Located 16km off the east coast of Johor, Pulau Rawa is a private and secluded island possessed by Johor Sultanate.
Besides well-known for extremely white fine sands on the beach, the island is surrounded by mesmerising coral reefs that can be explored through snorkeling.
The interior of Pulau Rawa is covered completely with lush tropical rainforest, which is still the most mysterious and attracting part of it.
Sunbathe, snorkel, dive, swim and walk, Pulau Rawa is able to make your ideal vacation becomes real.
Why Stay in Pulau Rawa?
Looking for a short weekend getaways from Singapore? Pulau Rawa not only offering a peaceful and quiet environment all day long is but also perfect for the world of two but also family holidays, friends gatherings and even corporate retreats.
The island is unspoiled for its little development. Thus, it has all that a pristine island should have, whether it be clear water, clean environment or swaying palm trees.
There are hammocks around that visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful sight of the island.
Take advantage in the relaxing and exciting beach activities around.
Also, try your best to immerse yourself in this whole new world so that you can escape from daily busy life. After regenerating strength for a few days, you’ll be vigor returning to normal life.
At their legendary night (Saturday night), BBQ dinner with a wide array of delicious seafood and exquisite taste will be served to satisfy your appetite.
It’s also a party night that serves cocktails and you can see people dancing and chit-chatting all night long.
How to Get to Pulau Rawa
Pulau Rawa is easily accessible from Singapore. It requires road transfer from Singapore to Mersing jetty and another boat transfer from the jetty to the island.
Step 1: Land Transfer
The land transfer can be divided into two ways:
1.1 Singapore To Mersing Jetty By Bus
This is the cheapest ride but a bit hassle and slower as you need to clear the customs if you’re from Singapore. Several buses offer direct transfer to Mersing daily.
The fare costs ranging from SGD$30 to SGD$36.50 per way and the most common pick-up point would be Golden Mile Complex.
Step 2: Boat Transfer
You don’t need to buy a ticket for boat transfer, normally the rates are included in both Rawa Island resorts package, the resort you plan to stay will arrange it for you.
Be prepared that the boat might be delayed due to unfavourable tidal conditions. You may shop around while waiting for the arrival of the boat.
What to Do in Pulau Rawa
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Fill your vacation moments fun with thrilling water sports and beach activities. You’ll need a longer stay if you plan to experience all the activities offered in Pulau Rawa.
1. Snorkeling at Pulau Rawa
Get ready for a fantastic adventure that can be enjoyed for the whole family. In this watery wonderland, you’ll be surrounded by magnificent marine life and you are able to explore them closely.
2. Hiking at Pulau Rawa
There are trails built for visitors to explore the island. The trail that leads to the hilltop offers panoramic views of island and its surrounding ocean. This 40 minutes adventure will definitely bring you closer to nature.
3. Island Hopping near Pulau Rawa
All the islands nearby such as Pulau Harimau and Pulau Mensirip have a unique history and beautiful parts that worth exploring.
You can also have a picnic any of the islands you fancy and enjoy the beauty of nature.
4. Kayaking at Pulau Rawa
A kayak trip makes you stay connected with nature in a unique way. Seeing the island from a different angle can be your most memorable adventure on Rawa Island.
Crystal clear water off Rawa Island offers the divers a wonderful diving experience. With the establishment of the dive centre, scuba divers can join their PADI courses that cater to different diving levels.
6. Beach Volleyball at Rawa Island
Beach volleyball is a fun game that can play for hours and not even realizing it.
Besides bringing health benefits, it keeps everyone involved in the game and you can even make new friends!
7. Relax on The Rawa Island’s Beach
The white sandy beach beckons sandcastle-builders and sunbathers to relax and have some fun.
Strolling along the beach and take in the stunning sunset can melt all your stress immediately. Hammocks are available around for relaxation too.
8. Water Slides at Rawa Island
There are 2 slides around and both will get you to end up splashing into the sea. The blue straight slide is suitable for those who fear height.
And for the orange slices, it’s higher and you will enjoy twists and turns while gliding down the slides.
Where to Stay in Pulau Rawa
In this peaceful island boasts only 2 beautiful resorts and both of them are renowned for providing outstanding customer services.
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1. Alang’s Rawa Resort
By providing warm hospitality, the resort is proud of receiving many return guests each year. It’s often rated a sweet and caring resort rather than luxury and big.
Offering great deals packages that include accommodation, all meals, and even boat transfers, Alang’s Rawa Resort aims at convenient their guests and make billing as simple as they can.
All the rooms are elegant and comfortable and each of them boasts excellent views of the blue sea.
At the adjoining restaurant, Rawa Special Fish is their highlight dishes. They also create a comprehensive menu that could fulfill the wide range of needs of their guests.
You can go to any water sports while staying here. The resort offers free snorkels, snorkel masks, and kayaks. All you need to do deposit RM50 per equipment and enjoy your day!
2. Rawa Island Resort
Rawa Island Resort is a warm and big resort enveloped in the natural beauty of Rawa Island. They have well-trained staff to make your stay comfortable and fill with enjoyment.
Photo credits: rawaislandresort.com
For accommodation, the resort caters to different traveling groups such as families, couples, group of friends and even single travelers. Modern facilities and amenities are well-equipped to ensure a pleasant stay.
Offering a wide range of water sports and beach activities, the resort lets you choose your ideal ways to enjoy Rawa Island to the fullest. You can also indulge in their spa that offers Thai massages for complete relaxation.
Please take note visitors are prohibited from littering and taking any marine life home, even if it’s dead because the island is a preserved area.
Front Office Address: Rawa Island Resort, Tourist Centre, Jalan Abu Bakar, 86800 Mersing, Johor, Malaysia.
Phone: +607 – 799 1204 / +607 – 799 1205
Pulau Rawa Map
When is The Best Time to Visit Pulau Rawa
The island is closed during monsoon season (October to February). This is due to strong winds blow and rough sea may cause harm and danger to the visitors. Hence, travel within this period may lead to disappointment.
To get the best sunny days with bright sunshine, plan your visit between April to September especially during June and July. The weather, water, and everything is great for water sports!
Travel Tips to Rawa Island
Bring only cash as you cannot use the debit card and the credit card here.
Forget to draw some cash? No worry as ATM is available at the Mersing jetty.
Bring medicines along as no hospital and clinic is built here.
Do not travel during monsoon season. It will ruin your vacation.
Boat transfers are always included in travel packages.
Any travel-savvy folk keen on exploring Malaysia will have Malacca in their bucket list!
For a small city, there’s surprisingly a lot of things to do in Malacca.
It’s easy to get around on foot or one of the colorful trishaws around once you’re in this vibrant city!And even if you have been here before, there are new Melaka attractions that you may not be aware of!Malacca is accessible from all over Malaysia.
People even come over from Singapore to Malacca!
So don’t let transport be the limiting factor for you to make a trip down to Malacca!
27 Best & Cheap Things To Do In Malacca
We’ve got quite a long list to get through so without further ado:
Here’s 27 things to do in Malacca – the new, old and everything else that’s worth checking out!
Aside from the usual touristy things, here are some other things to do in Malacca that are a little more unorthodox:
1. Immerse Yourself In Culture At Encore Malacca
If the outside exterior of the building doesn’t impress you, the theatrical shows here will!
Encore Malacca has daily 70-minute shows that will delight your visual and auditory senses!
Their stories take inspiration from local heritage, diversity and culture told through intricate dances by their 200 local performers that combine traditional and contemporary moves.
Walk away with a greater appreciation for performing arts and Malaysian culture!
Tip: They have family packages for sale on their website!
Encore Malacca Highlights:
State of the art theatre – The multi-stage auditorium can rotate 360 degrees
Good view of the Malacca Strait!
Address: No. 3, Jalan KSB – Impression 8 Impression City @ Kota Syahbandar, Impression City, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia Contact: +606-270 7700 Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 5:30pm & 8:30pm
Sunday: 10:00am – 2:30pm & 5:30pm Entrance Fee: Standard tickets cost RM148 Facebook
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2. See Malacca From Up High At The Shore Melaka Sky Tower
If you can deal with heights, you might want to check this place out:
With 43 floors in total, Sky Tower Malacca is the tallest building in Malacca’s skyline.
From the top, you can have fantastic views of the city that stretch for up to 50 kilometers all around!
It’s one of the most exhilarating things to do in Malacca!
And you can go either in the day time or night time!
Other sources of entertainment in the same building (e.g. Oceanarium, Toy Museum, etc)
Address:http://bit.ly/ShoreSkyTower Contact: +6016-380 6774 Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 9:00am to 10:30pm
Friday to Saturday: 9:00am to 11:30pm Entrance Fee: RM25 (Adult), RM18 (Child) Facebook
3. Pet And Cuddle Huskies At The Huskitory
Huskies are arguably one of the world’s most sought-after dog breeds.
They can be more than a handful to look after even for the inexperienced dog owner!
So if you can’t afford to look after one but really enjoy their accompany, you can meet the 17 huskies at this unique dog cafe.
Reservations are required as this place is usually packed.
Note: You cannot bring your own husky over for a visit anymore.
The Huskitory Highlights:
2 outdoor feeding sessions (6:00pm to 7:00pm and again at 9:00pm-10:00pm)
Visitors can purchase treats to vie for the attention of the dogs!
They have a Golden Retriever and a Japanese Spitz too!
Address: 27, Jalan Taman Asean, Taman Asean, 75250 Melaka, Malaysia Contact: +606-334 2602 Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00am to 8:00pm Closed On: Monday Entrance Fee (and a free drink): RM25 (Adults), RM20 (Child below 90cm) Facebook
4. See More Than Fish At The Shore Oceanarium
The Shore Oceanarium is another reason to make a trip to the Sky Tower Malacca.
There are 12 different zones to explore! The main highlight is the sea turtle zone where you can see live sea turtles!
And if you like, you can snap a photo of yourself with one of the life-sized replicas of giant shark jaws!
The Shore Oceanarium Highlights:
Ocean Journey
Living Fossil
Ocean Theatre
Fun Freakish
Interactive Touch Pool
River Story
Jungle Quest
Dangerous Marine Species
Shark Quest
Kampung Penyu (Turtle Village)
Sea Shell Madness
Magic Aquarium
5. Stroll Down Kee Ann Food Street
Kee Ann Food Street is a relatively new attraction in Melaka!
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Every Friday to Sunday, Kee Ann road (Jalan Kee Ann) in New Chinatown will be car free allowing vendors to set up their stalls.
International visitors will get to experience the atmosphere of open-air street dining here.
You can try all sorts of local fare here from char keow teow, wan tan mee, rojak, radish cake, duck mee, sugar cane drink, roti canai and many others!
Outdoor Activities In Melaka
Many of the places on this list are within walking distance from each other!
Which is completely doable during the early morning or evening when the heat is more tolerable!
Else, you can always hop on one of the many eager trishaws hanging around the historical city center.
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6. Browse The Jonker Street Night Market
Most first-time visitors to Malacca will definitely include Malacca’s Chinatown on Jonker Street somewhere in their itinerary!
Walking distance from the Red Square, this is possibly the most touristy street in Malacca with lots of shops and eateries to pique your interest!
If you’re here during a weekend, you’ll have a chance to see the night market on Jonker Street! Street performers and hawker stalls will ensure a fun night out!
The Melaka River Cruise is the most effortless way to see Malacca’s finest architecture of Portuguese, Dutch, and Britishheritage along the river banks of the Malacca River.
Each boat trip takes about 45 minutes to complete, including the return journey.
Note: If you go during the daytime, make sure you bring your hat, sunglasses and put some sunscreen on!
Melaka River Cruise Highlights:
Sail underneath landmark bridges
Enjoy the evening breeze and lights of the city
Walking distance to the Red Square and Jonker Street
10. Ride A DUKW For The First Time With Melaka Duck Tour
Why duck, you say?
A DUKW (or “duck”) is an unusual truck from World War 2 that was developed by the United States as a means for transporting supplies and their troops over both land and water!
It was later replaced by another model due to its lack of power and vulnerability to rust.
The duck boat in Malacca has its origins back in September 2008 and has the maximum capacity of 33 passengers.
Each trip takes about 45 minutes.
Melaka Duck Tour Highlights:
Beautiful seaside mosque along the route from Menara Taming Sari to Melaka Island
Malacca has its own little Portugal with a community that has Portuguese roots!
There’s even a replica of the famous landmark of Rio De Janeiro by the seaside – the Christ the Redeemer statue!
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You can try Portuguese and Malaysian food at the food court and have a beer at one of the pubs while enjoying the sunset too!
The atmosphere here is particularly lively as Christmas or the San Pedro Festival (mid-June) approaches!
Portuguese Settlement Melaka Highlights:
Portuguese-style homes
The Portuguese Square
Excellent sea views
Seafood
12. Rent A Bicycle Around Melaka
Bicycles are another way to get around Melaka and take in the sights!
Some hotels offer bicycle rental services for their guests.
Otherwise, you can also rent from any bicycle rental shop around the city.
The downside of cycling is that you have to take extra care because there are no dedicated lanes for cyclists.
Museums & History In Melaka
Malacca has a rich history due to its geographical advantages as a port.
Many ships stopped by Malacca to take refuge from the monsoons and to re-supply before heading back out to the Straits of Malacca.
Furthermore, Malacca was under the colonial rule of Portuguese, Dutch and the British.
13. Learn About Admiral Cheng Ho At The Cheng Ho Cultural Museum
Chinese history buffs will love this one:
Cheng Ho Culture Museum dedicates the majority of its galleries to Admiral Cheng Ho’s fleet and travels.
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If you didn’t know, Cheng Ho is an extremely prominent figure in the Ming Dynasty history of Chinese exploration and trade!
You’ll see how Malacca was developed by trade at this museum!
Cheng Ho Cultural Museum Highlights:
Display gallery showcasing the life of Cheng Ho and his world voyages.
Close to Jonker Walk
Different sections in the museum – Old Malacca Village, Treasure Ship, Ship Gallery, and the Antique Gallery
Address: 51, Lorong Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia Contact: +606-283 1135 Opening Hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm Entrance Fee: RM20 (Adult), RM10 (Child)
14. Visit A Real Peranakan Home At The Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
Malacca owes its Nyonya heritage to the Peranakans – descendent of the Chinese settlers who made Malaysia their home and integrated with the local Malay community.
As the former home of 4 generations of a true Peranakan family, you can imagine the family’s opulent lifestyle as you wander through the ancestral home.
Note: This elaborate museum requires advance bookings, especially during busy periods.
Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum Highlights:
They have self-guided tour books in four different languages – English, French, Japanese and Chinese
Photo books of the house and an illustrated biography for the family are available for sale as souvenirs
Address: 48-50, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia Contact: +606-282 1273 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00am to 5:00pm (last admission at 4:15pm)
Friday to Sunday: 10:00am to 6:00pm (last admission at 5:15pm) Entrance Fee: RM16 (Adult), RM11 (Child) Guide Tour: Additional RM4 per adult Facebook
15. Experience Pre-Colonial History At Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum
Made without any nails, the Melaka Sultanate Palace is a direct replica of Sultan Mansur Shah’s extraordinary wooden 15th-century palace with a copper and zinc roof.
Inside the three-storey museum (also called Muzium Kebudayaan), are various galleries.
One of which is a depiction of a royal meeting back in the time of pre-colonial rule.
There are around a thousand historical and cultural artifacts here!
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Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum Highlights:
Signage in both Malay and English
Galleries with dioramas featuring famous local legends (like Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat)
At the Red Square, you can see the Malacca clock tower with a small photogenic fountain in front, and also the former office of the Dutch governor, Stadthuys and Christ Church.
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Red Square Highlights:
There are museums inside the Stadthuys (e.g. Museum of History and Ethnography)
Architecture from the Dutch colonial rule
18. Visit Malaysia’s Oldest Church – St. Paul’s Church, Malacca
In addition to Christ Church at the Red Square:
You might want to check out the well-preserved ruins of St. Paul’s Church on the top of St. Paul’s Hill too!
A statue of catholic missionary, St Francis Xavier stands in front of the church while his empty tomb lies inside.
Do expect a lot of tourists to be here too. Unless, you come early in the morning!
St. Paul’s Church Highlights:
Oldest church in South-east Asia
Hilltop view of the city
Stairs are a must to get up the hill
Free entrance
19. Sail Through History At The Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum
You might think it’s strange that there’s a ship next to the Malacca river.
This is actually a replica of a Portuguese galley but half the size!
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It houses the Melaka Maritime Museum where you can learn about Malacca’s trading history.
Model ships and dioramas help to paint a picture of the historical trading scenes in Malacca!
Note: Be careful if you have small kids with you – the stairs have narrow rails and are quite steep!
Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum Highlights:
Three museums in one – Royal Navy Museum, Flora del Mar and the Maritime museum
You can walk around the ship deck for a view of the Malacca river!
Address:http://bit.ly/FlorDeLaMar Contact: +606-283 0926 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Friday to Sunday: 9:00am to 6:30pm Entrance Fee:
Malaysian: RM5 (Adult), RM3 (Child)
Non-Malaysian: RM10 (Adult), RM6 (Child)
20. Go Back In Time At The Villa Sentosa
Over at Kampung Morten are over 50 traditional Malay-style houses.
The name, Morten comes from the British administrator, Frederick Joseph Morten.
You can actually visit the inside of one of these houses!
Villa Sentosa (or the Malay Living Museum) is a private museum but visitors can come to see it every day.
An open-air courtyard is the main component of the house. Which is essential for keeping the house cool!
Villa Sentosa Highlights:
Fully furnished with many antiques
Guided tours
Well-preserved
Address:http://bit.ly/VillaSentosa Contact: +606-282 3988 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Friday: 10:00am to 12:00pm and 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday to Sunday: 10:00am to 5:00pm Entrance Fee: By donation Facebook
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Art & Indoor Activities In Melaka
If you have time to spare, you can visit these unexpected art galleries!
21. Be Bamboozled At The Illusion 3D Art & Upside Down House Melaka
It’s a 15 minutes’ walk between these two places:
Illusion 3D Art has more than 35 hand-painted 3D murals that will bring out the child in anyone!
Image credits: luvfeelin.com
Image credits: luvfeelin.com
Upside Down House Melaka meanwhile, is close to Parameswara Jetty.
The rooms inside look like a normal contemporary home but upside down!
Regardless of which place you choose, prepare to have tonnes of fun taking photos with friends and family!
Illusion 3D Art Museum Address: F2-29, Second Floor Jalan Merdeka Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia Contact: +606-221 3002 Opening Hours: 10:00am to 10:00pm Entrance Fee:
Malaysian: RM34 (Adult), RM17 (Child)
Non-Malaysian: RM50 (Adult), RM25 (Child) FacebookUpside Down House Melaka Address: G12 & G14 & G16 Jalan PM7 Plaza Mahkota, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia Contact: +6011-1072 2260 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:am to 7:00pm
Friday to Sunday: 10:00am to 9:00pm Entrance Fee:
Malaysian: RM18 (Adult), RM12 (Child)
Non-Malaysian: RM22 (Adult), RM16 (Child) Facebook
22. Hang Out At The Orangutan House
It’s hard to miss the huge mural of an orangutan on the outside of the yellow building along Jonker Street.
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This is the art gallery of the local-born artist, Charles Cham.
You’ll be tempted to get a couple of original graphic tee-shirts or canvas bags with his prints due to their reasonable prices and high quality!
Note: This isn’t the only outlet in Malacca.
The Orangutan House Highlights:
The artist himself is very friendly and up for a chat if he happens to be at the store!
Prices in the shop are cheaper than online
Prints available for sale
Exclusive tee shirt prints available only at the shop
Address: 59, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia Contact: +606-282 6872 Opening Hours: 10:00am to 6:00pm Facebook
Melaka Food
One of the things in Malacca that you absolutely cannot miss out on, is the food!
And lastly, they have a superb coffee menu to be proud of!
This is a cozy spot to do some people-watching!
Calanthe Art Café Highlights:
13 states’ coffees of Malaysia are available here
Homemade desserts
Creative beverages
They serve many other drinks besides coffee
Excellent laksa
Alcoholic beverages – try their royale Bailey cocktail
Address: 11, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia Contact: +606-292 2960 Opening Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday: 9:00am to 11:00pm
Thursday: Closed
Friday to Saturday: 9:00am to 12:00am Facebook
25. Pick Out The Perfect Souvenir Melaka
Whether you’re looking for a unique item to take back home or wanting suitable gifts for your family and friends, there are plenty of souvenir shops to sift through in Malacca!
Gula Melaka, pineapple tarts, Chicken Floss Tou Sar Kok, Dodol, and handmade beaded shoes are some of the things you can find!
Tip: Packaged pastries are usually a failsafe option if you don’t know what to get!
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Here are some of the best ones:
San Shu Gong (三叔公)
Jing Yuan Biscuit and Bakery
Jonker Gallery
Nyonya Story Enterprise
Tan Kim Hock Product Centre
Ah Lan Beaded Shoes & Accessories
LW Nyonya Pineapple Tarts House
Nyonya Story Enterprise
Orangutan House
Sweet Summer Cottage
Melaka Shopping Mall
Sometimes, it’s nice to splurge on yourself.
Or maybe, you just need to escape the heat for a bit!
26. Bargain-hunt At Melaka Premium Outlet (Freeport A’Famosa Outlet Village)
Ever been to an outlet village before?
This one has an open-air concept complete with a lake, fountains and a windmill.
Obviously inspired by Malacca’s Dutch heritage.
They have more than 1,500 spaces in their free carpark.
You’ll find dozens of different fashion brands spread over 180,000 square feet, including some renowned sportswear titans like Nike.
And if you happen to run out of cash, the ATM machine is at the entrance opposite the Customer Service office.
Address: Jalan Kemus / Sempang Ampat, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia Contact: +606-552 8961 Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 12:00pm to 9:00pm
Friday to Sunday: 11:00am to 10:00pm Facebook
27. Catch A Movie Or Shop At Dataran Pahlawan & Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall
When you want a break from the touristy things to do in Malacca:
You can hop over to any of these two multi-storey malls that are across from each other in the historical center of the city.
Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall Address: No. 1, Lot B-02, Mahkota Parade, Jalan Merdeka, Taman Costa Mahkota, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia Contact: +606-282 6151 Opening hours: 10:00am to 10:00pm Facebook
Pulau Aur is a small and pristine island situated 65 km off Mersing jetty.
Home to numerous unique sea creatures and coral reefs, Pulau Aur is perfect for scuba-diving and snorkelling.
It is set on a scenic landscape fringed with lush tropical rainforests.
No roads, few shops and traditional village retain the simplicity of the island.
The most significant luxury on Pulau Aur would be the beautiful nature offered by the island itself.
Why Stay In Pulau Aur?
Pulau Aur was appointed as Marine Park in 1994. Later in 2003, the island was nominated as National Park due to the rich presence of mangrove swamps and rainforests.
The island is famous for its top-rated scuba-diving sites surround the island. Many divers are familiar with Pulau Aur since the island was nominated as Marine Park.
The crystal-clear water allows divers to discover the underwater world teeming with unlimited marine life clearly.
There are over 20 diving spot around Pulau Aur. The most famous spots include Rayners Rock, Turtle Bay and Pinnacles with depth ranging from 7m to 67m and visibility ranging from 15m to 25m.
Napoleon Wrasse, Angel Fish, Barracuda, Bat Fish and Moray Eel are few examples of fishes that can be discovered here.
With a farther distance than other diving locations off east coast of Johor, it offers a deeper sea for scuba-diving. It is believed that Pulau Aur is likely to develop to international diving sites in Malaysia.
How To Get To Pulau Aur
All the scheduled ferries heading to Pulau Aur leave from Mersing Jetty. So, one has to arrive at Mersing jetty before departing for Pulau Aur.
From Singapore, go to Golden Mile Complex to board One Travel coach leaving at 6.30am. The journey takes 3 hours and you need to bring you luggage down to clear the customs twice. Much hassle but this is the cheapest ride to jetty. One way ticket costs SGD35.
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What To Do In Pulau Aur
Most tourists travel to Pulau Aur for one reason – scuba-diving and snorkelling. These are the most significant activities on Pulau Aur and subsequently, it becomes the must-do activities on Pulau Aur.
Photo credits: udive.com.my
Plan a visit to the main village in Pulau Aur, Kampung Telik Berhala by boat. The village comes with a school, grocery store, police station and jetty. The main occupation in the village is fisherman. You’ll be exposed to the lifestyles of locals.
There are other small villages at the back of the island which can be can be accessed through a long trek. The well-maintained trek ensures a safe journey and the journey takes approximately one hour.
Go for island hopping. A package tour is often offered by the resort. Or else, arrange a boat ride to nearby islands with boatman at the jetty. Nearby islands include Pulau Dayang, Pulau Pemanggil and Pulau Lang.
The island is also perfect for angling activities. The local fishermen would be delighted to share their experiences in fishing with fishing enthusiasts.
Where To Stay In Pulau Aur
Pulau Aur boasts 2 simple yet comfortable resorts that serve toothsome local and western dishes. These resorts have all you need in daily lives and they attend all the needs of guests to ensure enjoyment. The resorts on the island are:
1. Sebukang Bay Resort
Situated in Kampung Teluk Sebungkang, Sebukang Bay Resort offers a perfect escapade for visitors. As there is no WiFi connection on the island, the guests can totally indulge in the wonders of nature.
Standard rooms, quad rooms and family rooms are the accommodations here. All the rooms come with an attached bathroom and fans.
During the durian season, hiking to Durian Ochard is offered by the resort. The guests can set a campfire and enjoy BBQ at night. The most fascinating activity would be snorkelling and all the snorkelling gears are provided.
Address: Teluk Sebukang, Pulau Aur, 86800 Mersing, Johor Darul Takzim, Malaysia
GPS Coordinates: 2°45’37.83″N, 104°50’33.95″E
Contact:
+6019 – 739 1284 / +6017 – 674 6586 (Rumiza)
+6019 – 730 0815 (Rumizi)
+6019 – 739 6698 (Ruhil)
2. Bluewater Holidays Resort
Bluewater Holidays Resort is near to local village and the island’s jetty. The resort offers a 3D2N package that includes snorkelling, island hopping, jungle trekking, fishing, 3 meals per day and boat transfer.
The resort features 20 chalet rooms with private bathrooms. Their staffs are friendly to all their guests. White sandy beach and stunning water are just a few steps from the resort.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Pulau Aur
April to June would be the best months to visit Pulau Aur. In between these months, scuba-diving and snorkelling are favourable as the sea is calm and safe.
Avoid visiting Pulau Aur during monsoon season (November to March) as strong winds are blown from South China Sea. The villagers can only repair and maintain their fishing equipment and fishing nets within this period of time.
Travel Tips
All the equipment can be rent at the dive centre.
Money changers are available on the island.
Meals are included in travel package.
Boat departure depends on arrival time of coach. Most of them leave in the midnight.