In the few islands that I have been to in Malaysia for holiday, Rawa Island is one that I can say clearly defines an island paradise. It has a white powdery sand and gentle lapping waves beach. Rawa island is a small island with no inhabitants and private. To enjoy the island you need to book at least for an overnight stay. Package rate includes accomodation, food, and boat fare. The booking need to be in advance and walk-in is not allowed.
The island is about 30 minutes away from the Mersing town in Johor Malaysia. There is an exclusive reception counter located nearby the Mersing jetty port for the ferry arrangement and accomodation allocation. The ferry leaves the jetty at 11:30 in the morning, so one need to be at the reception area at least half an hour before departure time to avoid being left behind by the ferry.
As for the accomodation, the room is basic and the furniture is old and not maintained. In the room I was checked in, the bed has no bedframe. Rattan chairs where dusty and torn out. Toilet is basic but at least clean. The rate per night is way expensive if it will be base on the resort accomodation. Food iis provided for dinner, breakfast, and lunch. Nothing fancy but taste is just okay. For the facilities there is scuba center, kayak, indoor recreation center for kids, and a slide located at the resort jetty.
The thing I liked about the place is it's main attraction itself, the beach. Its so serene and tranquel. Sunset is spectacular. Though I was there on a weekend, it was not crowded even I was told that the resort was fully-booked. I was supposed to extend my stay for another night. I spent mostly the whole afternoon on the beach, i rent a snorkel and mask hoping to see nice corals but disappointed. The corals along the beach is color gray and appears to be dying. The late afternoon was just lying on the sand admiring the sunset. After dinner I i spent the night at the bar just enjoying the moment until time to sleep. The following day, i trek to the forested side of the island in the early morning. The whole island has its road that encircled the island.
