Introducing Pulau Rawa, Johor's Breathtaking Private Island that is only 30 Minutes away from Mersing Jetty
Singaporeans can now travel to and from Malaysia without any restrictions! Yes, that means there's no need for quarantine or testing, including pre-departure and on-arrival tests - how awesome is that? Can't wait to travel across the border to visit your fave haunts, get massages and tuck into delicious food? Beyond all this, why not check out new places to go too?
Photo Credit: @hz_storyofmylife
Photo Credit: @hz_storyofmylife
For instance, here's a hidden gem that we've discovered which is perfect for a quick getaway especially with the long weekend holidays coming up! 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.
Photo Credit: @joan_yly
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. Here's how to plan for an island escapade to Pulau Rawa!
We know you can't wait to go - but make sure you are up to speed with our Singapore-Malaysia VTL requirements guide.
How to Go to Pulau Rawa from Singapore
Photo Credit: @ojaboom
Pulau Rawa is located on the east coast of Johor, you'll first need to make your way to Mersing Jetty (yes, the same port to Tioman!).
Here are some ways to get here:
- Private car
You can drive to Mersing Jetty, the distance is 150 kilometres and a 2.5 hour drive. You can park at Mersing Harbour Centre opposite the jetty.
- Coach/Bus
You can take a bus to Mersing Jetty from Singapore as well. This takes about 3.5 hours on average. For purchasing bus tickets you can check out busonlineticket, prices are from $31.50 depending on what bus operator you choose.
Once you've reached Mersing Jetty, Pulau Rawa is a breezy 30-minute speedboat ride away.
#KlookTip: 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 $659 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
About Rawa Island Resort
Photo Credit: @lil.miss.sunshinee
Photo Credit: @husnahadzarami
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 & snorkelling
Photo Credit: @doreenlivetotravel
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. OrcaNation, Asia’s leading 5-star Instructor Development Centre, provides PADI certified dive courses and fun diving options. They teach both adults and children, so families can book a course together too!
5. Kayaking & other water sports
Photo Credit: @drfaraizzati
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.
Is Pulau Rawa For You?
Photo Credit: @laavenyia
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!
