Pulau Besar

Pulau Besar lies a short crossing off the Malacca coast, about a kilometre by two, forested over a low ridge with beaches on the sheltered side and a resort that has opened and closed more than once. Its character comes from the shrines: the island is associated with early Muslim missionaries to the Malay peninsula, and a set of keramat - venerated graves - and a well are scattered across it, drawing pilgrims from the mainland throughout the year and in numbers on particular dates. Alongside that runs a stack of local legend about the island being enchanted, which keeps some Malaccans away entirely. For a visitor it is a quiet half-day of walking trails, a beach and a view back across the strait to the shipping lanes. The water is not clear - this is the silty Malacca Strait, not the east coast.

What you actually see

• Venerated graves - keramat linked to early missionaries, visited by pilgrims.
• A forested ridge - walking trails crossing the small island.
• Sheltered beaches - on the landward side, with the strait beyond.
• Shipping in the strait - the Malacca traffic passing offshore.

When to go

February to October. A day.

Honest expectations

The water is silty and not for snorkelling. Facilities are limited and the resort's operation has been on and off. The shrines are active places of worship - dress and behave accordingly.

Nearby

Malacca city is a short drive from the jetty.