Compare Tioman and Rawa Island to choose the best destination for your next trip.

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Tioman Island and Rawa Island are two of Malaysia's most beautiful island destinations, each offering a unique holiday experience. Tioman Island is a larger tropical island in Pahang, famous for its diving, snorkelling, rainforest trails, and charming villages, making it ideal for adventure seekers, families, and longer vacations. In contrast, Rawa Island is a small private island in Johor known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for couples, honeymooners, and travellers looking for a relaxing beach getaway.

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Things to Do

Tioman Island

Pontoon view towards the resort

Tioman Island is one of Malaysia's top destinations for outdoor adventures and marine activities. Its clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush rainforest make it ideal for travellers who enjoy both land and sea experiences.

Popular activities:

  • Snorkelling at various coral reefs around the island
  • Scuba diving for beginners and experienced divers
  • Jungle trekking through tropical rainforest trails
  • Visiting waterfalls
  • Island hopping
  • Beach hopping
  • Wildlife spotting

Rawa Island

Rawa Island is perfect for a relaxing beach holiday with easy access to marine life right from the shore. The island's calm, crystal-clear waters and house reef make it especially suitable for swimming, snorkelling, and leisurely water activities.

Popular activities:

  • Snorkelling at the house reef
  • Swimming in calm, clear waters
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Relaxing on the beach
  • Walking to the island's hilltop viewpoint
  • Enjoying the iconic water slide into the sea

Accommodation

Tioman Island

THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort, Pulau Tioman

Tioman Island offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and travel styles, making it ideal for backpackers, families, couples, and luxury travellers.

Accommodation options:

  • Budget hostels
  • Chalets
  • Beach resorts
  • Family-friendly hotels
  • Luxury resorts

5 star

9.5/10Amazing70 Ulasan
Tioman|6.95km dari pusat bandar
Location : super private, very clean and very well kept. Staff service : friendly, attentive. Shout out to Rudra, Pika, Afiq, and their kitchen crew Wani. they say that the people is the heart and soul of the brand and it reflects immensely in the boathouse. Even the director of operations took his rounds to walk and chatted us up. Thank you Thevan. Room : very new and clean tho sound insulation is abit of an issue. But it’s all good. Internet : good and stable. This part of the island cuts off coverage if you have a local sim. Amenities : For now, it’s just jungle tracking with ATV or island hopping/diving. What can be improved : 1. perhaps more upbeat music at the bar area for people to let loose. 2. weekends when there are more people, a fire performance or a light show/drone or something. So that there is a slight group entertainment. 3. Pier could be abit more lighted to see the sea during the night.
DariTWD 10,126
7.7/10Good126 Ulasan
Tioman|5.46km dari pusat bandar
We initially stayed in a V6 room, but it rained and the roof leaked, flooding the room and soaking our luggage. It was an incredibly frustrating and helpless situation, and the facilities are really old. Everything else was okay, but I felt there was no privacy. There were even guests flying drones around with no one supervising, and our shower room was open-air.
DariTWD 2,929
8.5/10Very Good169 Ulasan
Tioman|3.64km dari pusat bandar
Excellent location where hotel provide buggy services from room to any location inside the resort. Staff were all friendly and helpful with our needs. Delivering of items when we requesting also very timely. Reception counter also provide snorkelling, diving, and other water sports booking with reasonable charges. Renting of equipment also available if needed. However, the sofa appeared to be a bit dusty below the cushion. Ants were seen inside the toilet sink. Otherwise the experience will be even more better.
DariTWD 4,292
9/10Great99 Ulasan
Tioman|8.01km dari pusat bandar
Excellent, we'll definitely be back! My friends and I had a great time, and the food wasn't expensive. The only thing is the paint smell in the room was a bit strong, which I hope they can improve. Also, there aren't many entertainment facilities. Keep up the good work!
DariTWD 3,924
8.9/10Very Good49 Ulasan
Tioman|7.25km dari pusat bandar
The rooms are clean and relaxing, with many decorations and items made from local, handcrafted materials, which is both eco-friendly and gives the hotel its unique character. The hotel owner and staff are polite and sincere, without any noticeable commercial vibe. The natural environment is quiet and pristine, and the hotel blends seamlessly with its surroundings. Most guests here are couples enjoying their time together; we were the only ones with children during our three-day stay. We really loved this quiet, non-commercial holiday environment. January is monsoon season, so the winds and waves were strong. We tried snorkeling on two mornings, but it wasn't amazing. The ecosystem here isn't as vibrant as in Mataking, Semporna; we didn't see as many types of fish, and there were more rocks, making the snorkeling environment less friendly than Mataking. However, the hotel stay itself was truly comfortable, and we felt the energy of nature – a great opportunity to relax. The staff and owner were fantastic and even personally picked us up and dropped us off at the pier. Their service felt genuinely sincere, unlike Semporna, where there's a strong commercial atmosphere, and you don't feel the same genuine human interaction, but rather more commercialism, and the room rates are many times higher without the corresponding service quality. We love this kind of hotel vacation experience. It's filled with the scent of nature everywhere, with streams flowing through the rainforest, integrating the hotel with the sea – a resort that has both mountains and the ocean. Friendly tip: The hotel carefully prepares all three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The food provided is consistently delicious, and although the prices are not cheap, it's worth it.
DariTWD 10,446

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Business travel

7.5/1042 Ulasan
Tioman|3.84km dari pusat bandar
The resort’s reception and staff are all so warm and welcoming, especially dear Aina. As we had difficulties trying to secure ferry ticket back to Mersing, Aina wasted no time in getting that sorted out and managed to book us a transfer to the jetty. The jungle hike booked through the resort turned out to be an eye opener and it was well worth the time and energy spent. Would love to visit Barat Beach Resort again, jumpa lagi!
DariTWD 3,206
8.6/10Very Good41 Ulasan
Tioman|5.59km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is very convenient, right by the pier, and the service is excellent. The breakfast is average, but I think it's pretty good for the island. The beach is right outside, and there are plenty of places to eat nearby.
DariTWD 3,551
8.8/10Very Good8 Ulasan
Tioman|5.77km dari pusat bandar
Loved the place and service. They provided ferry from Genting Jetty to their place (free of charge. Unlike the other fancy place that I visted. Lol. They have their own private beach too. Few things to note: their dinner is pre-served, so you have to tell them ahead of time like 2 hours before your dinner time so they prepare it for you. You must try their butter prawn rice.
DariTWD 5,704
7.6/10Good18 Ulasan
Tioman|3.76km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is located near the sea and the pier. The room has two double beds, a refrigerator, a kettle, a TV. Flying foxes ”hang out” nearby🐱
DariTWD 1,526
8.3/10Very Good0 Ulasan
Tioman|3.6km dari pusat bandar
A good location for a hassle-free getaway in Kampong Juara, Permata Beach Chalet is a chalet surrounded by views of the garden. The property features an open-air bath, garden, and parking on-site among other facilities. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony and free Wifi. Guests can make use of the picnic area or the terrace, or enjoy views of the sea and mountain.At the chalet complex, units have a patio. Every room is fitted with a kettle, while certain rooms have a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven, and a toaster. At the chalet complex, every unit is fitted with a private bathroom with a hair dryer and free toiletries.A mini-market is available at the chalet.Barok Beach is a few steps from the chalet, while ABC Beach Jetty is 7.3 miles from the property.

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Breakfast

9.1/10Great20 Ulasan
Tioman|8.24km dari pusat bandar
Located in Tioman Island, Minang Cove Resort is by the sea and close to Dragon's Horns and Asah Waterfall. This beach resort is within the vicinity of Genting Ferry Terminal and Juara Turtle Project.Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access. Additional features at this resort include babysitting (surcharge) and tour/ticket assistance.At Minang Cove Resort, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant. Relax with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge or the beach bar. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, laundry facilities, and a library. A roundtrip airport shuttle and a ferry terminal shuttle are provided for an additional charge.Make yourself at home in one of the 16 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Bathrooms with showers are provided. Conveniences include safes and electric kettles, and housekeeping is provided daily.
DariTWD 7,604
8.2/10Very Good41 Ulasan
Tioman|5.97km dari pusat bandar
The cats are very cute and friendly. Good location, crystal clear water right in front, comfortable rooms ( we stayed in a ”comfy cottage” ) with good aircon, however the service, breakfast and the atmosphere must be improved to match the big price tag!! The breakfast is poor, it’s a buffet with about 5 options, but every one of them is deep fried / ultra processed food, and with vegetarian option being an omelette (which is ok) and not much else. A serving of single type of fruit is available but it’s scarcely topped up and as everyone is desperate to get something fresh, it runs out quick. The hygiene around breakfast needs to be improved with glasses, plates and cutlery needing extra attention. Coffee and tea are over brewed and topped up hot water rather then fresh jugs being made. No fresh juice but flavoured sugar syrup. The breakfast put us off trying the food they offer in the evening. From the early afternoon till 10:30/11pm, repetitive base music, completely ruining the vibe of the place. We asked the reception on two separate days to turn it down which they did quickly, but the next day the music was back. This really is a shame as the main thing to do here is just relax by the water, alas it’s not meant to be. We informed the reception that our ferry leaves at 7am from the pier back to the mainland, they offered to bring our bags over at 6:50AM. At 6:55AM, we walked to the pier with the bags ourselves for the fear of missing the ferry as no one was around to take us. Again, frustrating. We stayed 5 nights and it’s a shame as the place has a lot of potential and these things are so easy to fix but without addressing the issues above the cost is really not justified.
DariTWD 2,019
8.1/10Very Good11 Ulasan
Tioman|3.42km dari pusat bandar
When choosing a hotel, preference was given to the order. It is located 10 meters from the shore, where you fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the surf! The hostess Aziza is very friendly, she helped buy tickets for the ferry to the island and back, which I could not do myself. Breakfasts are modest, but quite filling. You can also have lunch and dinner at the hotel. We always took seafood. They cook very tasty! Right in front of the hotel there is a coral reef, where you can see a lot of fish with a mask and snorkel. On the right and left there are diving clubs, where you can learn and dive into the underwater world the next day, if the training goes well. I went to the right, if you look from the sea, everything is organized there by an interesting Japanese family. I recommend the hotel, but not for possessive tourists for whom comfort is in the first place!
DariTWD 2,091
0/100 Ulasan
Tioman|7.14km dari pusat bandar
Emperor Resort By Bugis provides flawless service and all the necessary facilities for visitors.Remain linked during your visit by utilizing the complimentary internet access available.Prior to your check-in date, you can arrange airport transportation services, guaranteeing a seamless and efficient experience for both arrival and departure.Repeatedly enjoy your best-loved attire with the aid of the laundry service available at Emperor Resort By Bugis.Need some relaxation? Your room features daily housekeeping to make your stay even more comfortable and enjoyable. Crafted for coziness, every guestroom provides an array of features, guaranteeing a tranquil night's sleep while maintaining the level of comfort.For an elevated experience at resort, select rooms are equipped with air conditioning to improve your stay.At Emperor Resort By Bugis, a selection of rooms can be found that showcase unique design elements such as a balcony or terrace. Expand your in-room entertainment choices with various amenities, such as television offered in certain accommodations. Rest assured that your hydration needs will be met, as some guestrooms are equipped with a coffee or tea maker, bottled water and mini bar.Maintain your cleanliness and feel revitalized using toiletries available in select guest restrooms. Begin your day on a delightful note with a scrumptious complimentary breakfast, consistently served at Emperor Resort By Bugis.
7.7/10Good126 Ulasan
Tioman|5.46km dari pusat bandar
We initially stayed in a V6 room, but it rained and the roof leaked, flooding the room and soaking our luggage. It was an incredibly frustrating and helpless situation, and the facilities are really old. Everything else was okay, but I felt there was no privacy. There were even guests flying drones around with no one supervising, and our shower room was open-air.
DariTWD 2,929

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Rawa Island

THE 10 CLOSEST Hotels to Rawa Island Resort, Mersing

Rawa Island has a limited selection of accommodation, offering a more exclusive and peaceful stay. Most properties are beachfront resorts designed for travellers seeking privacy and relaxation.

Accommodation options:

  • Boutique beach resorts
  • Premium beachfront villas
  • Exclusive beachfront stays
  • Ideal for couples and honeymooners

5 star

9.5/10Amazing12 Ulasan
Mersing|0.81km dari pusat bandar
We had a really amazing and comfortable stay at Based Mersing Airbnb. The room was clean, cozy, and well-equipped with everything I needed. The owner were friendly and helpful, which made the whole experience even better. The only small thing to note is that the bathroom door is slightly exposed, so it might be more suitable for married couples or close partners. Other than that, everything was excellent and I would be happy to stay here again.(Still love it)😍💚😍
DariTWD 3,287
7.8/10Good0 Ulasan
Mersing|0.86km dari pusat bandar
DariTWD 2,704
6.5/10290 Ulasan
Mersing|1.67km dari pusat bandar
Perfect spot for a transit stay. The hotel is located near the town center and the ferry terminal. Rooms are basic but tidy, and the service is excellent. You get exactly what you pay for a decent, affordable room in a prime location. Recommended for travelers on a budget.
DariTWD 833
6.2/104 Ulasan
Mersing|0.78km dari pusat bandar
Very convenient n cheap. easy to access to mersing jetty, beaches, nearby shop & middle of town n lots of restaurant n food stall around the area. Location & Air-conditioning was fine, room is big & clean, wifi so good! I loved the toilet too. Fyi, there is no provide shampoo & shower gel, mineral water & water heater. So u must buy it yourself near shop there. Feel comfortable stay here for 3 night. Will repeat again next time. Good service!
DariTWD 536
8.3/10Very Good7 Ulasan
Mersing|16.29km dari pusat bandar
First i want to review on booking experience. I was so pissed off with Trip.com booking. I entered 3 adults upon search & result showed an option of 3 occupancy room with full-board package for 2 adult. There is option for full-board 3 adults however since the first option was cheaper i was thinking to arrange my own for the additional 1 adult boat transfer & not require the meal package. It was shocking that when i reached the check in office it is mandatory to pay for the 3rd adult boat n meal package to the resort. My question here WHY trip.com put the option for 2 adult knowing the resort does not allow the 3rd person to check in??? This is a scammm for me because i entered 3 adults requirement at the first place for the booking. Both resort & trip.com are not synchronise with the information. Now going to resort stay experience: The resort staff were all great & the service was also on point. However, the condition of the resort was so below my expectation. I paid RM 700+ per night & i don’t feel worth it. Everything was super outdated & worn off. Especially the bathroom. The floors were cracked open & was swarming with bugs & insects & some people might get allergic to them. The bedroom is self was okay & comfy. Also food-wise, they served a lot of seafood & didn’t ask if anyone was allergic or not which one of us is. For RM 700 per night i expected it is included some activities we could do at the resort however it was disappointing that everything was chargeable whereas they are non-motorised & doesn’t even use resource / maintenance such as kayak & snorkel gear. The only nice thing at the resort was staff friendliness & the food taste.
DariTWD 6,422

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Business travel

8.1/10Very Good31 Ulasan
Mersing|3.71km dari pusat bandar
Air cond was very cold and the bed was very comfortable. We had a good rest in the hotel. Very good room maintenance and everything is in good order including TV channels broadcast. Only no good was no coffee and toilet paper provided. Basic soap and tissue paper were given. Room has no kettle and hot water.
DariTWD 651
4/100 Ulasan
Mersing|0.77km dari pusat bandar
The OYO 89763 Bluewater is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. The OYO 89763 Bluewater offers a pleasant stay in Mersing for those traveling for business or leisure. There's plenty to do nearby, with Mesmerising Mersing, Hutan Bandar Bukit Cantik and Masjid Bandar Mersing all within a short distance. In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings.
5/102 Ulasan
Mersing|0.8km dari pusat bandar
The biggest advantage is that it is close to the Fengsheng Port Pier. It is the nearest hotel. It takes a few minutes to walk to the pier. There are supermarket restaurants nearby. It is very convenient and suitable for backpackers.
DariTWD 1,125
6.1/106 Ulasan
Pulau Babi|2.11km dari pusat bandar
The Bayu Lestari Island Resort is one of the newest hotels in Pulau Babi, having opened in 2025. There's plenty to do nearby, with Besar Island, Johor, Masjid Jamik Pulau Besar and TUBC all within a short distance. After a long day of sightseeing, guests can retire to the comfort of the hotel.
9.3/10Great2 Ulasan
Sibu Island|0.54km dari pusat bandar
I had an absolutely wonderful stay here! The service was excellent—everyone was so polite and greeted me warmly whenever we met. The island environment is beautiful and very relaxing, making the whole atmosphere so pleasant and laid-back. Every meal was delicious too! My only small comment is that there were quite a lot of mosquitoes and insects in the room, which I understand is unavoidable on an island, but I hope the pest control can be improved in the future. Overall, I had a really great day and truly enjoyed my time here. Thank you to everyone for the amazing service—I will definitely come back again!
DariTWD 4,656

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Breakfast

9/10Great1 Ulasan
Mersing|0.87km dari pusat bandar
This island is very close to Mersing. The scenery on the island is great, the service is good, and the food is decent. The activities on the island are all things I like. However, the island doesn't provide hair dryers, which really isn't very friendly for ladies. Also, the filtered water for showering was really salty—my hair felt like straw during the two days on the island. Finally, when we arrived it was low tide, and the water slide was only open when we were about to leave.
7.1/1019 Ulasan
Tenggaroh|5.15km dari pusat bandar
The pool is very big and suitable for kids. the hotel is quiet old and need to refurbished for a better stay for guests. they provided not too much variety of spread breakfast.
DariTWD 1,469
/100 Ulasan
Mersing|1.39km dari pusat bandar
When staying at Sauerkraut Homestay, you'll be perfectly positioned to explore all that Mersing has to offer.Guests arriving by car can use the property's parking lot.
10/10Outstanding0 Ulasan
Mersing|1.81km dari pusat bandar
When staying at Seri Mersing Villa, you'll be perfectly positioned to explore all that Mersing has to offer.At this homestay, you'll have access to a bbq and garden. This property also offers free laundry service (on-site).Parking is available at the property.
DariTWD 4,077
9.1/10Great10 Ulasan
Mersing|1.59km dari pusat bandar
We had an awesome stay over. We enjoy ourselves in the house playing board games and we went out to tapau back to eat in the house cause we really enjoy the spacious hall cause we were tired from the day activity. Love the aesthetic and the house concept. Theres 3 bathrooms suitable for 6-7px adults.
DariTWD 3,197

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Food & Dining

Tioman Island

Tioman Island offers a wide variety of dining options across its villages, allowing visitors to enjoy both local flavours and international cuisine throughout their stay.

Dining Options

  • Local restaurants
  • Seafood restaurants
  • Cafés
  • Malaysian cuisine
  • Western cuisine
  • More dining choices across different villages

Rawa Island

Seafood and meat BBQ Party on a Saturday night... The band is playing in the back ground fantast

Dining on Rawa Island is mainly provided by the island's resorts, offering a more convenient and exclusive dining experience with a focus on fresh ingredients.

Dining Options:

  • Resort restaurants
  • Fresh seafood
  • Buffet-style meals at selected resorts
  • Limited independent dining options

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Accessibility

Tioman Island

Tioman Island is accessible by ferry from the mainland, making it a popular destination for both short and extended island holidays.

How to get there:

  • Ferry departs from Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty
  • Ferry journey takes approximately 1.5–2.5 hours
  • Multiple ferry departures are available during the peak travel season

Rawa Island

Boats bringing tourists to the island.

Rawa Island is easily reached by a short speedboat ride from Mersing Jetty, making it a convenient choice for weekend getaways.

How to get there:

  • Speedboat transfer from Mersing Jetty
  • Journey takes approximately 30 minutes
  • Convenient for short trips and weekend escapes

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Best Time to Visit

Tioman Island

Tioman Island is best visited during the dry season, when calm seas and clear waters provide ideal conditions for beach activities and water sports.

Best time to visit:

  • Best from March to October
  • Excellent conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving
  • Peak travel season is from June to August
  • Avoid the northeast monsoon from late October to February

Rawa Island

view from water slide

Rawa Island is also best visited during the dry season, offering sunny weather and calm seas that are perfect for a relaxing island getaway.

Best time to visit:

  • Best from March to October
  • Calm sea conditions for swimming and water activities
  • Excellent visibility for snorkelling
  • Avoid the monsoon season from November to February

Meh Lah Johor

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Sakura

Sakura

Travel Writer

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She is a passionate writer who enjoys creating simple, helpful, and easy-to-understand content. With a strong interest in travel and practical guides, she aims to share useful information that helps readers plan better and travel with confidence. Through clear and straightforward writing, she hopes to make every journey feel less complicated and more enjoyable.

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Tioman or Rawa Island