Masai(Malaysia) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Mersing, the top family-friendly hotel is Mersing Royal Resort, located right on the beach with private pools, a kids' playground, and organized family activities like sea turtle watching and fishing tours. It offers complimentary shuttle services to nearby attractions such as Tanjung Api Island and Tanjung Bungor, making it ideal for parents seeking convenience and fun.

Another excellent choice is Mersing Bay Resort, a boutique eco-lodge nestled along the riverbank with traditional Malay architecture. The rooms feature natural wood finishes and jungle views, perfect for families wanting a peaceful, immersive experience. The resort’s seafood restaurant serves fresh local catches like black fish and lobster, offering authentic culinary adventures for children and adults alike.

The best areas for accommodation in Mersing are the town center and seaside district. These zones offer easy access to ferry terminals, tour agencies, and local markets, making them ideal for visiting nearby islands like Tanjung Api and Tanjung Bungor.

The seaside area features beachfront hotels with ocean-view rooms, perfect for morning sunrises and evening walks. Meanwhile, the riverfront zone has seen a rise in charming homestays and design guesthouses like Mersing Riverside Cottage, blending modern comfort with tropical nature. Whether you seek adventure or tranquility, these districts cater to diverse travel styles.

In Mersing, immerse yourself in unique cultural experiences such as visiting traditional wood carving workshops and participating in village life demonstrations. Locals still practice handcrafting bamboo rafts and wooden boats—try your hand at bamboo weaving to make small models or baskets.

Each year during the Lunar March festival, Mersing hosts the Chinatown Sea Blessing Ceremony, a vibrant event featuring dragon dances, prayer rituals, and a grand seafood feast, showcasing the harmony between Chinese and Malay communities. Don’t miss Mersing Old Town, where colonial-era buildings line the streets—stop by century-old tea houses and local eateries to savor coconut sticky rice and curry fish head noodles, capturing the soul of everyday life.

Near Mersing, the top island destinations are Tanjung Api Island and Tanjung Bungor Island. Tanjung Api is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making it a paradise for snorkeling and diving—especially beginner-friendly due to calm currents.

Tanjung Bungor stands out for its pristine rainforest and rich biodiversity. Join an eco-guided trek through mangroves, spotting rare species like giant crabs and blue pigeons. Some islands even offer camping sites where you can sleep under the stars, listening to waves and night birds. Always book with certified guides to ensure safety and environmental respect.

Top photogenic spots in Mersing include the Mersing Beachfront Pier with its white lighthouse and vintage iron bridge—perfect for golden-hour shots. The Mangrove River Trail offers stunning reflections and winding waterways, ideal for creative compositions.

Mersing Old Town’s colorful shophouses and hand-painted signs exude nostalgic charm, especially the corner of "Apo’s Cake Shop" where elders sit on rattan chairs, adding narrative depth to your photos. For panoramic views, head to the white sand beach of Tanjung Api Island, where clear skies meet turquoise waters—ideal for portraits and wide-angle landscapes. Bring a waterproof camera to capture underwater scenes during snorkeling.

Must-try dishes in Mersing highlight fresh seafood and Peranakan flavors. Start with grilled black fish (Black Fish BBQ)—tender meat served with spicy chili sauce, a signature local delight.

Savor curry fish head, a rich, coconut-based stew with bold spices, traditionally paired with local rice and tamarind juice. For breakfast, try coconut sticky rice (Nasi Lemak Mersing)—steamed in coconut milk with anchovies, peanuts, egg, and fried shallots, offering a sweet-savory balance.

Visit Mersing Market or the beachside night bazaar to sample stir-fried hor fun (Char Kuey Teow) with prawns, bean sprouts, and liver, cooked over charcoal for that smoky flavor. These street eats deliver authentic taste and local character.

Transportation in Mersing is primarily road-based, with a 1.5-hour drive from Johor Bahru. You can take a bus or taxi from Johor Bahru International Airport or Iskandar Puteri to reach Mersing.

Rental cars are highly recommended for exploring the region. Car hire is available at the Mersing jetty and city center, costing around RM80–120 per day. Note that vehicles cannot board ferries to offshore islands—book ferry tickets in advance. For travelers unfamiliar with driving, hiring a private driver-guide is convenient and safe, offering seamless access to remote attractions.

Mersing hosts several seasonal events each year. The highlight is the Mersing Marine Festival, held annually in June–July, featuring boat parades, sailing competitions, seafood cooking contests, and performances by indigenous dancers.

During Lunar New Year, the Mangrove Lantern Festival lights up the riverbanks with hundreds of paper lanterns, creating a dreamlike sky effect. Another key event is Sea Turtle Conservation Day in April, when visitors can join beach cleanups and release baby turtles into the ocean—meaningful and educational for families and eco-travelers alike.

For families with children, Mersing offers engaging outdoor activities. Visit Mersing Beach Park, which features a splash pool, sandbox, and shaded rest areas—perfect for safe play.

Explore the mangrove eco-trail with interactive signage designed for kids, teaching them about wildlife and ecosystems through games and storytelling. Many resorts, like Mersing Royal Resort, run “Junior Sailor” programs where children learn knot-tying, build model boats, and go on guided snorkeling trips to see clownfish and corals in shallow waters.

All activities are conducted in both English and Mandarin, making them accessible for international families seeking fun and learning.

Mersing’s nightlife is serene and community-focused, lacking loud clubs but rich in authentic charm. Head to the beachside night market, where hundreds of stalls serve grilled prawns, squid skewers, and chilled coconut water—lively and aromatic.

Monthly, the Mersing Jetty Light Show transforms the pier into a canvas of light and sound, using projection mapping and music to tell local stories. For a quiet evening, relax at a riverside café with a locally roasted coffee, listening to the gentle flow of the river and croaking frogs.

It’s a perfect destination for those seeking peace, connection, and slow living—away from urban noise.