Air Papan is synonymous with Pesta Air Papan (Air Papan Festival), which is  held annually on May 1.  Each year, the event draws a huge number of local tourists to join in the fun and games.  The flat and wide 3km-long beach is perfect for hosting various traditional games and cultural performances, as well as food and craft fairs. 

Located about 12km north of Mersing, this beach is popular among picnickers especially on weekends and public holidays.  They can swim in its blue water, play games on its wide beach or just sit back and relax under the shade of trees that line the beach. From here, one can see the faint bluish silhouette of Pulau Besar, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Tioman and Pulau Tengah, as well as smaller islands nearby such as Pulau Batu Gajah and Pulau Setingan.

There are some rows of food outlets offering local delicacies, with some shops selling beach wears and souvenirs. There are parking spaces for visitors, with vendors of sea sports equipment providing rental services. Public toilets and bathing facilities are also available for a small fee.

There is a number of resorts with traditional Malay wooden architecture, some of which have been operational for more than 20 years.

Here in Air Papan, beach games, swimming, boating and picnicking are some of the main activities. The sandy beach is equipped for group activities like team-bonding, family days and family retreats.

To get there, head for Mersing town and travel up north for another 9KM. Then turn right, passing through paddy fields for 5KM.