Pulau Pemanggil Beach, Malaysia

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Pulau Pemanggil sits 45kms east of Mersing, the take-off point to most islands off the Southern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. To get to Mersing itself takes 4hours by car or roughly 6hours by coach from KL (we use Kuala Lumpur as a point of reference) and from Mersing it takes another 4 1/2 hours (by traditional fishing boats) to paradise island . And of course, there is the waiting time to take into account - waiting for the tidal changes, for the boat, for the coach, for tardy friends hitching a ride down with you. But then again, these are the little joys of travelling to far-off places for when you arrive, you know the tough journey has been all worth the effort - you have left the masses behind!
As with most inhabited islands dotted around Malaysia, P.Pemanggil has its fair share of history, mystery and spookytales. Such tales intrigue me and I was determined to find out more about the island and its people, and wallow in waters of Malaysia's best maintained marine parks.

What to see/do

Kampung Buau

This is the main kampung (village) where the first settlers made home. A clinic, a mosque, a police outpost and a school form the backbone of the community. The school is made up of only 15 students with ages ranging from 5 to 12years. One of the reasons many families have moved away from the island is the need to pursue further education for their children. The population of the island has now dwindled to a mere 60villagers and continues to drop as younger folk leave in search of their own destinies where bright lights, big cities lure them.

Teluk Kador

A 20minute ride round to the back of the island brings you to this secluded bay. Close to Temiang beach in 20 feet of water lies a cargo wreck. On its way back to Thailand, the boat laden with maize and tamarind smashed into the rocky bay one stormy November day in 1966 and sunk instantly, taking with her one unfortunate sailor. Today, it's brimming with a new lease of life as an artificial reef. Barnacles adorn the twisted metal and reef fishes dart in and out of portholes. Visitors such as the humphead wrasse and the rock cods can be found grazing around the wreck.

Snorkelling

This is the reason for my visit to P.Pemanggil. Just jumping off the jetty, I realised there really wasn't a need to dive to encounter some of the most beautiful marine species to be found in these waters. USM (The Science University of Malaysia) is currently conducting a long-term study on the giant clam and the rejuvenation of reefs. I witnessed with much joy that many areas of soft and hard corals are still intact even though there have been illegal trawling activities in the area.

Snorkelling just about anywhere around the island offers favourable results. But there are a few exceptional spots.

Trekking

There's a pretty good trek up Batu Buau. The trek starts from Kampung Buau. An opening through the thicket behind and across a bridge takes you through the island jungle and up bare rock to the peak. Duration of trek is about 45min - 1 hour, moderate pace. It is advisable to bring with, a pair of trekking shoes with a good grip as it may get slippery up the slopes ; a large bottle of mineral water and binoculars for birdwatching. Your resort will be able to provide you with a guide for the trek up if so desired.

Fishing

The island is a station for anglers. Fishing is not allowed within the confines of the marine park except for the occasional jigging off jetties. Big game fish such as marlins and sailfish are favourites amongst fishing enthusiasts. Dorado or dolphinfish are seasonal and come by this way during May and June. Other types are the mackerels ranging from 7lb to 18lb, tuna and cobia(haruan tasik). If your intention is to fish, then please let the operators know as they will have to reserve a fishing boat on the island for the daily trips out to the open sea - and of course the charges will be different too.

Having exhausted the list of activities on and around the island, there is only one thing left to do....relax, listen to the voices of nature and forget about time....well for that while on the island.

How to get there

By Car

From Kuala Lumpur and Johor

Take North-South Highway, head south towards Johor (from KL or North) and if youÂ’re travelling from Singapore or Johor Bahru, head north. Exit at Ayer Hitam (after Yong Peng). After toll gate, take a right turn and head towards Kluang.
From Kluang, go straight(12 o'clock)at roundabout, this will take you to the Mersing jetty about two hundred meters away. At the jetty, you can leave your car at the long-term carpark run by the local state authorities. The charges are:

7.00am - 6.59pm RM3.00
7.00pm - 6.59am RM4.00 per car per day. Pay only when you leave.

Boats to Pemanggil

Boats leaving the jetty are scheduled to the tidal tables unless using speedboats. Most other boats can only enter and leave the jetty at high tides. There are no regular P.Pemanggil bound ferries which make the island off limits to most travellers. However, it is not impossible. Chartering a boat may be a little pricey but a group of 10people can make the trip much more affordable. It is advisable to contact your travel agent for boat arrangements prior to departure to avoid disappointment or call

Source: http://allmalaysia.info/

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