If you enjoy Wild Wild Wet and Adventure Cove, then Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark is a must-visit! This family-friendly waterpark features one of the world’s largest wave pools and offers a variety of thrilling rides suitable for all ages.

Highlights You Can’t Miss:

– Swing Ship: A pirate ship that swings up to 180 degrees.

– Surf Wall: A surf simulator perfect for catching waves.

– The Tempest and RIPTIDE: Exciting tube slides you can enjoy with friends and family.

– Kraken’s Revenge: A roller coaster and splashing flume ride that includes a full 360º horizontal loop.

– Kids Ahoy: A splash zone designed for the little ones.

Address: 82200 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 6 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

Next stop, Desaru Fruit Farm! Enjoy an educational tour around the farm grounds with your expert guide and learn about various species of fruits, including passionfruit, starfruit, jackfruit, banana, durian, and more.

Tour Highlights:

– Honey Experience: Get up close with stingless bees, learn about honey production, and enjoy a honey tasting at the end of the tour.

– Koi Pond: Feed colorful koi fish (food sold separately).

– Petting Zoo: Feed adorable bunnies and playful goats (food sold separately).

You can also have lunch at the farm! The dishes are made from fruits freshly harvested from the farm. Our top favorites were the Tom Yum soup made with coconut water and sweet coconut flesh, fried calamari rings served with a delicious dragonfruit dip, and the rich and creamy Lemak Cili Padi with bananas.

But lunch isn’t all—there’s also an all-you-can-eat fresh fruit buffet featuring jackfruit, guava, mango, pineapple, rockmelon, and rose apple. It’s a fruit party!

For those seeking more adventure, we highly recommend booking an ATV riding session. Strap on your helmets and start your engines—you’ll get to zoom around the farm’s sprawling grounds. It’s an activity too fun to miss!

Address: 92, 82200 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia

If you think birdwatching sounds boring, prepare to be proven wrong. This birdwatching experience was one of the most enjoyable activities we did in Desaru, and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed with what you’ll spot!

Armed with a trusty pair of binoculars each and accompanied by our lovely birdwatching guide, we set out on a mission to spot as many birds as possible. And boy, were we surprised! Besides the usual suspects like crows, we also observed woodpeckers, egrets, and killdeer—how cool is that?

Our guide shared fascinating insights about the various types and species of birds we encountered. It was truly a fun and educational tour that left us in awe of nature and wildlife.

If you love wildlife, this guided coastal walk in Desaru is perfect for you! Instead of birds, this tour focuses on marine creatures, allowing you to get up close and personal with them while learning about their habitat.

During our walk, we observed little hermit crabs and sea snails in their natural surroundings and learned about the diverse marine biodiversity. We even found some beautiful seashells to keep as souvenirs!

Tips for the Tour:

Footwear: To reach the coast, you’ll walk through a stretch of forest that can get muddy, especially after rain. We recommend wearing booties or sports sandals that can be easily washed afterward.

Prepare: Bring mosquito repellent and water to stay comfortable during the tour.

This activity is a fantastic way to explore Desaru’s coastal wildlife and enjoy a unique, educational experience.

Here’s an experience you probably won’t find in Singapore—fireflies! Join a boat tour into the mangroves on the Firefly River Cruise Tour in Kota Tinggi Johor to catch a glimpse of these elusive, twinkling creatures.

As you glide through the mangroves, your guide will point out the best spots to see the fireflies lighting up the night. If you’re lucky, your guide might even catch one and let you hold it under the cupped palm of your hand, offering a magical and unforgettable experience.

This serene and enchanting tour is perfect for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty and wonder of Desaru.

For those who enjoy golfing, be sure to pack your golf set and make time for a golfing session at Els Club Desaru Coast. This scenic golf club offers two courses, the Ocean Course and Valley Course, allowing you to play against the stunning backdrops of the South China Sea or lush rainforest.

Even if you don’t have golfing experience, you can still sign up for a lesson at the in-house golfing academy to learn how to swing and hit some balls!

After your golfing session, enjoy a hearty brunch or delightful high tea at Big Easy Bar & Grill, located on the grounds of Els Club. The restaurant offers a variety of both Asian and Western dishes. You can savor local favorites like smoky wok hei infused char kuey teow or nasi goreng, or indulge in a beautifully stacked burger with all the fixings—your choice!

Addresses:

Ocean Course: Darul Ta’zim, 4, Jalan Danau, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia

Valley Course: No. 2, Jalan Pantai 2 Desaru Coast, Desaru, 81930 Coast, Johor, Malaysia

Due to its proximity to fishing villages, Desaru is a fantastic destination for seafood lovers, offering fresh and affordable seafood dishes.

For a sumptuous dinner, we recommend dining at Nelayan Restaurant. Here, you can enjoy comforting and tasty zhi char favorites such as fresh steamed fish, salted egg prawn, hotplate tofu, lemon chicken, and more. It’s the perfect spot to savor the flavors of the sea and indulge in a delicious seafood feast.

Whether you’re planning a holiday with your family, friends, or partner, Desaru Coast is the perfect beach getaway to relax and unwind. Treat yourself to a luxurious stay at one of the town’s beautiful 5-star resorts, where you can wake up to the gentle ocean breeze and indulge in ultimate comfort. Most of these resorts have direct access or are within walking distance of the beach.

Top Resort Recommendations:

• Best for Families/Friends:

Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast: Offers direct access to Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark.

• Best for Families/Couples:

The Westin Desaru Coast Resort: Features a private beach for its guests.

• Best for Couples:

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas: Also offers a private beach for its guests.

These resorts provide a perfect blend of luxury and convenience, ensuring a memorable and relaxing beach holiday in Desaru.

The long stretch of Desaru Beach overlooking the South China Sea is the highlight of this coastal town. Pack a beach mat and a picnic lunch to spend a relaxing day lounging with family, or bring a volleyball for a game with friends!

Activities at Desaru Beach:

• Swimming: The waters are generally calm and shallow, making it great for casual dips and safe for kids to splash around in.
• Water Sports: Numerous local operators offer various water sports. You can compare prices and choose from activities like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and kayaking.

Desaru Beach provides a perfect setting for a fun and relaxing day by the sea.

If you’re looking for more nature getaways, hop on a river cruise eco-tour to explore Desaru’s wetlands. This tour takes you through the mangroves, allowing you to spot the rich wildlife in the area and learn about this unique ecosystem.

Highlights of the Eco-Tour:

• Mangrove Exploration: Discover up to 42 species of mangroves in the area.
• Wildlife Spotting: Observe various animals that inhabit the mangroves.
• Educational Insights: Your guide will share fascinating information about the different species of mangroves, the ocean tides, and how these factors affect marine life and the overall ecosystem.

This eco-tour is a fantastic way to connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of Desaru’s natural environment.

Did you know that the Desaru Ostrich Farm is one of the largest in Malaysia? Home to over 100 ostriches, this farm offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these giant flightless birds.

What You Can Do at the Ostrich Farm:

• Educational Tour: Learn fascinating facts about ostriches from knowledgeable guides.
• Feeding: Get the chance to feed these majestic birds.
• Riding: Experience the thrill of riding an ostrich (suitable for both kids and adults).

The farm is particularly popular among families and provides an educational experience for children, making it a must-visit destination in Desaru.

Address: Jalan Telok Ramunia, Kampung Changi, 81600 Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia

To catch a glimpse of a different side of Desaru, explore the nearby fishing villages along the coast. These charming villages, free from tourist crowds, offer a genuine kampung feel.

Tanjung Balau Fishing Village:

• Fishermen’s Activities: Watch fishermen dock their boats and empty their nets.
• Kite Flying: Enjoy flying kites by the beach.
• Rocky Shore Exploration: Walk along the rocky shore at low tide.
• Sunset Views: Catch a breathtaking sunset over the sea.
• Cultural Visits: Visit the Fishermen Museum (Muzium Nelayan) and a local art gallery.

Address: Lembaga Bandaran Johor Tenggara, Jalan Dato’ Haji Hassan Yunus, Bandar Penawar, Johor, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Malaysia

Exploring these fishing villages offers a peaceful and culturally rich experience, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle.