Desaru Coast is a highly sought-after destination situated on the southern edge of East Coast Malaysia. A mere 80 km drive from Johor Bahru to Desaru via the convenient E22 motorway will lead you to this tropical paradise. As you exit onto Highway 90, the towering presence of the 4 Points Sheraton will catch your eye, surrounded by a plethora of new developments, bustling markets, and vibrant shopping areas.
A lively commercial centre welcomes visitors as they approach the entrance to Desaru, drawing a constant flow of weekenders and day-trippers to this popular destination in Johor. The recent influx of new developments along the roads leading to Desaru has piqued the interest of developers, who are now promoting holiday getaways and residential properties to enthusiastic buyers. Considering a trip to Desaru Coast from Johor Bahru?
After indulging in a quick breakfast at a cozy cafe near Z Hotel in Johor Bahru, my journey commenced around 8 in the morning. The charming old town boasts an array of Coffee Shops and Cafes, creating a delightful atmosphere. The twenty-five-minute drive from Bandar Johor Bahru to Ulu Tiram offers a glimpse of the bustling suburbs and picturesque localities on both sides. Being a first-time visitor to Johor, I made a mental note to delve deeper into this area on my next trip towards the year’s end.
For travellers based in Kuala Lumpur planning a visit to Desaru, I highly recommend securing your transport online through KLOOK.COM.
A popular Cafe in Johor Bahru near the V-Hotel where I stayed in Johor
To fully enjoy your trip, it is recommended to travel by car, as most attractions near Desaru Beach are not easily accessible by public transportation. As you cruise along Highway E22, you will notice the peaceful road with minimal traffic and picturesque palm plantations lining the way to Desaru. Make a pit stop at a halfway point, where you can refuel at a service station and indulge in local delicacies like flavorful rice and noodle dishes at the charming cafes nearby.
Jambatan Sungai Johor
Before continuing my journey to Desaru, I indulged in a delightful light snack and a steaming cup of tea. As I travelled along the road that runs alongside the Johor River, I marvelled at its vast expanse. The picturesque Jamatan Sungai Johor bridge provided a perfect opportunity for capturing breathtaking views on both sides. With numerous vessels gracefully docked in the river, it became evident that this waterway served as a vital transportation route for the movement of goods from the towns upstream.
Map of my roadtrip from Johor Bahru to Desaru
The toll from Johor to Desaru amounts to approximately RM 13. After exiting the freeway, I followed the signs leading toward Desaru on the right. The region is currently undergoing significant development to unlock its full potential as a future tourism hotspot.
Commercial Area near Desaru
The nearby markets offer a variety of dining options, including KFC and other fast food choices, suggesting that upscale travellers may prefer to stay at Four Points Sheraton and other high-end resorts in the area. With Desaru Beach located just under 8 km away, it’s convenient for guests staying at coastal resorts to easily access shopping malls and restaurants in the area.
Lotus Desaru Beach Resort and Spa is a popular Resort along the Desaru Coast
The entrance to Desaru has a beautiful multi-coloured sign of Desaru. It is a nice spot to take a selfie or a picture for Instagram. There are several beautiful resorts in the Bandar Panwar Area, including
- Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa [ Check latest rates ]
- Sands and Sandal Beach Resort and Spa [ Check latest rates ]
- Tunamaya Beach & Resort Spa [ Check latest online ]
Further up the road towards the southern tip are more luxury resorts, including
- Westin Desaru Coast Resort [ Check latest rates ]
- Hardrock Hotel Desaru Coast [ Check latest rates ]
The public Desaru Beach is located before the Westin Resort. The public beach is very well maintained with public toilets, a BBQ area, and plenty of open space on the beach for watersports.
The beautiful Desaru Coastline is popular for water sports
DASH OUTDOOR offers group watersports and action sports. The weekends are quite busy with large crowds arriving from Johor Bahru. The car access to the beach is RM 6.
Where to stay at Desaru Coast?
I planned a one-night stay at the Hard Rock Hotel. Mid-week rates are relatively lower when booking online. I was able to get reasonable rates and decided to enjoy the fun activities at the Hard Rock Hotel. Weekends come alive with a bustling waterpark and lively performances by local musicians at the hotel’s bar and restaurant area.
Staying at Hard Rock Hotel in Desaru Coast
The resort has an indoor water theme park with kids’ sports, a wave generator, water slides, and lots more. If you are planning a holiday with children, I highly recommend this resort.
Other popular resorts for family holiday include Tunayama Resort, Westin and “Sand and Sandals“. Most of these resorts have private beaches and indoor activities for children.
Compare the best rates with Trivago
I really appreciated the restaurants and bars available on-site. The evenings are particularly enjoyable, as local bands perform classic rock music for the crowd, creating a fantastic atmosphere for socialising and connecting with travellers from around the globe. I recommend reserving a hotel stay over the weekend since their theme park is open, along with numerous activities available at the beach. Additionally, there’s a beach bar that can be reached by walking from Hard Rock towards the Westin Hotel.
At night, I decided to have dinner at the highly recommended “Nelayan Seafood By the Coast” located next to Tunamaya Beach Resort.
Nelayan is a popular seafood restaurant located near Tunamaya Resort
The seafood BBQ at night is not missed. The beautiful location of this restaurant, the beach is very pleasant in the evening. The restaurant offers a spacious outdoor sitting area to enjoy BBQ in the evening.
What to do at Desaru Beach?
Desaru Beach is popular for watersports and group activities. A highly skilled team at DASH (Desaru Public Beach) provides a wide range of water sports, including water scooters, banana boats, as well as windsurfing. Other facilities include:
- Surf lessons
- Kayaking
- Paddle Boats
- Waterski, wakeboards, kneeboards
- Fat Bikes
Best Experiences in Desaru with KLOOK.COM
Desaru is a fantastic family-friendly destination with plenty to keep children entertained. Kids will love splashing around at Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, one of the largest waterparks in Malaysia. Families can also enjoy a fun day at the Desaru Fruit Farm, where little ones can learn about tropical fruits and meet farm animals. For nature adventures, the Desaru Beach offers safe stretches of sand for play, while the Desaru Ostrich Farm gives kids a chance to see and interact with over 200 ostriches. With its mix of outdoor fun, wildlife encounters, and beachside relaxation, Desaru is perfect for a family getaway.
How to travel from Singapore to the Desaru Coast?
Desaru is a very popular holiday destination for Singaporeans and is easily accessible by car or bus. The driving distance from Singapore to Desaru Coast is 100 km.
Travelling to Desaru from Singapore by Bus
A variety of bus tours are available from Singapore, with WTS bus services operating a standard tour. They run one service each weekday and offer two services on weekends for added convenience. A one-way ticket is priced at approximately $SGD 17, making it an affordable option for travelers.
The bus tickets can be booked online using Easybook.
- Book Tours Shared Bus Transfer from Senai Airport JHB
- Private Transfer between Desaru and Kuala Lumpur
- Book Experiences in Desaru with Klook
Catching a Ferry from Singapore to Desaru Coast
A more convenient way to reach Lotus Beach Resort in Desaru is via the Changi Ferry Terminal. The journey takes just 30 minutes, with two daily ferry services from Singapore. Tickets are priced at SGD 40, inclusive of a SGD 1 insurance fee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Desaru is a coastal gem that perfectly blends relaxation and adventure. With its pristine beaches, world-class resorts, and exciting outdoor activities, it offers something for every traveller. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful seaside escape, indulging in fresh seafood, or exploring its natural attractions, Desaru is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.
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