Desaru - Beautiful Seaside Resort in Malaysia

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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