Besar Island, Malacca


Besar Island is an island approximately 13 km off the coast of mainland Malacca in Malaysia. It is served by 15-minute private motorboat rides from the towns of Pernu and Umbai and 30-minute scheduled ferry rides from Anjung Batu Jetty in Umbai.

Tourist attractions

There are a few attractions which spread across the island, including the tombs of Baghdad-born Islamic preacher Sultan Al Ariffin Syeikh Ismail and his relatives, who were part of an entourage responsible for the spread of Islam throughout the Malay Archipelago after arriving at the island in 1495.
There are also tombs of local figures, unmarked graves and numerous mystical and legendary old wells and rock formations. According to local legends, one of the wells is believed to contain salt water at high tide and fresh water during low tide. The island is believed to be the home of elves known as Orang bunian and there is a cave known as Yunos Cave, where warriors were said to practice mysticism and learn silat in the past.
The Besar Island Museum, operated by the state's Museum Corporation displays various information related to the island's sights and legend.

Facilities

There is one religious school located on the northeastern tip of the island, adjacent to the jetty. One resort owned by the State Government, Putera Island Resort is currently operating on the east side of the island. However, Marina Resort on the west side is currently abandoned.
A 4.2-kilometre long sea-crossing overhead power line supported by 12 monopoles, which began operations on 28 February 2015, was built to supply electricity to the island from nearby Siring Beach in Serkam, Jasin District.

Water Islands

Besar Island along with 6 nearby islets form the Water Islands Group. Three of these: Nangka, Dodol and Undan Island were made part of the Malacca Marine Park on the 4th of April 2023 by the Malaysian Department of Fisheries.
IslandArea
Besar1.344
Nangka0.117
Dodol0.060
Undan0.048
Serimbun0.033
Hanyut0.015
Lalang0.010
Total1.627