Sunday, October 22, 2006
The haze
Last year there was barely any haze in Mersing, but this year it appears that the haze has worsened. So much so, that it's impossible to look out to sea and see the islands. I'm sure the haze is probably going to return next year, and the year after next. Tourism is already suffering. We should do something something about it, but what?
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Mersing: the final frontier
There has been a lot of talk on the Eastern corridor, and how they plan on extending the highway all the way to Mersing. What implications is it going to have? Is Mersing going to change from a quaint fishing town into a hectic big city? Personally, I certainly hope not.
Also in the NST, it was quoted that over RM3b worth of private investments were literally going to pour into the town. For what? Reclaiming the coastline (which has been mentioned on many occasions in the past, and still has yet to be realized), and a round-the-clock 24h jetty (how many people want to go to Tioman at 4am?).
Water supply
Word on the street is that Mersing and the military camp are in for a new water supply facility, said to be contracted out to Ranhill Sdn. Bhd.. The project is apparently to start within the next year, to alleviate residents of Mersing from water shortages. At present the military camp is not at full capacity, so a new water supply would be appropriate. The project is rumoured to involve a partial and moveable dam fixed upon a Johorean river, such that water will be diverted to a treatment facility. For more information on other water treatment projects by Ranhill, click here.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
In the morning...
Wet Market
The wet market is a fully operational market that sells an assortment of fresh food. The most exciting part is the fish market, where the catch of the day is freshly sold. Wear sandals because the floor is wet!
Tai Chi
Get up early for tai chi, which starts and 6am on the board walk and goes on until 9am!
In the morning...
Wet Market
The wet market is a fully operational market that sells an assortment of fresh food. The most exciting part is the fish market, where the catch of the day is freshly sold. Wear sandals because the floor is wet!
Tai Chi
Get up early for tai chi, which starts and 6am on the board walk and goes on until 9am!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Waste collection in Mersing
Worm composting article
I've noticed that most people usually burn their garbage. I've been experimenting with composting, but it seems a bit labour intensive, and i'm afraid of wild boar coming to root through the waste. Has anybody experimented with composting? There was an article in the Star about using worms to compost so that there is less manual labour.
I've noticed that most people usually burn their garbage. I've been experimenting with composting, but it seems a bit labour intensive, and i'm afraid of wild boar coming to root through the waste. Has anybody experimented with composting? There was an article in the Star about using worms to compost so that there is less manual labour.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Slow loris found near Pai Chee School
Last evening, three men were spotted at the street corner adjacent to the Pai Chee school with long poles attempting to capture an animal from a tree. The animal they were attempting to capture was a slow loris. The slow loris is a small, slow moving primate that is nocturnal and arboreal. The slow lorises range from Borneo and Philippines in SE Asia through Bangledesh, Thailand, and Vietnam.
When asked, the men answered that the slow loris was to be sold to a buyer for medicinal purposes. According to this article, slow lorises are often sold as pets or for medicinal purposes in Chinese and Malay cultures.
The slow loris is a totally protected species under the Protection of Wildlife Act 1972, which means that it is illegal to handle these animals in any way.
The slow loris was housed in a small cage, and was clearly agitated and scared. The three men drew the attention of various people driving by in cars and motorbikes. However, nobody objected to the capture of the animal.
It's a shame that such an animal could be removed from public property without prompting any action on the part of the community. Wake up people. The slow loris belongs to Malaysia, not individuals. If we don't start protecting our heritage, who will?
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
In the evening...
Boardwalk
The boardwalk stretches along the shore facing the South China Sea. The best time to go is during the evening, when you'll meet lots of families taking a walk after dinner.
Stargazing
Areas around Mersing have very low light pollution, which is perfect for studying the heavens. Since Mersing is near the Equator, you have a clear view of both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, and thus be able see the Big Dipper and the Southern Cross at the same time. The Milky Way is especially beautiful to view here.
Places like Teluk Godek, Teluk Sari and Tanjung Resang are within half an hour's drive from Mersing, and are excellent observation points for astronomy buffs. You can enjoy dinner in Mersing, stock up on necessities and then enjoy a whole night of stargazing.
Fishing by the jetty
From early evening to late night, people come in droves to fish at the jetty. You could watch them, or you could also join them!
Early Rambutan Season
Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/wongjunhao/
Rambutan season has now began! Rambutan is a tropical fruit that is reddish and covered with fleshy pliable spines. Rambutan is derived from the Malay word rambut, which means hairs. One the skin is peeled off, the fruit is translucent, whitish in colour, with a sweet, mildly acidic flavour similar to lychee.
Lots of new buildings in town
Word on the street is that lots of new buildings are popping up across the bridge in Mersing town. A new hotel is being built close to Hotel Timotel. Also a couple of shophouses on the right side of the street (coming out of town) are being constructed.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Useful spots
Directory of places in Mersing (Yellow Pages)
Tour Operators
Internet Cafés
Eddie Internet
WiredSpot Beach Office Suites +6 019 704 8624
Post Office
Hotels
Restaurants
Clinic
Pharmacy
Tour Operators
Internet Cafés
Eddie Internet
WiredSpot Beach Office Suites +6 019 704 8624
Post Office
Hotels
Restaurants
Clinic
Pharmacy
WiredSpot
When away from home, its difficult to find your own space. For visitors that need a quiet place to work, WiredSpot Beach Office Suites is a shared office facility available for long term or short term rental. The space offers wireless access, air conditioning, secure office space, and is located above a lively coffee shop in the heart of town. Facilities include a conference room, clean restrooms, and a kitchenette.
Rental information
- All rates include desk space, and secured storage space.
- WiredSpot Beach Office Suites is a non-smoking facility.
For additional information, please call +6 019 704 8624.
Rental information
| Rates | |
| Day rental | RM20/day |
| Weekend (Fri, Sat & Sun) rental | RM50/weekend |
| Weekly rental | RM100/week |
- All rates include desk space, and secured storage space.
- WiredSpot Beach Office Suites is a non-smoking facility.
For additional information, please call +6 019 704 8624.
What to bring
Mersing has a tropical climate, with lots of sun and humidity. During the monsoon, it rains periodically, and the weather is cooler. We recommend for you to prepare these items so that you get to enjoy Mersing to the fullest. If you forget to bring some of these items, you can always purchase things in town.
Light clothing
You should bring clothes that are light in weight and color. That way, you won't feel uncomfortable under the hot sun. Consider t-shirts, shorts and clothes with breathable fabric. For women, a sarong can be extremely handy in the evenings when the mosquitos come out.
Beach wear
You'll be by the beach, so don't forget your swimwear.
Sunblock
You will get a tan here, so to be safe, bring sunblock.
Hat
Pick a hat that's light and gives plenty of shade.
Insect repellant
If you're not used to mosquitoes, this is a must.
Sandals
The cheapest way to move around is to walk, and there's plenty to see and do while on foot. Sandals help because they keep your feet dry when it's sunny, dries up easily after it pours, and are easily washed so you won't worry about getting them dirty.
Camera
Mersing is a beautiful place, so don't miss the chance to take pictures.
Light clothing
You should bring clothes that are light in weight and color. That way, you won't feel uncomfortable under the hot sun. Consider t-shirts, shorts and clothes with breathable fabric. For women, a sarong can be extremely handy in the evenings when the mosquitos come out.
Beach wear
You'll be by the beach, so don't forget your swimwear.
Sunblock
You will get a tan here, so to be safe, bring sunblock.
Hat
Pick a hat that's light and gives plenty of shade.
Insect repellant
If you're not used to mosquitoes, this is a must.
Sandals
The cheapest way to move around is to walk, and there's plenty to see and do while on foot. Sandals help because they keep your feet dry when it's sunny, dries up easily after it pours, and are easily washed so you won't worry about getting them dirty.
Camera
Mersing is a beautiful place, so don't miss the chance to take pictures.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Advertise
Mersing.com can help you gain new customers by turning tourists into clients. With a feature about your company in one of our sections, such as Where to stay, Cool things to do, or Where & what to eat or a web page of your own, such as WiredSpot.
For more information on rates, please contact us at si @ mediasc.com.
For more information on rates, please contact us at si @ mediasc.com.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
How to Get There
You can see the roads entering Mersing here. For a more detailed view of Mersing, see our town map.
Below are the roads to Mersing from Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru/Singapore.
From Singapore
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 hrs from JB
From Kuala Lumpur
Take North-South Highway, head south towards Johor. 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. Follow signs to Mersing or Route 3.
Approximate travelling time : 5 hrs from KL
There are two major bus lines that go from KL to Mersing. The first is the Transnasional, and the second is S&S. S&S is faster and the seats are more comfortable.
Below are the roads to Mersing from Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru/Singapore.
From Singapore
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 hrs from JB
From Kuala Lumpur
Take North-South Highway, head south towards Johor. 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. Follow signs to Mersing or Route 3.
Approximate travelling time : 5 hrs from KL
There are two major bus lines that go from KL to Mersing. The first is the Transnasional, and the second is S&S. S&S is faster and the seats are more comfortable.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Town Map
Google now has a decent road map of Mersing.
One can only wonder why the state government doesn't make
decent maps available to the public.
View Larger Map
Here's our original self drawn map circa 2006:
Click for a larger version (about 70K).
A bit of trivia:
This map above shows Mersing Kiri ( Mersing left, bottom of map), while across the river is Mersing Kanan ( Mersing Right, top of the map). The two sides of town were named from the perspective of a boat as it sails into the mouth of river Mersing.
Right being the north side and Left Mersing being on the southside as seen from the sea.
My grandad told me a story of how he came to Mersing by steamship in the 1920's and this must have been the way that coastal towns were connected, not by road but by sea.
One can only wonder why the state government doesn't make
decent maps available to the public.
View Larger Map
Here's our original self drawn map circa 2006:
Click for a larger version (about 70K).
A bit of trivia:
This map above shows Mersing Kiri ( Mersing left, bottom of map), while across the river is Mersing Kanan ( Mersing Right, top of the map). The two sides of town were named from the perspective of a boat as it sails into the mouth of river Mersing.
Right being the north side and Left Mersing being on the southside as seen from the sea.
My grandad told me a story of how he came to Mersing by steamship in the 1920's and this must have been the way that coastal towns were connected, not by road but by sea.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Cool things to do
For a couple of days...
Visit the Islands
There are a variety of tropical islands with white beaches and azure seas near Mersing, Tioman being the largest among them.
Tioman island has steep slopes of lush green vegetation and a wide variety of flora. Extensive coral reefs make it an excellent place to go diving or snorkeling. Popular beaches include the ones around the villages of Tekek, Genting, and Salang.
Getting There:
Tioman is accessible by passenger boat services from Mersing. By air, Pelangi Air and Berjaya Air operate daily flights into Tioman from Kuala Lumpur. Pelangi Air also flies daily from Singapore.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Loke Tien Yuen Restaurant
55 Jalan Abu Bakar, Mersing
Open for lunch from 12:00pm - 2:30pm
Open for dinner to 9:00pm
Loke Tien is a Chinese seafood restaurant that serves the best steamed fish in Mersing. The owner, Margaret, runs this bright and clean establishment, which was first opened by her grandfather. When dining at Loke Tien, ask Margaret what is fresh, and she generally recommends a couple of dishes. All of the steamed fish is brought in fresh from the day's catch. We haven't once had to look at the menu.
What to order:
-- Steamed fish (the red grouper is the best!)
-- Prawn dumplings (a specialty of Loke Tien)
-- Whatever is fresh or recommended
Friday, May 05, 2006
Where & what to eat
Malaysian Foods
Cendol (pronounced Chen-Dole) is a type of dessert that consists of white coconut milk, thin pandan-flavoured green-coloured flour noodles, palm sugar (gula melaka), red beans, and shaved ice. Sweet corn could also be added. Cendol is a wonderful complement for a hot summer's day.
Ais Kacang (pronounced Ice Kah-Chaang) is a type of dessert for a hot summer's day, consisting of shaved ice served with sweet flavoured syrup and jelly. Kacang is a malay word for bean, and ais kacang also comes with a helping of sweet red beans. Often, a large serving of attap chee (palm seed), sweet corn, grass jelly, cubes of agar agar and cendol form the base. Evaporated milk is drizzled over the mountain of ice.
Where
Al-Hamid Cendol
Hassan owns Al-Hamid Cendol, which is the local coffeehouse that serves the best cendol in town. Years ago, Hassan had started off with a small cendol pushcart, and gradually the number of customers grew. Now he owns a mamak shop that sells an assortment of food and drinks, such as tosai, and teh tarik. However, his original cendol pushcart still stands in front of his shop, where the cendol is still made.
Mersing Cafe
Mersing Cafe is located around the corner from Public Bank, a short distance from the old market. An original kopitiam, it serves the best kaya toast with real butter! Their bread is freshly baked each morning, and Mersing Cafe grinds their own coffee!
What to order at Mersing Cafe:
- Kaya toast with butter (in malay: roti bakar dengan butter)
- Kopitiam coffee, with condensed milk on the bottom (kopi)
- Tea mixed with evaporated milk, with condensed milk on the bottom (teh)
- Half boiled eggs (telur stenga masak)
Loke Tien
Lok Tien is a Chinese seafood restaurant that serves the best steamed fish in Mersing. The owner, Margaret, runs this bright and clean establishment, which was first opened by her grandfather. When eating at Lok Tien, ask Margaret what is fresh, and she generally recommends a couple of dishes. We haven't once had to look at the menu.
What to order at Lok Tien:
- Steamed fish (The red grouper is the best!)
- Prawn dumplings (A specialty of Lok Tien)
- Whatever is fresh
Cendol (pronounced Chen-Dole) is a type of dessert that consists of white coconut milk, thin pandan-flavoured green-coloured flour noodles, palm sugar (gula melaka), red beans, and shaved ice. Sweet corn could also be added. Cendol is a wonderful complement for a hot summer's day.
Ais Kacang (pronounced Ice Kah-Chaang) is a type of dessert for a hot summer's day, consisting of shaved ice served with sweet flavoured syrup and jelly. Kacang is a malay word for bean, and ais kacang also comes with a helping of sweet red beans. Often, a large serving of attap chee (palm seed), sweet corn, grass jelly, cubes of agar agar and cendol form the base. Evaporated milk is drizzled over the mountain of ice.
Where
Al-Hamid Cendol
Mersing Cafe
Mersing Cafe is located around the corner from Public Bank, a short distance from the old market. An original kopitiam, it serves the best kaya toast with real butter! Their bread is freshly baked each morning, and Mersing Cafe grinds their own coffee!
What to order at Mersing Cafe:
- Kaya toast with butter (in malay: roti bakar dengan butter)
- Kopitiam coffee, with condensed milk on the bottom (kopi)
- Tea mixed with evaporated milk, with condensed milk on the bottom (teh)
- Half boiled eggs (telur stenga masak)
Loke Tien
Lok Tien is a Chinese seafood restaurant that serves the best steamed fish in Mersing. The owner, Margaret, runs this bright and clean establishment, which was first opened by her grandfather. When eating at Lok Tien, ask Margaret what is fresh, and she generally recommends a couple of dishes. We haven't once had to look at the menu.
What to order at Lok Tien:
- Steamed fish (The red grouper is the best!)
- Prawn dumplings (A specialty of Lok Tien)
- Whatever is fresh
Thursday, May 04, 2006
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