Located only eight km off Mersing, Pulau Besar (literally means "big island") is one of the closest islands to the Malay Peninsula. It is one of the largest islands off the coast of Mersing and is surrounded by Pulau Rawa, Pulau Tengah and Pulau Tinggi. Its proximity to the mainland draws throngs of visitors from the mainland to its stretch of white sandy beach and glistening blue waters.

The island's beautiful coral reefs and amazing marine life makes Pulau Besar a superb diving destination and a sheer delight for underwater photographers. Besides that, it is also a great place to enjoy snorkelling, fishing, windsurfing, canoeing and jungle trekking. To protect its pristine environment from human activities, the Government has gazetted this island as a Marine Park.

Formerly known as Pulau Babi Besar, this island is said to have been a pirates' hideout in the olden days. Today, scores of accommodations and other facilities are available here to cater to both vacationers and day-trippers.