Pulau Mawar Heaven’s Gate (天堂之门) has been gaining popularity lately with the Cuti Cuti Malaysia trend. Well, it’s been quite some time since our last blog and what better way to kickstart our post MCO blogs than a visit to this hidden gem in Mersing!
Pulau Mawar – Why Heaven’s Gate?
Pulau Mawar is located at the tip of Pantai Mawar beach, just 30 minutes drive due North from Mersing Town / Jetty. Many years ago, it is indeed an island separated by a small strait from the mainland. However, after years of interchanging high and low tides, a sandbank is formed that connects Pantai Mawar to Pulau Mawar. So, it is not a pulau (island anymore) – totally accessible by foot!
People flock to Pulau Mawar undoubtedly is for the Heaven’s Gate view – a huge rock arch that opens to the view of the South China Sea. In Malay it is also known as Gerbang Laut or in Chinese, “天堂之门” which means “Door to Heaven”. Don’t be deceived by the photo, the actual rock arch is a lot bigger than it looks.
Getting There
Getting to Pulau Mawar is easy but with a catch – the final stretch (a short hike) that leads you to the Heaven’s Gate is kinda tricky as there is no signboard to guide you. But fret not as I will share with you how to identify the the path. Basically your journey can be split into 4 parts:
1.Jalan Penyabong Carpark
2. Pantai Mawar Beach
3. Mangrove Swamp
4. Final Trek / Hike
First, key in “Pulau Mawar” on Google Map and it will guide you to the Jalan Penyabong Car Park where you can park you car.
Along the Jalan Penyabong – Tanjung Resang main road, the final junction to the carpark is a right turn towards “Pantai Mawar” if you are coming from Mersing Town. Park your car at the end of the tarred road and walk ahead towards the beach of Pantai Mawar. It will then be a 15-minute walk along Pantai Mawar, passing by a mangrove swamp before a final short trek / hike to Pulau Mawar Heaven’s Gate.
There is actually an alternative narrow path that you can drive further in to cut short your walk to the Heaven’s Gate. But I’d prefer to take the beach walk route as Pantai Mawar is quite a beautiful beach not to miss.
Pantai Mawar Beach
The best thing about Pantai Mawar Beach is that there is basically no one here. Perfect for a quiet, tranquil sunbath! There are some seaweeds being washed to the shore though. I was lucky to have visited during a beautiful sunny morning. The light blue hue of the ocean with green hills on the background is just so soothing to the eyes.
Facing the ocean, head to your left and walk towards the mangroves swamp via the sandbank. As you walk along the sandbank, the ocean should be on your right and you should also notice a mudflat on your left.
Mangrove Swamp
For a nature lover like myself, this walk along the mangroves is an absolute treat! You can see trees and roots sprouting from the swamp, which creates a picturesque layering effect. These mangroves are very important in protecting our coast lines by serving as natural barriers to shield our coastlines from tidal waves.
As it is a swamp area, it’s advisable to come here during low or mid tide as the water level of the swamp may rise a bit higher if you come during high tide. Oh ya you will pass by this Insta Tree along the way! After this Insta Tree, the entrance to the final trek will be just around the corner.
Final Trek / Hike
It should take you about 2 – 3 minutes from the Insta Tree to the entrance to the final trek / short hike before the Heaven’s Gate. Pay close attention to the forest on your left and you should see this path with a couple of branches that leads you into it.
Expect a short and simple hike from here (about 2 – 3 minutes) with some rope assistance. The Heaven’s Gate is just on the other side of the hike. While exploring these places are fun and exciting, it’s always better to come with your buddies for safety purposes.
Pulau Mawar Heaven’s Gate
After the final descent from the ladder, you will see Pulau Mawar Heaven’s Gate right in front of you. The Heaven’s Gate opens up to a beautiful pebble beach facing the South China Sea.
View from the Heaven’s Gate 
What a lovely morning!
The rock formation here is really unique and breathtaking. These rocks are actually part of the Mersing Geopark which was once a volcanic zone about 300 million years ago. I had a good time lying on the rocks, enjoying the sound and sight of waves splashing on them. On a clear weather, you can also see Pulau Seribuat in the background. Pulau Seribuat is the island that we hiked during our island hopping day trip!
How Do I Feel About Pulau Mawar?
I get that many visit Pulau Mawar for that Instaworthy view of the Heaven’s Gate.
But what’s more valuable is the nature experience that comes with it
The beautiful Pantai Mawar Beach, the walk along the mangrove coastline and mudflats, the short jungle trekking adventure as well as the breathtaking rock formations of the Heaven’s Gate – all these are enriching experiences that you can get within an hour or two at Pulau Mawar. I heard that here is even a popular spot for star gazing and milky way photography. For folks visiting our Mersing islands, I highly recommend you guys to drop by Pulau Mawar Heaven’s Gate if you have a couple of hours to spare.
Hi! Is there any public transport or shuttle service going there from Mersing? Is going by car the only way?
Hi Davide~ I think the only way there is by taking a Grab or taxi =)
How high is the ladder? i.e. how many steps?
It wasn’t that high. Maybe about 4 – 5 steps if I remember correctly.
How high is the ladder? i.e. how many steps?
It wasn’t that high. Maybe about 4 – 5 steps if I remember correctly.
How long does it takes to reach Pintu Gerbang from the entry Point?
Hi~ it was about 15 minutes by foot.
Can we hire a guide. How much will it cost. Best accommodation to recommend. Lovely place. Thanks
Hi Alice~ I’m not too sure about hiring a guide. You can also explore this place on your own =) As for accommodation in Mersing, I usually stay at Mersing Hotel or MG Hotel (both are budget hotels).