Big Island, Malaysia
Big Island (Malay: Pulau Besar) is an island in Malacca, Malaysia, and is located approximately 13 km from mainland Malacca.
Big Island
Pulau Besar ڤولاو بسر | |
|---|---|
  Big Island | |
| Coordinates: 2°6′30.8″N 102°19′37.83″E |
Transportation
Private motorboats leave from Pernu, Umbai. Ferries run from the Malacca Pier, located at Melaka Raya, and from Anjung Batu Jetty. Ferries leave the Anjung Batu Jetty at 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 18:30 and 20:30, and return 30 minutes thereafter (8:30, 10:30, etc.). The adult return ticket is RM15, children over 4 pay RM11, under 4 RM4.
To get to Anjung Batu Jetty from Malacca, take bus "Panorama" #6A Platform #8 from Melaka Sentral terminal, direction Merlimau/Muar. When purchasing the ticket (RM2.50) from the driver at boarding, tell the driver you are going to Anjung Batu Jetty, and he will announce the destination upon arrival.
Future development
There is new development for the island. The New Strait Times on 1 November 2008 reported that the island will be turned into the country's largest independent oil storage terminal by 2010. Located about 40 km from the Petronas largest refinery complex in Sungai Udang, and the island itself is along one of the world's busiest trade routes in the Straits of Malacca, it will see an investment of RM700 million and become a hub for the petroleum industry in this region. Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the project would be implemented as soon as the Environmental Impact Assessment by the Department of Environment (DoE) had been completed. Notable among these is the tomb of Sultan Al Ariffin Syeikh Ismail. According to the notice board outside the tomb, Syeikh Ismail was the 18th descendant of the Prophet and was born in Baghdad in 1464AD. While visiting the Prophet's tomb in Medina, he received a calling to go and spread Islam to Java. He reached Pulau Besar in 1495 and from there helped disseminate Islamic teaching throughout the Malay Archipelago. He died at age 58 and was buried on the island.
Attractions
Notable among these is the tomb of Sultan Al Ariffin Syeikh Ismail. According to the notice board outside the tomb, Syeikh Ismail was the 18th descendant of the Prophet and was born in Baghdad in 1464AD. While visiting the Prophet's tomb in Medina, he received a calling to go and spread Islam to Java. He reached Pulau Besar in 1495 and from there helped disseminate Islamic teaching throughout the Malay Archipelago. He died at age 58 and was buried on the island. The tomb of Syarifah Rodziah/Siti Sarah (one of Syeikh Ismail's relatives) is located nearby as are several other graves and mausoleums. These tombs attract many visitors, particularly Malaysian and Singaporean Muslims of Indian descent. The island has a number of other attractions, some of which are rather mystical including,a number of old wells, one of which is believed to contain salt water when the tide is in and fresh water when the tide is out.Some interestingly shaped rocks, including a stone skull, horse head rock and a split rock at the highest point of the island. Various legends and myths are associated with these rocks. A village of elves and an elves' palace. A cave, Gua Yunos, where warriors were said to practice mysticism and learn silat (Malaysian Martial arts).You can find out more about these attractions by visiting the Museum on the island, Muzium Pulau Besar, which explains some of the weird and wonderful legends and sights on the island.
As of March 2014, the development appears not to have been completed.