If you are looking for a paradisiacal retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Rotamah Island is the perfect destination for you. Lying just off the coast of Malaysia’s Peninsular, this coral-filled island is renowned for its clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation.
There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained – from swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and exploring the many coves and natural landmarks. Whether you are planning a relaxing holiday or a weekend getaway with friends, Rotamah Island is definitely worth a visit!
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Rotamah Island History
The island of Rotamah was first sighted by the Spanish explorers in 1578. They named it after a legendary ruler of Sumatra, who is said to have had control over all the islands in the region. The Brunei Empire later claimed ownership of Rotamah Island and named it Lubaupok Baru (New Town).
In 1888, Britain renamed the island after Lady Margaret Brooke, wife of then British Minister Resident in Sar awak. The island later became a permanent British colony in 1945.
In 1956, the country divided into Malaysia (with Sabah and Sarawak as part of it) and Singapore joined them to form an independent state known as Malaysia. Rotamah went one step further when they consisted Peninsular Riau province under which is included most of islands including: Lingga Islet Bahru Island Long Semado Small Batu Berundak The first majority of the people were Malay and Chinese but now there are many Indian Singaporeans. It is still officially called “Lubau Pok Monas” in Malaysian language (Census 2007) So,Rotamah Island is a small province on statesman’s agenda to industrialise the island because it can provide industries with raw resources.
Climate
The climate on Rotamah Island is tropical and marine. During the dry season, there are less rainfall so this helps ensure a malaria free environment. There’s great snorkelling in between storms which occur mostly during winter months when temperatures drop to low twenties degrees celsius . There are plenty of activities to do during the rain and again when temperatures start rising. On your return from a visit, you can rest assured that Rotamah Island is malaria free!
Culture
There is a wide diversity of wildlife on Rotamah Island including snakes and birds. Whether you are looking for something relaxing or some fun activities to do, there is always enough choice available on the island. There are several parks where community events and celebrations are regularly held so you will never be bored if it rains! Where to Stay
There are various types of accommodation available on the island, depending on your budget. You can choose between beach chalets and lodges or a rustic tudung camp at BOTH resorts mentioned above . The prices for both resort options vary from $40 -200 per night.
Politics
The government of Rotamah Island is a constitutional monarchy with the British Monarch as Head of State. The current monarch is HRH Princess Haya bint Hussein Bin Talal, who has been on the throne since January 1999 and also serves as Deputy Prime Minister in Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s United Arab Emirates Cabinet. Time Our World Rotamah Island guide gives you all the information required to visit this gorgeous paradise.
Government services
There are no banks, ATMs or post offices on the island. The only form of currency is the Emirati Dirham. There is limited telephone coverage and Internet access is not available.
Climate Rotamah Island has a tropical climate with two seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October). Although most rain falls in winter, occasional lightning storms occur throughout summer as well. For this reason we advise to purchase adequate rainforest clothing and umbrellas: umbrellas are sold in many shops on the land. Running with the rain is very common, so bring a hat and/or sunscreen.
Food There are many places where you can buy fruit and vegetables but going to Eatop Tea Shop or The restaurant of Campers Bay Resort will be more fun!
For seafood lovers: scallops inhabit this island from April to November (seasonal) . You might see rock oysters in their season starting June( by appointment).
Tourism
Rotamah Island is one of the newest tourist destinations in the UAE. Visitors can choose to visit either the capital, Ras Al Khaimah or Madinat Jumeirah Beach Resort where there are a range of sports and leisure activities on offer such as golf, tennis, windsurfing, sailing and parasailing.
There are several hotels and guesthouses on the island including SandCastle Resort, GGR Rotamah Island & Spa Resort and the Insignia Flagstaff House which offer tourist accommodation in a variety of categories.
Transport
Rotamah Island is only accessible by boat and there are regular ferries from Dubai. Visitors must arrange their own transportation to and from the island. It is possible to hire a car while in the area: we recommend using an autorickshaw or fulusi (the Eastern dhow designed specifically for that purpose).
Shopping There are only a handful of places on Rotamah Island where clothes, household items and accessories can be procured. But with so little around it’s not hard to save money since you can get most supplies from Ras Al Khaimah or Dubai!
Cuisine
The cuisine on Rotamah Island is decidedly Ras Al Khaimi with influences from Dubai. Typical dishes include khubz – a type of flatbread, rice and chicken cooked in a sauce; qorma – lamb or duck cooked in a curried sauce; shawarma – skewered kebabs served with salad and bread; biryani – rice dish flavoured with spices, and murtabak – deep-fried meat pies. There are several restaurants on the island, most serve traditional Emirati cuisine.
Wildlife
Rotamah Island is home to a number of wildlife species including shrikes, kingfishers and monitor lizards. There are also several coral reefs close to the island where you can view fish and other sea life. Mongabay Live Cam (powered by OurAntarctica) Viewing of the Mongolian Weeping Kurgan is currently not possible owing to ongoing geotechnical work on that site. Beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters make Rotamah Island worth seeing! However, most of these resources are still commercially undeveloped with limited space for visitors.
Conclusion
Rotamah Island is a 133-square kilometre uninhabited island in the eastern Torres Strait. It is part of the Gizo Group and is about 20 kilometres off the coast of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland.
FAQ
1.What Is The Population Of Rotamah Island?
Ans: There are no permanent inhabitants on Rotamah Island. It is visited by a small number of tourists each year.
2.What Languages Are Spoken On Rotamah Island?
Ans: The only language currently spoken on the island is English. However, some Torres Strait Islanders may be able to speak limited amounts of Yolngu (the aboriginal language from which Australian English evolved).
3.Which Countries Border Rotamah Island?
Ans: The only bordering country is Australia. The closest town on the mainland to Rotamah Island is Naukluft Hill, Gladstone which faces it across the Narmada Channel (the passage from Cape York Peninsula).
4.What Are The Import-Export Generators Of Rotamh Island?
Ans: Rotamah has no significant import or export generators as there appears not to be an existing port facility on the island.
5.What Are Rotamah’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) And Net/Gross National Income (GNI)?
Ans: These figures are hard to calculate as there simply is no existing economy on Rotamh Island.
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