Ever wonder why I like islands in Johor so much? Well, the reasons are pretty simple. First of all, they are near to my current working area, which take less then 2 hours driving time to reach the main jetty. Secondly, most of the islands in this place remain untouched. Though the real excitement is somewhat further away (3 hrs boat ride), you may as well take a short boat trip to places where total relax is definitely possible. If true getaway and tranquility is what you are looking for, I strongly recommend you to spend some time and study about this place.This time, I have chosen Pulau Besar. Together with me was my frequent island travel companion - Eying. I have long known about this place through online sources and peer review. And now, I am about to tell you how great this place really is. Apart from relaxation, I have also found a new piece of history (at least for me) on this island. Many thanks to our friendly boat captain.
If you are looking for a chance to experience the local laid-back cottage style of living yet longing for a beautiful sea view with friendly people around, Pulau Besar is definitely the right answer for you.
Clear sea and windy breeze is good for relaxationPulau Besar locates around 13km from the mainland, which takes around 20 minutes boat ride to reach. Previously, this island was called Pulau Babi Besar due to the frequent encounter of wild boar on this island. Nevertheless, people currently dropped the word "Babi" and prefer the naming of Pulau Besar for this island.
We stayed in the Mirage Island Resort throughout our days on the island. On the first sight, the main part of this resort that attract me was its simple, and nice architecture. The people in this place was very friendly, and not forgetting the beautiful sea view in front of the resort. The scenery was good enough for me to laze on the sandy beach while finishing the last page of my "long lasting" novel.
Here are some photos taken in our trip...
Greens at the seaside
Sea view in front of our dine table
The sea was a little rough in the morning, but just nice for me to do my favorite exercise
Our humble little hutNow back to the history part of this island... I have been told by the people in this resort that this island was once a jungle training camp site for the British 18th Signal Regiment date back in year 1960's. Thanks to the generous boat captain, I have managed to trace a little about this part of story.
Mirage was built on the same piece of land occupied by the 18th Signal Regiment
A closer look on the jungle training camp
Long time ago...Also, an intro on this jungle training camp extracted from a lengthy script owned by boat captain.
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18th Signal Regiment was a British Army communications unit based in Singapore until the withdrawal of British Forces in 1971. Located in Princess Mary Barracks in the Dover Road (Now the campus of Singapore Polytechnic) it provided communications for Headquarters Far East Land Forces the main British Army headquarters in Tanglin (Now Dempsey Hill)
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All personnel in the regiment were required to be trained in jungle warfare techniques and once a year a training camp was run to conduct intensive training. For three consecutive years, in 1967, 1968, and 1969 this camp was based on Pulau Babi Besar (now Pulau Besar). The camp was established for two months in June and July each year and was called Exercise Evergreen.
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I think that's all I could bring to you for the time being. If you wish to pay a visit to Mirage Island Resort, do email to mirageislandresort[at]gmail.com for more information. Chris is very kind and friendly to answer all your request.
Till we travel again, bye!
