rawa safari

Rawa Island Resort

Rawa Island Resort Sdn Bhd Tourist Centre, Jalan Abu Bakar, 86800 Mersing, Malaysia – Excellent location – show map

Rawa Island Resort Reserve now

Cleanliness

Value for money

Facing the beachfront in Mersing, Rawa Island Resort has a restaurant and a bar. The resort has a private beach area. At the resort, all rooms include a balcony. With a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and free toiletries, some rooms at Rawa Island Resort also have a sea view. All rooms at the accommodation feature air conditioning and a desk. The daily breakfast offers buffet, à la carte or continental options. You can play pool, table tennis and darts at Rawa Island Resort, and the area is popular for hiking. The nearest airport is Senai International Airport, 89 miles from the resort.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• Private beach area

Property highlights

Top Location: Highly rated by recent guests (9.4)

Breakfast Info

Continental, Halal, Asian, Buffet

Activities:

Availability.

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Property practices

Categories:, see what guests loved the most:.

Restaurants 1 Restaurant On Site

• Cuisine Local • Asian • International
• Open for Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Ambience Family-friendly • Romantic
• Dietary options Halal

Resort facilities at Rawa Island Resort Great facilities! Review score, 8.1

• Toilet paper
• Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
• Private Bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Socket near the bed
• Drying rack for clothing
• Clothes rack
• Badminton equipment
• Snorkeling Additional charge
• Sitting area
• Invoice provided
• Air conditioning
• Ironing facilities
• Full-body massage
• Hand massage
• Head massage
• Foot massage
• Neck massage
• Back massage
• Spa facilities
• Beach umbrellas
• Beach chairs/Loungers
• Massage Additional charge
• Spa Additional charge

House rules Rawa Island Resort takes special requests – add in the next step!

Child policies.

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

FAQs about Rawa Island Resort

What type of room can i book at rawa island resort, how far is rawa island resort from the center of mersing.

Rawa Island Resort is 2,600 feet from the center of Mersing. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What is there to do at Rawa Island Resort?

Is rawa island resort popular with families.

Yes, Rawa Island Resort is popular with guests booking family stays.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Rawa Island Resort?

Check-in at Rawa Island Resort is from 12:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM.

How much does it cost to stay at Rawa Island Resort?

The prices at Rawa Island Resort may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

Does Rawa Island Resort have a restaurant on site?

• Restaurant #1

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Check-in date

Check-out date

• How to Book
• Private Car To JB
• Private Car To Desaru
• Private Car To Legoland
• Private Car To Mersing
• Private Car To Malacca
• Private Car To KLIA/KLIA2
• Private Car To Port Dickson
• Private Car To Tioman Island
• Private Car To Cameron Highlands
• Private Car To Genting Highlands
• Private Car To Johor Premium Outlets
• Outside Johor
• Airport Transfer
• Full Day Service
• Innova ( 7 Seater )
• Alphard ( 8 Seater )
• Starex ( 11 Seater )
• Changi International
• Johor Senai Airport
• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA/KLIA2)
• Travel Guide
• What To Do In Rawa…

What To Do In Rawa Island (No.1 To 5 Are Popular)

You are going for an idyllic island getaway in Pulau Rawa soon, but are you wondering what you can do around the small island?

But wait, even though small, Pulau Rawa is a peaceful private island resort with no crowds except for the resort guests. It’s also clean and comfortable enough for a enjoyable holiday.

To give you some ideas, I have a list of fun activities for a 3D2N Pulau Rawa stay (from most preferred to least preferred), with some photos that I have taken during my trip.

Also, here is the price list for the watersports items offered in Pulau Rawa:

Rawa Island Sea sport equipment rental price list

1. Island Hopping – Private Chartered

The absolute must-do Pulau Rawa activities is chartering a boat to visit other islands like Harimau Island, Mensirip Island, Hujung Island and more.

Also read:  Mersing Jetty Speed Boat To Rawa Island

Rawa Island Island Hopping

Highlights:

• Harimau Island has a unique formation with rocky caverns and secret lagoon
• Mensirip Island boasts beautiful spots for snorkelling and diving
• Bring snacks and water to refuel along the journey
• Permission is needed to visit the privately owned Mensirip Island

2. Snorkeling & Swimming On Rawa Beach

Swimming and Snorkelling at the Beach

Rawa Island is teeming with coral reefs and has crystal clear waters, so I did swim and snorkel to my heart’s content!

Rawa Island Under The Jetty

• Beautiful house reefs near the shore for snorkelling
• Spot unique fishes like blue spotted stingray, wrasse and triggerfish
• You may get lucky and spot blacktip reef sharks

3. Kayaking Cycle One Round Of Rawa Island

Among the fun things to do in Rawa Island is getting on a kayak to enjoy the azure blue waters.

Also read:  5 Rawa Island Resort Accommodation & Room Review

• Leisurely kayak around the island (40 minutes)
• Calm and gentle seas (doable for beginners)
• Access to all the beaches along the island

Rawa Island Kayaking and SUP Paddle

4. Take Photos Around The Island

I enjoyed taking plenty of gorgeous photos around the resort as one of my Pulau Rawa activities.

Rawa Island Taking Photos

• Beautiful spots for photography around the resort
• White beach and blue waters for a perfect backdrop
• Take photos of beautiful corals and marine life

5. Enjoy The Iconic Water Slide

The sea is the swimming pool at Rawa Island, and it’s even more exciting with a slide that plops you down into the sea!

Also read:  How To Go Rawa Island From Singapore

Rawa Island Iconic Slide

• Orange slide has twists and turns for more adrenaline rush
• Blue slide is shorter and suitable for children
• Open to the public, so use it safely and responsibly
• All slides end in shallow water

6. Jogging & Island Walk 

Get some exercise in by doing light jogs and brisk-walking around the island, while enjoying the scenery.

Rawa Island Walk & Hill Top

• Take a 20-minute Island Walk trail along the island’s western side
• Safe and well-maintained walking paths 
• For an extra calorie burn , jog or walk along the sandy beaches

7. Fun Dive By Padi Orca Nation 

If you don’t know what to do in Rawa Island, how about trying out diving with the in-house dive school?

• Orca Nation is Asia’s leading 5-star Instructor Development Centre
• Fun dive allows you to t ry diving without having to take a full certificate
• Full PADI certification classes are also available
• Suitable for kids and adults

Also read:  How To Book Rawa Island Resort Package

8. Hilltop Trekking 

Another must-do activity in Pulau Rawa is trekking on the Hilltop Walk and enjoying the magnificent view of the archipelago.

• Easy 30 to 40 minutes hike (2.3 km), just follow the signages to the top
• Beautiful vantage point for photos
• Catch the beautiful sunrise or sunset 

9. Playing Volleyball

What to do in Rawa Island besides water activities? How about showing off your beach volleyball skills at the beach?

Rawa Island Volley Ball Court

• Play by the beach while enjoying the beachside vibes

10. Playing Pingpong

Rawa Island activities do include a lot of sporting fun, including this enjoyable and timeless game!

11. Playing Badminton 

Another fun Rawa Island activities is the chance to show off your badminton skills to your friends and family!

Rawa Island Badminton Court

12. Pool & Snooker Tables

A game of pool and snooker is appealing for those who prefer a more chill and laid-back game time.

13. Trampoline Jump

This would be one of the fun Rawa Island activities for kids and adults who love some adrenaline rush.

Rawa Island Trampoline

• Entertaining activity for the kids
• Surprisingly fun if you have never let yourself loose on a trampoline before

14. Chill At Beach With Some Good Drink

Another nice way to relax in Rawa Island is to soak in all the peaceful island vibes with a drink in hand.

Rawa Island Under Coconut Tree Chilling

• Order your favourite beverage at resort bar and take it to the beach
• Lounge at the chairs and hammocks provided along the beach

Rawa island Beach Walk

15. Spa & Massage

Take some time to unwind at the delightful Rawa Spa and pamper yourself with the treatments.

Rawa Island Spa and Massage

• Traditional healing amidst a relaxing nature atmosphere
• Spa treatment overlooking the exquisite South China Sea
• Various facial and body treatments done by professional therapists

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15 Fun Things To Do In Rawa Island (Your Bucket List For A Trip To Rawa)

Everyone knows about the more popular Tioman Island, Sipadan or the Perhentian Islands but what about Rawa Island?

If you ask a local, chances are they’ve never heard of Rawa Island! Which is not surprising since it’s fairly small with just two resorts.

Despite its small size, there are plenty of activities you can do here at this unspoilt hidden beauty !

Spend time with your family or friends on a remote tropical island!

The fact that it’s not too far from Singapore but far enough to put some distance between city life and you, makes it an appealing getaway location!

Let’s begin:

• Snorkelling At Rawa Island
• Kayaking At Rawa Island
• Hilltop Jungle Trekking At Rawa Island
• Island Hopping Near Rawa Island
• Scuba Diving At Rawa Island
• Swimming Right In Front Of The Rawa Island Beach
• Water Sliding At Rawa Island
• Playing Beach Volleyball
• Take Instagram-Worthy Pictures Around Rawa Island
• Partying The Night Away At The Beach Hut
• Chill With A Good Book By The Beach
• Try sleeping In A Hammock
• Play Some Board Games Like Jenga
• Take A Sunset Stroll Around The Island
• Taste Some Local Food

15 Things To Do In Rawa Island

1. snorkelling at rawa island.

Seeing the amazing clarity of the water will make you want to go snorkeling! It is easy to understand why this is a must-do activity when you are at Rawa Island!

Photo credits to azhafizah.com

Rent snorkeling gear from any of the resorts.

Where can you snorkel? Head for the western side of the island.

There is abundant coral in the waters all the way from the north to the south tip of the island! See fish and maybe even blacktip reef sharks!

Read also: How To Go To Rawa Island

2. Kayaking At Rawa Island

Want to stay dry but don’t want to miss out on the marine life or island views ?

This is a neat way to check out the island too! Not to mention, a great opportunity for an arm workout!

Rent a kayak from the resort and get out on that beautiful water!

Photo credits to Tony Saw

Tip: If it’s your first time kayaking, make sure you go with a buddy and tell someone that you will be out kayaking.

Read also: How To Get To Rawa Island From Mersing Jetty

3. Hilltop Jungle Trekking At Rawa Island

One of the unexpected things to do in Rawa Island could well be hiking!

In fact, there are well-made trails like the 40-minute trail (half the time if you’re fit) called The Hilltop Walk :

Paths and stairs on this trail provide access to magnificent panoramic views of Rawa Island and some other neighboring islands!

Tip: The view from the plateau before the highest point has the best views of 3 islands – Besar, Tengah and Hujung!

Read also: Best Time To Visit Rawa Island

4. Island Hopping Near Rawa Island

While you’re on Rawa Island, you may as well hop on a boat to investigate the other islands close by! And why not?

Photo credits to phalinn

Take a boat from Rawa Island to Harimau Island and Mensirip Island :

Each of these islands has something unique about it – Harimau Island has a hidden pool while Mensirip Island has some fabulous diving opportunities!

Both islands are definitely worth having a look. You can even have a picnic lunch there!

Read also: Best Time To Visit Tioman Island

5. Scuba Diving At Rawa Island

This list of things to do in Rawa Island inevitably has to include scuba diving!

There is a dive center where you can join PADI course regardless of your diving level!

Photo credits to tripsbykids.com

And those enchanting waters around Rawa Island are teeming with diverse marine life, providing divers an unforgettable diving experience!

Tip: Don’t touch anything in the water while you’re diving – that includes coral and the fish! This is a protected marine park!

Read also: Tioman Vs Rawa

6. Swimming Right In Front Of The Rawa Island Beach

Sometimes, the heat and humidity can be a little overbearing! You are after all, on a tropical island that’s pretty close to the equator!

Why not give into temptation and take a refreshing swim or just wade in the shallows of the enticing water right in front of your resort!

It’s free and you don’t need any fancy gear!

Tip: Apply some waterproof sunscreen before you jump in! Even better if you can get a reef-safe sunscreen!

Read also: 15 Best Weekend Getaways From Singapore

7. Water Sliding At Rawa Island

Cease wondering what to do in Rawa Island! A must-do activity is taking on the 2 slides at Rawa Island!

Photo credits to orca_scuba

The slides may belong to one of the resorts but nobody will try to stop you from sliding!

Both slides will have you splashing into the sea with glee! The orange slide consists of some turns while the blue slide goes straight into the water!

Tip: If heights terrify you, try the blue orange rather than the orange slide!

Read also: Tioman Snorkeling : Full Snorkeling Guide In Tioman Island

8. Playing Beach Volleyball

Need something else to do other than lazing on the beach or getting into the water?

What better way to bond with your travel mates and maybe make new friends, than over a rousing game of beach volleyball by the ocean!

Photo credits to michiekins.com

It’s a fun and healthy way to burn some calories too!

An excuse to leave technology and work stresses aside for a while. Isn’t that why you’re on Rawa Island?

Read also: 27 Exciting And Fun Things To Do In Tioman Island

9. Take Instagram-Worthy Pictures Around Rawa Island

Photography is one of those things to do in Rawa Island where you don’t have to get into the water!

Every corner of Rawa Island is a golden opportunity for a photo! Photos are the best kind of souvenirs to take home and keep memories fresh!

And who doesn’t like to induce a little jealousy in Instagram once in a while?

Remember that time you were drooling over someone else’s beach vacation? Now, it’s your turn!

10. Partying The Night Away At The Beach Hut

At Alang’s Rawa Resort , there is a beach shack that serves as a communal dining area.

After dinner hours though, this will be a happening nightlife scene with music lasting until the early hours of the morning (~5am) and some intense Long Island iced teas!

Photo credits to ais-sarah.com

You have to try the Rawa Special cocktail that they serve! And you might want to stay an extra night so you can enjoy the rest of your vacation with a clear head!

Read also: How To Go To Rawa Island From Singapore

11. Chill With A Good Book By The Beach

Doing nothing is a perfectly viable option to enjoy Rawa Island.

Simply sit on the soft sand facing the sea and observe the waves coming to the shore. You may not even be aware that you have been craving some alone time!

Or you can pick up a book that you haven’t had time to read and relish the words together with the sound of the waves and swaying palm trees!

Photo credits to amirahazmi.com

12. Try sleeping In A Hammock

Of all the activities in Rawa Island, this is another activity that requires minimal effort on your part!

It’s not something you can do in most parts of Singapore either!

Find the nearest hammock and settle in! There are hammocks available all around the resorts!

They make for comfortable perches to enjoy the beach and ocean views!

You might even find yourself taking a well-deserved nap as the sea breeze rocks you gently.

Read also: Rawa Island Package Review (Which Rawa Island Resort & Package Should You Go For?)

13. Play Some Board Games Like Jenga

Your resort may have an assortment of games and cards stashed away for guests to use:

Photo credits to likeawayfarer.weebly.com

Open up a box of nostalgia (literally) and play your favorite games from your childhood. Or have some drinks over a game of poker or slapjack!

Have kids? It’s time to introduce them to what life was like before electronic games took over! Some friendly competition is healthy for any child’s development!

Read also: How To Go To Rawa Island From Changi Airport

14. Take A Sunset Stroll Around The Island

Your bucket list of what to do in Rawa Island isn’t complete without a sunset stroll on Rawa Island!

Besides just walking along from one end of the beach to the other, take the 20-minute Island Walk Trail which fringes the west side of the island:

From Alang’s Rawa Resort, make your way towards the second resort continuing to the edge of the island.

Helpful sign boards point the way! Stop when you reach the jungle trek starting point.

15. Taste Some Local Food

Both Alang’s Rawa Resort and Rawa Island Resort have restaurants that serve delicious Malaysian cuisine. Prices are higher than what you would generally see elsewhere in Malaysia.

They do have other cuisines from around the world too! And a fresh spread of seafood for their barbeque. The seafood marinade consists of local spices!

Try the Rawa Special Fish if you happen to be staying at Alang’s Rawa Resort!

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Resort Accommodation

We offer a wide variety of accommodation around the island to cater for families, groups of friends, couples and single travelers. All our rooms are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, hot water, fresh water showers and air conditioning. Wifi, cable television and tea/coffee making facilities are available at the restaurant and bar.

Hillside Deluxe

Beachview / Beachfront Chalet

Waterfront Bungalow

Frangipani Villa

Water Villa

HILLSIDE DELUXE

Enjoy the lush green surroundings from within these spacious rooms. Unwind in peace and quiet, and take in the natural scenery.

En-Suite Bathrooms

BEACHVIEW / BEACHFRONT CHALET

Conveniently situated along the main beach, these chalets provide guests with an idyllic view of sand and sea.

WATERFRONT BUNGALOW

Stretching out across the water, these independent chalets offer uninterrupted views of the South China Sea. Each unit has a large balcony with deck chairs for private sun bathing and airy bathrooms.

FRANGIPANI VILLA

Benefiting from a separate beach and located slightly away from the main restaurant area, these villas afford guests with more privacy. Backed by green jungle and surrounded by the colourful flowers of the frangipani plant, each villa provides guests with picturesque views of the sea.

WATER VILLA

Perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the island, providing stunning view of the sea while enjoying a comfortable and luxurious stay. Offer a high level of privacy, ideal for couples or those looking for a peaceful retreat.

Rawa Island Resort.

Travel guide to Rawa Island, Malaysia: 3 Captivating Adventures

Where is this beautiful Rawa Island?

It is in Malaysia’s east coast. The coral-filled waters of the South China Sea is surrounding this Malaysian Island.

Travel guide to Rawa Island, Malysia

What is the speciality of this island?

You can unmistakably see white doves everywhere on the island. ‘Rawa’ means ‘white doves’ in Malay language .

How to reach the this island?

A half – hour boat ride from Mersing town; that is all required to get to this island.

How far is Mersing from Kuala Lumpur?

The distance is 350 km. Luxury buses are available from Kuala Lumpur. It’s a 4 and a half hour journey on the road.

Flights are also operated from the Malaysian capital to Johore Bahru.

Mersing is 130 km from Johore Bahru, the bustling city and the capital of Johor state. It may be a 30-minute flight.

When is the best time to visit Rawa Island?

April to mid-October is said to be the peak season.

People from Singapore also go to this island. Singapore is only 130 south of the island

Can I drive from Singapore?

Yes, of course. There is a road bridge over the sea connecting Malaysia and Singapore.

The bridge has both road and rail connection.

The bridge is called Johor-Singapore causeway. It measures just a little more than a kilometre.

On which sea is the Malaysia to Singapore bridge is bullt?

It is called Straits of Johor, an arm of the South China Sea.

Where to stay on Rawa Island?

You can opt to stay in beach resorts, but they are expensive.  Slightly cheaper are beachfront villas.

Other staying options include:

• Lanza Retreat
• Hopewell Lodge
• Lochmara Lodge

Since the hotels are pricey on the island, you can find cheaper accommodations in Mersing town.

What is the special food on Rawa Island?

Apart from the ubiquitous fish and noodles, there is nothing special to mention in the menu cards of the restaurants.

What to do on the island?

It is a coral island with nothing big to see around. Your time revolves around the beach, the sea, and jagged rocks .

The beach sand is white and is inviting you to soak in the hot sun.

Water Sports:

• Kayaking, and canoeing are possible because the sea is rather calm on all sides except the eastern shores.
• Some resorts offer windsurfing adventure.
• Swimming and sport fishing are good options to spend your time.
• Sailing is a thrilling water sport. However, you need to accompany a seasoned captain. If you are lured by this idea, check it out at Rawa Safaris Resort.
• Island hopping is an exciting opportunity. You can visit the cheaper Tioman Island, Harimau, and Mensirip Island.
• Snorkeling is pursued by just about every visitor to the Rawa Island. The colourful corals are worth seeing.
• Scuba diving goes hand in hand with snorkelling. The marine creatures that include the dangerous jellyfish, squids, reef sharks pull daredevils to slip on their scuba diving gear and hit the bottom of the sea.
• There is a mini water theme park on the island. You have two slides to try. At the end of the slides is the South China Sea. This means you land directly in the sea. That must be enjoyable.

Rock Climbing

The eastern side of the island is full of jagged cliffs.

Try your mountaineering talent to get a breathtaking view of the sea and other small islets.

Is there anyway of moving around the island?

Trust your feet only, mate.  After all, the island is just an islet measuring 1 km by 200 meters in length and breadth.

With so little things to do on Rawa Island, you can make a dauytrip either from Mersing, or Johore Bahru, or even from Singapore instead of staying on this tiny islet.

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Pulau Rawa 2D1N Trip

With Alang's Rawa Resort

A fter checking out from a fun and fulfilling 3D2N vacation at Pulau Besar , I embarked right away on my second island adventure to Pulau Rawa - known to be one of THE BEST island in the world! What an awesome way to begin the week!

The only way to Pulau Rawa is by boat from Mersing Jetty. If you have read my post on  Pulau Besar , you would have found out how easy it was to get to Mersing jetty from Singapore. Due to renovation works going on at Alang's Rawa office, I met their representative, Alween straight at the jetty. We have previously communicated through text exchanges to meet her at the jetty. So make sure you provide a contactable phone number while booking the package. 

The boat left on time at 12:30pm. Pulau Rawa is about 30 minutes boat ride from Mersing. We passed by Pulau Besar, Pulau Tengah and Pulau Hujung on our way to Rawa. 

Hey! I stayed there last night! Passed by (from the right) Pulau Besar, Pulau Tengah and Pulau Hujung We are reaching!

I was heading to Pulau Rawa with high expectations after reading so much about this little gem online. As we approached the island, all I could do was hats off - I will never forget the view that greeted me especially the huge RAWA engraving on the island.

Unlike in Pulau Besar where we got off the boat at the island jetty, over here at Pulau Rawa the boat just anchored by the shore and we basically just stepped out on to the creamy white beach and walk towards Alang's Rawa Resort.

We were greeted by Sheena, a very friendly girl as she guided us to the waiting area. As they were short of staffs that day, some of our rooms weren't ready in time. But that wasn't a problem for me as Sheena entertained us by sharing some background about the island and also Alang's Rawa Resort.

As I explored around the beach, I quickly noticed the stark contrast in styles of Alang's Rawa and Rawa Safari, the sole two resorts on the island. Alang's Rawa has this casual, island feel to it as it is very simple and minimalistic. On the other hand, Rawa Safari appeared to be more sophisticated, with its villas and mansion-scaled resort rooms.

The room that I stayed in was the Beachfront Room. It was spacious, with a double bed and a single bed. There was no aircond, no wifi and the tap water was kinda salty.

now that's a true island life!

Oh and did I forgot to mention their mascot?

With such clear waters, the first thing that I wanted to do was to dive down and snorkel. The corals were very rich, colorful and most importantly, highly visible thanks to the unpolluted sea water.

The main attraction that I was really looking forward to was the Rawa Slide. If you search Pulau Rawa on Google, you will definitely see this red coloured slide that is built on the sea. Although it is a property of Rawa Safari Resort, no one would stop you from trying out the slide. If you ask me what is THE   MUST DO in Pulau Rawa, this is it!

THE LEGENDARY RAWA SLIDE!

THIS IS ADDICTIVE

T here are quite a lot of things that you can do here on this small island. After many rounds of playing the Rawa Slide, I took a shower and went on the Island Walk Trail for a sunset stroll.

The Island Walk would eventually lead you to the jungle trekking path. I did not try the jungle trekking as it was getting dark. Will definitely try it the next time I revisit Rawa.

Dinner on Rawa Island was slightly late at 8pm. The food was served in buffet style with lots of variety. They also offered cocktails and fruit juice (charged separately). The one thing I regretted was I did not try their famous, vicious Rawa Special Cocktail!

Lesson learnt: Never resist temptation on an island

One thing I like about Alang's Rawa is that they have their dining tables all lined up in a row. So it was easier to mingle around and make new friends, especially for solo travelers like me.

Had a long and fun chat with my Rawa neighbours Stefan and Franzi from Germany. They were the coolest couple I've met! Both of them worked and saved for 5 months after graduating and now they are traveling across Asia! I have long admired the courageous spirit of Westerners to chase their dreams and what a wonderful thing it was to have friends who encourage you to do the same.

Midway through our dinner we were joined by Sheena, our friendly host. It was interesting to hear from her about some background history of Rawa and also how she chose to be an island girl. After 3 years working on Rawa, she is conversant in many foreign languages especially German. In short, Rawa is filled with many many cool people and plenty of positive island energy!

I was recommended by Alang's Rawa staffs to try the Hilltop Walk which promises a stunning view of the island. It got my adrenaline going as I've never read or heard about this Hilltop Walk before. After settling my breakfast, I got myself on the Hilltop Walk in no time as I couldn't wait to see what more Rawa Island has to offer.

The Hilltop Walk is located at the back of the beach and you can access it by following the Hilltop Jungle Trekking path behind Rawa Safari Resort.

 From the beach to the Hilltop Walk took me about 15 to 20 minutes. A very short and easy route thanks to the well maintained paths and stairs. After the stairs, you will reach a plateau but this is not the highest point. If you are more adventurous, head right over the rocky paths and you will be rewarded by views that would stay in your memory for a long long time.

If you thought that the view at the peak was the best, then you should read on. No doubt at the peak you get this amazing view of the cliff at the back of the island. But what you are about to witness next is the true highlight of the entire hike.

Keep walking on over the peak until you see a plateau overlooking the sea towards the triplet islands of Pulau Besar, Tengah and Hujung. That's the spot that gives you the best view of Rawa Island.

Never thought I could get a bird's eye view of the beach and jetty from up here. Such a breathtaking view especially under this sunny weather. Totally exemplifies the beauty of Pulau Rawa. The water is so clear that you can see the corals and sea bed beneath. 

Finally it's time to bid goodbye to Pulau Rawa and all the cool people here. Thanks to Alang's Rawa friendly staffs and also the hilltop hike experience, I would say it has exceeded my already high expectations for the island. 2D1N was definitely too short for me and I will surely return in the near future (if I'm fortunate enough as they are always fully booked). 

Goodbye Pulau Rawa! 또 만나요!

Travel expenses breakdown.

Bus fare from Singapore to Mersing Jetty (one-way): $36.50 (~RM109)

2D1N Package by Alang's Rawa Resort Beachfront Room: RM653 (1 pax)

Getting there:

Location: Pulau Rawa, Mersing, Johor

From Singapore: Direct bus (The One Travel a.k.a. Five Stars) from Boon Lay Shopping Centre (6:45am) to Mersing Jetty (Please check their website for return trip option)

From Mersing Jetty: 2-way boat transfer to Pulau Rawa provided by Alang's Rawa Resort 2D1N Package

Accommodation: Alang's Rawa Resort

Johor, Malaysia

83 COMMENTS

After many times reading about Rawa, finally we went there last 2weeks 🥰🥰. It starting monsoon season and raining in the evening but it’s still worth it..definitely will revisit..hehe

How is the food there?

Food was awesome =) I love the omelette!

You are my intake , I own few blogs and rarely run out from to post .

I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or weblog posts in this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i’m satisfied to show that I’ve an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I most undoubtedly will make certain to don’t disregard this website and provides it a look on a relentless basis.

Hi can I have Sheena contact? Thanks

Hi Esther, sorry we don’t have her contact. From what I know, Sheena is not working in Alang’s Rawa Resort at the moment.

thank you Jian

hi is it true that no children allowed to alangs rawa during weekend. So we cannot stay there on weekend if we bring children right

Hi Ujie, I’m not sure about this but from their website it seems like there is this rule. You may email them for clarification =)

Hi, pm 2d1n? U got whatapp?

Hi, I just want to say what an excellent review! You managed to do many good activities even in just two days so Kudos to you for that. I was looking around for reviews on Pulau Rawa and yours has been really helpful (and also entertaining). Cheers!

Thank you for your kind words Hisham =) Yea there are lots of things to do in Pulau Rawa but have to do it by ourselves as they do not offer out of island trips. I thought 2D1N was pretty well spent haha. Do check out our reviews for the other islands as well. There are so many beautiful islands in Malaysia =)

We around 10ppl plan to go. Pls advice the best price for 3days 2night package

Hi Kathy, sorry for late reply. You may book directly with Alang’s Rawa Resort as we do not have their package at the moment.

is there electricity supply in the room?

Hi Ilyana, yes there is electricity supply. Rooms are equipped with fan but no aircon and water heater.

Is it snorkeling available and serve by the resort?

Hi Nur Zalikha! They do have snorkeling gears available for rent but at the time when I was there, they do not offer snorkeling trips out of the island. But you are free to rent their snorkeling gears and snorkel near the beach any time. Corals near the beach are rich.

Berapa 2h 1malam

Hi! Sila rujuk laman web Alang’s Rawa untuk harga pakej: Alangsrawa.com

cn i gt ur contak nomber

Hi Dharsini..if you have any query, you may contact us via our Contact Us page =)

Your article is useful 🙂 may I know if the 2D1N Package by Alang’s Rawa Resort Beachfront Room goes by Pax instead of room?

Hi Nurul! Last year when I was there it was charged by pax. You may refer to their website (www.alangsrawa.com) for the latest package details =)

Sorry to ask, I do visit their website, seem like they still charge it per pax. So do you only pay for a pax for that whole room? If so, I would love to book it right away.

Hi Heany, yes from their latest website info, they are offering packages at per pax rate. Meaning for a 2 nights stay, depending on the room type and number of people in the room, the rate is per pax (person) rate ya. You may contact Alang’s Rawa Resort to book directly with them as we do not have their package at the moment =)

How much 3d 2n

Hi! You may check with Alang’s Rawa (www.alangsrawa.com) for their latest packages.

Hi ! Found your article through Google 🙂 May I know that is it you made full payment for Alang Rawa Resort reservation? I emailed them for next month booking and they request so.

Hi Emily! Yup I did make full payment to Alang’s Rawa before the actual day of stay =)

Okay ! Thank you for your info! 🙂

I wish to go pulau rawa by this coming 25-Jun / 27jun. May I know how to booked the resort ? Bcz I can’t found any websites at here … hope to help ?

Hi Pei Xqi, sorry for late reply. Some problem with my notification board. You may check with Alang’s Rawa Resort for their room availability here: http://www.alangsrawa.com (also linked up in my blog post above – those green color bold text are useful links!)

Hi! I am Desmond Cheok from Seremban. I plan to go to either one of the Island in the east coast Malaysia. After surveying all the Islands, I found that the Redang Island has the most soft, white and powdery sand and most crytal clear sea water. Other Island’s beach sand are more yellowish compare to Redang. But after viewing your blog and youtube, I discover that Rawa Island has the same white powdery beach like Redang and it is situated nearer to Seremban. It make me want to go and explore this Island first. Unfortunately I am Solo also. It is a bit hard to book a room as most of the packages are at least twin sharing. Unless I don’t mind paying more. I will check with the Alang Rawa Resort but no telephone no to call. Do u have their Tel no?

Hi Desmond! Indeed Pulau Rawa has very white and soft beach and the sea water is transparent. Alang’s Rawa is quite hard to book due to the island’s popularity. You can email them at: [email protected] or [email protected] .

Alternatively, you can try message them on their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/rawaalangs

Hi! I know this is sort of off-topic but I needed to ask. Does running a well-established website like yours require a large amount of work? I am brand new to writing a blog however I do write in my journal daily. I’d like to start a blog so I can share my experience and thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any suggestions or tips for brand new aspiring blog owners. Thankyou!

Hi Will! Yes it does take some effort to maintain it. You need to have some passion for writing blog posts and continue improving your article. But I get a huge help by using Tagdiv’s Newspaper Theme for my blog. It is a very versatile theme and enables you to design your website/blog without coding knowledge =) If you’d like to chat more about doing a blog, you may write to us through email or our contact page. I’ll be glad to share more =)

Hihi, would like to check, I understand that Alang’s Rawa rooms do not have fresh water (it’s all salty water), do you know whether the other resort on Rawa provides fresh water in the rooms? And also u have any idea if the resorts in Pulau Besar provide fresh water too? Thank you! 🙂

Hi Yee! Yup indeed! Alang’s Rawa tap water is a little salty as I experienced it myself. But they do provide mineral water for you to drink. It’s only the tap and shower water that’s salty. I’m not sure about the other resort (Rawa Safari Resort) water taste because I’ve never stayed there yet.

For Pulau Besar, the resort I stayed in (Aseania Beach Resort) provides fresh tap water.

Okok noted, thanks for the information 🙂 🙂

the Rawa Safari have it. I was there.. i mean fresh tap water.

Oh that’s good news for travelers who are seeking fresh tap water on Rawa!

Hi Can you say something about prices in drink bar?

Hi Jacek! Cocktail prices at Alang’s Rawa Drinks Bar is around RM33~RM34 (at the time of this comment of course).

How im gonna booked for 2D1N at Alang Rawa accomodation? how musch does it cost? is it ALL in (meal..boat transfer etc)? is it possible that im gonna booked this pabkage with you or how?

Hi Afifah! You may book directly with Alang’s Rawa Resort at http://www.alangsrawa.com . I have inserted some quick links in the blog post above (bold, italic green text are links!) so just click on those and it will direct you to the resort homepage =)

Hi, just wondering. Because we stay at Mersing so is it possible to just go there to swim and hike and go back by the last boat to the mainland?

Hi Sara! I’m not too sure..perhaps you could head over to the boat booking counter at Mersing Jetty to confirm. The last I heard was that they do not allow casual island hopping on to Pulau Rawa. But better confirm with the boat operator.

Thanks for the wonderful read on both pulau besar and pulau rawa. Which would you recommend for families with young kids? Clear water where fishes can easily be seen not far from shore would be a must! Comfortable lodging with air con too 🙂

Hi Zinc! It’s a tough choice! Both islands have clear water and can see fish not far from the shore. Pulau Rawa is definitely more beautiful (and has the Rawa Slide!). But if you’d like to stay in an air-conditioned resort, you need to pick Rawa Safari which I didn’t stay in. It is also much more expensive. As for Pulau Besar, the Aseania Beach Resort which I stayed in has aircond and the resort is also very clean. Suitable for young kids. Value for money wise, I will opt for Pulau Besar to travel with young kids =)

Hi there, I found your site via Google while looking for a related topic, your web site came up, it looks great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

Hello! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when browsing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Appreciate it!

Hi Tonie! You may want to give Tagdiv’s Newspaper or Newsmag a shot! It’s mobile friendly too!

is it directly book Alang Resort through email? is it only one Resort there?

Hi! You can book through Alang’s Rawa website (by filling up the reservation contact form on their website).

Hi! Yes you may book with them direct through email or their website. There are two resorts on Pulau Rawa: Alang’s Rawa and Rawa Safari.

RM 653 is for the accomodation only or for ur whole trip?

Hi Shi Hui! RM653 is for 2D1N package (as of year 2016) which include accommodation, meals and two-way boat transfer from Mersing Jetty to Pulau Rawa.

ok,tq for reply😉😉

I heard many sent email to Alang’s Rawa resort but no reply even after months.Can I how you got contact them and how fast was the response came for you? thanks in advance

Hi! I was lucky that I received their response within 2 working days. I think it might be because they receive literally hundreds of emails per day and maybe only manage to reply to those who had chosen dates which are not fully booked. You can also try to message them through facebook.

Hi, may i know is there any snorkelling package is needed in Pulau Rawa? And where can I look for those packages?

Hi Junyee, there is no snorkeling package offered by Alang’s Rawa Resort while I visited there last year. However, you can rent their snorkeling gear (during my visit, it was FOC as long as you don’t damage it) and snorkel nearby the beach. There are a lot of beautiful corals just a few metres away from the beach =)

go to rawa safari.. they have the package.

May i know which month go to Rawa will be better ??

Hi Annie! I think around April to July is the best as the weather is usually very sunny and less rain.

Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.

Thank you Eryn!

May i know do we able to bring mineral water to there? do snorkeling includes inside your package?

Hi Zen, Yes of course you can bring your own mineral water in your bag. But they also provide a couple of small bottled mineral water in the room. Alang’s Rawa Resort does not provide snorkeling packages outside of the island. However, you can snorkel around the beach at your own time. They do rent snorkeling gears in the resort. While I was there, the rental was free and as long as you return the gears in its original condition, they will not charge you.

How much per person ?

Hi Nick, When I went there last year for 2D1N, the price was around RM653 for Beach Front Room. You may check with Alang’s Rawa Resort for their latest rate here: http://www.alangsrawa.com

Hi, may I know how u go Mersing jetty from Singapore? I can’t find the location at the one travel website.

Hope to hear u soon😉

I have emailed The One Travel and they have clarified that due to Monsoon Season, they are suspending bus services from Singapore to Mersing until March 2017. You may head to http://www.busticketonline.com/ to search for alternative buses. If you would like to opt for private MPV services, please send us an email at [email protected] and I will get you in touch with my friend in this business =)

Hi, comparing Rawa and Besar, which island has nicer beaches and water? Which one would you recommend? Thanks!

Hi Lorna! Better beach and clearer water would be Pulau Rawa! But the resort on Rawa is more expensive =) You might want to check out my Exploring the Johor Islands post as I made some comparisons and recommendations across the Johor Islands. http://1step1footprint.com/exploring-the-johor-islands/

Could you possibly tell me about the sand fly in Rawa? Are there lots of sanf fly too? Like a Tioman? Thank you

Hi Rose! I didn’t experience sand fly problems at Rawa. The island was very clean and even have very few mosquitoes. But I guess that also depends on which season you visit Rawa. Hope this helps =)

nice.. i will going in this Wednesday..

Great! Have fun at Rawa and remember to try the cocktails/mocktails!

May I know how much for your package??

Hi Karen, The Beachfront Room that I booked was RM653 (1 night, 1 pax) including taxes. For the current rates, you might want to check with Alang’s Rawa . Their website is http://www.alangsrawa.com Hope this helps =)

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Rawa Island; Malaysia’s hidden jewel

Just off the shore of Mersing in the state of Johor Bahru, you can find yourself on a 30-minute boat ride to Malaysia’s hidden jewel, Alang’s Rawa. This island, along with the whitest sand you’ll have ever stepped foot on, has the clearest blue water and the most inner-peace and calm vibe when the word ‘island’ pops into mind. You’ll be able to find good rates on bus rides from Kuala Lumpur including the ferry rides to the island.

Although it might be a bit of an impatient struggle to have to book three months in advance, because that’s how long you have to wait for the good things in life, it is definitely worth every single cent, so start saving up money and put aside a piggy bank now! Rawa might not be your usual backpacker’s traveling spot, but do not be fooled as it is a magnet for expats; usually fresh off the boat from Singapore and still in their Friday work-clothes!

With the whitest sands as soft as snow surrounding the private chalets and newly built resort on Alang’s Rawa with an uncannily similar resemblance to the architecture of Santorini in Greece, it’s unnecessary to wear shoes, as it’s the biggest pleasure you can possible imagine, taking walks around the small yet breathtaking island. Adding to the white, powdery sand; is the sea, clear as can be and a warm delight to take a dip in at any given time during the day. One of the main attractions of Rawa is snorkeling, and some great snorkeling packages can be found online as you search for bookings for this island.

Another main attraction on Alang’s Rawa is the food, and everything made there is fresh. Included in the bookings are buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, all fresh food and juices made by the incredibly kind and fun staff. Apart from indulging in the food, you get to enjoy alcohol served at the bar just a few steps away from the ocean and listen to music as you take in the beauty of the sun, sand and sea.

Unlike most common beaches and islands around South East Asia, no roads can be found in Rawa, at nature’s best. This is definitely the place to get in touch with the adventurous person in you. There is a small hidden path to walk up the mountains, if you dare to take the hike you will be able to have the satisfaction in watching the orange rays fill the landscape as the sun goes down. Peacocks, amongst many other exotic bird species can be seen in Alang’s Rawa, but nothing compares to the island beagle, Daisy, one of the cutest dogs who was born-and-bred on the island itself!

Other activities to do on the island would be to partake in beach sports such as volleyball, football, Frisbee, etc. Furthermore, if you are a tourist and have the need to see more of Malaysia’s beaches, nearby islands of Sibu and Tioman are only half an hour boat’s ride away.

It is easy to see why people swarm back to Rawa like bees for honey, either be it a romantic getaway, a business retreat, a party or just simply exploring, Alang’s Rawa is definitely an island you would want to have written down on your bucket list! Alang’s Rawa can be both categorized as a family ambience, a romantic getaway or a group-organized party, suitable for anyone of all ages to go and just enjoy the island itself. I hope this article has been useful and convincing to you readers, any questions and inquiries for specific details can be easily found online. Enjoy Pulau Rawa!

Map of Pulau Rawa

About the author

Amanda Chini was born in Kuala Lumpur, lived in Mexico for 12 years, is culturally diverse and a third-cultured kid who’s been to Greece, Spain, England, Ireland, LA, NY, San Antonio, Colorado, Mexico, Aruba, Tenerife, Singapore and plans to travel to many more! Amanda is fluent in both English and Spanish, and her interests include photography, reading, writing and good food.

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Tagging: Johor , Mersing , Rawa Island , Tioman

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2 comments on Rawa Island; Malaysia’s hidden jewel

hai. if you don’t mind, can you shared what kind of activities we can do at Rawa Island other than snorkeling? plus how about the price for the room on the picture above? thanks.

Hi, would you mind to tell me the name of the “Santorini” like resort and also the price? Thanks!

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Last Iraqi town held by ISIS recaptured, officials say

Updated on: November 17, 2017 / 8:04 AM EST / CBS/AP

BAGHDAD --  Iraqi forces backed by the U.S.-led coalition retook on Friday the last town in the country that was held by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) , more than three years after the militants stormed nearly a third of Iraq's territory, the Defense Ministry said.

At dawn, military units and local tribal fighters pushed into the western neighborhoods of Rawah in western Anbar province, and after just five hours of fighting they retook the town, according to Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool, the ministry's spokesman.

Iraq's Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, congratulated his forces on retaking Rawah. In a statement released on Friday afternoon, Al-Abadi said Iraqi forces liberated Rawah in record time and were continuing operations to retake control of Iraq's western desert and the border area with Syria. 

Iraq's military relased what it says is video of the operation to retake Rawa .

Rawah, 175 miles northwest of Baghdad, lies along the Euphrates River Valley near the border town of Qaim, which Iraqi forces retook from IS earlier this month.

U.S.-led coalition forces supported the operations to retake Rawah and Qaim with intelligence, airstrikes and advisers, coalition spokesman Ryan Dillon said.

Brett McGurk, the special U.S. presidential envoy to the global coalition to defeat ISIS, took to Twitter to ridicule ISIS:

#ISIS lost nearly 6000 terrorists in #Raqqa , then surrendered in large numbers. Once purported as fierce, now pathetic and a lost cause. 4/6 pic.twitter.com/JV9EFywqd4 — Brett McGurk (@brett_mcgurk) October 17, 2017

IS blitzed across Iraq's north and west in the summer of 2014, capturing Iraq's second-largest city of Mosul and advancing to the edges of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Later that year, the United States began a campaign of airstrikes against the militants that fueled Iraqi territorial gains, allowing the military to retake Mosul in July this year.

All that now remains of ISIS-held Iraq are patches of rural territory in the country's vast western desert along the border with Syria.

ISIS has steadily been losing ground across the border in Syria as well, where its so-called "caliphate" has basically crumbled with the loss of the city of Raqqa, the former ISIS capital, which fell to the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in October.

Both the U.S. and Russia have embedded special forces with their respective partners and are supporting their advances with airstrikes. Russia backs Syrian government forces of President Bashar Assad.

The last urban areas controlled by the militants in Syria are parts of the border town of Boukamal and a patch of territory near the capital, Damascus, and in central Hama province.

Syrian government forces, backed by Russian troops and Iranian-backed militias, originally pushed ISIS out of Boukamal earlier this month, but the militants retook a large part of the town, mostly its northern neighborhoods days later. Since then, ISIS has repelled government forces trying to push back into the town.

Meanwhile, U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces are also approaching Boukamal from the eastern side of the Euphrates.

Despite ISIS' significant territorial losses, the group's media arm remains intact, allowing it to still recruit supporters and inspire new attacks. Iraqi and American officials say ISIS militants are expected to continue carrying out insurgent-style attacks in Syria, Iraq and beyond. 

• Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

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