Searching for the best things to do in Desaru? The Malaysian fishing village in Johor, Desaru Coast, is known for 17km of majestic sandy beaches, luxurious hotels, and turquoise waters. Luckily, holidaymakers can take a 90 minute ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal – making it an idyllic location for a quick day trip or weekend vacation from Singapore. Desaru Coast is the perfect place to relax but also seek adventure with exciting attractions, as well as nature and wildlife experiences, for people of all ages. Here’s 15 best things to do for the ultimate weekend away in Desaru Coast.
1. Admire cute alpacas and other exotic animals
Desaru Alpaca Farm is a unique and interactive animal farm located in Johor, Malaysia. Despite the name, it features a range of exotic animals, including alpacas, raccoons, wallabies, hedgehogs, and more. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour which includes education on each animal’s natural habitat. Wonderfully, children aged two and below go free. Certainly, a wonderful Desaru activity for families with children.
📍PTD1115 Bukit gelungor, Pengerang, 81620 Bandar Penawar, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Malaysia
2. Step back in time at a fishing village
A hidden gem in Desaru Coast is Tanjung Balau Fishing Village. The popular site features a beautiful beach, an interesting fisherman museum where you can learn about the location, art galleries, and a host of delicious seafood offerings. It’s the perfect place for a quiet stroll and to pass a few hours. Definitely, one of the best Desaru things to do.
📍Tanjung Balau, 81930 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
3. Make a splash at the waterpark
Adventure Waterpark in Desaru Coast features more than 20 adrenaline-pumping slides, rides like the Swinging Ship and attractions for people of all ages to enjoy. Allegedly It’s one of the world’s biggest waterparks in Desaru Coast, where visitors can look forward to a huge wave pool and one-of-a-kind water coaster. Excellent for making memories with your group. Tickets begin at MYR 110 ($33.61).
📍82200 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
4. Take a guided coastal walk
Desaru Coast is hiding one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems. So why not book a Desaru Beachlife and Tidal Pool Discovery Tour? On the tour, you’ll see many creatures, like moon snails and hermit crabs, as well as spotting pockets of pools which will teach you about biodiversity. Definitely, an interesting thing to do with kids in Desaru Coast.
5. Say hello to hundreds of ostriches
Get up close and personal with more than 200 ostriches at the unique Desaru Ostrich Farm. Learn about ostrich species, feed the animals and be treated to supervised ostrich rides. From cute baby chicks roaming around to adult ostriches hilariously staring you down…it’s an interesting experience to say the least in Desaru Coast.
📍Jalan Telok Ramunia, Kampung Changi, 81600 Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia
6. Be captivated by crocodiles in the wild
Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm is an interesting tourist attraction in Desaru Coast. Located around 30 minutes from Desaru Beach, it’s one of the largest crocodile farms in Malaysia. The thrilling farm is home to more than 1,000 crocodiles, including some that are 150-years-old, and offers educational experiences for people of all ages. Visitors can watch feedings, hold a baby crocodile, and sample crocodile satay, to name a few things.
📍Lots 1289 & 1290, kampung belading, Jalan Sembilang, Teluk Sengat, 81940, Johor, Malaysia
7. Book a luxurious staycation
Desaru is full of stunning hotels and resorts to book depending on your budget. For instance, the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort exhibits a beachside infinity pool, private villas with their own pool, resembling a Bali escape, and lots of family-friendly activities.
Alternatively, those wanting a little more privacy can opt for the likes of The Westin or the One&Only which boasts its own beach club and seaside dining, offering the perfect place to relax with an exceptional views of the South China Sea. While the Hard Rock Hotel is a vibrant place to enjoy a boogie, cocktails and a buzzing atmosphere.
8. Have a picnic on the beach
Make your getaway even more dreamy by having a picnic on the idyllic Desaru Beach which faces the South China Sea. The long beach is ideal for having fun with family or friends, playing beach games, watching a sunset or sunrise or just topping up your tan in a tranquil location.
📍Bandar Penawar, Malaysia
9. Get educated at a fruit farm
Why not take a guided tour at the award-winning Desaru Fruit Farm? It’s the perfect place to learn about the history of Malaysian fruit on a 180 acres of fruit orchard, visit a petting zoo and get educated about bees. Plus, there’s tour packages offering quad bike rides and options to add lunch or dinner.
📍92, 82200, Johor, Malaysia
10. Pamper yourself at a world-class spa
One of the best activities to do in Malaysia is attend a luxury spa at an affordable cost. Some of the coolest Desaru Coast spas include Chenot Spa at One & Only known for detox body massages and a range of treatment rooms, as well a Anantara Spa where you can get Thai and Malay wellness offerings, a music-themed Rock Spa, and peaceful havens like Heavenly Spa, to name a few.
📍Various Locations
11. Indulge on a seafood feast
Desaru Coast is, after all, the home of the greatest fishing culture. So there’s a range of restaurants serving a scrumptious feasts of seafood – which may be the best you’ll ever taste in your life. Local seafood favourites include Nelayan Seafood By The Coast, Desaru Seafood Corner and Jade Garden Seafood Corner, to name a few.
📍Various Locations
12. See majestic fireflies at night
Meet hundreds of fireflies on an enchanting firefly river cruise. Situated along the Kota Tinggi Johor River, it’s a well-worth-it 40 minute drive for a magical experience under the stars. After the cruise, guests usually send beautiful lanterns into the sky. A totally romantic setting if you ask us! Book via Kotta Tinggi Firefly Park.
📍Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
13. Play golf at a top golf club
Those who love golf can’t miss this popular activity in Desaru. Particularly, The Els Club golf courses, designed by champion golfers, are popular with locals. Opt to play at either 27-hole Ocean Course, against the backdrop of the pristine beach and ocean, or else take on the green Valley Course. Definitely, a golfing adventure is unmissable on your trip.
📍Desaru Coast, Johor, Malaysia
14. Hop on a river cruise
Explore Desaru by hopping on a river cruise with tour operator, JungleWalla. Meander down the Lebam River by boat or kayak, passing through the lush Mangrove Forest, and stopping in places like the Desaru Fruit Farm Shop. Plus, you’ll see plenty of wildlife and even a unique floating restaurant on your journey.
📍Lebam River, Johor, Malaysia
15. Hang out at Ember Beach Club
One & Only Hotel’s luxurious new Ember Beach Club exhibits action-packed entertainment. Think thrilling watersports and outdoor movie screenings in a beachside destination. Plus, there’s private cabanas and daybeds available to rent, as well as world-class cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Andrew Walsh, and live music by talented DJs. Certainly, one of the best things to do in Desaru Coast this season. In fact, this is one of the best beach clubs in Asia.
📍One&Only Desaru Coast Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
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