Introducing Pulau Rawa, Johor's Breathtaking Private Island
Not a fan of the bustling beaches of Langkawi, Redang, or Perhentian? We've discovered a hidden gem for you. Located just off the east coast of Johor under the wings of the Johor Marine Park, Pulau Rawa is a pristine slice of paradise, lovingly known as the Maldives of Johor.
Owned by the family of the Johor Sultan, Pulau Rawa is perfect for people who love the sun, sand, and sea, but also appreciate tranquility over high energy. Unlike other more popular beaches and islands in Malaysia, Pulau Rawa remains gorgeous, unspoiled, sensitively developed and protected, and largely under the radar of tourists. It may only be located a 30-minute boat ride away from the mainland, but definitely feels worlds apart with its tranquil beauty.
Getting To Pulau Rawa
Pulau Rawa isn't the easiest island to get to, but it's also not too complicated to access. Since it's located on the east coast of Johor, you'll first need to make your way to Mersing Jetty. Here are some ways to get here:
How To Get To Mersing Jetty? | Duration |
---|---|
By car (self-drive/private transfer) | 2-hour drive from JB 5-hour drive from KL |
By bus (there are direct buses from TBS in KL & JB Larkin Terminal!) | 2.5 hours from JB 5.5 hours from KL |
By flight, then car/bus (there are no direct flights to Pulau Rawa, the nearest airport to Mersing Jetty is Senai Airport in JB, but do note that even that's a 2.5-hour drive away) | 1 hour flight + 2.5 hour drive |
Once you've reached Mersing Jetty, Pulau Rawa is a breezy 30-minute speedboat ride away. 💡 Klook Tip: Book an all-inclusive package at Rawa Island Resort, which comes inclusive of roundtrip boat transfers from Mersing Jetty.
Klook-Exclusive All-Inclusive 3D2N Pulau Rawa Package
Just wanna relax and feel your worries slip away? Save yourself the hassle of planning a trip by booking an all-inclusive 3D2N full board package at Rawa Island Resort on Klook! From RM1300 per person, each package comes inclusive of:
- 2-night stay at Rawa Island Resort
- Three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Welcome drinks upon arrival
- Round-trip boat transfers to and from Mersing Jetty
💡 #KlookTip: use code <BEACHPLS10> for an extra 10% off your booking!
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About Rawa Island Resort
There are only two resorts on the exclusive Pulau Rawa island - Alang's Rawa Resort, and the idyllic Rawa Island Resort. This breathtaking beachfront resort offers a wide range of accommodations that cater to families, groups of friends, couples, and even single travellers.
From spacious hillside deluxe rooms surrounded by lush greens to charming beachfront chalets and family-friendly bungalows, all the units here promise a cosy and unforgettable stay. Best part? The clear waters and sandy beach of Pulau Rawa are literally at your doorstep when you stay here - all you have to do is walk out of your room and you can run straight into the water!
Fun Things To Do In Pulau Rawa
1. Swimming & snorkeling
Pulau Rawa is known for its clean, crystal-clear waters - trust us when we say they look just as beautiful as in pictures, no filter needed. ✨ Pack your swimsuits and sunblock, and get ready to spend hours swimming and snorkeling alongside brilliantly coloured fish and natural coral reef. The house reef of Rawa Island Resort is naturally shallow, making it ideal for safe swimming, entry-level diving, and sea sports for adults and children alike!
2. Don't miss the iconic water slide!
Make sure you don't leave Pulau Rawa without a wild ride on the iconic Rawa Slide! Built on the pier and standing at a height of 3 flights of stairs, this fun giant slide is designed to launch you straight into the clear blue waters and is perfectly safe and lots of fun for kids and the young at heart. It'll be pretty hard to resist going on it a second time. There's also a smaller slide at the side that's more suitable for younger children or if you're too 'chicken' to get on the giant one.
3. Scuba diving
The waters of Pulau Rawa have been well protected for years, allowing marine life to thrive without disturbance. With a handful of dive sites including a shipwreck and a vibrant house reef, Rawa offers lots of diving fun whether for beginner or advanced divers.
Dive alongside colourful clownfish, blue-spotted stingrays, gentle sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and more. The best diving conditions at Pulau Rawa are from March to June, right after the monsoon season. Expect great visibility and warm, calm waters during these months of the year.
4. Get your PADI Diving License
Don't have a diving license? It's the perfect time to get one during your trip. Rawa Island is home to Orca Scuba, a five-star PADI scuba diving centre that's accredited to teach diving courses up to professional Master Scuba Diving Trainer and has passionate instructors that specialize in teaching families and children! You can literally become a PADI-certified diver after a 4-day trip.
5. Kayaking & other water sports
Give your arms some exercise by renting a kayak and challenging your friends or family to a competition. Being a protected island, there are no commercial or motorised water sports such as fishing and jet skiing on Pulau Rawa, but you can still kayak, paddleboard, play volleyball, and enjoy a handful of eco-friendly water and beach activities in the sun.
6. Hiking & jungle walks
Wish to get some exercise and a good sweat? Pack a sturdy pair of shoes alongside your flip-flops, and trek to the top of the hill on Pulau Rawa. You'll be rewarded with a gorgeous panoramic view of the South China Sea from the top, and can even catch a sunset if you go on an evening hike. Besides the hill, there are also other trails along the island that are great for strolling and exploring hidden spots of Pulau Rawa.
7. Get a massage at the spa
Set against a backdrop of the breathtaking ocean, the Rawa spa offers a variety of pampering body, facial, and foot massages catering to a wide range of needs for couples and families alike. All treatments here utilize only the finest, fresh local ingredients and have been carefully curated to help you relax and unwind after a long day out in the sun.
Note: the Rawa spa is currently closed due to SOP restrictions. It will reopen later this year when things get better!
Is Pulau Rawa For You?
If you appreciate relaxation and privacy, yes, but if you're looking for a more action-packed, adrenaline-filled beach holiday, you might want to check out other more popular islands such as Langkawi, Pulau Redang, or Pulau Tioman! Whatever beach style you have, we've got your back.
[🌴Promo Alert🌴] From hotels to diving packages, snorkelling trips, boat transfers, and more, we've got you covered from A to Z - plan your island getaway to Pulau Redang, Perhentian, Tioman, Pangkor, Sabah, Langkawi & more on Klook! Use code <JOMBEACH2> to save up to RM100 of your booking. Get promo here!