Pemanggil Island is an island in Mersing District, Johor, Malaysia. It sits 45 km east of Mersing, the take-off point to most islands off the Southern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is situated next to Tioman, requires a 4- to 5-hour ride by boat from Mersing. To get to Mersing itself takes 4½ hours by car or roughly 6 hours by coach from Kuala Lumpur.
As with most inhabited islands in Malaysian waters, Pemanggil has its fair share of history, mystery and spooky tales. The island is fishermen’s best-kept secret. It is known for deep-sea fishing and good hunting grounds for marlins and mackerels.
This remote island is also famed for the beauty and abundance of marine life within its clear emerald waters. Its other magnetic charms include endless stretches of white sandy beaches and awesome snorkelling spots. Fishing and diving is excellent here.
For the adventurous, the hill outcrop of the island makes for a challenging climb and the summit holds an inherent scenic beauty of the far reaching ocean.
On the north-eastern coast of Pemanggil Island is Teluk Lancang, an isolated bay where coconut trees grow in abundance amidst the tropical vegetation. At the heart of the island, there is a huge boulder known locally as Batu Buau which locals regard as sacred. It would definitely not go unnoticed and is clearly visible as far as 50 km from the south of Tioman Island.
Best time to visit
The monsoon season in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia sets in by end-October and lasts through till early-March. But the best time to visit the Pulau Pemanggil is from end-March to June and September to mid-October.
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 hrs from KL
-From JB 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 1/2hrs from JB
– From Terengganu/Kuantan
Take Route 3(coastal road), heading south towards JB.
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 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 10 people can make the trip much more affordable.
