Desaru
Southeast Asia · Malaysia
Did you know?
- Firefly excursions on Sungei Lebam are recommended after rain near a new moon.
- The local fruit farm cultivates about 100 varieties of fruit.
- The area's nickname is the “Land of Casuarinas”.
See also
Pasir Gudang
Malaysia1.45°N 103.89°E
Kota Tinggi
Malaysia1.73°N 103.90°E · 28 m
Singapore
Singapore1.29°N 103.82°E
Johor Bahru
Malaysia1.48°N 103.73°E · 32 m
Overview
Desaru is a resort coast with long beaches and casuarina trees. Fruit-farm visits and night-time river trips offer alternatives to the beach complexes.
Languages: English, Malay
Why go?
Desaru is a coastal town in Johor, Malaysia, known as the Land of Casuarinas. It offers 22 km of beach, integrated beach resorts with water theme parks, golf courses, and villas facing the South China Sea. As the closest beach to Johor Bahru, it has seen major investments to attract visitors from Singapore.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Direct Mara Liner coach services run four times a day from Johor Bahru's Larkin Bus Terminal to Bandar Penawar via Kota Tinggi (RM8.20 one-way). From Bandar Penawar, take a taxi (RM10) or minibus (RM1, every 30 min) to Desaru resorts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Climate
Desaru is highly seasonal, with monsoon winds and rains from November to February. The best season is April to October, with June to August being the busiest months when the waters are inviting and the sand fine.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
There is no public transport in Desaru and Grab does not operate. Taxis are available, with fares around RM15 to Bandar Penawar or RM40 to Kota Tinggi. Ask restaurant staff to call a taxi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from basic chalets (from RM120 at Desaru Holiday Chalets) to luxury resorts. Most hotels are in Bandar Penawar or along the beachfront. The oldest place to stay is Desaru Holiday Chalets, opened in 1974.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Seafood restaurants are in Sungai Rengit (30 km away), while basic restaurants and food courts are in Bandar Penawar. The Tanjung Balau Food Court and Penawar Food Court are options. Resort restaurants offer international cuisine.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Activities include surfing (board rental RM20/hr, lessons RM100), snorkeling (limited marine life), firefly excursions on Sungei Lebam (best after rain on a new moon), visiting Desaru Fruit Farm (100 fruit cultivars and mini zoo), and the Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark. See also Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Etiquette
Toplessness is not appropriate on the beach. Normal bikini for women and shorts for men is acceptable. Many locals bathe in long pants and t-shirts to fend off the sun and maintain modesty.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include Sungai Rengit for seafood, Kota Tinggi for its waterfall and museum, Pengerang, Johor Bahru, and Singapore (an hour away). Firefly excursions on Sungei Lebam can also be done as a night trip.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Nearby destinations: Kota Tinggi (waterfall and museum), Pengerang/Sungai Rengit (seafood), Johor Bahru, and Singapore (an hour away).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Amansari Hotel Desaru
Hotel.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort and Villas
Offers a range of rooms, villas and residences with Malaysian, Thai and international dining and various family activities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bayu Balau Beach Resort
Resort.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Desaru Holiday Chalets
Opened in 1974, this is Desaru's oldest place to stay. Simple little beachfront chalets with aircon, fridge. "Standard" chalets have no hot water, while "Superior" ones do. The "Single" chalets house 2, while the "Doubles" are intended for four.
Recorded price: From RM120
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Desaru Villa Resort At Arcadia
Recorded price: Rm400
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast
Hotel.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
K2 Hotel Desaru
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa
Water Park features Giant Coconut Fall, Lazy River, Aqua Play, Stone Bridge, Tipping Coconut with kiddy slide, poolside grotto, and relaxation gazebos.
Recorded price: MYR 265
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Chalets from RM120. Most lodging in Bandar Penawar or beachfront.
Beach
Toplessness not appropriate. Normal swimwear is fine.
Transport
No public transport in Desaru. Taxi from Bandar Penawar to resorts costs RM15.
Weather
Monsoon from Nov to Feb; best season Apr to Oct.