28 - 30 Sep 2023

The Short Answer

Yes — Pulau Rawa is absolutely worth it, especially if what you need is to genuinely slow down. It's not a party island. It's not a full-itinerary, tick-everything-off destination. It's the kind of place where you sit on a beach chair at night, enjoying the sea breeze, and realise this is exactly what rest is supposed to feel like. I went for a weekend in late September 2023, and it remains one of the most restful trips I've taken in Malaysia.

What Is Pulau Rawa and Where Is It?

Pulau Rawa is a small, private island resort off the coast of Mersing, Johor, in the south of Peninsular Malaysia. It's often called the "Maldives of Johor" for its powdery white sand beach and clear turquoise water — and while that comparison can feel like marketing, the beach genuinely holds up to the nickname.

Getting there is straightforward: you take a 20-minute speedboat ride from Mersing town. The whole island is managed as a private resort, which means there are no day-trippers, no hawkers, and no noise beyond what the waves bring in.

How Do You Get to Pulau Rawa from Kuala Lumpur?

Getting to Pulau Rawa from KL is a two-step journey: drive or take a bus to Mersing (roughly about 4 hours from KL), then board the resort's speedboat to the island (20 minutes). Most visitors drive, as Mersing is well-connected via highway. The resort coordinates boat timings with your check-in, so you won't be waiting around at the jetty.

Practical tip: Book your accommodation first — the resort manages all boat transfers.

What Is Pulau Rawa Like? (What to Honestly Expect)

Here's what I wish I'd known before going: the rooms are basic by design. There is no TV in any of the guest rooms (only in the lobby), no kettle, and no hair dryer. What you do get is a ceiling fan, air-conditioning, and a bed that's perfectly adequate after a full day in the sun. The island is intentionally stripped-back. That's the entire point.

The first few hours I was mildly adjusting to the quiet. By that evening, sitting out by the sea in the dark with just the sound of waves, I was completely converted. You don't come to Rawa for luxury. You come for the rare experience of being somewhere that actively resists the pace of modern life.

What Can You Do on Pulau Rawa?

The island's activity list is deliberately manageable — which, honestly, is its greatest strength. Here's what's available:

Water Activities The main beach has two slides that drop directly into the sea — genuinely fun, and occupied throughout the day. Beyond that: kayaking, swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving are all available. A shop on the island rents out equipment if you don't bring your own. No motorised water sports are permitted, which keeps the water clean and the atmosphere calm.

**Water Activities**

One of the main attraction is this slide

**Sea sports activities**

such as kayaking, swimming, snorkelling and diving. There is a shop that rent equipment if require to use.

Island Walking The entire island has a walkable pathway, and I'd recommend exploring it fully at least once. Highlights include a cactus garden (unexpectedly charming), a hilltop viewpoint that's perfect for sunrise (bring good shoes — it's a proper hike), and a sunset strip facing west. From the South China Sea post at the top of the hill, you can see across the water for miles.

Sports On land: badminton court, table tennis, trampoline, and space to run. Perfectly adequate for those who struggle to sit still entirely.

Night Sea Breeze — The Underrated Activity Chairs are scattered across the entire property, facing the water. Every night, I just sat. That's it. Sometimes talking, sometimes not. The sea breeze at night on Rawa is something I still think about.

**South China Sea post**

Need to walk up a hill for this post & view

**Enjoying the sea breeze**

Just enjoy the nature sea breeze especially at night: it nice and relaxing just sitting down to enjoy the sea breeze. It is quite enjoying to totally sit down and chat with the companion you go with.

What Wildlife Might You See on Pulau Rawa?

More than you'd expect from a resort island. Peacocks roam freely — we spotted a rare white peacock, which stopped us mid-conversation. Around the jetty, you can see fish clearly even without snorkelling gear. On our trip, we spotted a baby shark from the water's edge — startling, harmless, and something I still can't quite believe. Most surprisingly of all: the island is home to Ayam Cemani, an extraordinarily rare chicken breed from Indonesia that is completely black — feathers, skin, and beak included.

**Animal observation**

There are some peacocks that live around the islands – we even spotted one white peacock. We also go to watch fishes during snorkelling and around the jetty area. We even spotted a baby shark.

**Ayam Cemani**

A rare chicken breed from Indonesia which is pure black

How Is the Food at Pulau Rawa?

Better than I expected. Meals are served buffet-style in the resort café, with a good mix of local and international dishes — and crucially, the menu didn't repeat across our entire three-day stay. The food was genuinely delicious, not just serviceable. Since there are no kettles in the rooms, the café keeps hot and cold water available for guests at all times, which is a thoughtful touch. Meal times are fixed, but you're welcome to come and go during the serving window.

Don't Skip Mersing on Your Way Through

Most people treat Mersing as nothing more than the boat departure point. That's a mistake. I spent a few hours exploring before heading to the island, and it was worth it. Mersing has a genuine street art scene — murals and artistic details throughout the town similar in spirit to what you'll find in Ipoh or Penang, just on a quieter, more intimate scale. It's worth arriving a little early to have a slow walk before you board.

**Mersing Street Art**

Similar to Ipoh or Penang street art around Mersing town

Pulau Rawa Quick Summary

Best for: Families, couples, groups of friends who want to properly disconnect
Trip length: 3 days 2 nights is ideal — enough to settle in and truly relax
Getting there: 20-minute speedboat from Mersing Jetty, Johor
Room style: Basic but comfortable — no TV, no kettle, AC and ceiling fan provided
Activities: Sea slides, snorkelling, diving, kayaking, island walk, hilltop sunrise hike
Food: Buffet-style, quality local and international spread, non-repeating menu
Standout moment: Spotting a baby shark from the water's edge, and a white peacock on the path
Not ideal for: Those needing WiFi, air-conditioned gyms, or room service at midnight

FAQs About Pulau Rawa Trip

Is Pulau Rawa worth visiting? Yes — particularly for travellers who want to genuinely disconnect. The island deliberately has no in-room TV, no motorised water sports, and limited connectivity, which makes it ideal for those seeking proper rest over a packed itinerary.

How do you get to Pulau Rawa? Travel to Mersing town in Johor (approximately 4 hours from Kuala Lumpur by car or bus), then take the resort's 20-minute speedboat to the island. Boat transfers are coordinated with your accommodation booking.

How many days should I spend on Pulau Rawa? Three days and two nights is the sweet spot. One night feels rushed; two nights is comfortable if you genuinely want to unplug. Any longer and you may find the limited activity range feels constraining.

What should I pack for Pulau Rawa? Bring your own toiletries, a reusable water bottle (water is available at the café), snorkelling gear if you have it, sunscreen (high SPF), a good book, and comfortable walking shoes for the hilltop hike. No kettle is provided, so pack instant drinks if you're particular about morning coffee.

Is Pulau Rawa suitable for non-swimmers? Yes. The beach activities and island walks are fully enjoyable without entering the water. Snorkelling and diving are optional add-ons, not the core experience.

When is the best time to visit Pulau Rawa? The island is typically open from March to October, outside the east coast monsoon season. September was warm and largely sunny for our visit, though afternoon showers are possible.

Is Mersing worth visiting on the way to Pulau Rawa? Yes. Mersing has a surprisingly rich street art scene comparable to Ipoh and Penang, and the town centre is pleasant for a short explore. Arrive an hour early before your boat departure to walk around.

Have you been to Pulau Rawa or another hidden island in Malaysia? I'd love to hear about it in the comments.’

Is Pulau Rawa Worth the Trip? Your Complete Guide to Malaysia's Hidden Island Paradise