Want to know what to do in Desaru? We have you covered! Below, you will find our guide to all the best things to do in Desaru to plan your ultimate trip.
The Desaru Coast is located on the southern end of the east coast of Malaysia. Facing the South China Sea, here you will find a 22-kilometre stretch of beautiful coastline, making it a popular destination from either Singapore or Johor Bahru.
While many tourists visit the Desaru Coast as a day trip, with a range of top resorts, it’s also the perfect place to relax for a few days. In addition to fabulous beaches, there’s plenty to enjoy here, including golf, a huge waterpark, outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions.
I visited Desaru with my kids and had a great time exploring everything. It’s so easy to visit from Singapore and to enjoy top-class beaches and more.
Below, you will find our Desaru travel blog post with everything you need to know about the best places to visit in Desaru, as well as the best places to stay for your ultimate holiday. There is also a handy map of all the places mentioned in this guide.
You can also watch a video walk-through of what you can explore in Desaru in a weekend which shows the top attractions of the area including Adventure Waterpark and Desaru Beach as well as Hard Rock Desaru Hotel. It’s a quick and easy way to see what Desaru is like.
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What To Do In Desaru Coast
Here are the top 12 best things to do in Desaru Johor. Read through and select the Desaru attraction options that fit your interests and timeframe.
Relax At Desaru Beach
Of course, the number one thing to do in Desaru is to go to the beach! Along the 22-kilometre coastline, you will find gorgeous white sandy beaches, lined with casuarina trees with beautiful calm water, just perfect for swimming.
It felt like a beautiful huge bath when we swam here. It was a huge effort to get my kids to leave and go back to the hotel 🙂
There is a range of activities here from simply relaxing on the beach to fishing, boating, hiking or swimming.
You can read our full guide to Desaru Beach here.
Desaru Beach is generally best enjoyed outside the northeast monsoon season. From around November to February, the sea can become rough, with strong waves and currents making swimming unsafe. Always check local conditions and warning flags before entering the water, particularly if you’re visiting with children.
Have Fun With The Family At Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark
Easily the most fun thing to do with kids is to visit Adventure Waterpark.
The Adventure Waterpark is home to some really cool water rides including Kraken’s Revenge – the first ever water coaster in the region and one of the biggest wave pools in the world!
The Adventure Waterpark consists of five different themed zones including Penawar Falls, Penawar River, Shipwreck Reef, Tidal Wave Beach and Kids Ahoy. Across all the zones there are more than 20 different rides, slides and attractions.
You won’t want to miss the wave pool which is one of the biggest in the world at nearly three acres! So much fun.
Regardless of how old your kids are, or even if you’re an adult just young at heart – this is one of the Desaru tourist attractions which has something for everyone.
We definitely had the most fun here of any of the Desaru attractions. My kids aged six and eleven at the time have to agree and did absolutely everything here.
Address: Persiaran Pantai, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar
You can buy discounted tickets for this attraction by clicking here or click here to read our full review of this water park.
Go On A Desaru Firefly Cruise
One of the best things to do in Desaru after dark is to take a firefly cruise at the Kota Tinggi Firefly Park. These evening boat trips take you through the mangrove-lined Johor river, where you can watch fireflies illuminating the surrounding trees.
These 45-minute tours take you through the firefly breeding grounds. The number of fireflies you see depends on the weather and natural conditions, but this can be a magical experience.
Address: Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor
You can buy discounted tickets for this attraction by clicking here.
Play Golf At The Els Club Desaru Coast
For golfers, the best place in Desaru is the Els Club Desaru Coast. This is a gorgeous golf course which features two beautifully manicured courses both designed by major golf champions. The Ocean Course was designed by Ernie Els and features 27 holes, while the Valley Course has 18 holes and was designed by Vijay Singh.
If you’re visiting with family, you can also bring the kids to play on the 9 hole Par 3 course which has been designed for people with all levels of golfing experience to enjoy.
Address: No. 4, Jalan Danau, Desaru Coast, 81930 Darul Ta’zim
Visit The Desaru Fruit Farm
At Desaru Fruit Farm you can try all the delicious tropical fruit that can be found around Malaysia. This farm is situated across 180 acres, where, in theory, visitors can learn about over 100 different varieties of tropical fruit through a guided tour.
We found the farm tour was more about paying to feed animals than about the fruit, unfortunately. We also learned about honey and visited their Agricultural Gallery (like a tiny museum) on this tour.
However, in better news, there are other cool things to do at this attraction in Desaru. You can take a super fun ATV ride that we really enjoyed.
There’s also a great lunch extra where you can try an eight-course meal featuring fruit-infused dishes. This meal is absolutely delicious and it’s worth visiting here just for this. It also includes a delicious fruit buffet as pictured above. I would return here just for this!
The farm also advertises paintball, horse riding, indoor animal encounters and off-road jeep and UTV experiences. There is a lot you can do here.
Address: Sungai Cemaran, Desaru 81900 Kota Tinggi
You can read our full review of visiting Desaru Fruit Farm here.
Visit The Desaru Coast Riverside Village
The Desaru Coast Riverside Village is a 23-acre waterfront modern shopping precinct which includes some great shops, restaurants, cafes, eateries and entertainment.
Address: No.10 & 12, Persiaran Pantai, Desaru Coast, 81930 Darul Ta’zim
Experience Fun Activities And Adventure At Dash Outdoor
If you want to do more than relax on the beach, Dash Outdoors is the place to go! This outdoor adventure operator offers a fantastic range of water sports and other activities in Desaru.
You can explore the coastline on a jet ski, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, or have some fun on a banana boat. There are also other inflatable boat rides, including Mable and WOW/Xtreme rides, which are great options for groups and families looking for something a little more exciting.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can try wakeboarding or catamaran sailing. During the monsoon season, Dash also offers surfing lessons, so you can make the most of Desaru’s bigger waves.
It’s not all about the water either. Other activities include ATV adventures, mini golf and guided mangrove tours, giving you plenty of options if you’d prefer to stay dry.
Most activities don’t require previous experience, although some of the more adventurous water sports are better suited to people with experience.
With so many options, Dash Outdoors is a great choice whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or as a family.
You can buy discounted tickets for some great water adventures by clicking here.
Address: C/O Westin Hotel, Dash Outdoors, Jln Pantai 3, 81930 Bandar Penawar
Have A Splash At The Kota Tinggi Waterfalls
For the perfect place to cool off on a hot day, visit the Kota Tinggi Waterfalls. Located at the foot of Mount Muntahak, the falls cascade down the mountains for 34 metres.
The surrounding area is lovely too and perfect for a picnic – bring your own or purchase something from the nearby food stands.
You can also hike and camp in this area.
Address: Sungai Pelepah, Gunung Panti Recreational Forest, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor Darul Ta’zim
Explore The Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum And Geological Formations
For something a little different, head to the Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum (Muzium Nelayan) to learn about the area’s traditional fishing communities and maritime history.
Located near Tanjung Balau Beach, the museum has several galleries displaying traditional fishing equipment, boats and other artefacts that help tell the story of life in Malaysia’s fishing villages.
There’s more here than just fishing, too. The museum has a geology gallery featuring rocks, minerals and fossils, a maritime safety gallery and an interesting exhibition about the Desaru shipwreck, which sank off the coast in the 1840s.
While you’re in the area, it’s also worth exploring the nearby Tanjung Balau geological site.
This stretch of coastline is home to fascinating ancient rock formations, with folded and layered rocks that reveal millions of years of geological history. It’s quite a contrast to the long sandy beaches that Desaru is best known for!
You can explore the coastal formations as part of a guided experience, and it’s a particularly interesting stop if you enjoy nature, photography or discovering something a little unusual.
If you’re planning to visit the geological site independently, aim for low tide when more of the formations are exposed, and wear shoes with good grip as the rocks can be slippery.
Combining the museum and geological site makes for an interesting outing before or after visiting nearby Tanjung Balau Beach and the fishing village. Note that the museum is closed on Fridays unless it is a public holiday.
Address: Kompleks Pelancongan, Tanjung Balau, 81930 Kota Tinggi, Johor
Visit And Try Fishing At The Tanjung Balau Fishing Village
While you’re visiting the Tanjung Balau Museum, consider visiting the nearby fishing village where you can grab a meal of super fresh seafood. Or why not go fishing yourself.
Address: Tanjung Balau, 81930 Kota Tinggi
Watch Crocodile Feeding Up Close At Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
The Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm is the perfect place to visit to get up close and personal with some crocodiles. Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm is the largest crocodile farm in West Malaysia and home to hundreds of crocodiles including a 130 year old toothless crocodile!
While visiting the crocodile farm don’t miss feeding time – this is a great opportunity to see these prehistoric beasts in action.
It’s perfect for anyone interested in crocodiles. My kids thought it was cool.
Address: Lots 1289 & 1290, Kampung Belading, Jalan Sembilang, Teluk Sengat, 81940 Johor
Click here to read our full guide to visiting Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm.
Visit Desaru Mini Zoo
Another fun place to visit in Desaru with kids is Desaru Mini Zoo, located in the Pengerang area.
This family attraction offers opportunities to see and interact with a range of animals, but there’s more here than just the zoo. You can also find indoor and outdoor playgrounds, Dinosaur Land, bumper cars, an outdoor train and other activities.
It’s a good option for families looking for something different from the beach and waterpark, particularly if you’re travelling with younger children.
Address: No. 103-A, Jalan Damai 10, Kampung Sungai Kapal, 81620 Pengerang, Johor.
Best Things To Do In Desaru Map
Below is a handy Desaru attractions map to help plan your itinerary.
Best Place To Stay In Desaru
While still a reasonably quiet coastal town, there are now some relatively large first-class resorts here for anyone who wishes to stay a few days in Desaru. There are also a few budget options dotted around the area too.
Below I’ve listed a few different places to consider including a budget, mid-range and more expensive option. Note that places to stay in Desaru are pricier than most areas of Malaysia.
BEST – Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas Review
The Anantara Desaru Coast Resort is a stunning, luxurious hotel, perfect for those wanting the best in terms of accommodation. Set among lush gardens and lagoons and with a range of low-rise villas, this resort is set to look like an upmarket Malaysian fishing village.
There is a range of room options at Anantara including simple hotel-style rooms, standalone villas or even a beach house with a private swimming pool. All rooms have an espresso machine and free wifi.
The resort has two swimming pools, one of which is a spectacular beachfront infinity pool. Other facilities on site include a spa, gym (complete with personal trainers), yoga classes and a shuttle bus to take guests to Els Club Golf Course which is just 5 minutes away.
Guests can also walk to Adventure Waterpark from the resort.
Click here for the latest prices.
MID-RANGE – Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast Review
For a mid-range option, the Hard Rock Hotel is a good one to consider. With its location being right by the Adventure Waterpark, this is a particularly good option for anyone planning on spending some time at this Desaru place of interest.
The Hard Rock Hotel is a first-class five-star resort offering a range of room types. All rooms come with air-conditioning, free wifi and private balconies – you could even upgrade and have an in-room plunge pool!
As mentioned, the hotel is right next to the Adventure Waterpark. While the hotel is not beachfront, you can walk through the Westin Hotel opposite and be at the beach in moments.
Click here for the latest prices or click here to read our full review.
BUDGET – Fives Hotel Desaru Review
Looking for somewhere more affordable to stay in Desaru? Fives Hotel Desaru, formerly known as Amansari Hotel Desaru, is a good option if you’d prefer to spend your money exploring the area rather than staying at one of the more expensive beachfront resorts.
Located in Taman Desaru Utama in Bandar Penawar, this hotel has 238 air-conditioned rooms, including options suitable for families. Rooms offer practical facilities such as Wi-Fi, televisions and tea and coffee-making facilities.
The hotel is conveniently located near local shops and restaurants, making it a handy base for exploring Desaru and the surrounding area.
There is no pool on-site, although the hotel normally offers guests access to the nearby Desaru Utama Clubhouse swimming pool, around 800 metres away. Check whether this is available when booking, as the pool has recently been undergoing maintenance.
However, keep in mind that Fives Hotel Desaru isn’t on the beach. You’ll need to drive or take a taxi to reach Desaru Beach, Adventure Waterpark and the main Desaru Coast resorts.
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced hotel and don’t mind staying away from the beachfront, it’s worth considering.
Click here for the latest prices.
Click here to see all our recommendations for the best hotel in Desaru.
Weekend In Desaru Video Walk-Through
In the following video, you can experience what it’s like to visit the Desaru Coast for a weekend with a walk-through of all the top attractions, Desaru beach and a stay at the Hard Rock Hotel Desaru.
Make sure you subscribe to our channel for more Malaysian travel videos.
How To Get To Desaru
It’s easy to get to Desaru by ferry, bus or car from Singapore, Johor Bahru or the rest of Malaysia. If you have your own car, great! You are good to go.
If you need to take a bus, click here for the latest timetables and bus prices. Getting to Desaru can be tricky by bus. You may need to go to Kota Tinggi first.
You can also hire a car to get you there by clicking here.
The easiest way to get to Desaru is by private taxi.
You can also travel directly from Singapore to Desaru Coast by ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. This is a convenient option if you’re staying at one of the Desaru Coast resorts and don’t want to travel across the land border.
Services operate on selected days rather than throughout the week, so check the latest schedules and prices here. During periods of rough sea conditions, ferries may divert to Tanjung Pengelih, with a connecting coach transfer to Desaru Coast.
Read exactly how to get from Singapore to Desaru Coast here.
If you are coming from Johor Bahru, find our full guide to travelling between Desaru and Johor Bahru here.
If you want to visit Legoland before or after Desaru, read our guide to travelling between Legoland and Desaru here.
Desaru With Kids
If you’re travelling with kids to Desaru you’re in for a real treat as there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions in Desaru. This is the perfect destination for family holidays with its lovely beach.
I visited here with my own kids aged six and eleven on our last visit. It was a very easy place to be and they enjoyed the crocodile farm, the fruit farm lunch and ATV ride and, of course, Adventure Waterpark especially.
As with anywhere in Malaysia, kids are made to feel welcome in Desaru, and there is a great range of family-friendly accommodation with excellent facilities.
Final Words
For those looking to escape the busy Malaysian cities, Desaru is such a great option. This is a reasonably quiet coastal town, with a stunning beach, yet there are plenty of things to do to keep all sorts of travellers entertained.
It’s easy to get here from Singapore and Johor Bahru and a much easier way to access a great beach than travelling to Tioman.
Whether you come for a day trip or stay for a few days, you are sure to have a wonderful time in Desaru.
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!
You can read our ultimate guide to Desaru Beach here and find our full Desaru travel guide here.
