Hotels near Rawa Island

Similar to other island retreats around the district of Mersing, Johor, Rawa Island is yet another popular destination for tourism. Being 16 kilometres off the district, the island is named from the white doves which are called “rawa” by the locals. In fact, the island does live up to its name, where there are a lot of white doves around the area. These doves have been a staple part of the island’s view, greeting visitors coming to the island for a visit.

Rawa Island has proper roads considering its relatively smaller size, however, walkways are everywhere for accessibility, where one can finish walking up and down the beach alongside its western side within just fifteen minutes. It is only reachable from Mersing via thirty minutes of boat ride or an hour on a ferry. Despite a couple resorts, the island literally does not have any other facilities and has nothing to offer except for its beautiful beach.

While the island is not advised to be visited during the off-seasons from November to March, the number of visitors are always high during its peak season from April to October. Consequently, this would cause the resorts to be fully booked. Therefore visitors are advised to book a night’s stay in advance very early.

How to Get There

By Car

People driving from Kuala Lumpur may drive via North-South Highway/E2 for immediate access to the jetty of Mersing that would provide boat and ferry services to Rawa Island. The journey could take up to four hours and thirty minutes depending on the current traffic situation.

By Bus

There is a bus terminal in the Mersing town located in Jalan Pasar which is a stone’s throw away to the jetty. Take the trip directly to Mersing from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) terminal using express bus services such as Transnasional Express or Sepakat Liner to reach the said terminal.

Tourist Attractions

Besar Island

Known as the Babi Besar Island which is literally translated as Big Boar Island in the past, now the boar has been dropped off the naming to sound more appealing. Yet another island placed under the jurisdiction of Mersing district, Johor, Malaysia, together with the islands of Rawa and Sibu which are located nearby, these islands are highly regarded as having pristine white beaches with crystal clear blue sea view. Part of this is due to the close proximity of these islands to the high seas, where the sweeping waves would always help in washing away the mud from the beaches. What makes this island special is that it has been gazetted as a marine park, hence it is free from human development. Consequently, the beauty of the island is preserved and visitors are definitely in for a wonderful experience on this island. The island is slightly bigger from Rawa Island, where there is a thick vegetation of tropical jungle and coconut trees, while the island’s highest point could stretch 258 meters above the sea level. In addition to that, there are also six fishing villages scattered around.

Hotels

Singstay Guesthouse

Singstay Guesthouse is a homestay located at 44, Jalan Taman Samudera 2, Taman Samudera, Mersing. this homestay has a modern setup and clean arrangement to give a comfortable staying experience suited for small families and groups of friends. Facilities include cable television, desk, refrigerator, shower, kitchenette, microwave, laundry service, air-conditioner, parking and free Wi-Fi.

Dcoconut Island Resort

A renowned three-star accommodation with a tropical set up and a breezing atmosphere located at Besar Island, Mersing. The hotel has a wide range of facilities and services that include television, desk, in-room safe, refrigerator, balcony/terrace, swimming pool, garden, poolside bar, restaurants and many more.