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Showing all posts tagged "Malaysia"

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.

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.

Posted on October 19th, 2023

How to Plan an Adventure Trip in Malaysia – Your Adventure Awaits

Malaysia is a country that offers a wealth of adventure activities and experiences for those who are seeking a break from the usual tourist destinations. From jungle trekking to white-water rafting, there is no shortage of exciting things to do in Malaysia. Planning an adventure trip in Malaysia requires careful consideration of various factors, like the time of year, budget, and desired activities.

Choosing the right time of year

Malaysia experiences a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather year-round. The best time to plan an adventure trip in Malaysia is between March and September when the weather is dry, and the skies are clear. The monsoon season typically occurs between October and February, which makes outdoor activities challenging due to heavy rain and flooding.

Budget considerations

This beautiful country is an affordable destination for adventure travellers, but it's important that you plan your budget accordingly.
The cost of activities and accommodations can vary significantly depending on the location and time of year. For instance, if you are planning to stay at a place like Anantara Desaru Coast Residences, you might need a bigger budget.
In general, larger cities and tourist hotspots tend to be more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas. You should also consider the cost of transportation, which can be a significant expense if you plan to travel extensively throughout tourist hotspots like Desaru Malaysia. Attractions in Desaru are located within walking distance, but some attractions can only be reached by taxi.

Popular adventure activities

Malaysia offers a wide range of adventure activities, from trekking through dense rainforests to diving in crystal-clear waters. Some of the most popular adventure activities include:
  • Jungle Trekking: You’ll find some of the oldest rainforests in the world, meaning you can enjoy some jungle trekking. There are many trails to explore, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
  • White-Water Rafting: Malaysia has several rivers that are ideal for white-water rafting, including the Sungai Selangor and Sungai Kampar. This is a thrilling way to experience the country's natural beauty.
  • Scuba Diving: The country is home to some of the best diving sites in the world, which include Sipadan Island and Tioman Island. The waters are teeming with colourful marine life, which makes it an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels.
  • Rock Climbing: Malaysia has a growing rock climbing scene, with several world-class climbing destinations, like Batu Caves and Bukit Takun.

Top Destinations for Adventure in Malaysia

Malaysia has many destinations that are perfect for adventure travellers. Here are some of the top destinations to consider:
  • Taman Negara: This national park is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and offers a range of activities, including trekking, camping, and wildlife spotting.
  • Mount Kinabalu: The highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu offers a challenging trek to the summit. The views from the top are breathtaking.
  • Perhentian Islands: These islands are a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling, with clear waters and abundant marine life.
  • Batu Caves: A limestone hill that features a series of caves. This is a popular destination for rock climbing.

Planning your itinerary

When planning your adventure trip in Malaysia, you should think about how much time you have and what activities you want to do. You should also consider the logistics of getting around the country, as some destinations are more remote than others.
Be sure to create an itinerary that includes a mix of adventure activities and downtime to relax and enjoy the local culture.

Consider Local Customs and Culture

Malaysia is a culturally diverse country with a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Respect local customs and traditions, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Learn some basic phrases in the local languages and be courteous and polite to the locals.

Stay Safe

Like any destination, it's important that you stay safe while travelling in Malaysia.
Be aware of your surroundings, avoid dark alleys, and take precautions to protect your valuables. Familiarise yourself with local laws and regulations and avoid any illegal activities.

Posted on April 23rd, 2023

How to Buy a New House in Malaysia: 10 Simple steps – All you need to know!

Are you planning to move to Malaysia? Then you must constantly be thinking about the Malaysian property market. Buying property in another country is always a challenge; there are a lot of risks involved. But if you do everything right and work with the right people, you will have a property that’s going to yield you a lifetime of benefits. Here’s how you can go about buying a new house in Malaysia.


Consider your budget
This is the most important aspect of buying a house. You need to work out your budget before you start searching for your new home. Remember that the overall cost of buying a house involves more than just the purchase value of the property; you should also consider legal fees, agent fees, and taxes. Furthermore, you might also want to pay an initial payment; it’s usually 10% of the sale value of the property, so make sure you are financially able to pay that amount.


Find your new house
Now that you’ve worked out your budget, it’s time for you to start looking for your new home. When it comes to property in Malaysia, you have a variety of options, including Anantara Desaru Coast Residences. There’s more to choosing your new home than checking if the interior and the exterior fit your preferences. You should consider the location and the kind of lifestyle you want to lead here in Malaysia. If you love beaches and are into nature, you should consider a Johor property for sale. But if you like living in the city, you should find a property in a city with all the modern buildings, skyscrapers and so on.


Work with a real estate agent
If you find the right real estate agent for you, the process of finding your new home will be a smooth one. An agent can tell you everything about the real estate market in Malaysia, what to look for, and what to avoid. However, you should find a trustworthy and experienced agent.


Find a lawyer
You cannot take care of the legal aspect of buying a house by yourself; you need the assistance of a lawyer. So, find a good lawyer and let him or her take care of the legalities of buying a property. As with real estate agents, the lawyer too should be experienced and reliable.


Secure financing
Now, you need to think about securing a loan. You can speak to your bank to find out what needs to be done. If you are a foreigner looking to buy a house in Malaysia, you need to look into the rules and regulations concerning a foreign investor obtaining a loan in Malaysia.


Letter of intent
Now that everything else has fallen into place, it’s time to let the seller know that you intend to purchase the house. You can do this by sending the seller a letter of intent.


Do a house inspection
It’s always best to do a house inspection before buying the property. You can hire a qualified house inspector for the task and obtain a house inspection report. You need to make sure that everything is in order before you sink your money into the house. The Interior and exterior should be perfect; the roof should be up to snuff, and you should pay attention to plumbing and flooring as well. Unless it’s a brand-new house, you will have to do a few repairs yourself, or you can ask the seller to do the repairs. Whatever you do, bear in mind that you should only proceed with the sale of the house if the house is as it should be.


Sign the agreement
If you are happy with the condition of the house, it’s time for you to sign the agreement. This is the moment the lawyer comes into play. Before placing your signature on any document, get your lawyer to check the details first.


Pay the money
The agreement is signed; you know you’ve made the right decision, and now, you should pay the money. Cover all the costs, and make sure your agent and the lawyer are paid too.


Move in
If the house is not vacant, your seller may ask you for a period of time during which the house occupants can move out. After the occupants have moved out, you will receive a notification, and you can move in! You can decide on the kind of furnishing after you’ve moved in; it takes time to know how a house works.

Posted on July 28th, 2022