Welcome to Mersing!

The ocean's bounty

2011-05-25T10:07:00.001+08:00

Mersing is known for its abundance of sea food and diversity of marine life.

On a recent trip to the market, I was happy to see that the fish stocks have rebounded. There was plenty of fish and they were of a good size, meaning that the fishermen are not over-fishing.

The fish were really fresh and we bought some to steam that night.

Selamat Hari Raya

2010-09-13T09:20:00.001+08:00

To all of Mersing's residents and visitors, we wish you all a happy and safe Eid Mubarak.

Nothing says Raya like homemade cakes and good food.

Here's Cikgu (teacher) Kiah's famous pineapple tarts. Oh so tasty !

in the kitchen

finished pineapple tarts with homemade jam

Some rendang and ketupat palas. Too yummy to describe.

Hope everyone is enjoying this festive season ! Go visit a friend celebrating Raya,
chances are you will get to enjoy some of these treats.

Sungai Jemaluang a hidden gem

2010-04-27T09:47:00.000+08:00

If you love to fish bring your fishing rods to Sungai Jemaluang. It's a small clean river about 8km south of Mersing. It is not connected to a town and has good fishing according to villagers. If you do visit, be a good citizen and keep the area clean by picking up after your selves.

Organic Farms

2010-03-14T12:51:00.005+08:00

Avocado tree at Iskandar Inn

Organic foods are not popular in Malaysia as in other parts of the world, but the change to more organic sustainable farming is coming. It comes from 'demand' and as a consumer you can ask, 'is this organic or pesticide free ?'

Already quite a bit of stuff in Mersing in grown organically which means no pesticides and the ground is free from poison (such as mercury from illegal gold mines) and other commercial chemical fertilizers.

I know its more expensive, but who wants to put chemicals and poisons into our own bodies.

For example, Gucharan our local dairy farmer, rears his cows in a sustainable and hormone free way.

The cows produce milk that is delicious and the tairu (yogurt) is some of the best to be found, as good as the best french yogurt and definitely much better than things like Yoplait.

Then there is the organic farm in Kluang, run by Zenxin, which grows organic fruits and vegetables. There is even a store there that sells their organic produce. Stop by when you drive from KL to Mersing through the Kluang road. Kahang is another town where organic farming is taking place. I have ot nconfirmed it yet but its seems they grow organic rice.

A friend's sister is involved in this positive movement on the Virgin Islands. Maybe we can learn from our distant cousins there, after all its another tropical paradise.

http://growvi.org/

Happy Chinese New Year 2010

2010-02-16T11:39:00.004+08:00

We wish all our visitors and residents
Gong Xi Fa Chai.
Happy year of the Tiger. May it bring peace and prosperity to all.

This year, because of the El Nino weather pattern, there are strong winds but not much rain. Enjoy a cooling escape from the
hustle and bustle of the city.

(photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/randomcuriosity/)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

2009-12-27T05:16:00.002+08:00

Everyone here at Mersing.com would like to wish all our visitors, a very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.

Dec, Jan and Feb are great months to come visit.
The town is not too busy, the winds are cool with only occasional rains and
there are no bugs.

Happy Holidays everyone !

[image courtesy a pink flamingo shop]

Horseshoe Crab

2009-12-21T15:40:00.005+08:00

Photo was taken at Sekakap, about 7km south of Mersing.

Gold Digging

2009-07-22T19:23:00.005+08:00

Rumour has it that Mersing has gold lining its shores, and this is partially true. Local towns people have often found small flecks of gold on the beaches of Mersing. Local visitors can sometimes spot small children on the beach panning for thin flakes of gold using shallow pie tins.

It is one thing for an intrepid treasure hunter to find gold on the beaches of Mersing, but it is another for a commercial enterprise to dig up our beach land, and taint our food supply as a result of illegal gold mining.

Typically, commercial gold mining usually makes use of MERCURY, which very often leaches into our water supply, and therefore into our food supply. Mercury poisoning is insidious, and results in brain damage, deformity, and loss of motor control.

It has come to our attention that a gentleman , En Fitri, from Kuala Lumpur has been mining gold illegally along the coast in Mersing. Unfortunately he has been using mercury, and runoff from his operation has shown mercury levels as high as 16 TIMES the allowable levels.

For many citizens of Mersing, we depend on the sea for our food, and we really cannot do anything about mercury poisoning unless we stop these illegal activities. For more information, please go to http://sites.google.com/site/toxicgold/

If you are concerned, please help by contacting land office in Mersing (Pejabat Tanah Daerah), the District Officer and the Department of Health.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-01T04:57:00.005+08:00

Wishing everyone the best for 2009.

Happy New Year from Mersing !

Time to bundle up

2008-12-08T21:15:00.004+08:00

The monsoon is back, and Mersing had its first storm today.
Most people think the monsoon is wet and rainy, but actually most
of the time there are strong north easterly winds. It makes the weather nice and cool, like Cameron Highlands or Genting resort. In fact it is cool enough to wear a light jacket, perfect snuggling weather or cuddle to a good book if thats your cup of tea.

It's amazing to just stand by the sea, and marvel at the powerful waves pounding the shore. Although, you can't go swimming in the open ocean, and snorkling is not recommended, there are several coves in the area, where you can still swim (always check with the locals though to make sure).

The monsoon season, gives nature a chance to regenerate from commercial fishing and other human activities. So celebrate nature's renewal and come enjoy the season !

New look

2008-08-20T07:31:00.003+08:00

Thanks to Anip our intern, we have finally completed updating our template. Some of the new features include the bus and ferry schedules and some new widgets.

The photo widget will show the latest "mersing" tagged photos from flickr, so if you have some to share, do upload your photos onto flickr.com and tag them "mersing.

We have also spent some time updating the town map and have some of the major attractions on it.

Comment and let us know what you think.

Videos

2008-08-20T06:08:00.000+08:00

Here are some videos to show a glimpse of Mersing.

Ferry ride to Tioman Island from Mersing

Beach at Tioman Island

An original Kopi Tiam - Sri Mersing Cafe

2008-08-18T23:08:00.000+08:00

Sri Mersing Cafe is a gem. An original Kopi Tiam (Chinese coffee shop) located in Mersing where fresh coffee and baked goods are served hot, along with the buzz of deals being made and local news being discussed by its patrons. Its frequented by everyone in town; Malay, Chinese and Indian, a truly Malaysian place ! Its clean and has been around for over 25+ years.

The coffee is roasted fresh on the premises, and is served strong. The baked goods are made at the shop and include breads, cakes and local pastries. Try the Kaya toast ( with or without butter , spread on a bun or a slice of thick toast). Have this along with a two soft boiled eggs and it will bring back memories or make new ones.

I'm still getting the hang of ordering the coffee since like most Malaysian restaurants, tea and coffee are served complete with milk and sugar. To have it plain you have to learn how to order it minus the extras.

Kopi = Coffee with sweet condensed milk (on the bottom)
Kopi O = Black with sugar ( the 'O' omits the milk )
Kopi O Kosong = Black without sugar ( the Kosong omits the sugar )
Kopi C Kosong = Coffee with milk but no sugar.

When you're there try taking home a loaf of home baked bread; each slice is almost twice as thick as the ones you get from commercial bakeries and delicious with their Kaya.
Also try their egg tarts and pineapple pie.

About Mersing

2008-08-18T14:23:00.000+08:00

The charming town of Mersing on the East coast of Malaysia is an ideal place for peaceful relaxation and adventure. Mersing has great food, friendly people, and the tropical islands of Tioman, Sibu, and Rawa are a hop away.

Mersing town is the main port for ferries to Pulau Tioman and the more than 40 other beautiful islands in the Seribuat Archipelago (see Cool things to do). In the town of Mersing, you'll find a wide assortment of stores, restaurants, traditional coffee shops, banks, and internet services. The town is located near beaches and other mainland scenic attractions rivalling those found on the islands.

At heart, Mersing is a fishing town. From the bridge over Mersing river, one can see rows of brightly coloured boats and a forest of stilts on which rest fishing docks. Although Mersing is a modern town with internet cafés and nine banks, the leisurely pace of life remains.

Mersing can easily be accessed from Singapore, Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur and the major northern Malaysian town of Kuantan by car, bus, taxi or coaches.

www.flickr.com

Facts about Mersing:

Population	22 800
Languages Spoken	Bahasa Malayu (national language), English, several Chinese and Indian dialects
Currency	Malaysian Ringgit (exchange rates)

Large cities nearby:

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	250.7 km / 155.8 miles
Singapore	126.8 km / 78.8 miles

Where to Stay

2008-08-05T14:28:00.000+08:00

Teluk Iskandar Inn

Teluk Iskandar Inn is a charming bed and breakfast situated on the east coast of Malaysia, facing the South China Sea. In a natural garden setting, Teluk Iskandar Inn is the perfect place to stay for peaceful rest and relaxation. A short drive will take you to the town of Mersing. The islands of Tioman, Sibu, and Rawa are nearby.

Reservations
tel. +6 07 799 6037
mp. +6 019 704 8624
email. mersing_duo@yahoo.com

For more information visit: www.iskandarinn.com

2008-08-04T00:03:00.000+08:00

Hotel Havanita
web. www.hotelhavanita.com.my
tel. + 6 07 799 8666
fax. + 6 07 799 8178
admin@hotelhavanita.com.my

Omar's Backpacker Hostel
tel. +6 09 779 5096
fax. +6 07 799 4434
web. www.journeymalaysia.com/citymersingomar.htm

Raja Villa & Resort
tel. +6 07 799 5589
web. www.rajavilla.com

Hotel Seri Malaysia
tel. +6 07 799 1876
web. www.serimalaysia.com.my

Hotel Timotel
tel. +6 07 799 5888
fax. +6 07 799 5333
email. inquiry@timotel.com.my
web. www.timotel.com.my

2008-05-07T02:23:00.000+08:00

Transportation Schedule

Boats

Ex-Mersing Ferry Terminal

Mersing to Tioman

Speed Ferry (1 hour 30 minutes)

One way Adult - RM 35.00
Child - RM 30.00

Two way Adult - RM 70.00
Child - RM 60.00

Speed Boat (1 hour)

One way Adult - RM 45.00
Child - RM 40.00

Two way Adult - RM 90.00
Child - RM 60.00

*The ferry timing subject to water tide/weather condition.
*Child age is between 3 to 12

For more information

Myoutdoor.com Sdn. Bhd
Unit L1-09, Level 1 – Bangunan JOTIC NO. 2,
Jalan Ayer Molek,80000 JOHOR BAHRU, JOHOR

Fax: (+607) 227 2907

Email:inquiry@myoutdoor.com

Bluewater (Speed boat & Ferry)

Ferry

Cost: RM40 one way

Speed boat

Cost : RM45 one way

For more info :

Tel: +60-7-799-2535 / +60-7-799-2612 (Eric or Jim)

Auto Mersing

Ferry (about 2 hours or so)

Adult : RM35.00
Child : RM30.00

Unit No.1 Tourist Centre,
Jalan Abu Bakar, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Tel : 07-799 6019
07 799 3123
Fax : 07-7995118

2008-05-06T02:34:00.002+08:00

Transportation Schedule

Bus

Transnational

From Kuala Lumpur to Mersing

Time : 9:00am, 12:30pm, 6.00pm,11:00pm,11:30pm

Fare (Adult) : RM 22.90
Fare (Children) : RM 11.50

For more information :

website : http://www.nadi.com.my/
Phone : +603 - 20703300
+603 - 20705044
Fax : +603 - 20705044

Free wireless provided by WiredSpot

2007-01-11T16:46:00.000+08:00

WiredSpot has set up a free wireless access point at Al Hamid Cendol (opposite Mersing Hotel) for residents and visitors to Mersing. Surf the net while enjoying an ice cold cendol or ABC!

Macam-macam goreng

2007-01-09T20:40:00.002+08:00

Translation: things fried, or fried things.

One of my favourite places in and around Mersing is Penyabong, which is a small town centred around a jetty. A fishing town, you can purchase fresh fish straight from the boat at 4pm. The best part of going to Penyabong is the fresh macam-macam goreng. There's a small stall situated across the jetty owned by a boisterous Malay woman, who serves up a fried storm: fried crabs (ketam goreng), fried prawns on a skewer (head included, udang goreng), fried banana (pisang goreng), and fried fish cake (keropok lekor). You can purchase her dried keropok, and chilli sauce in a bottle.

Penyabong is located north of Mersing. The directions are convoluted, so ask for directions along the way. Penyabong is approximately 30 minutes drive away.

New market

2007-01-07T18:53:00.000+08:00

The new pasar is up and running on the other side of the river now! Reports say that the market is bigger and better, though upon talking to stall owners, it appears that the new construction didn't quite take into account their needs. Not enough adequate drainage in the wet market, space still seems to be limited, traffic congestion to and from the market. We went to check out the market the other day. Tthere still are sellers using the parking lot as commercial space. Capitalism moves on! On the other side of the river, the old market has been demolished.

Floods & Severe Weather Warning

2007-01-05T21:17:00.000+08:00

Although the Star has quoted a severe weather warning for Malaysia, the sites quoted do not affect Johor.

"Seven northern and east coast states are bracing for thunderstorms, heavy rain and possible floods as strong winds may develop into a cyclone. Severe weather is expected to hit Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak in the north, and Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang in the east from today till Monday."

Thankfully in Mersing we didn't experience too much flooding, with the exception of the R&R Parking Lot. Hopefully we're also not hit with the storms coming after this weekend. For those with family members outside of Mersing, be safe! Before traveling, call the local police stations (dial 103) for Rompin, Kluang, Kahang, and Kota Tinggi to find out local road conditions.

The haze

2006-10-22T17:06:00.000+08:00

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?

Mersing: the final frontier

2006-08-15T19:36:00.000+08:00

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

2006-08-15T19:20:00.000+08:00

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.

2006-08-06T13:52:00.002+08:00

In the morning
In the evening
For a couple of days

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!

2006-08-06T13:52:00.001+08:00

In the morning
In the evening
For a couple of days

In the morning...

2006-08-06T13:52:00.000+08:00

In the morning
In the evening
For a couple of days

In the morning...

Waste collection in Mersing

2006-07-31T23:25:00.000+08:00

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.

Slow loris found near Pai Chee School

2006-06-10T15:28:00.001+08:00

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?

2006-06-06T13:54:00.000+08:00

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

2006-06-06T12:15:00.007+08:00

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.

Photo courtesy of huan of www.quoz.com. Thanks!

Lots of new buildings in town

2006-06-06T11:47:00.000+08:00

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.

Useful spots

2006-05-11T17:52:00.002+08:00

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

WiredSpot

2006-05-11T17:46:00.000+08:00

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

	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

2006-05-11T14:59:00.001+08:00

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.

Advertise

2006-05-10T16:27:00.000+08:00

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.

How to Get There

2006-05-09T14:23:00.002+08:00

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.

Town Map

2006-05-08T14:25:00.001+08:00

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.

Cool things to do

2006-05-07T14:29:00.001+08:00

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.

According to MariMari.com, Tioman is considered one of the world's ten most beautiful islands. The Island was the setting for the paradise island of "Bali Hai" in the film "South Pacific." For seven years, it was also the setting for a European reality TV show "Expedition Robinson" (which is the show that inspired "Survivor").

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.

Loke Tien Yuen Restaurant

2006-05-06T14:57:00.004+08:00

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

Where & what to eat

2006-05-05T14:28:00.002+08:00

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

Photos

2006-05-04T14:29:00.005+08:00

Here are sample photos from other sites. Do browse them to see what they have experienced.

Travelpost photos

Mersing.com photo album

Images

2005-05-09T20:20:00.000+08:00

Images to put on the template

photobucket

2005-01-01T13:22:00.000+08:00

photobucket images