LONGING for an island getaway, but Maldives is just not possible at this time around? Well, Malaysia too has a collection of stunning islands of its shore. One of them floats off the Johor's shore that is ideal for a fun family vacay!
Located along the Straits of Johor, about 16km away by speed-boat from Mersing, Pulau Rawa Resort which is also known as the little Maldives of Malaysia is an idyllic tropical island resort offering white sandy beach and pristine waters.
Here's why you should consider booking a trip with a your family (or a group of friends) to this popular island in Johor.
ALL ABOUT THE MARINE
If you're one of those beach-bums who love chilling by the beach with a book and a cocktail - this probably the kind of view you'll fall in love!
Due to the island's unique north-south orientation, its white, sandy beach remains largely protected from the open waters of the South China Sea.
The island also boasts a hundred per cent coral cover and its house reef is naturally shallow, making it an ideal destination for safe entry level diving and sea sport activities for adults and children alike.
I mean, you're on an island, you must go on a snorkeling trip!
The island is teeming with marine life and families which will make small children go crazy of the underwater scenery.
Among the fishes that you can spot are Sergeant Major, Yellowstripe Scad, Blacktip shark, stingray and turtle are also spotted.
AQUATIC WATERPARK
However, the highlights of the resort are giant, colourful waterslides that drop straight into the sea!
At an estimated of 12m high, the swirly slide of Helter Skelter will take you on a rapid drop splashing into clear ocean joining the shoal of fish underwater.
There are actually two slides - the other one which is the Blue slide is slightly smaller, ideal for kids.
However, the water slides are open only when the water tide is high and only those who can swim are allowed to try it out (for safety reasons, of course).
HILLY STROLL
Besides a comprehensive range of sea sport activities, including snorkelling, kayaking, scuba-diving, hobby-cat sailing, and island hopping, guests at the resort may also enjoy taking a walk around or hiking up to the top of the island.
The reward for this activity is a panoramic view of the surrounding islands and the South China Sea.
You can go on mild hike to the hidden spot of the island, where you can catch the best sunset.
Don't worry, large stone steps have been carefully put in for the convenience of visitors however, it is best to pack in comfortable walking shoes.
The hike will take merely 15 to 20 minutes to reach the summit and you'll be amazed with the picturesque view of the whole island.
TRAVEL FILE
How to get there
SULTAN Iskandar Marine Park is located off the coast of Mersing in Johor. It comprises 13 islands, all of them in six clusters namely Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Aur, Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Besar, Pulau Sibu and Pulau Rawa. The marine park is surrounded by hillforest structure, mangrove and beachside forest. These islands are boat-ride away from Tanjung Gemok Jetty in Mersing.
Mersing is accessible by bus (RM36.80 per journey) from Kuala Lumpur's Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. Get down at Tanjung Gemok jetty ng, and take a taxi to Rawa Island Resort reception office on Jalan Abu Bakar. The taxi ride takes 10 minutes and costs RM10.
Alternatively, you can drive and park at the office, where parking charges apply. Those coming in from Senai Airport can arrange for a car or taxi to get to the office. The journey from the airport to the office takes 2½ hours. From the jetty, it's a 20-minute boat ride to the island.
NOTE: This story was originally written by Loong Wai Ting and published on Aug 15, 2018. Read the full story here
Visit Rawa Island this weekend and enjoy low cost flight tickets to Johor with MAS Airline Promotion.