Over the weekend, we made a family trip to Rawa Island, a hidden gem located off the coast of Johor.
There were white beaches, turquoise waters, and amazing flora and fauna–all
preserved by Sultan Iskandar Marine Park.
While there, we stayed at a 3-star hotel, Rawa Island Resort.
Here, we’ve summed up our experience in our Rawa Island Resort Review.
1. How To Get To Rawa Island From Singapore
From Singapore, it was a 3-hour drive up to Mersing. Then, from Mersing Jetty, we hopped on a short 30-minute speedboat ride to Rawa Island.
For our road trip, we went with TaxitoJB, a private taxi service for added convenience. But if you’re on a budget, a more price-conscious option is the KKKL Singapore bus.
Why We Chose TaxitoJB Private Taxi Service
- Comfortable 7-10 seater MPV
- Since it’s a larger vehicle, it accommodated the whole family
- TaxitoJB is more affordable compared to other private taxi services out there
- We got the luxury of arranging of our own travel schedule
- All-inclusive fee (including fuel, toll and checkpoint fees)
- Driver handled all of our luggage
- No need to worry about crowds on public transportation
Why We Didn’t Go By Bus:
- More suitable for solo travellers or couples
- Not suitable if travelling with family, kids, elderly people, or large group because the cost will add up
- Fixed departure schedule, you can’t depart early
- Unloading all that luggage at immigration checkpoint will be a pain
- The bus will make multiple stops for toilet breaks, which will add to travel time
Read Also: Bus From Singapore To Mersing (2 Easy Ways)
Rawa Island Resort Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/37dj2RmFKeeVMkKa6
2. Rawa Island Resort Office At Mersing Jetty
Upon arriving at Mersing Jetty, we found out that the resort’s Front Office offers secured overnight parking.
Read Also: 4 Car Parking Area At Mersing Jetty
Priority is given to those who are visiting their resort and need parking, which we liked. Another bonus: their parking fee is very reasonable at RM 18 per car for each day.
3. Speedboat From Mersing To Rawa Island
Lucky for us, speedboat rides are conveniently arranged by the resort. The journey lasted for an estimated 30 minutes, good weather permitting.
Read Also: Private Boat From Mersing To Rawa Island
Do take note that once you’ve confirmed your speedboat ride with the resort, you should keep to your scheduled transfer time for everyone’s convenience.
4. Rawa Island Resort Review
4.1 Rooms
When booking, we were spoiled for choice with the resort’s collection of villas and chalets. Each seemed to allow you to take in the charming beauty of this island.
Upon arrival, we were right. Whether you want to be nestled in the lush rainforest or be treated with a view of the South China Sea, you just can’t go wrong.
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4.2 Food
A holiday experience is nothing without good food. So we’re happy to report that the resort’s restaurant doesn’t disappoint!
Each meal is served buffet-style, with a simple but wide spread of both Western and Asian cuisine.
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Read Also: 11 Best Fine Dining In JB
5. Rawa Island Activities Review
We spent 2 days exploring Rawa Island. Thankfully, the resort has plenty of fun activities that made us forgive and forget the lack of WiFi.
Read Also: 5 Best Hotel Near Mersing Jetty
Highlights:
- Scuba diving: Take advantage of PADI diving courses suitable for kids and beginners organised by the Dive Centre. We learned a lot about marine life!
- Water sports: If you can’t get enough of the sea, try out a range of other water activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and island hopping.
- Spa: We pampered ourselves with a rejuvenating spa session. We loosened tight knots under expert hands—while facing a calming view of the sea.
- Waterslides: The slides are several stories high, and the kids had a thrill splashing right into the seawater.
- Hiking: For a stunning bird’s eye view of the surrounding islands, trek up The Hilltop Walk. It’s a short trail, but so worth it.
- The beach: THE best part of Rawa Island! You can relax with a good book, build sandcastles with the kids, or just watch the sun set over the horizon.
Downsides:
- There are no pools at the resort.
- Rawa Island is a small island, and might not be as bustling as Langkawi, Tioman, or Perhentian Islands.
6. How Much Does Rawa Island Resort Cost
6.1 Rawa Island Resort Cost
The resort has numerous packages. They are inclusive of full board and two-way speedboat transfers, which is a pretty good bargain, if you ask us.
A 2-night package for 2 adults starts at RM 2720. For the full price list, read here.
For a more affordable alternative, you can check out the only other resort on Rawa Island, Alang’s Rawa Resort. There, rates start at RM 1920 for 2 adults.
6.2 Mandatory Fees
Before taking the speedboat to Rawa Island, you’ll have to pay 2 mandatory fees: Marine Park Fee and Johor National Park Fee.
The total comes up to RM 50 per adult, which can be made in cash over the counter at Mersing Jetty.
Conclusion
Rawa Island Resort might be pricey, considering that it is only a 3-star hotel with very basic amenities.
But for its breathtaking atmosphere, location, family-friendly environment, inclusive packages, and great memories, we’d say that it was well worth our trip.
