Pulau Rawa Perfect Getaway To Unwind From Work Stress

By Atira Khalisha Nor Adnan

MERSING, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- This small island may not be as well-known as other islands in Malaysia, but Pulau Rawa, nestled in the waters off Mersing, stands out as Johor’s hidden gem — a haven for those seeking peace and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Known as the “Maldives of Malaysia”, this tropical paradise offers a more intimate atmosphere and is celebrated for its pristine natural beauty, where crystal-clear turquoise waters meet soft white sands, rivaling the charm of the actual Maldives in the Indian Ocean.

Located about 30 minutes by boat from Mersing jetty and close to other popular islands like Pulau Sibu and Pulau Tinggi, this writer had the opportunity to visit Pulau Rawa recently as part of the Majestic Johor familiarisation trip, organised by Tourism Johor and co-organised by Gaya Travel Magazine.

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The two-day adventure started with snorkeling. It turned out to be a thrilling experience exploring the underwater world teeming with colourful coral reefs and darting fish weaving through the marine ecosystem.

Although the writer ended up with a few scrapes on her feet after brushing against the coral, the experience was well worth it. To witness the underwater beauty of Malaysia’s own “Maldives” up close was nothing short of magical.

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According to Rawa Island Resort manager Syed Akhmad Syed Jaffar, Pulau Rawa has not only captured the hearts of local travellers seeking tranquillity but has also become a popular destination among international visitors.

“The beauty of this island even attracts international sailors who stop by while passing through. Recently, a couple from Australia, who were sailing from Thailand, docked here for a few hours before continuing their journey.

“During their short break, they were amazed by the crystal-clear water and serene surroundings, something they said is hard to find elsewhere,” he said, adding that the island’s main attractions include its iconic water slides located near the jetty, as well as kayaking activities for families and friends.

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Beyond exploring its marine wonders, Syed Akhmad said visitors can also enjoy hiking up the hill behind the resort to catch a breathtaking sunrise. The 30-minute climb at dawn would reward hikers with views beyond words, he added.

He said the hike is one of the island’s most anticipated activities, offering travellers a chance to witness the beauty of Pulau Rawa and the South China Sea from the higher vantage points.

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With its lush forests, hills and tropical flora still largely untouched, the island is also an ideal spot for nature treks, nature observation and research activities. 

To preserve its pristine environment, Syed Akhmad stressed that sustainability remains a top priority to ensure Rawa’s natural beauty endures for future generations and that the island continues to live up to its title as Malaysia’s “Maldives”.

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“For that reason, we conduct seawater quality checks every three months to ensure the cleanliness of the waters and marine life is not affected by tourism activities.

“It may seem like a small thing, but it’s crucial to make sure tourism doesn’t harm the island’s ecosystem. We also work closely with the marine authorities to monitor any activity that could damage the coral reefs,” he said.

-- BERNAMA