How to spend 4 days in Desaru

A picturesque beach resort in Kota Tinggi District, Desaru is a coastal town in the South of Johor beside the South China Sea. For those wanting a change from the tempo, complexity, and tensions of modern life, this hidden gem of a holiday destination offers a peaceful and relaxing escape being close to nature whilst to the intrepid visitors it offers various activities sparking an element of adventure. Discover how to enjoy your stay to the fullest in this enchanting town.

Image via Anantara Desaru Coast Residences

Planning your trip

There is an array of attractions and exciting things to do in Desaru during a 4-day trip depending on whether you are a family travelling with children, a group of friends taking a break together or a couple simply wanting to spend time together. It is good to do a bit of planning to make the most of your time in Desaru.
Enjoying moderate to slightly higher temperatures ranging between 27 to 30 degrees Celsius all through the year, this coastal area receives monsoon rains from November to February. June is the warmest month in this area. Most visitors who enjoy pool villas in Malaysia, tend to book their holiday between April to October. The weather is dry and warm, and the sea is ideal for water sports.

Getting to Desaru

Getting to Desaru has many options. If you are already visiting Malaysia, you can take a domestic flight to Desaru. International visitors must first arrive in Malaysia or Singapore and then use land transportation to Desaru
From Malaysia, Singapore and Johor Bahru travelling by bus, car or taxi is possible. However, arriving by bus can be first to Kota Tinggi and another bus to Desaru. Therefore, the fastest mode is by car or hired taxi. Additionally, from Singapore, there is a ferry service from Tanah Merah ferry terminal in Singapore that arrives in Desaru in 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Things to do and explore

These are some of the activities and attractions for discerning visitors looking for a change, most of these are suitable for all ages and can be experienced on a 4-day trip.
Desaru Beach – This is a must for all visitors of all ages to Desaru, the long stretch of pristine beach with calm water lined by casuarina trees is inviting and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and multiple water sports or just revelling in the spectacular view.

Desaru Coast Adventure Park – A Day at this Adventure Park is a treat for the entire family, a group of friends or even lovers. With five unique themed zones to cater to different interests with water rides, a water coaster, and a wave pool just to name a few. This is an attraction loved by many visitors at properties such as Anantara Desaru Coast Residences.

The Ostrich Farm – Watch the world’s largest bird at this farm, home to over 200 birds, you can see them close and even feed some of the birds and capture some unique images with the birds. An engaging visit for all ages.

Kota Tinggi Waterfalls – Cascading from a height of 34 metres this scenic fall is situated at Mount Muntahak. Most visitors to this waterfall don’t miss having a dip, admiring the scenery and cooling off with a picnic lunch or picking up something from the food stalls to quell their hunger pangs.

Bird Watching – Ideal for nature lovers, the 2-hour Bird Watching tour can be booked and be treated to the discovery of over 90 species of colourful birds like the Oriental Pied Hornbill, Brahminy kite and many other birds. Make sure you carry your binoculars as a nature lover.

Mangrove Cruise – Have an expert guide you on an eco-tour through the lush mangroves of Desaru Coast. Spot the fauna and flora as you skim through and be educated about the ecosystem and even taste some local treats.

Useful Information

  • Getting about in Desaru - 03 shuttle buses are plying on the Desaru Coast between places of interest and the resorts for the convenience of visitors.
  • Eating out in Desaru - With a bounty of local produce and loads of seafood available eating places are easy to find. There are many fine dining places, restaurants and cafes to enjoy local favourites.
  • Desaru Coast Riverside – This waterfront area offers plenty of retail and lifestyle outlets, cafes and entertainment.