Beautiful beaches, clear blue water, blue skies and sunshine…that’s what you’ll get at Rawa Island, one of the beautiful Malaysian islands on the east coast of the peninsular. Traveling around Malaysia with kids is super easy and there is so much to see – and an island stop is a must on your trip. We loved our stay at Alangs Rawa on Rawa Island, just 30 minutes from Mersing on a speed boat and absolute heaven.
NOTE: Alangs Rawa is family friendly on weekdays but turns into a kid-free party island on the weekend! You can also stay at Rawa Island Resort which has a full board package and a waterslide into the ocean!
We also love: Visiting Melaka with kids, just a quick bus trip from Kuala Lumpur and worth a couple of days stay; everything about Borneo – we’ve been four times so far; and if you’re after a resort stay in Malaysia make your way to Penang and Batu Ferringi – here’s where to stay.
Getting to Rawa Island:
It’s super easy to get a bus from Singapore (three hours with border crossing) or Kuala Lumpur (around six hours). I find the easiest way to book is by through Red Bus. We did have a slight bump on the way from Singapore, having to change buses unexpectedly and taking a taxi for the last hour (at the bus company’s expense), but we made it. You can also hire a taxi/Uber from Singapore from around $100AUD. From Singapore you will need to cross the border which is very well organised and easy.
From Kuala Lumpur you can book a six hour bus trip with Red Bus. I love the buses in Malaysia. They are super comfy, most with reclining seats, powerpoints and footrests. Keep your travel blanket or sarong with you as they can get a little cool.
Arriving at Mersing:
If you’ve booked at Alangs Rawa, Lorraine will give you the speed boat departure details and the office address. It’s just at the port. Once you arrive you go to the office and when the boat is ready for you Lorraine will take you over and off you’ll go. It’s a quick trip of 30 minutes across the water to the island, and it can be a little bumpy. Always wear the life jackets they give you.
If you have time to spare take a wonder around Mersing town. I found some yummy chicken and rice and there is a super cheap Mr DIY store where you can grab beach toys. I got some beach tennis, buckets and spades and water squirters for a few dollars.
The island:
You can see from the pics how Palau Rawa is just the most gorgeous island. People just don’t realise how beautiful Malaysian islands are but they are just stunning. There are only two resorts on Rawa Island: Alangs Rawa where we stayed and the Rawa Island Resort which is a little more fancy and a little more expensive. I don’t think there’s that much difference other than the water slide on the jetty (we sneaked on anyway) and the ice creams in their little shop – which we bought!
The island is quite small and the beach is white sand and beautiful. The snorkelling is okay, I wouldn’t rave about it but it’s sufficient. Alangs Rawa also has snorkel gear you can use plus floaties to play on.
You can take a walk around the island on the path that the resorts have constructed. They’re gorgeous and you’ll spot and hear peacocks roaming around. There are two paths to take, one us up to the lookout and the other will take you over the other side of the island. They’re definitely worth a trek.
Alangs Rawa:
At Alangs Rawa all meals are included in the price, and you choose from the menu each day. There is super delicious curries and stir fries plus western food too. Breakfast is huge, you order what you’d like plus there is toast and lots of fruit. The dining room is open and so lovely and you eat gazing out at the blue water.
The rooms:
The rooms are simple cottages on the waterfront and are so beautiful. You really don’t need for anything. Balconies have hammocks and you can also book into the little A-frames at the end of the beach which are super gorgeous.
We absolutely love Palau Rawa and Alangs Rawa. It’s definitely worth a visit and a stay of around three – four days or more.
Enjoy! And let me know what you think!
Evie 🙂
