Time to get there: About three hours by car and ferry
Dreaming of a seaside retreat? Swap the Maldives for something closer to home: Rawa Island. The coral island gets its name from the local term for white doves, its resident birdies. And speaking of white, this natural beauty also has a white sandy beach, and clear azure-blue waters where you can spot fishes swimming in it.
DO Besides sinking your toes in the sand, let your young thrill-seekers whoosh down the two water slides, while older kids take on water activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. If you’re ready to dive deeper, earn your PADI certificate in just a couple days with OrcaNation Dive Centre. For land activities, gather the fam for a hike up Hilltop Walk where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the island.
STAY There are only two resorts on the island: Rawa Island Resort and Alang’s Rawa. As the latter has an adults-only policy on weekends, book your weekend stay at Rawa Island Resort which offers full board packages for four of its room categories. The Hillside Deluxe package starts from $776, and includes two nights, three daily meals, two-way boat transfer from Mersing, and a welcome drink. For a larger and quieter alternative, check into the Frangipani Villa which starts from $1042. It’s free for children under three, and additional $137 for children between four and 12.
