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Rawa Island from Singapore: How to go and travel guide 2025
Plan your trip to Rawa Island from Singapore! Get step-by-step directions to Mersing Jetty, compare resort packages (full-board), and find things to do.
Trip to Rawa Island from Singapore is one of the best ways to enjoy a tropical beach escape without flying. Rawa Island is a privately owned paradise known for its clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and peaceful, exclusive vibe.
Getting to Rawa Island from Singapore is simple: travel 3–4 hours by car, coach, or private transfer to Mersing Jetty, followed by a 30-minute resort-arranged speedboat.
This guide details everything you need to make the trip smooth, including how to get to Rawa Island, resort pricing, and package tips. Additionally, you will learn why using a Holafly eSIM for Malaysia helps you stay connected without expensive roaming fees.
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Where is Rawa Island?
Rawa Island is a small, stunning tropical getaway located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, specifically in the state of Johor, near the town of Mersing. This idyllic spot is often lovingly referred to as the “Maldives of Johor” due to its exceptional clarity of water and pristine natural environment.
What makes Rawa particularly special is its exclusivity: it is part of a cluster of islands privately owned by the Sultan of Johor. This private ownership has helped maintain its pristine environment and tranquil atmosphere, setting it apart from other, more heavily commercialized islands.
Rawa Island is approximately 3–4 hours from Singapore when combining the necessary land journey to the Mersing Jetty and the short boat ride to the island.
Its relative closeness makes it an ideal destination for a 4D3N getaway from Singapore.
How to get to Rawa Island from Singapore
Getting to Rawa Island from Singapore is straightforward and doesn’t require a flight. The journey involves two main steps: travelling from Singapore to Mersing Jetty, followed by a 30-minute speedboat transfer to the island. Both Rawa Island Resort and Alang’s Rawa handle the boat leg as part of their full-board packages, making the final stretch easy once you arrive at the jetty.
In the next sections, you’ll find how to go to Rawa Island from Singapore, along with estimated costs, travel times, and what to expect during the journey.
Step 1: Travel from Singapore to Mersing Jetty
The first and longest part of your journey to Rawa Island is the land trip from Singapore to the Mersing Harbour Centre/Jetty in Johor, Malaysia. This leg of the journey takes around 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on your mode of transport and traffic conditions at the border.
You have three main options:
- By bus (budget-friendly option): Depart from Golden Mile Complex, Kovan Hub, or Queen Street Terminal with operators like WTS, KKKL, Five Stars, or Transnasional. The trip takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, with fares ranging from SGD $25–$35. Buses arrive at Mersing Bus Terminal, just a 10–15 minute walk to the jetty.
- By self-drive (flexible for groups): Driving through Woodlands Checkpoint or Second Link takes approximately 3–3.5 hours. Costs average SGD $40–$50 per person (shared fuel, tolls, and Touch ’n Go card). Secure parking is available near the jetty for RM18–RM25/day (~SGD 6–8).
- By private transfer (fastest and most direct): For comfort and door-to-door convenience, book a private car or MPV via Klook or Grab Intercity. The ride takes around 3 hours, with rates starting at SGD $250–$300 per vehicle, ideal for families or small groups.
Tip: Regardless of how you travel, aim to arrive at Mersing at least one hour before your boat departs. Speedboat schedules are tide-dependent and coordinated directly with your resort. Punctuality is key to avoiding missing your transfer.
Step 2: Boat transfer from Mersing Jetty to Rawa Island
Once you arrive at the Mersing Jetty (Mersing Harbour Centre), the final leg of your journey is a short 20–30 minute speedboat ride. This transfer is arranged directly by your resort, either Rawa Island Resort or Alang’s Rawa, and included in the booking process.
- Boat schedule: Most departures run between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, but exact timing varies daily based on tide conditions.
- Cost: Boat transfers typically range from RM35 to RM120 (~SGD 11–38) per person, depending on the resort and package.
- Booking tip: Confirm your departure time with the resort well in advance. Some packages include the boat fee; others charge it separately at check-in.
As the boat schedule is tide-sensitive and fixed by the resort, it’s critical to arrive in Mersing early enough to avoid missing your transfer.
Before you board your speedboat, you must pay the Marine Park Conservation Fee and the Johor National Park Fee at the Mersing Harbour Centre. Expect to pay around RM50 per adult (approx. SGD16). Remember that cash is typically required for these fees, so be sure to carry enough Malaysian Ringgit (RM) with you!
Step 3: Rawa Island packages from Singapore
Booking a Rawa Island package from Singapore is the easiest way to simplify your trip, especially since Rawa is a private island with no walk-in access or public ferry services.
Both Rawa Island Resort and Alang’s Rawa offer full-board packages, which typically include:
- Accommodation: Your stay (most commonly 2 Days/1 Night or 3 Days/2 Nights).
- Meals: All main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during your stay.
- Boat Transfers: Crucial round-trip speedboat transport between Mersing Jetty and Rawa Island.
- Activities: Often includes basic resort-based activities like snorkeling gear or kayaks.
You can also book combined travel-and-stay packages via the official websites of Rawa Island Resort or Alang’s Rawa or agencies such as Klook or WTS Travel.
If you are planning a 2 Days/1 Night or 3 Days/2 Nights trip, you should budget for the package to cost between SGD $400 to SGD $800 per person. The final price will fluctuate based on whether you choose the more family-friendly Rawa Island Resort or the rustic, social Alang’s Rawa, as well as the room type you select.
Rawa Island Resorts: Where to stay
There are only two resorts on Rawa Island, both offering full-board stays with meals and boat transfers included. Here’s what to expect:
Rawa Island Resort
Rawa Island’s 4-star, family-friendly resort offers a full-featured stay with sea-facing rooms and a peaceful setting.
- What you’ll find: A restaurant, snorkelling gear, kayaks, and a kids’ club to keep everyone entertained
- Who it’s for: Couples and families wanting a relaxed, comfortable island escape
- What it costs: From RM800 to RM1,200 (~SGD 252–377) per night, with meals included
- How to book: Directly via Rawa Island Resort’s website or through trusted travel agents
Alang’s Rawa Resort
Alang’s Rawa rustic resort has a more casual, social vibe — and it’s adults-only on weekends.
- What to expect: A beachfront bar, volleyball, shared dining, and plenty of space to unwind
- Best for: Solo travellers or groups of friends looking to unplug and socialise
- Rates: Around RM700 to RM1,000 (~SGD 220–314) per night, meals included
- Booking tip: Email the resort directly or use a verified booking partner
What to do on Rawa Island
Rawa Island may be small, but it is a blissful paradise that perfectly balances thrilling adventure with pure relaxation.
Here are some of the best things to do on Rawa Island:
- Snorkelling & diving: The island’s house reef is just steps from the shore, teeming with colourful coral and marine life. For deeper exploration, some resorts offer guided diving tours to nearby sites.
- Kayaking & paddleboarding: Calm, clear waters make it easy for beginners to enjoy paddling while soaking up coastal views. Gear is available at most resorts.
- Hiking: A short but scenic trail leads you to a hilltop viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the South China Sea, great for sunrise or sunset treks.
- Beach leisure: Lounge on powdery white sand, swim in turquoise waters, and snap Instagram-worthy photos at the island’s iconic beach swings.
- Relaxation: Unwind with spa treatments, chill at the beach bar, or simply enjoy the slower pace of island life with a sunset drink in hand.
Useful travel tips for Singapore travellers
Planning your trip from Singapore to Rawa Island is simple, but a few key preparations will ensure your tropical getaway is smooth and stress-free.
Here are the essential tips for Singapore-based travelers:
- Visa & passport: Singapore passport holders don’t need a visa for Malaysia. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
- Currency & payments: Bring enough Malaysian Ringgit (RM), as there are no ATMs or money changers on Rawa Island. Many vendors operate cash-only, so exchange money in Singapore or Mersing.
- Connectivity: Data roaming in Malaysia can exceed SGD 10/MB. To stay connected from Singapore to Rawa without the fees, use a Holafly travel eSIM.
- What to pack: Lightweight clothes, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a power bank, and waterproof bags for boat transfers.
- Best time to visit: The Best travel period is March to October (dry season). Avoid November to February, when monsoon rains may affect boat schedules.
- Booking tip: With just two resorts on the island, it’s smart to book at least 1–2 months in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
- Sustainability: Rawa promotes eco-friendly travel. Help preserve its beauty by avoiding single-use plastics and respecting local conservation efforts.
Alternative islands near Singapore
If you’re exploring more tropical getaways, these islands near Singapore offer great alternatives to Rawa, each with its own charm:
- Tioman Island: A larger island ideal for diving, snorkelling, and jungle adventures.
- Bintan Island: The quickest to reach by direct ferry, perfect for families and resort-style relaxation.
- Redang Island: Further away, but worth the trip for its crystal-clear waters and peaceful beaches.
Is Rawa Island worth visiting?
Yes, Rawa Island is one of the most beautiful and convenient island getaways near Singapore. With just two full-board resorts, powder-white beaches, and crystal-clear waters, it offers the perfect mix of exclusivity and natural beauty, ideal for couples, families, or anyone in need of a quick tropical reset.
And to stay connected throughout your journey, a Holafly Malaysia eSIM is the smart choice.
Holafly daily Malaysia eSIM offers unlimited data, seamless setup, and pricing that starts from just SGD $8 per day, helping you avoid unexpected roaming charges.
Start planning your perfect island weekend, and make sure you stay online without stress using Holalfy Plans.
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Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
