Pantai Air Papan Teeming With Holidaymakers During School Break

By Nur Faradilla Mohamad

MERSING, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- Pantai Air Papan, a picturesque sandy beach located about 12 kilometers north of Mersing, has become a highly sought-after recreational destination during the school and Chinese New Year holidays.

A check by Bernama found that the beach, popular among locals, was teeming with visitors. Many resorts and chalets were also experiencing strong demand, despite the ongoing Northeast Monsoon season.

Kampung Stay Teluk Buih manager Mohamad Asyraf Johari shared that the resort, which features eight twin villa rooms and two villa units, has been fully booked nearly every day since the school holidays began in mid-January.

“We attract many tourists from Singapore and Johor Bahru, particularly anglers and mountain bike enthusiasts, who choose to stay here when there are training sessions or events at Bukit Selantai.

“Some guests come with their families, while others stay just for the night and head out early for fishing, leaving their wives and children to relax here,” he said when interviewed by Bernama.

Mohamad Asyraf said that the resort, operated by the Mersing District Council, is also a popular spot for visitors seeking fresh seafood, such as fish, prawns, crabs, and squid, thanks to its proximity to the fishermen's market.

“Guests here are often excited, as they not only enjoy the stunning views and complete facilities but can also enjoy barbecue sessions with fresh seafood using the BBQ pit provided.

“Additionally, we don’t face major issues with the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) since it isn’t constant. For instance, if the waves are strong, the bay area offers protection, so we remain unaffected.

“We also have a hall available for events like weddings, meetings, and seminars, as well as Kuntum Cafe, which is open to the public daily. Additionally, there is a fishing base next to the resort offering deep-sea fishing activities,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mersing Beach Resort manager Muhammad Afiq Hazizi Md Anwar said that the resort, which offers 54 fully operational room units, is usually fully booked on weekends, school holidays, and public holidays.

“The natural beauty of the rice fields and Bukit Selantai around Pantai Air Papan attracts both local and foreign visitors, as well as serving as a transit point for those heading to the beautiful island chain in this district.

“We also offer hall packages for meetings, courses, weddings, karaoke sets, and sports equipment for those wishing to host a Family Day. Visitors can even make reservations for island trips," he added.

However, Muhammad Afiq Hazizi expressed hope that relevant parties could organise more water-related activities such as banana boating, jet skiing, and parasailing on the beach to further boost tourism.

“Such activities would not only enhance the experience but also benefit the local economy by drawing in more visitors,” he said.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast that the current Northeast Monsoon will continue until March, with five to seven episodes of heavy rain expected during this period.

-- BERNAMA