Lovely and Tranquil Seaside Resort
Located on the eastern tip of the Malayan Peninsula, Desaru is a beach and resort area in Johor, Malaysia. Desaru is on the South China Sea, located approximately 88 kilometers east of Johor Bahru and a very popular weekend escape for residents of Singapore as well as locals, who come to enjoy the attractive 25 km stretch of beaches and splendid golf courses.
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Watching Sunrise from the beach at Desaru
I do not think Desaru is on the map of most international travellers. It is quite out of the way with no direct transport.
However, when you do make your way there, you will find that there are numerous resorts and hotels there to cater to the budget traveler as well as families seeking fun in the sun.
Among the many activities available include golfing, horseback riding, tennis, canoeing, swimming, go-karting, boating, fishing, snorkeling, jungle trekking and other sea sports. There is even a fish farm there now where you can go for crab catching, kelong fishing or even deep sea fishing.
However, when you do make your way there, you will find that there are numerous resorts and hotels there to cater to the budget traveler as well as families seeking fun in the sun.
Among the many activities available include golfing, horseback riding, tennis, canoeing, swimming, go-karting, boating, fishing, snorkeling, jungle trekking and other sea sports. There is even a fish farm there now where you can go for crab catching, kelong fishing or even deep sea fishing.
Fish Farm / Riverside Restaurant
The beaches are lined with casuarina trees dotted by rustic fishing villages.
To make your visit more memorable, you may want to visit Tanjung Pengelih to see the relics of World War Two and the historical relic of the Malay Johor Riau Empire at Johor Lama. There is even a herbal garden with many variety of herbs. You may have to check with the locals there for directions though ;)
The beach at Desaru is clean and no matter which resort or hotel you are staying in, you can still enjoy the same clean and sandy beach. Desaru has one of the best beaches on the mainland of Johor.
To make your visit more memorable, you may want to visit Tanjung Pengelih to see the relics of World War Two and the historical relic of the Malay Johor Riau Empire at Johor Lama. There is even a herbal garden with many variety of herbs. You may have to check with the locals there for directions though ;)
The beach at Desaru is clean and no matter which resort or hotel you are staying in, you can still enjoy the same clean and sandy beach. Desaru has one of the best beaches on the mainland of Johor.
Getting There
Desaru is a one-and-a half hour drive from Kulai or Johor Bahru in Malaysia.
Visitors from Singapore can take the ferry by Cruise Ferries which serves the route between Changi Ferry Terminal (Singapore) and Tanjung Belungkor. There are four to five trips daily between Changi in Singapore and Tanjung Belungkor.
The trip takes only about 30 minutes - which is great when you think of the wait at the causeway and the drive to Desaru. The only inconvenience is that you would be dependent on the hotel or local transport! Book the ferry ticket early if you consider going during a weekend or public holiday.
Visitors from Singapore can take the ferry by Cruise Ferries which serves the route between Changi Ferry Terminal (Singapore) and Tanjung Belungkor. There are four to five trips daily between Changi in Singapore and Tanjung Belungkor.
The trip takes only about 30 minutes - which is great when you think of the wait at the causeway and the drive to Desaru. The only inconvenience is that you would be dependent on the hotel or local transport! Book the ferry ticket early if you consider going during a weekend or public holiday.
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You can watch sailing boats sailing by from the ferry ...
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The coastline of Singapore
There are also public transport available from Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi and Tanjung Belungkor to Desaru. However, please note that as Desaru is located on the shore-line, bus services advertising direct transport to Desaru will usually leave you in Bandar Penawar (aproximately 2 km from Desaru).
Alternatively, you may want to try travel agents in either Singapore or Malaysia who offer package tours to Desaru.
Alternatively, you may want to try travel agents in either Singapore or Malaysia who offer package tours to Desaru.
- Fascinating Holidays
- Tour Packages to Desaru
- TravelPear
- A website offering different tour packages.
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Where to Stay
There are a number of resorts in Desaru catering to all budgets.
- The Pulai Desaru Beach Resort
- We stayed at this resort the last time we were there. The staff are friendly and we can see the beach from our balcony.
- The Desaru Golden Beach Hotel Resort
- We visited this hotel for lunch one day while we were there. It's quiet with a nice swimming pool next to the Chinese restaurant.
- Desaru Holiday Chalets
- Desaru Holiday Chalet starts its operation in 1974 and was the first resort to be opened in Desaru...
- Avis - The Real Destination
- Another website with suggestions of more hotel accommodation in Desaru.
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The Pulai Desaru
Things To Do and See
There are many activities for you to choose from. Most hotels will have their own programmes and you can sign up for them.
We have tried the following:
1. The Fruit Farm - guided tour of the farm showing the different types of topical fruits growing there. There is also a small park with goats, geese, orstichs, rabbits and even a python! While we were there, we witnessed a goat giving birth. Definitely an eye-opener for my children, all city kids!
2. Fireflies Tour
Even though it is quite safe, it is a precaution that you put on life jackets before you board the boat.
The boatman splashed some water on the mangrove trees and you see these little lights moving about.
These fascinating insects are found in abundance on the berembang trees that line the banks the Johor River. The scene is very beautiful.
3. Go-karting
More suit for children though and a good way to keep them occupied for an hour or two!
We have tried the following:
1. The Fruit Farm - guided tour of the farm showing the different types of topical fruits growing there. There is also a small park with goats, geese, orstichs, rabbits and even a python! While we were there, we witnessed a goat giving birth. Definitely an eye-opener for my children, all city kids!
2. Fireflies Tour
Even though it is quite safe, it is a precaution that you put on life jackets before you board the boat.
The boatman splashed some water on the mangrove trees and you see these little lights moving about.
These fascinating insects are found in abundance on the berembang trees that line the banks the Johor River. The scene is very beautiful.
3. Go-karting
More suit for children though and a good way to keep them occupied for an hour or two!
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Go-Karting
4. Walks along the beach
Ah, I loved the walks we took along the beach, especially early in the mornings, when you have the whole beach to yourself.
Ah, I loved the walks we took along the beach, especially early in the mornings, when you have the whole beach to yourself.
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Little creatures we found on the beach
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Hermit Crab
5. Kampung & Sightseeing Tour
We also took part in a the kampung & sightseeing tour. We visited a rubber plantation, visited a Malay kampung and had lunch there. The host family were very warm and friendly. Lunch was delicious too.
The tour guide took us around the kampung and showed us many of the fruit trees growing there. Unfortunately, it was not the fruiting season so we did not get to sample the fruits.
We also took part in a the kampung & sightseeing tour. We visited a rubber plantation, visited a Malay kampung and had lunch there. The host family were very warm and friendly. Lunch was delicious too.
The tour guide took us around the kampung and showed us many of the fruit trees growing there. Unfortunately, it was not the fruiting season so we did not get to sample the fruits.
Trying your hands at rubber tapping
Lunch!
A simple set Malay meal was provided during the kampung and sightseeing tour. There was curry fish, fried chicken, stirred fried vegetables and salted fish together with steamed rice. Coffee and tea were also provided. Fried banana fritters were provided as desserts after lunch.
We were told by the guide to use our right hand to eat! It was a totally new experience for the children, eating without forks and spoons!
Yummy!
- The East Coast - Desaru
- A travel site with many suggestions of what to do and see in Desaru.
- More suggestions
- of what to do and see in Desaru.
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- Very very nice. Makes you want to be there right now. Great information. Susan
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by Kheng
Hello! I'm Kheng, mother of two lovely but mischievous children :) My family loves to take short trips to the neighbouring countries. Here I'm showing... (more)
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