About us

A regenerative island retreat

Set on the pristine island of Pulau Tengah in Malaysia, Batu Batu is more than a resort; it’s a place where nature, community, and purpose come together.

We believe travel is not just an escape, but a chance to slow down, reflect and connect – with yourself, with others, and with the natural world. Nature, travel, and meaningful relationships can transform the way we see ourselves in the world and how we engage with it. It can inspire us to tread more gently.

Our story

Batu Batu began as a love story. In the 1990s, Dato Chua first visited the island and was instantly captivated by its unspoiled beaches and natural beauty. For many years, his family and friends enjoyed the tropical paradise, with the dream of building an eco-resort on the island. Years later, his daughter, Cher, and her husband, Laurent, turned that dream into reality. As a family, they built Batu Batu, plank by plank, ensuring that at every step the local environment was unharmed and sustainability was established at its core.

Since opening in 2012, Batu Batu has become a purpose-driven sanctuary for ecotourism, helping guests reconnect with nature while driving local conservation efforts and the local economy.

The island

Pulau Tengah is an abundant, forested island surrounded by powder-white beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Spanning just 3km in circumference, it is home to eight pristine beaches and a lush, forested centre, all surrounded by an ocean landscape teeming with marine life. Here, time slows, and nature takes you far from modern life.

From the gentle, lapping waves to the rich birdlife and island flora, Batu Batu is a magical island escape. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the abundant space as you walk through the untouched landscapes, discover colourful marine life, and experience the quiet pleasures of island life.

Getting to Batu Batu

Travelling to Batu Batu is simple and seamless – with no airports required if you are coming from Malaysia or Singapore! It’s an easy 2.5 to 3-hour drive by car (depending on traffic) from Singapore, or you can jump on a bus or arrange for a private transfer to take you to Mersing Jetty in Johor, Southern Malaysia.

Once there, you can leave your car (if driving yourself) in the car park and hop on our private speedboat for a scenic 20-30 minute ride to Pulau Tengah island. When you arrive, our friendly Batu Batu team will be waiting to welcome you to an island paradise dedicated to sustainability, vibrant wildlife, and the preservation of nature’s beauty.

We are in a marine protected area

At Batu Batu, conservation is at the heart of everything we do. Working with Tengah Island Conservation (TIC), we help to conserve endangered sea turtles, coral reefs mangroves, and seagrass meadows, ensuring the preservation of the island’s rich biodiversity.

Being in a Marine Protected Area (MPA), visitors and locals are encouraged to embrace the island’s conservation ethos. MPA regulations mean we are a no-take zone – no fishing, no anchoring, and no collecting seashells. This protects the fragile marine ecosystem. Our activities enhance the marine environment that the MPA laws aim to safeguard, including turtle hatchery tours, conservation lectures and beach clean-ups. Staying with us directly supports our commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and the empowerment of local communities.

Explore our sustainable island paradise. Leave inspired to protect it.

A community with heart

Batu Batu is more than just an island resort; it’s also a shared home for the community. For us, sustainability goes beyond conserving nature; it also means taking care of people. Every member of our team is passionate about what they do, which shows in every interaction with guests. Our people are what define our hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Batu Batu located?

Batu Batu is situated on Pulau Tengah, an island in Johor, Malaysia. Nestled within the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park, the island is surrounded by pristine beaches, lush forests, and vibrant coral reefs. View Singapore to Batu Batu on Google Maps.

How Do I Get to Batu Batu?

Travel by car, bus or private transfer to Mersing Jetty in Johor, Malaysia. From there, you can take a short speedboat ride to the island that takes about 20–30 minutes. View our travel guide here.

Getting to Mersing Jetty

By Car: Mersing is about a 2.5-hour drive away from Singapore and a 4.5 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. There is parking available near the jetty.
By Bus: Several bus services operate from major cities, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca to Mersing.
By Private Transfer: For a more convenient option, you can arrange a private car transfer.

When you arrive at Mersing Jetty, we’ll take care of the rest to ensure a smooth journey to Batu Batu!

Do I need a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) to drive from Singapore to Mersing?

Yes, all Singapore-registered cars must have a VEP RFID tag to enter Malaysia. You can apply for one via the official JPJ portal or use a service provider to help you with the application. More information on this in our Travel Guide.

Do I need to fill out any forms before entering Malaysia?

All non-Singaporean and non-Malaysian passport holders must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before entry. You can find the MDAC here.

What makes Batu Batu a regenerative island retreat?

Batu Batu is built on the principles of sustainability and regeneration. From conserving biodiversity across the Mersing islands to supporting local communities, our goal is to have a positive impact by implementing eco-friendly approaches, promoting conservation, and fostering meaningful connections with nature.

How does Batu Batu support conservation?

We founded Tengah Island Conservation (TIC), an initiative dedicated to habitat management, species preservation, community support, and promoting sustainable tourism. Through TIC, we run programs to protect endangered sea turtles, restore coral reefs, and safeguard coastal ecosystems.

A portion of Batu Batu’s revenue directly funds TIC’s vital work, and we also collect donations from our guests to further support these efforts. Additionally, being located in a Marine Protected Area, we adhere to strict no-take zone regulations, ensuring the preservation of the island’s rich biodiversity. Every stay at Batu Batu helps contribute to the restoration and protection of Pulau Tengah’s natural environment.

What is a Marine Protected Area (MPA), and how does it affect my stay?

Pulau Tengah is part of Johor’s Sultan Iskandar Marine Park, a Marine Protected Area. This means no fishing, anchoring, or collecting seashells is allowed to protect the delicate marine ecosystem. We promote this ethos through activities such as turtle hatchery tours, conservation talks, and beach clean-ups.

How does Batu Batu support the local community?

Our focus is on uplifting and championing the local community. This includes providing Malaysians with opportunities for career growth, hiring local talent, and supporting the community by keeping our supply chains local. Our Batu Batu family is comprised of our employees, whose dedication and passion are evident in every customer interaction.

What sustainable practices does Batu Batu follow?

Minimising our environmental impact is important to us. At Batu Batu, we compost our food waste, minimise the use of single-use plastics, use a solar system to supplement diesel, and have a biological water treatment system that cleans our water so it is safe for release.

How does staying at Batu Batu make a difference?

Your stay with us at Batu Batu contributes to responsible tourism and the nature-positive model we support, along with our community empowerment and conservation initiatives. Our tourism model aims to give back to the community while respecting and regenerating the natural environment.

Can I participate in conservation activities during my stay?

Absolutely! Guests can join turtle hatchery tours, participate in conservation discussions, and assist with beach clean-ups. These activities foster a deeper appreciation of the island’s unique ecosystem and our ongoing conservation efforts.

What makes Batu Batu different from other resorts?

Batu Batu is not just a resort; it’s a purposeful retreat. We integrate unspoiled natural beauty with a commitment to community, conservation, and sustainability to offer an experience that fosters mindful travel.

Staying at Batu Batu supports a locally-owned business committed to sustainability, the environment, our community and unique culture.

Pulau Tengah, nestled within Johor’s protected Sultan Iskandar Marine Park in Malaysia, is a true hidden gem. This secluded island, which Batu Batu calls home, is a picture-perfect cliché of crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.

Reservations on weekdays from 9am to 11pm: +60 17 755 5888

Front Office every day from 7am to 11pm: +60 17 755 0672

Mersing Representative for any enquiries as you travel to Mersing +60 17 755 4381

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