INTRODUCTION
Rawa (Malay: Pulau Rawa) is a small island located 16 km (10 mi) off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia.
DIRECTIONS TO RAWA
The only way to get to Rawa Island is by boat, normally from Mersing, but it is also possible to come here on the way back from another island, such as Tioman.
GETTING AROUND RAWA
Given its small size, there is no local transportation on this island. You can walk up and down the beach along the island's western side within 15 minutes. There is also a path leading to the peak of the island which takes a similar amount of time to walk.
THINGS TO DO
- The beach in front of the resorts which has beautiful white sand and azure water
- View from the top of the island
Do
- Snorkelling just off the western beach. The resorts rent out snorkeling gear in case you don't carry your own. There is a coral reef belt stretching all the way north to south parallel to the beach at a distance of about 20-30 m (66-100 ft) from shore. Although there are some dead coral, there are large areas of healthy hard coral growth, and a variety of tropical reef fish.
- Swimming in the clear sea water.
- Beach volleyball at the Le Club resort.
- Windsurfing at the Le Club resort.
- Sailing a Hobie cat at the Rawa Safaris Resort.
- Fishing tours can be arranged by the resorts.
SHOPPING
Besides a pricy souvenir shop at the Rawa Safaris Resort, there is no shopping on the island.
CUISINE
Eat
The two resorts each have a restaurant, with hefty prices (at the Le Club, a simple fried rice costs RM 10, sea food RM 20+). There are no other restaurants on the island.
Drink
The two resorts sell drinks, again at hefty prices. A 1.5 L bottle of mineral water costs RM 7 at the Le Club, several times what it costs on Tioman island or on the mainland. A can of beer at Le Club is RM 10.
ACCOMMODATION
There are just two options:
- Le Club, a small and very relaxed beach-side resort where everyone walks barefoot and rooms don't have keys. The rate for a triple room (incl. breakfast) is RM 165.
- Rawa Safaris Resort, a well-maintained resort for those with a budget or inclination to splurge. Full-board rates start at RM 260 per person for a hill-side room in the low season, and go all the way to over RM 600.
JUST OUTSIDE RAWA
Take a boat to Mersing. The trip should be arranged in advance, best before coming to the island, otherwise through the resort or by yourself by phone.
