We drove to Mersing, Malaysia yesterday for a day trip. I guess Malaysians will know where is Mersing, but many non-Malaysians have a common reply, “Mersing? What is it?” Some thought it was some hangout for singing! Later I will introduce more about Mersing…
We were at the border in the morning at seven. Apparently, the most challenging part of the journey to Mersing started at the Singapore-Malaysia border, where hundreds of vehicles, as usual, have to queue up patiently to pass through the Singapore Checkpoint. The heightened security at the checkpoint has given to lengthy and slow queues, since the escapade of Singapore’s most wanted man – Mas Selamat!
Now, where is Mersing? Breakfast next! Let me recommend you this famous “Kiang Kee” Bak Kut Teh (肉骨茶) at Kota Tinggi. Traditionally cooked, with thick herbal soup and tasty pork ribs! This open air restaurant is located at the right side of the road along Kota Tinggi to Mersing. (Opening Hours: 7am – 1pm, Tel: 07-8821290)
Mersing here I come! Mersing is a small town located on the east coast of Johor in West Malaysia. It’s well-known for its jetty that serves as a gateway to Pulau Tioman, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Tinggi (my favourite island is Pulau Redang in Terengganu) and many other islands off the east coast. The once laid back little town is now giving way to urban modernization.
These river scenes with boats remind me of the photos taken from the Mekong Delta Cruise in Vietnam.
The wet market in Mersing, with fresh meats and vegetables everyday. I didn’t step in as the floor was really wet and slippery.
So, what does Mersing got to do with me, since I am Singaporean? Well well, my mum grew up in Mersing, though she is Singaporean too! My late grandparents lived in Mersing, so did my aunts, uncles and many other relatives! So, since I was a baby, I have been to Mersing umpteen times!
Now, our car needs a good rest after hours of driving along some bumpy roads, poor car.
The scene of this village has never changed much, except a newly constructed concrete road. It used to be a sandy path.
Feeling nostalgic… in search of my childhood playmates…
Gone were the days when children were playing around the area.
The bicycle that has been through three generations. It was my late granny’s mode of transport around the once populated village.
Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern of Discovery Travel Channel just hates durians and doesn’t even want to eat it! But I have been eating durians for two weeks now, and still craving for more! This is one of the reasons why I am back to Mersing — for home-grown DURIANS!
Read Gateway to Tioman – Mersing [Part 2/2]
Hey, I think you as a Singaporean is more familiar with Mersing than I as a Malaysian do. I really ‘pai seh’…. 🙂
@Cecil: Heheh, cos my mum, aunties, uncles, late grandparents and other relatives used to live there, though mostly are Singaporeans (cos last time Sg n My were not separated yet), so we often go back Mersing. Now, most relatives live outside Mersing, so Mersing hometown is pretty quiet now, in fact I have not been there for a long time…
Kool drive into Nostalgia !! 🙂 Reminded me of my childhood days too 🙂
Anyway , Am disappointed !! I thought you will put more pics of your “New look” for all of us to see !! :p If Mas Selamat is Singapore’s most wanted man , Eunice is Singapores most wanted woman !!!!!!!! LOL.. :p
Mersing looks like a peaceful there. Never been there though but heard of the place
Oohhh..Mersing is in Johor..hahah yea now I rmb! 😉 Have never been there, but will go there one day, bcos I’m aiming Pulau Tioman!! XD
And guess what? I’m planning to go Redang again! XD Heheheh..Redang is just too unresistable!!
@KC: Another lame joke again! I bet you have not heard of Mas Selamat before. His escapade has caused an uproar in Singapore, the govt has been combing the whole island in search for him!
Aiyo, what so “exciting” about my “new look”?! You’ve seen already at my profile pic! Nah nah, no close-up! If not I may get lesser votes HAHAHA!!
:ha:
@Borneo Falcon: Yes, absolutely peaceful! Laid back little town, hasn’t changed much until recent years when some army camps moved to Mersing, and since then, businesses have flourished and new establishments have developed.
@Lz: Guess what, I have been visiting Mersing since I was a baby, I only visited Tioman 20yrs later, by ourselves (with friends)! Same as my family too! But I find that Tioman is pretty rundown, the beach is not as nice as Redang (not white and sandy) and a lot of pale-looking coral reefs that look like they are dying. I guess during its peak decades ago, it was already badly polluted. And I don’t know was it due to seasonal change during March, I saw a lot of sea bugs, and got bitten. The current was so strong that we were being swept into the sea, but fortunately we managed to swim back to the shore, whereas some need help to be rescued by boats!
Since you stay in Perlis, I would suggest you island hop around Redang, those are really nice beaches! Tioman is too far for you and I personally feel that it’s not worth your long trip there.
I also want to go Redang!!!
admire admire admire.. travel so many place.. haha.. when come to sarawak also? hahaha.. voted again..
oh i love durians 😛 xixixixii.
yeah I know how you felt, the nostalgic feeling when you reminds something about your past..hahaha…well nice car you have….oopppsss did you said you love durian???are you sure???yay!we have something in common….hmmmm…you know what i lived now in the city that durian is a talk of the town….Davao City in Philippines known to be a producer of durian…I hope you can visit here, hmmm in august it’s “kadayawan Festival” here means a good harvest..hahaha..Many durian will be on the street that time…I hope you can visit eunice…muah..ingtas ka lagi -> take care always….chao!
why i still don’t see my photos here….hmmmm….muah
Really? Huhu..so sad I couldn’t go to Tioman when it’s still nice..sad sad..how do I go to your Tioman post? Can u gimme the link pls? Thanks so much!! XD
This time, I’m gonna rent the water camera, and plan to snap as many photos as I can!! Last time we dint get to hop around that island, hopefully we can do so this time! Shouldn’t miss any more chance! XD
Thx for the suggestion! 😉
Btw, u have changed ur profile photo? U look cute with specs! 😉
OMG, you even mentioned the number of the restaurant, that sounds too much of an advertisement. Lol. Anyway, I think your playmates are now grown up and left the suburb already.
Do you need a visa to go to Malaysia? or anything like a pass? When I crossed the border, the officers kept looking at me thinking I was a Malaysian. They are surprised that I’m lining in that long queue.
@Crazyfool: Thanks for ur vote! When I come Sarawak? Waiting for sponsor XD
@Pineapple: You bet I do!
@Cinderella: Durian season now! I love durians forever! kekeke! I must go to your country one day to eat durians too! Regarding your photo, you need to upload your photo to here http://gravatar.com/ . Then your avatar will be shown at my blog, with a link back to your blog!
@Bridge: My childhood playmates are my relatives, all are grown ups now and moved out of Mersing to bigger cities for greener pastures. Singaporeans and Malaysians do not need Visa to enter both countries. There are alot of Malaysians who cross the border to work in Singapore everyday, likewise, Singaporeans like to go Malaysia for holidays, refill their petrol tank at a cheaper rate…
Hey, I don’t think you look like a Malaysian at all! I think they look at you cos you are pretty hehehe!
:loveheart:
@Lz: Poor thing lor, same as me, who ask us to be that young to miss the beauty of Tioman at its peak!
:cry1:
Hey, last time I bought the disposable water-resistant camera at S$25 (for a limited no. of shots) at Carrefour hypermarket. Why you rent? Is it cheaper?
Er… I not pretty, so got to act cute.
:shy:
Oh Eunice, you are flattering me, or should I say, bluffing me?!!! Haha! Anyway, I think I already know the result of the Photo Blog Contest. You win, you win sister! Blog us what kind of award you’ll get okay?
That a bike is too cool…
im msian!!! but i dn noe whr is Mersing…
eunice i already sign this gravatar thing, but it doenst work..i think they dont want to accept my photo or something..hehehhe…muah..ingats
@Bridge: Heheh… hmm, 30% comes from votes, 70% depends on the judges… 8 more days to go before my “EXAM” is over! Wheeeeeee!
@Stone: Absolutely!
@Meimei: Oh it’s in the east coast of Johor in West Malaysia, a popular gateway to the famous Tioman island. It’s just a small town with a jetty to those islands nearby.
@Cinderella: Viola! Your beauty photo is up!
It’s my first time to hear about “Mersing”. Thanks for sharing these glimpses of your childhood happy days.
Nice photos of Mersing ! Especially the food ….. looks lovely and very tasty, delicious !
Have in common with what you written here, my grandma hometown is Bukit Pasir, Muar…… going back is like catching up, eat & eat …… can’t resist food 🙂
Recall my childhood days playing fireworks there !
@The Asian Traveler: Not only you, some Malaysian friends also not sure where Mersing is =) I love Malaysia foods! Come back for Part 2 =)
@JH: Thank you! Same here! We played fireworks in Mersing, whereas it is banned in Singapore! Many go Muar for a durian trip too!
Great information and additional pictures here..i really like old bicycle
That is sure is an old bicycle. I used to have one like that, but my dad gave it away to some poor people. Mersing very famous for sailfish fishing.
@Narmadi: I like cycling but it’s not convenient to cycle around Singapore, and I find it dangerous too, with so many cars moving around.
@peteformation: U mean saltfish fishing? Anyway, yeah, there are plenty of sea products in Mersing. Good, fresh and cheap.
you have covered excellent information on Malaysia, I am planning to visit Malaysia net month… your blog post really going to help me
@sandy: Thanks. Enjoy your trip!
I stumbled upon your blog when I search for mersing and I like it.I love the little town, having beeen there a couple of times, but I took the rompin/endau trip from kl and coming back via air hitam. Planning to go there for my photo outing with my wife and 3 teenage daughters this coming CNY.
Take care.
@Salahuddin: Indeed Mersing is a laid back little town and good for a relaxing weekend getaway! You have very nicely taken pics my friend!
I miss Malaysia badly! LOL! I can’t wait to go back home soon! Now have to spend another 10 more weeks in Perth till end of semester! XD
mersing is indeed a beautiful and wonderful town, i like my hometown, i ‘ll never forget my hometown. hi, mersing folks, let sing together for mersing.
heard of Mersing but never been there and dont really know much about it, anyway thanks for Mesring info.
Wonder how’s Mersing like lately? I am thinking of brining my family over to Mersing from Singapore during this coming holidays. Any good hotel to recommend?