Rawa Island, or Pulau Rawa, is a piece of the Maldives in Malaysia. Rawa Island is a small, uninhabited island. There are no roads, just a few walkways. One side of the island has a white sand beach, while the other has a rocky vertical cliff. The water is crystal clear. Fishes, squids, jellyfish, octopuses, Malayan sea eagles, and reptiles are among the many sea and land creatures. Blacktip reef sharks can also be found feeding in the sea off Rawa. The corals in Rawa’s waters are abundant.
Rawa Island is a popular tourist destination because of its white sandy beaches and clear blue water. Many people visit the island to unwind and take in the scenery. But there’s still a lot to do. From snorkelling to jungle trekking to water slides, here are some fun things to do on Rawa Island that you probably need to learn about. So, here are the top 10 best things to do in Rawa Island 2025.
How Do I Visit Rawa Island?
Rawa Island can only be reached by boat, which departs from Mersing. Rawa island is a 30-minute speed boat ride or a one-hour ferry ride from Mersing.
Is Rawa Island A Private Island?
The Sultan of Johor owns this private island. The island has been developed with care, with only two small resorts. There is no more idyllic location for people looking for a secluded weekend getaway than this one.
What Is the Location of Rawa Island?
Rawa Island (Malay: Pulau Rawa) is a coral island in the Malaysian state of Johor. Harimau and Mensirip are nearby islands. The local term for white doves, which are plentiful on the island, is “rawa.” Rawa Island is a tropical island paradise off Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast. It is, on average, a small island about 1 km long and 200 metres wide. It is about 20 kilometres offshore of the Johor port town of Mersing, from which you must take a boat to the island because there is no airport.
10 Best Things To Do in Rawa Island 2025
1. Snorkelling And Scuba Diving At Rawa Island
Snorkelling and scuba diving are unquestionably among the most popular activities on Rawa Island. Enjoy an unforgettable snorkelling adventure surrounded by diverse fish and marine species. If you are unfamiliar with the activity, you can opt for guided snorkelling and diving sessions. You can even take PADI courses at Orca Scuba, a five-star scuba diving centre. On the other hand, scuba diving is one of the most popular fun things to do on Rawa Island for those with a diving licence. Scuba diving lets you see some of the deepest and possibly strangest sea creatures!
Where can you go snorkelling? Make your way to the island’s western side. There is plenty of coral in the waters from the north to the south tip of the island! See fish and possibly blacktip reef sharks! Book a half-day (or full-day) boat tour from your hotel or dive centre to get to this snorkelling spot. Tours to Rawa Island depart from Kecil and Besar daily, usually including a second snorkelling stop on Pulau Serenggeh.
Operating Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Rawa Island, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
2. Hilltop Jungle Trekking At Rawa Island
Are you looking for enjoyable activities on Rawa Island that will also help you burn calories? What about going jungle trekking? Rawa Island is lush with greenery and plants you won’t find in the city. The Hilltop Walk is a well-known trail that takes about 30 to 40 minutes to complete, and you will be well-guided by signboards strategically placed to keep you on the right track. It provides stunning views of the island and its surrounding islands.
Rawa Island is a small island with a short jungle trek to the top of the hill. The spectacular view of the South China Sea awaits you at the end of your walk, which you should take advantage of while on holiday on Rawa Island. For social media junkies, the top of the hill is also an excellent Instagrammable location. And if you are there in the evening between 6 and 7 p.m., you can watch the sunset!
Operating Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Rawa Island, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
3. Kayaking At Rawa Island
If you enjoy exercising your arm muscles while admiring the beautiful sea view, this activity is for you! You only get to kayak often if you go on an island holiday or frequently visit the beach, so why not do it here?
Rent a kayak and canoe from the resort, then row leisurely along the sea. If you are travelling in a group, consider having a kayak competition – this is also a great thing to do if you are organising a team-building event!
Operating Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Rawa Island, 86800 Mersing, Johor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
4. Slide Down The Water Sliding At Rawa Slides
Did you know that Rawa Island has two water slides that are open to the public? The Rawa Slide is one of the best attractions on the island, which is not surprising given that it is a fun giant slide that provides just enough adrenaline rush before landing straight into the clear blue waters.
There are no better ways to express your inner child than by riding the Rawa Slide. It’s one of the most enjoyable Rawa Island activities for adults and children! The blue slide is appropriate for children or those afraid of heights. The orange slide, on the other hand, is taller and has more turns. Both slides will drop you directly into the clear blue water.
Address: Rawa Island, Johor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
5. Take A Nap On A Hammock
This is another activity on Rawa Island that requires minimal effort on your part! They make excellent perches from which to enjoy the beach and ocean views! You might even doze off as the sea breeze gently rocks you.
While your children may not think it’s fun, parents and adults would appreciate an afternoon nap. Under shady trees, hammocks can be found all over Rawa Island’s beaches. Relax with a good book or soothing music, and sleep the day away!
Address: Rawa Island, Johor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
6. Camping By The Seashore
Are you feeling a little more adventurous? Instead of staying in a resort hotel, think about pitching a tent and camping out on the beach at Rawa Island. Even though it may become a bit windy throughout the night, it is a unique experience.
It’s truly a fantastic experience you can only have while on an island holiday to wake up to the gorgeous sea view and white sand shore. Imagine having the cool sea breeze sweep over you. Additionally, camping brings you closer to nature, which is beneficial for achieving zen and thinking back on your goals and life.
Address: Rawa Island, Johor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
7. Go Island Hopping Near Rawa Island
While on Rawa Island, you can take a boat to explore the nearby islands! So why not? From Rawa Island, take a boat to Harimau Island and Mensirip Island. Each of these islands is unique; for example, Harimau Island has a hidden pool, whereas Mensirip Island has some fantastic diving opportunities! Both islands are unquestionably beautiful. You can even bring a picnic lunch!
Address: Rawa Island, Johor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
8. Explore The Floral And Fauna
Beautiful flora and fauna can be found on Rawa Island. Are any cactus fans here? The island is home to The Cactus Garden, which houses various cactus species. The Cactus Garden is one of the most notable attractions there, where you can appreciate the many different species of cacti.
Aside from the cacti family huddled in the garden, many peacocks roam freely around the island. The graceful creatures are a sight to behold, but beware: they can steal your food if you are caught off guard! Corals can also be found on the beach; these pretty, diversely shaped animals are scattered along the sandy shores, adding to the island’s beautiful landscape.
Address: Rawa Island, Johor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
9. Take A Walk To See The Sunrise And Sunset
It may not appear to be much but believe us when we say that watching the sunrise is one of the most enjoyable things on Rawa Island. Furthermore, watching the sunrise while lying on the beach is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Take as many photos as you want, and make a timelapse video!
A sunset stroll on Rawa Island is a must-do on your list of things to do in Rawa Island! Aside from simply walking from one end of the beach to the other, take the 20-minute Island Walk Trail along the island’s west side. Make your way from Alang’s Rawa Resort to the second resort, continuing to the island’s edge.
Address: Rawa Island, Mersing, Johor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
10. Having a Good Time At The Beach Hut
If you’re travelling with friends, drinking and partying is one of the most enjoyable activities on Rawa Island. You can order drinks and dance to fantastic music at the available bars while enjoying the cool sea breeze.
A beach shack serves as a communal dining area at Alang’s Rawa Resort. However, this will be a lively nightlife scene after dinner, with music lasting until the early hours of the morning (5 am) and some intense Long Island iced teas! You should try the Rawa Special cocktail they serve! Stay an extra night to enjoy the rest of your vacation with a clear mind!
Address: Rawa Island, Mersing, Johor
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
