Batu Batu Resort
Batu Batu Resort, Pulau Tengah, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia
Coordinates in degrees decimal: 2.47398333 N, 103.96062778 E.
Visited in October-November 2023. Photographer: Nigel and Sylviane Thomas. Cameras: Olympus Tough T6 and Nikon Coolpix W300.
Website: https://www.batubatu.com.my/
Introduction
The Batu Batu Resort is located on Pulau Tengah, which is off the east coast of the Malaysia Peninsular in the South China Sea. Extensive areas of easily accessible coral reef can be found off the south and west coasts of the island. The reef to the west extends over 500m, while the reef to the south is over 700m long. All areas of reef are accessible from the shore, although it is important to choose the correct tidal state to both enter and exit the reef areas.
Pulua Tengah is accessible by ferry from the jetty at Mersing, which is on the east coast of Johor in Malaysia. Mersing can be reached by car or bus from the main international airports at both Singapore and Kaula Lumpur. Journey time from the former is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, while journey time from Singapore is anything between 2 and a half hours to 4 hours. This latter due to the often congested border crossing between Singapore and Malaysia.
The resort is low key with the rooms scattered over the hillside above the coastal strip on the south of the island, including some beach side accommodation.
Factors affecting snorkelling
The air temperature in the area is quite stable with the yearly average at 26C and summer (April to October) maximums just below 30C. Seawater temperatures are uniformly warm throughout the year with a minimum monthly average in January at 27.6C and an average maximum in May at 29.9C, so no need for a wetsuit at any time. The area is impacted, with respect to snorkelling and diving, over the period November to February, due to the North East Monsoon (NEM).
The specific weather and water conditions that might affect snorkelling include:
Ecology
The habitats that can be observed while snorkelling at the resort include: extensive coral reef areas which are primarily mixed species outcrops, low density seagrass beds, coral debris and sand in the shallow waters, clean sands both inshore and offshore, artificial structures on the jetty.
A total number of 240 species were identified during our 10 day trip, including 66 fish species, several of which are typical of turbid water conditions. The coral in general is in a healthy state and comprises a wide variety of species, with over 60 recorded, including soft corals. I have used the recommended 3 stage approach to identifying corals, using a distance shot for overall form, closer for branching structure and finally a close-up to look at new growth form. (Kelley R, 2022. Indo Pacific Coral Finder, 2022 edition, BYOGUIDES followed by http://www.coralsoftheworld.org/page/home/). Associated species included numerous molluscs (17), with echinoderms in great abundance, particularly in the shallow reef areas.