Travel: Malaysia - Johor

[Blessed Homemaker]

I’ve been to Sibu and Pulau Besar several years ago. Nice beach but the chalets were very basic. Then again, that was so many years ago. However, do note that the corals were dying then, not sure if they revive over the years.

[eyktay]

Blessed Homemaker:

I've been to Sibu and Pulau Besar several years ago. Nice beach but the chalets were very basic. Then again, that was so many years ago. However, do note that the corals were dying then, not sure if they revive over the years.

Thanks for your sharing! Means Tioman & Sibu's corals are all dying? I thought Sibu's will be better cos it was less visited....no?

Anyway, till date, I called Sibu Island Resort & emailed them, no confirmation of my reservations.....

[Laura02]

I chose Pulau Besar because my cousin recommended it, but it was years since he went. And another more recent traveller commented that he found the resort more clean in Pulau Besar.


Overall, it’s was OK. The sea is not as clear as up north in Trengganu, fewer corals, fewer coral fishes, even fewer sea urchins! But they take marine conservation more seriously up North. So while they frowned on taking a few sea shells home up North, in Besar they didn’t bat an eye.

I was told that overall, coral bleaching affected swathes of M’sia, Indonesia, Phillipines. Google coral bleaching and SE Asia and you’ll get the story. It’s scary really. My uncles remember snorkeling off St. John’s island in the 50s, and said the corals there were really abundant and beautiful then. I remember snorkeling off Tioman in the 80s. Crystal clear waters - I doubt if it’s still crystal clear now. One report said that at the rate the corals are dying, there may not be much left by the middle of this century.

The place is standard M’sian fare. There’s lots of mozzies, sand flies, houseflies, ants, cockroaches, a grasshopper or two … And housekeeping standards are not as rigorous as in S’pore 3star hotels. But it’s OK la, clean enough.

Overall, it’s good for a relaxing long weekend doing nothing but sitting by the beach, dozing in the shade, enjoying the sea breeze.

[Laura02]

Airconditioning! Now I remember it. I didn’t choose Sibu because the resort did not offer aircon in the room. But maybe you’ve found one that does.

Yes, we stayed in Aseania Resort and it does have aircon in the rooms. No TV, no kettle, no hair dryer, no shampoo or tooth brushes, but they provide an aircon and hot showers in each room. Not all resorts provide hot showers.
Actually, its not really hot without aircon because there’s a lovely sea breeze. But the mozzies come in too. The mozzies also come into the room when the aircon is on, but I fancy there are fewer.
Oh, btw, Aseania provides free flow of coffee and tea and a kettle at the dinning area. I guess they just wanted to discourage guests from eating and drinking in the rooms because the ants come if there’s food.

[Vevey]

With a 3yo? Think better stick to tioman berjaya resort, jmho. Sibu was really rustic when we went years ago w/o kids. Parking at leman was ok.

Have u considered pangkor island? Just went w kids last dec, highly recommended! Not sure abt snorkelling though.

[Cuppamocha]

Normal, I drive to City Sq, KSL or Sumtera Mall with wifey and kids. City SQ and KSL target Singaporeans. Things are not that cheap.

Driving in JB is relatively safe, but don’t be too adventurous to venture to alleys. Stay on main roads should be ok.

[Vevey]

Which part of oct is that? Have to take note of monsoon session for east coast towards year end hor, esp going offshore.

eyktay:

Nice! I'm planning during October's PSLE Marking Days.

Pulau Besar? What resorts are there? Suitable for 3yos?

BTW, why did you decide on Pular Besar than Sibu? Care to share pls?

[Sniper Angel]

Any one know how to take buses from JB City Square & reach Holiday Plaza?

[floppy]

Sniper Angel:

Any one know how to take buses from JB City Square & reach Holiday Plaza?

After clearing immigration in Malaysia CIQ, follow the walkway that leads to JB Sentral. JB Sentral is the transport hub whereby you will be able to take the buses to Holiday Plaza. The bus bay / waiting area is 1 level down.

You can take either bus:
- S1 by Causeway Link that goes to Plaza Pelangi, Holiday Plaza and Danga City Mall.
- IM17 by Maju that stops by Plaza Pelangi and Holiday Plaza.
MYR 1.50 one way per person.

[FantasyLandDreams]

Johor Hotels:

http://magazine.tripzilla.com/malaysia- ... d-25/24794