Location
It is located on the east side of Mersing, Johor. Pulau Aur is actually a part of an island that is made up with itself and four others. They are Pulau Dayang, Pulau Pinang, Pulau Lang and finally Pulau Pemanggil. They are all part of the Johor Marine Park.
Overview
The Pulau Aur is smaller compared to the other four islands mentioned. There are various species of marine life underwater. You can often see some yachts anchor near to Pulau Aur, mesmerised with the beauty of nature. The Aur Island acts as the stopping point for them, fishermen. There are many activities one can do on the island. Although it is small in size, it has multiple spots to choose from for scuba diving and snorkelling.
Get yourself a room in any resorts in Pulau Aur as a start to your amazing and breathtaking vacation in Aur Island. The chalets and resorts on the island are mostly with air conditioned and excellent services with very friendly staffs and locals.
Best Time to Visit
April to June would be the best months to visit Pulau Aur. In between these months, scuba-diving and snorkelling are favourable as the sea is calm and safe. Avoid visiting Pulau Aur during monsoon season (November to March) as strong winds are blown from South China Sea. The villagers can only repair and maintain their fishing equipment and fishing nets within this period of time.
Directions
Travel by Car
From Kuala Lumpur
Take North-South Highway, head south towards Johor (from KL or North). Exit at Ayer Hitam (exit 244) After toll gate, take a right turn at the traffic junction and head towards Kluang. Before entering Kluang town, there’s a roundabout, take 3 O’clock. Continue straight for several kilometres until the next roundabout where you take the 12 o’ clock exit. Follow road signs to Mersing or Route 3.
Approximate travelling time: 5 hours from KL
-From Johor Bharu and Singapore
Via Woodlands causeway: After crossing over to Malaysia take the first U-turn heading back towards the causeway. Take Jalan Wong Ah Fook and this will lead you through Johor Bahru City passing City Square shopping mall on your right. Look out for the overhead Bridge with the sign ‘Kota Tinggi – Desaru’. Follow this sign leading you to route 3. Route 3 will take you towards Kota Tinggi and Mersing. Just follow the signs.
Approximate travelling time: 2/3 hours from Johor Bharu and Singapore
– From Terengganu/Kuantan
Take Route 3 (Coastal road), heading south towards Johor Bharu
Approximate travelling time from Kuantan, 3+hours
Travel by Bus
A relatively small town with several streets and roundabouts linking the roads, one can just about walk around Mersing town in 1hour. On arriving at Mersing and if you wish to go straight to the jetty, either walk from Restoran Malaysia, which is one of the drop-off points closer to the guesthouses and motels in town or wait till you get to the final destination at Plaza R&R at the Mersing jetty if you do not intend to stay on in Mersing. This is your gateway to the islands and ferry tickets plus accommodation can be arranged with the various resort and transport offices.
Travel by Boat
Boats to Pulau Aur
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 Pulau Aur 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 10 people can make the trip much more affordable. From there, it will be another 4-5 hours to reach Pulau Aur. It will be longer if the sea is rough during the transportation.
