EXPLORE
THE ENCHANTING HISTORY OF PULAU BESAR JOHOR
Historical Overview of Pulau Besar Johor
Pulau Babi Besar, part of Johor’s Seribuat Archipelago, is a tropical island celebrated today for its ecological richness. Its history, however, remains largely undocumented in formal records, with its name and legacy rooted in oral traditions and regional maritime lore.
Origins of the Name
The island’s unusual name (“Big Boar Island”) has sparked debate. Some attribute it to early European cartographers misinterpreting Malay words, while local legends suggest wild boars once inhabited the island. Alternatively, the term “babi” may derive from a corruption of “banyak” (many) or reference maritime hazards, as “babi laut” (sea boar) colloquially describes turbulent waters.
Pre-Colonial and Colonial Context
Unlike neighbouring islands such as Pulau Tioman or Pulau Aur, which were documented waypoints for Arab, Chinese, and European traders, Pulau Babi Besar’s dense jungle and lack of freshwater sources likely limited its role in pre-colonial trade. During the British colonial period, the island remained sparsely populated, frequented only by fishermen from mainland Johor.
20th Century to Present
In the late 20th century, Pulau Babi Besar gained attention for its untouched coral reefs and biodiversity. Designated part of the Johor Marine Park in 1994, the island shifted from obscurity to a hub for sustainable tourism. Efforts to protect its marine life, including sea turtles and tropical fish, now define its identity, overshadowing its enigmatic past.