Musings

Ling’s absolutely right about the kind of impression our Medang trip left on me. In fact, the whole experience of that island left me with a terrifically stinko feeling that immediately after that trip in June, I resolved that to properly wash off the image of a madly polluted island off my mind immediately, I had to visit a clean and pristine one.

Our decision to visit Rawa was almost an impulsive one because it was arranged rather last minute. The timing wasn’t really in our favor, since the best time to visit the East coast of Malaysia is outside Monsoon. Moreover, it was hard for our holidays to get in sync.

As it turned out, we were lucky enough to be able to properly align our work commitments in school so that we had a short window of 3 days where we were both free. As soon as our leave periods were officially cleared, we confirmed the booking with Rawa Safari – and this was just days before actual departure.

Up till this point, my only real exposure to the beach has been in and about Singapore. The beach at Rawa island on the other hand was alluringly clean with clear waters very inviting as soon we got off the speedboat. It really put to shame to kind of damage pollution has caused our own shores at the East Coast, let alone that of Pulau Medang. Unlike the Indonesian islands we saw and visited, the only sea traffic that comes in the direction of Rawa are that of tourists. There is little other passenger traffic, no fishing boats, and and certainly no fishing kampungs.

I imagine that three days two nights is about perfect for Asian visitors who already have regular exposure to sun and sand. Those staying outside Asia may want to plan for a slightly longer stay, though in terms of an actual variety of sights, there’s only so much you can do on the island if truly just lounging around isn’t your thing.

Well, that’s my introduction notes. In the next few entries over the days, I’ll write up entries about a few more aspects of our stay: our accommodation, eating and drinking on the island, our hill-side climb, and sunset / sunrise watching on the island. Our photos have been put up, so do look at it.:)

I thought I wouldn’t visit this paradise island again.

Tucked away somewhere in the vast expanse of the South China Sea is a tiny, idyllic isle that sparkles in its crystal-clear, turquiose waters. The sun is often shining there and its sand are amazingly fine and white. Fringing the beaches is a belt of coral reef teeming with colourful reef fishes, and as you might be wondering, Nemo and Dory are its residents too.

Darling had been desiring to see Rawa Island after hearing me raving about it. His Pulau Medang stay was so disappointing that he must had felt the need to redeem the bad experience. I have been to a few pleasant beach resorts in the South East Asia and hence suggested Rawa Island Safaris Resort.

Rawa Island, or Pulau Rawa, is a privately run resort (owned by a royalty in Malaysia) and therefore its natural beauty is relatively unspoilt as compared to many nearby, commercial ones. Not a cheap vacation for 3D-2N stay, we decided it was worth the money afterall. So I made an online chalet reservation and also arranged with a local travel agency (Five Stars) for land transportation.

Thank God that the weather was fine throughout our stay on Rawa Island. The weather forecast for that region was thunderstorm and lightning actually. In fact, the weather was so bright and sunny that darling dearest got sunburn just after our first hour on the island! Next time, better not dare-devil and skip the sunblock.

Anyway, it was a small price to pay I’m sure. I was glad that darling found the trip to be worthwhile as he enjoyed the clear (& clean!) waters and lush vegetation. He had a great time shooting away with his SLR, mini-cam. and video-cam.

Since this was my third time visiting the island, it was not surprising that the newness and excitement were somewhat lacking. However, I had a fantastic time snorkelling – for I was braver this time. Thank God that I didn’t panicked or freaked out as much when I see any jelly fish swimming towards me or felt a sense a fear for the unknown waters out there. Thank God that the rented snorkelling equipment was in a better condition and somehow I was able to breathe through my mouth conscientiously.

I was encouraged to see many hard corals growing healthily: solitary Fungia sp. (mushroom type), digitate Acropora sp. (branching type in red, purple and pink branching out so beautifully), table Acropora sp., corymbose Acropora sp., foliaceous Leptoria sp. (brown bracket corals with violet trimmings), massive Goniastrea sp., Platygyra sp.(new orange-green brain coral growing near the jetty where traffic was high), clams in hues of blue sprouting in the rocks, different species of sea anemone housing their unique species of clown fish, a delicate and pretty yellow ribbon flat worm, a crouching stonefish / scorpion fish (ha, I can see you), spider conches, huge wavy top shells covered with algae, crabs, catfish, black sea cucumber, black sea urchins, parrot fish, half-beaks, many other fishes with iridescent colours (I don’t know their names) and of course, jelly fishes.

OK; I’ll continue in the next entry tomorrow.:)

The both of us have just returned from a trip at Pulau Rawa, a relatively unknown little island but with absolutely adoring beaches. We took close to 1029 pictures on two cameras, and it’s going to take a long while to sort them all out. For the moment, here’s just a quick teaser picture; do watch out for the proper album and also our write-ups.:)