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To the south-east coast of Malaysia, you’ll find the small and remote paradise island of Pulau Rawa.

Twenty miles from Tioman Island and 16km off Mersing, Pulau Rawa is only a kilometre long and 200 meters wide.

Hues of pink colours the sky as sun sets at Pulau Rawa. (Pic by Fernando Fong/TRP)

The isle is named after the Malay word Rawa for white doves, or more specifically pied imperial pigeons, which are native to the island.

The island is named after Rawa, a Malay word for white doves. (Pic by Fernando Fong/TRP)

Despite its being a mere dot, the island is blessed with captivating and stunning panoramas.

Beaches of powdery white sand, tiny lagoons, colourful corals in knee-deep water, incredibly clear blue and turquoise water, lush tropical forests and rocky hills with dramatic cliffs make Pulau Rawa an Instagram haven.

Shallow, near-shore reef flats surround parts of Pulau Rawa. (Pic by Fernando Fong/TRP)

The island is the best place for pure relaxation of body and mind. Activities include hiking, fish feeding, canoeing, windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling.

Rafting is one of the activities at Pulau Rawa. (Pic by Fernando Fong/TRP)

A one-hour ferry ride from Mersing is the gateway to the island.

However, over the years, Pulau Rawa had its fair share of tragedies and incidents.

Watching sunrise from a hilltop on Pulau Rawa. (Pic by Fernando Fong/TRP)

In July 2014, Pulau Rawa grabbed the nation’s attention following the mysterious death of Estonian model Regina Soosalu.

In May 2012, foreigners were involved in a brawl with a Johor royal entourage’s bodyguards at a resort on Pulau Rawa.

In October 2005, a Brazilian couple’s wedding was gate-crashed by six men who attacked the guests.

A hill on Pulau Rawa overlooking the South China Sea. (Pic by Fernando Fong/TRP)

Nevertheless, Pulau Rawa remains a gem of paradise in every inch, where the reality is equal to the dream.

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