The Mystery of Carey Island

Carey Island—its name alone evokes an air of mystery. So much has been said about this place, yet so little is truly known. Even seasoned travelers who’ve visited or heard of the island often leave us with no clear feedback. The name itself conjures images of a remote island, surrounded by vast open seas. With these thoughts, we embarked on a journey to Carey Island, eager to uncover its secrets and witness the beauty of its fabled shoreline.

A glance at the map revealed that the island is slightly smaller than Singapore—a surprising fact for a place so closely tied to tales of fresh coconuts and tranquil beaches. However, entry to the island isn’t straightforward; prior approval is required from the landowners, Guthrie Company. The island boasts a golf course and pristine sandy beaches, and plans are reportedly in place for a luxurious 5-star resort.

Intrigued by the myths and stories, we set out to explore Carey Island and separate fact from fiction. I recalled a trip years ago when reaching the island involved taking a small ferry across a channel. The ferry landed near the Bang Li Kang Seafood Restaurant, a quaint reminder of simpler times.

This time, however, we discovered a new route. About two kilometers before the old ferry crossing, a solid bridge now spans the calm, muddy waters, providing easy access. The bridge, completed years ago, has since transformed the area, with two thriving seafood restaurants taking advantage of the location's fame.

Crossing the bridge, we arrived on Carey Island. Technically, it isn’t a true island but a delta, separated from the mainland by two branches of the Langat River.

Just past the bridge’s guardhouse lies the golf club entrance. Guards monitor the area to prevent pilferage of palm oil fruit, a vital commodity here. Interestingly, there’s now a mill on the island to process these fruits locally. With stricter security focused on the mill, visitors like us were allowed to pass without much hassle. A signboard informed us that a newly paved road would take us across the island, spanning 12 kilometers to the coastline.

The road, freshly tarred, is a straight two-lane stretch cutting through the heart of the island.

It was a beautiful day to be in a plain among palm oil trees almost flat comparing to the enlarged scene of a field of carpet grasses. The blue sky and now the sea are there.

If you look carefully, you may even see that with the shore bereft of trees, the sea water action has exposed layer delta clay. Sediments brought down by the river are with compressed with silt.

At the time when we were there, the low spring tide brought the waves half a km out to seas. The seabed was sandy except for a narrow strip of mudflats. Here you will see the group ravaging through the tiny pebbles collected at the water marks area for unique collection.

There was a noticeable absence of seashell and small animals’ life around the area. Is it due to extensive fishing or the cultivated area is suffering from an overdose of chemical treatment-insecticides and pesticides?

We caught the little hermit crab moving around looking for its lunch! Khoo was seeking relief from the sun.

Our journey began with anticipation, eager to explore a new place. Carey Island's vast, flat landscape stretched endlessly around us. The expansive grasslands, devoid of trees, were an unusual sight, offering a rare sense of openness.

However, as we approached the coastline, our excitement gave way to disappointment. The shoreline was barren and desolate, far from the picturesque sandy beaches we’d imagined. This stark scenery made us pause and reflect.

The monotony of the drive—over 10 kilometers of open land—began to weigh on us. Without the familiar sight of wooded areas, the island felt eerily lifeless. The coastline, though expansive and open to the sea, lacked charm. No sandy beaches greeted us, only isolation.

In the end, our visit to Carey Island was a mixed experience—a place full of potential but overshadowed by its emptiness.