We recommend the kind of service they offer but there were a few set backs.
We had a pleasant and comfortable trip to Cameron Highlands with our driver Mr. Mark. We reached our destination in 8hours with a few stopovers for toilet and light meal.
But we had a different experience on our way back to Singapore. From our pick up location in Cameron Highlands, he brought us to another route (different from the route we had taken previously) saying that it’s a better road. 30-45mins after, he said that it is jam and he would take the other road (the same route we took previously). Before he even left the pick up location, he should already have checked the best route to take. Considering that the drivers usually use Waze or Google maps, these apps suggest the best and fastest way. We drove around for about an hour plus only to find out we were just outside our accommodation. We stopped by since he needed to buy something. We wasted almost 2 hours going around Cameron Highlands because of this, we could have reached KL by then. Other than this, we had frequent stopovers as he wanted to buy something for himself, buy coffee, use the toilet and smoke. With all the 9 stopovers, we only went down 4 times. Also, we were moving at a speed of 67-73kph even on the highway. When we noticed that we were moving too slow and ahll the other cars were driving pass us, we already asked him. He gave us the reason that the floor was slippery and it’s dangerous to drive. We understand the precautions taken but the speed was unacceptable. During one of the conversations he mentioned that he placed 26 October as his arrival date where as our ETA was 25 October 8pm. He added that we can take our time and go slow. That’s when we felt irritated and realised the reason why he was taking his time from the moment he fetched us. We told him that we needed to be back home as we are working the following day, he even asked what time and told him that our work starts at 08:30am. He speed up to around 100kph but of course, it was already too late and we will still reach at a later time. We left our accommodation at 1:30pm and we exited the JB customs at exactly 12mn. We informed ahead of time that we have 2 stops but he only noted the farther stop. We are staying in Sembawang while our friends are staying in Bishan. Since he didn’t note down our stop, we had to travel to Bishan then back to Sembawang. We reached home at 1:37am. We had a total of 12 hours travel time, an additional of 4 hours to our estimated time of arrival. We are extremely disappointed by this as we have chosen to hire a private van as we believed that this is the most convenient way for us. But it turned out to be the opposite. This is an honest review of our experience. We have planned our trip including the travelling time and even gave some time for allowance in case of any unavoidable circumstances. But what just happened to us isn’t considered as an unforeseen event it is more of an unfortunate phenomenon. It is quite unjust to be dragged and delayed on purpose. The long drive, the tiredness, the anxiety and the short rest before going to our work the next day.
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
Because of its exclusive status as a private island, it can be an expensive place to stay.
But the pristine beaches are worth it!
So you should look into some Rawa Island Packages before you go!
Resorts on the island offer their own packages.
1. Rawa Island Resort & Hotel Package
Seeing that there are only 2 resorts on Rawa Island or Pulau Rawa, you’ll just have to make a choice between one or the other.
Neither resort is cheap to book though! But that’s what comes with the exclusivity of the island!
Note: You need to stay on Rawa Island for at least 2 nights! The resorts do not allow one day trip or one-night stays!
1.1 Rawa Island Resort
Rawa Island Resort (sometimes called Rawa Safari) sits on a hill and it takes 2 to 3 minutes to walk to the beach.
If you want beachfront accommodation with an exquisite vista of the ocean, go for their sea view rooms! Rooms are very clean and well-maintained.
As for amenities, you’ll find WiFi, cable television and tea/ coffee making facilities at the resort’s own restaurant and bar where you can get a beer too.
Rawa Island Resort Highlights:
Don’t forget to try the water slides in front of the resort when you’re here! They lead right into the sea!
A badminton court, table tennis, pool table and snooker, kayak rental are available at the resort
Buffet style meals will ensure you don’t get bored of the food!
Note: Even if you stay at Alang’s Rawa Resort, nobody will stop you from using the slides at Rawa Island Resort!
Image credits: rawaislandresort.com
1.2 Alang’s Rawa Resort
Popular among backpackers for its laid-back atmosphere and wide assortment of rooms and chalets, Alang’s Rawa Resort is no stranger to making guests feel at home!
You’ll have to forgo WiFi and TV completely here and just enjoy the carefree atmosphere of a simple island lifestyle instead!
Alang’s Rawa Resort Highlights:
Two specialities to try – Rawa Special Fish and Rawa Special (A somewhat potent cocktail)!
Hiking trail (Hilltop Walk) close to the resort that takes you to the top of the hill where you can see the sunrise (or sunset), South China Sea and neighbouring islands!
Weekend adult parties at the beach shack (kids are not allowed to stay at the resort during the weekends)
Beach volleyball, kayak rental, board games are available at this resort
Note: Hiking trails are Hilltop Walk and Island Walk. You can do both regardless of the resort you choose.
How To Book A Package At Alang’s Rawa Resort
You can only book rooms at Alang’s Rawa Resort through their packages on their website.
This is how they offer the best value to their guests.
Prices will be higher by ~RM100 if you book rooms on the weekends rather than on weekdays.
Children under 12 get 50% off the package while children under age 5 get everything for free except food (i.e. RM60+ charge for food/day).
Take note that groups with children under 16 are not allowed to book on Saturdays at Alang’s Rawa Resort since they have a strict adults-only policy on the weekends!
2. Rawa Island Package 2021
Both resorts have their own packages.
You may want to read through both and see which is more suitable for your travel group!
Prices, of course, vary on which room you choose and the size of your group.
They charge by person and the waterfront rooms obviously cost the most!
The packages do not, however, include the following:
Johor National Park Fee & Marine Park Fee
Tourism Tax (applicable to foreigners)
Rental fees for water activities (e.g. kayak, snorkeling, pedal boats, etc)
Note: And if you bring your own alcohol, you will be charged corkage fees!
2.1) 2D1N Rawa Island Package
There is no such package available for Rawa Island as both resorts require a minimum of 2 nights’ stay for any booking.
2.2) 3D2N Rawa Island Package
A 3D2N package is perfect if you can only afford to take leave from work for just a day and go on a weekend!
It gives you up to 2 half-days and 1 full day to chill at Rawa Island!
This is the standard package offered at Alang’s Rawa Resort which includes:
2 nights’ worth of accommodation
Boat transfers to and from Rawa Island from Mersing Jetty
All meals starting with your first dinner until the last lunch on the day you leave.
Package excludes:
Cost of all drinks
Johor National Park Fee & Marine Park Fee
For Rawa Island Resort, you can book a 3-day or 4-day full board snorkeling package.
The term full board means that accommodation and meals are included, as well as a 2-way boat transfer from Mersing Jetty to the resort!
As a bonus, you get a welcome drink thrown into the package too!
2.3) 4D3N Rawa Island Package
If you have an extra day to spare in paradise, then the 4 days, 3 nights package is just what you need!
For Alang’s Rawa Resort, you’ll have to contact them directly if you want to stay for longer than 3 days!
While at Rawa Island Resort, this package is almost identical to the previous one but with an extra night’s worth of accommodation and another day’s worth of meals (3 per day).
3. Rawa Island Activities Package
You definitely need to pay close attention to this particular section if you plan to go to Rawa Island!
There are certain activities that are not allowed in the waters surrounding Rawa Island since it’s part of the Marine Park.
3.1 Rawa Island Diving Package
While you can’t book a diving package or course directly from any of the 2 resorts on Rawa Island, you can only book through the PADI Five Star Scuba Diving Instructor Development Center (Orca Scuba Rawa) on the island!
Orca Scuba Rawa offers diving courses from beginners up to professional Master Scuba Diving Trainer (MSTD). Families and children are welcome too! They have instructors for ‘open water’ or ocean diving or open scuba diving as well.
The location of the dive center is at the northern end of the beach which makes for excellent shore dives not far from the main reef or the resorts.
3.2 Rawa Island Snorkeling Package
Neither resort on Rawa Island has packages that include a snorkeling trip away from Rawa Island. However, you can rent snorkeling gear from the resort and snorkel off the beach!
Alang’s Rawa Resort provides free snorkelling gears for guests as long as you return the gear in their original condition but the gear availability is not guaranteed.
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Cost to rent snorkeling gear at Rawa Island Resort:
Snorkeling Mask & Snorkel at RM 9/hour or RM 25/day
Snorkeling – Fin at RM 9/hour or RM 25/day
Snorkeling Set at RM 17/hour or RM 40/day
Life Jacket at RM 9/day
Rash Guard at RM 30/day
Pool Noodle at RM 8/day
Mind that you stick to the western side of the beach to do so since the eastern side is very rocky. The coral reef stretches from the northern to the southern end of the beach about ~100ft or less from the shore.
Note: Be alert of jellyfish!
3.3 Rawa Island Kayaking & Pedal Boat Package
There are no packages for Rawa Island that include kayaking as one of the activities but:
Rawa Island Resort does have kayaks and pedal boats for rent:
Kayak (Single) at RM 28/hour
Kayak (Double) at RM 38/hour
Pedal Boat at RM 30/hour
3.4 Rawa Island Fishing Package
As one of the 13 islands in the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park which is under the protection of the Malaysian Department of Marine Parks, Fishing is strictly prohibited anywhere in the waters surrounding Rawa Island.
This is why there are no fishing packages available from any of the resorts.
4. Rawa Island Package From Singapore
If you’re starting your journey from Singapore to Rawa Island, there are Rawa Island packages from GoIslands that include the boat transfer from Mersing Jetty to Rawa Island.
4.1 Private Car Service From Singapore To Mersing Jetty
We don’t blame you if you don’t feel up to the task of driving 2.5 hours (or more) to Mersing Jetty!
For starters, the road is probably one that you have never been on before.
And then there’s the hassle of going through immigration, paying for toll, petrol and parking fees and having to drive back again!
Step 1: Private Car Service From Singapore/Johor Bahru To Mersing Jetty
Refer to the above information for more details.
Step 2: Boat Transfer From Mersing Jetty To Rawa Island
Boat tickets are included in the resort packages as both resorts offer speedboat services to ferry their guests from Mersing Jetty to Rawa Island.
All you have to do is select a slot that suits you!
You should note that the Johor National Park Fee and Marine Park Fee are not included in the package. So you will have to pay these at Mersing Harbour Center which is walking distance from Mersing Jetty.
Conclusion
There are not many Rawa Island packages so that keep things simple and easy!
It’s just a matter of choosing the resort and arranging transport (either bus or private car) from Singapore or Johor Bahru to Mersing Jetty so you can take the boat service provided by the resorts to Rawa Island!
