Sat 16th June
As we pulled into Mersing, slowly - due to traffic, it seemed so much more promising a place compared to JB. The Mersing River ran alongside the town, with an array of coloured fishing boats moored up along the shore, 'somewhere interesting to walk' I thought. The river ran into the sea - so there must be a beach nearby too.
Arrival and check in at the other Double K hostel with low expectations, we were minutely surprised to see this hostel seemed newer and cleaner. Not fantastic but fractionally better than the JB hostel. The layout was a little strange though. The communal lounge was at the back by the quieter river and the rooms i.e our room, was at the front by the busy road. Hmm. Soon after our arrival a thunderstorm rolled in. An hour later it had calmed down to a shower. When it stopped we ventured in town... which consisted of threes main streets. Oh poo. On one of which was 71 Café it served tea and coffee and food. So caffeine and lunch was had. We found one then two supermarkets. Supplies were bought, as were beers.
We watched the World Cup on the t.v and then on a phone screen of a lovely Chinese/Malay young woman called Yvonne. Late to bed.

And that's pretty much how our time at Mersing stayed, as there is naff all there. Here are a few more details...

Sun 17th June
31°c (real feel 38°c) 74%
Found the beach. It was definitely a beach as we saw a horse and cart ride with a miserable looking horse. And a saddled up pony for riding. Also down in the dumps.
So we had found the beach and it was filthy. Swathes of plastic rubbish strewn along the muddy bay. Rather disheartening. There was a small stage/bandstand that had seen better days. We found the tourist information centre. It was shut (Hari Raya maybe). Then there was a thunderstorm. Got some food and beers for later. Watched the footie, then bed.

Mon 18th June
Found a little park that led out to the beach. When we got to the beach a thunderstorm erupted. Spoke to a couple (he from Scotland she from England). Got some food and beers for later. Watched the footie, then bed

Tue 19th June
Went to see if we could get the bus to Air Papan, a beach. It was on a poster in the hostel. It doesnt run any more. Went to see if we could hire bikes. They dont rent them anymore. We tried to get a chicken curry, that was shut too. Everything that has an advertisement, particularly in the hostel, has finished or is shut.
Guess what? Another thunderstorm.

You see people go to Mersing for the beaches ON the islands Tioman Island in particular - not in Mersing itself. It's as though Mersing used to be a great hub of tourist activity, there was evidence of it everywhere. From the little stage area on the beach, to the murals in the little lane and money spent on the road sides to make them look attractive. Mersing must have been a great little hive of activity and then... no one spent anytime there anymore. Leap-frogging it to the islands instead and leaving the little town behind in a state of peeling paint and closed attractions. There is rubbish everywhere and the open drains (not sewers) stunk to high heaven.

Weds 20th June
On our way to Kuantan on a Maraliner coach. Very comfy wide seats. During the journey we saw brown monkeys at the side of the road.
The bus stopped at 1:30pm for lunch at Nusantara Restoran. It was a big place with green walls and gold (looking) railings. Lots of fish was on the menu, so we stuck to some of the buns on offer. Then back on the road.