Seafood dinners, spa days, chilling on the beach, thrilling water parks – the perfect blend of the best things to do in Desaru on your next spontaneous weekend away.
Make the most of your next weekend and hit the road to Desaru Coast. Just an hour and a half away from Woodlands checkpoint, Desaru is the best place to kick back and unwind if you’re looking for a quieter place away from the bustle of city life. Bookmark this guide for the best things to do in Desaru on your next tropical getaway!
The best time to visit Desaru is between March and October when the sun’s out and the skies are clear. Chances of rain are usually higher during the monsoon season between November and February.
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🗺️ Getting to Desaru:
📍By Car:
Image Credits: South China Morning Post
Desaru is just about 1.5 hours away from Woodlands Checkpoint and is a pretty easy drive up. Going up by car gives you the flexibility of getting around wherever and whenever, especially if you intend to spend some time in Johor Bahru.
Another hassle-free option would be to go up by private charter. Depending on your party size, most private charter companies have a fleet of cars that will allow you to travel up in comfort regardless of your group size. These companies are also accustomed to the roads and can get you to and from your destination safely in no time!
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By Ferry:
Image credits: Batam Fast
If you’re worried about getting stuck in traffic or have yet to apply for your VEP, fret not! Travelling by ferry lets you beat the queues at customs so you don’t have to waste any moment of your vacation behind the wheel.
There are trips between Singapore and Desaru every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and the journey takes about 1.5 hours.
The ferry to Desaru departs from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal at 8:30 AM and comes back at 5:30 PM.
Best Things To Do In Desaru (1HR Away From JB) 2024: Get your ferry tickets here.
Overview of the best things to do in Desaru:
Wondering what to do in Desaru? Here’s a brief summary of 12 things to try out while you’re there:
- Beach Day @ Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa
- Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark
- Desaru Fruit Farm
- Desaru Ostrich Farm
- The Els Club Desaru Coast
- Desaru Firefly Cruise
- Tanjung Balau Fisherman Museum
- Desaru Coast Riverside
- Augustinus Bader Spa
- Panti Recreational Forest
- Sungai Lebam Wetlands
- Seafood Dinner @ Super Lobster
1. Beach day @ Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa
Image Credits: Lotus Desaru
You can’t go to Desaru without spending a day by the beach. There are plenty of beaches to choose from, but we’d recommend that you explore the sea sports centres within the premises of the beach resorts. Staying at a resort also means that you can just wash up within the comforts of your room without having to worry about finding public washrooms. Lotus Desaru’s Sea Sports Centre has a whole range of activities for you to choose from. From parasailing to jetskis and exhilarating rides, you’re in for a good time!
You should call in to book your slots in advance to make sure that you get to enjoy the sports you’d like to try.
Address: Lot 1854, Jalan Desaru, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Depending on availability
Contact number: +60 7-884 2800
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2. Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark
Image Credits: Klook
This one’s for the young and young-at-heart. The Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast is home to one of the largest wave pools in the world and exciting dry and wet rides across five themed zones. There are heart-stopping thrilling rides like the Tempest and the Kraken’s Revenge that include sudden drops and turns, but also easier rides for the faint-hearted and the little ones. The park caters to both the young and old!
Address: 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
Cost of admission: MYR 120 (~S$37.60) for adults MYR 110 (~S$34.50) for children and senior citizens
Best Things To Do In Desaru (1HR Away From JB) 2024:
3. Desaru Fruit Farm
Image Credits: Desaru Fruit Farm
When it comes to fruit farms, all I think about are rows of trees and bushes lined with a single kind of fruit, but don’t be fooled! Besides fruit orchards, you can tour compounds on ATVs or visit the petting zoo with alpacas, mini horses and more! The Desaru Fruit Farm is definitely a farm not to skip. Admission is free but you can choose different packages depending on the activities you are interested in.
Address: 92, 82200 Kota Tinggi, Johor Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Cost of admission: Free
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4. Desaru Ostrich Farm
Image Credits: Petit Go
Hang out with the 100 ostriches that call the Desaru Ostrich Farm home and learn more about the exquisite animals. If you were ever curious about just how big ostrich eggs are, then you’re in for a treat because not only do you get to see the eggs, you get to taste them too (in the form of an omelette but it’s still pretty cool).
Address: Jln Teluk Ramunia, Kampung Changi, 81600 Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
Cost of admission: RM25 (~S$7.80) for adults and RM20 (~S$6.30) for children
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5. The Els Club Desaru Coast
Image Credits: The Els Desaru Coast
Enjoy some of the best ocean views while teeing off at The Els Club Desaru Coast. With two courses in one, you can enjoy games at the club with different levels of intensity and fun. The Ocean Course was designed by the club’s namesake, Ernie Els, four-time major champion, while the Valley Course was designed by three-time major champion Vijay Singh.
Walk-ins are not allowed, so be sure to make your booking in advance.
Ocean Course
Address: Darul Ta’zim, 4, Jalan Danau, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – dusk
Rate: RM365 (~S$114.10) on Mon-Fri RM435 (~S$136) on Sat, Sun and Public Holidays
Valley Course
Address: No. 2, Jalan Pantai 2 Desaru Coast, Desaru, 81930 Coast, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5 PM (Last tee off 2 PM)
Rate: RM415 (~S$128.70) on Wed-Fri RM490 (~S$153.20) on Sat, Sun and Public Holidays
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6. Kota Tinggi Firefly Park
Image Credits: Klook
It’s pretty magical when you see hundreds of fireflies start to light up around you. That’s what you’ll get to experience first-hand at the Kota Tinggi Firefly Park. Go on a cruise along the Johor Kota Tinggi River, and experience the magic as you take in the serenity of the moment.
Address: Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 1 PM – 1:30 PM
Rate: RM20 (~S$6.30) for adults and RM12 (~S$3.80) for children
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7. Tanjung Balau Fishing Village
Image Credits: Private Car Taxi From Singapore To Desaru
Learn more about the cultural roots of Desaru and go back in time to the Tanjung Balau Fishing Village. The village is still home to some locals who go out to catch their wages and is a nice peaceful place to take leisure strolls. You can also learn more about the history of the fishermen, from their fishing practices to their superstitions, and walk through a day in the life of a local fisherman.
Address: Tanjung Balau, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Rate: RM4 (~S$6.30)
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8. Desaru Coast Riverside
Image Credits: www.desarucoast.com
There’s plenty to explore and enjoy along the Desaru Coast Riverside with many of Desaru’s best resorts, restaurants and shops. Take a stroll along the coastline, grab a bite, or visit the Desaru Riverside Garden Walk where you can learn more about Desaru’s ecosystem and the plants and animals native to the land.
Sign up for a walking tour along the gardens for more insights and stories from a local guide. Book your tour on Klook with your YouTrip card to get up to 10% cashback on Travel Wednesdays!
Address: 82200 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
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9. Augustinus Bader Spa
Image Credits: Robb Report Malaysia
A trip to Desaru would not be complete without a spa day! The Augustinus Bader Spa is located within the One&Only Resort where you can enjoy state-of-the-art treatments well-known in the industry with a touch of local flavour. One of the best spas in Desaru, they have a whole range of treatments to pamper literally from head to toe, definitely a stop to visit for ultimate relaxation!
Address: Darul Ta’zim, Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast Bandar Penawar, 90, 81930, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM
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10. Panti Recreational Forest
Image Credits: Getyourguide
If heading into nature and taking a hike sounds like the ultimate relaxation, then this one’s for you! The Panti Forest Reserve spans over 275 square kilometres and is home to a whole range of wildlife from the White-handed Gibbon to the endangered Malayan Tiger, an absolute nature lover’s paradise. The forest has different hiking trails, birdwatching spots and stunning waterfalls for a different kind of outdoor fun.
It’s pretty difficult and dangerous to wander into the reserve without a guide, so the best way to explore the Panti Forest Reserve is to go on a tour to make sure that you enjoy yourself while staying safe! Plus, they also offer hotel pick-up and drop-off services so you don’t have to break a sweat.
Address: 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
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11. Sungai Lebam River
Image Credits: Klook
Another one for nature lovers – cruise along the Sungai Lebam River and learn more about the local wildlife native to the mangroves. You can opt to go on a river cruise tour if you’re travelling with little ones, or you can go on a kayaking adventure to spice things up and get up close and personal with nature.
Book your adventure on Trip.com with your YouTrip card to get up to 20% cashback!
Address: 82200 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
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12. Super Lobster Desaru
Image Credits: Klook
Just 30 minutes away from Desaru Coast, feast like a king at Super Lobster! At competitive and affordable prices, you’ll get to enjoy juicy and meaty lobsters and some of the freshest seafood in town. Of course, there are plenty of other zi char options and Malaysian delicacies too just in case seafood isn’t up your alley. The restaurant is pretty popular and can get quite crowded so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.
Address: 7,9 ＆11, Jalan Jenahak, Kampung Sungai Rengit, 81600 Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
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Fun in the sun for everyone in Desaru 🌅
Desaru’s the perfect destination for your spontaneous weekend trip away. Check out our guides for more Malaysian getaway inspiration in Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru!
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Stay safe and happy camping!
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