said to be shaped like an expecting woman lying on her back, though I could not see much resemblance myself. Perhaps they sliced some of her 'bulge' off when they were building the golf course back in the 1990s. 

Pulau Besar
Tomb of Syeikh Ismail

Photos (L) The profile of the island is supposed to resemble a pregnant woman. (R) The tomb of Sultan Al Ariffin Syeikh Ismail.

It is best known for its ancient Islamic graves, tombs and mausoleums which are scattered around the island.

Notable among these is the tomb of Sultan Al Ariffin Syeikh Ismail. According to the notice board outside the tomb, Syeikh Ismail was the 18th descendant of the Prophet and was born in Baghdad in 1464AD. While visiting the Prophet's tomb in Medina, he received a calling to go and spread Islam to Java. He reached Pulau Besar in 1495 and from there helped disseminate Islamic teaching throughout the Malay Archipelago. He died at age 58 and was buried on the island. 

The tomb of Syarifah Rodziah/Siti Sarah (one of Syeikh Ismail's relatives) is located nearby as are several other graves and mausoleums. These tombs attract many visitors, particularly Malaysian and Singaporean Muslims of Indian descent.

Tomb of Syarifah Rodziah
Graves on Pulau Besar

Photos:(L) Tomb of Syarifah Rodziah. (R) Other graves on the island.

The island has a number of other attractions, some of which are rather mystical including:

  •  A number of old wells, one of which is believed to contain salt water when the tide is in and fresh water when the tide is out.
  •  Some interestingly shaped rocks, including a stone skull, horse head rock and a split rock at the highest point of the island. Various legends and myths are associated with these rocks.
  •  A village of elves and an elves' palace.
  •  A cave, Gua Yunos, where warriors were said to practice mysticism and learn silat (Malaysian Martial arts)

You can find out more about these attractions by visiting the Museum on the island, Muzium Pulau Besar, which explains some of the weird and wonderful legends and sights on the island. Entrance is RM5. 

Well on Pulau Besar
Horse Head Rock, Pulau Besar

Photos: (L) One of the wells, still in use. (R) Horse Head Rock.

There was an attempt in the 1990s/2000s to create a tourist resort here. A substantial hotel, Putera Island Resort, was built with a 750 seater ballroom among its many facilities. It closed down after only a few years of operation and now lies empty and wasted. Perhaps the elves sabotaged the hotel!

There was some renovation activity going on at the resort during my visit in December 2012. A sign mentioned an Islamic Centre so perhaps part or all of the resort is being converted for that purpose.

There is a golf course adjacent to the hotel. I think it may no longer be operational but it appears that the greens are still being maintained.

Muzium Pulau Besar
Putera Island Resort

Photos: (L) Museum (R) Part of the defunct Putera Island Resort.

When I visited, the beaches on Pulau Besar were clean and attractive and the sea was calm, inviting and suitable for swimming, although being located on the busy Straits of Malacca, it only needs one ship to throw its garbage overboard for the beaches to be affected. Since the island is also a Muslim pilgrimage site this is not a place for lying on the beach in a bikini but swimming wearing a T-shirt and shorts (i.e. Malaysian Style!) is acceptable.

There are a few food stalls and shops on the island for refreshments. 

Beach at Pulau Besar
Anjung Batu Ferry Jetty

Photos: (L) Beach on the island. (R) Anjung Batu Ferry Jetty.

How to Get to Pulau Besar

You can either take the ferry or charter a private speedboat.

If you are alone or in a small group it would be better value for money to take the ferry. 

The ferry operates from Anjung Batu Jetty which is about half an hour's drive from Melaka City on the coast road (Highway 5) in the direction of Muar There is car park at the ferry terminal (RM3).

There used to be 7 ferries a day in each direction but post-Covid this has reduced to just 3:

Depart Jetty

Anjung Batu

8.00am

12.00pm 

5.00pm  

Depart Jetty

Pulau Besar

 8.15am

12.15pm

5.15pm

2024 Ticket Price

Return/2 Ways

RM15 Adult

RM11 Child (ages 5-12)

RM 4  Child (ages 1-4)

Speed Boat Arriving at Pulau Besar

 Passenger disembarking at the island with the help of a ladder.

If you want to hire a private speedboat they charge RM120 for the round trip (2024 prices). The boat is capable of holding a maximum of 8 people so is good value for a large group. After dropping you at the island, the boat driver will give you his mobile number and you just call him to pick you up when you want to go back.

Contact Numbers for the Boatmen are:

  • Fitri 019 686 9373
  • Hasnor 011 1953 1013
  • Sanusi 013 731 9500

Accommodation

As mentioned the Putera Island Resort is closed down and most websites quoting accommodation on this island are out of date. I would recommend a day trip only and instead stay overnight in Melaka. 

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