Rawa is a small coral island located within the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park on the east coast of the state of Johor. Boats depart the port of Mersing, which is approximately a four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and 2.5 hours from Singapore; the boat ride takes 30 minutes to reach the island.
Once you reach Rawa, be prepared for beautiful clear seas and the kind of white sand every tropical beach needs to be considered paradise! Rawa Island Resort has 80 rooms in several categories – the Beachfront Chalets are located along the main beach with lovely views of the sea; the Hillside Deluxe rooms are set amidst greenery; and the popular Waterfront Bungalows are right over the water with spacious balconies and gorgeous panoramas of the South China Sea. If you’re looking for more privacy and more space, the Frangipani Villas are ideal and boast great views. The resort’s restaurant has a mixture of local and international cuisine, all meals are served buffet-style, and Saturday evenings see their weekly barbecue being held at the outdoor pavilion.
Photo: Rawa Island Resort
Rawa Island Resort is definitely a family-friendly destination and the large slide at the jetty is proof of this. Diving is also a popular activity and tailor-made PADI packages are offered by Orca Scuba, a Singaporean boutique dive centre. As the island is within a marine park, motorised sea activities are prohibited, but there are plenty of other options at the sea sports centre including kayaking and paddle boarding.
If you’re looking for a long weekend getaway, school holiday destination, diving holiday or just need a break and a good dose of vitamin sea, Rawa Island Resort should be at the top of your list. The best time to visit is from March to September, while the monsoon season usually lasts between October to February. Email rawaisland@live.com for enquiries.
Office
Tourist Centre, Jalan Abu Bakar
Mersing
Johor
Tel: 07-799 1204 / 07-799 1205
rawaislandresort.com
