Things to do in Desaru Coast
Mention Johor to anyone, and there’s a 99% chance that Johor Bahru city comes to mind. But there are also plenty of JB road trips you can go on; just an hour’s drive away from the Causeway lies Desaru, a getaway town located along the state’s east coast. From seaside glamping to fun water parks for the kiddos, here are some things to do in Desaru Coast for your next weekend trip to Malaysia.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Desaru Coast
- How to get to Desaru?
- When is the best time to visit Desaru?
- How many days should I spend in Desaru?
- What to do in Desaru?
- 1. Desaru Fruit Farm
- 2. Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast
- 3. Desaru Beach
- 4. Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
- 5. Desaru Mangrove tour
- 6. Tanjung Balau Fishing Village
- 7. The Els Club Desaru Coast
- 8. Desaru Coast birdwatching experience
- 9. Jomis Old Jetty
- 10. Sea Horizon Resort
- 11. Kota Tinggi Firefly Park
- Where to stay in Desaru?
How to get to Desaru?
There are various modes of transport to get from Singapore to Desaru including taking a bus, Grab, and a 90-minute ferry. Taking the Singapore to Desaru ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal will cost you $70/pax for 1-way and $108/pax for the roundtrip. You could also drive down yourself which would take roughly 90 minutes from the Woodlands Checkpoint.
When is the best time to visit Desaru?
The best months to visit Desaru are between June and October when the weather is neither too hot nor too rainy. Avoid going from November to February, which is the monsoon season.
How many days should I spend in Desaru?
To properly enjoy your beach resort and explore the activities and attractions in Desaru, it’s recommended that you spend at least a long weekend here for 3 full days of R&R.
What to do in Desaru?
Now that you know how to get to Desaru and when to visit, here’s what to do to make the most of your trip.
1. Desaru Fruit Farm
Tuck into an all-you-can-eat fresh fruit buffet
Thousand-finger banana trees and lots of durians.
Image adapted from: @nmnplantslover, @easilee7 via Instagram
Fresh fruit lovers have got to make a stop at Desaru Fruit Farm. Go on a farm tour to learn more about different species of fruits, then impress your friends with fun facts like how a jackfruit can contain up to 500 seeds.
There’s also a mini petting zoo where you can feed bunnies and a bee farm to learn how honey is made. Apart from walking about, you can hop onto an ATV and zoom around to check out the huge compound.
Image credit: @nuttymunchyy via Instagram
If you opt for a farm tour with lunch included (RM78/pax, ~S$23.69), you’ll get to try fresh fruit-infused cooking. Each dish comes with a unique twist: for example, you’ll get to sample tom yum soup made with coconut water, or dip your calamari in dragon fruit sauce as part of your tropical culinary experience.
At the end of your meal, enjoy an all-you-can-eat fresh fruit buffet. You’ll get a taste of some of the locally grown fruits including durians, bananas, starfruits, and passion fruits.
Desaru Fruit Farm review: “The farm tour is a good one-time experience… The ATV rides are good with 2 different routes with experienced trainers. The lunch is not to be missed, with a lot of variety and each dish being very unique. The price is affordable for such a big spread of fruits and food.”
– Karthigadevi J via Google
Book a tour at the Desaru Fruit Farm.
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2. Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast
Slip & slide with over 20 waterpark rides
Loop through 360 degrees at Kraken’s Revenge before you plunge back to shore – definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Back home, we have Adventure Cove and Universal Studios for a fun day out at the amusement park. Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark combines the thrills of both attractions, where you can slip on your swimsuits and go wild with over 20 rides and slides of various thrill levels. Tickets cost RM120 (~S$36.43) each.
Check out all the rides, but don’t miss out on The Tempest, a high-speed tube and funnel slide that ejects you into a 24ft drop and sends you swirling downwards. Be sure to hold on to your float handles as the slide will spin, push, and bump you in all directions – definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Pro tip: if you’re planning to head down, make sure you bring your own towels, as you’ll have to fork out an extra RM20 (~S$6.07) for towel rentals. Also, make sure to check the weather forecast, as you cannot get your ticket refunded or changed in the event of poor weather conditions.
Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast review: “Overall, it was really fun and enjoyable! This place is definitely kid-friendly, as most of the rides are suitable for children to enjoy. The food was good too. Although it was a bit pricey, it was worth it because the portions were large. The water was clean, and the toilets and changing rooms deserve 5 stars, as they were spotless and always dry.”
– Nurul Mokhtar via Google
Book your Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast tickets via Klook.
3. Desaru Beach
Go on a walking tour & learn about the local marine life
Image adapted from: @v_for_vnsa, @izwan_sam via Instagram
Of course, no resort vacay is complete without a trip to the beach. Enter Desaru Beach, where you get to enjoy picnics and loads of beach bummin’ fun. If you want to indulge your adventurous side, just head over to one of the local operators offering water sports services such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and water skiing.
Image credit: Klook
There’s also much to learn about marine life here, and the best way to explore it all is to engage a local tour guide to take you on a beach and tide pool walking tour (RM70/~S$21.25). You’ll find many unique creatures on the shore during low tide and even get to encounter sea creatures like brittle stars and barnacles while on your expedition.
Book a Desaru Beach and Tide Pool Walking Tour via Klook.
Desaru Beach is also the place to go if you’re looking to indulge in some watersports. Here, you’ll find Dash Outdoors, a facilitator of water sports activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and thrilling towed rides like Banana Boat.
Desaru Beach review: “The beach is clean and well maintained… The water is safe for swimming. We had a coconut drink from one of the stalls and enjoyed the sunny skies over the beach. It’s best to go early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is less intense.”
– paulynyyy via TripAdvisor
4. Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
10-acre farm compound with hundreds of crocodiles
Image credit: goJohor
As the largest crocodile farm in the peninsula of Malaysia since the 1950s, Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm is an offbeat and cheap attraction for reptile enthusiasts. If you’re looking to kill some time, swing by the Kota Tinggi area for a visit that only costs RM10 (~S$3.05) per entry. While at the farm, visitors will embark on an educational tour with a guide and can watch a croc feeding session for RM20 (~S$6.09).
If you’re intending to visit, the enclosures are raw, gritty, and unfiltered – don’t expect a Singapore Zoo experience. The overall feel is rustic and unpolished, and facts on information boards are in Malay, so Google Translate will be your friend. But, if you’re looking for a weirder activity to spice up your trip, Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm is definitely unique enough to check that box.
Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm review: “The place is awesome, especially looking at the crocodiles, some of which are more than 150 years old. It’s great education for the younger ones. My son especially loved the feeding session.”
– Jacqueline Wan via Google
5. Desaru Mangrove tour
Explore the wild side of Johor
Image adapted from: @junglewalladesaru via Instagram
Desaru may be known for its pristine beaches, but it also has a vast mangrove and swamp ecosystem, home to a wide array of wildlife – perfect for nature lovers.
One such place is Sungai Lebam, a wetland area just 15 minutes away by car from the coast. Those interested in visiting the place can book a spot on the Lebam River Cruise operated by Junglewalla Desaru.
Image credit: Junglewalla Desaru
For fees of RM150/adult (~S$45.69) and RM120/child (~S$36.55), embark on a boat tour around the river and surrounding mangrove, inclusive of a free pick-up from Desaru Coast hotels, the group’s own nature guide, and bottled water. Be sure to have your camera ready to snap shots of the native fauna like herons, monkeys, and crabs.
There’s also the option for a River Kayaking Adventure tour (RM200/pax, ~S$60.92) along the same river where you get to kayak around for 90 minutes before heading back.
JungleWalla Desaru review: “Our guides… were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the environment… We learnt so much… The boat ride also allows guests to enjoy the beautiful views of the river and the ecosystem… If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to spend a day, I highly recommend going on a tour with Jungle Walla.”
– Dominic Wong via Google
6. Tanjung Balau Fishing Village
Learn about Johor’s fishermen
Image credit: buck low via Google Maps
As the adage goes, give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to fish and you feed him for life. Witness the saying in real life at Tanjung Balau Fishing Village, where you can slow things down and enjoy a stroll along the beach while observing fishermen go about their kampung life.
Image credit: 彭刚毅 via Google Maps
While you’re there, look out for Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum. This beachfront museum takes you through a learning journey of the village and only costs RM10/adult (~S$3.05) or RM5 (~S$1.52) if you’re a Malaysian. Children under 13 enter for free. Here, you’ll find exhibits of the fishermen’s boats and equipment as well as various nautical paraphernalia to examine.
Tanjung Balau Fishermen Museum review: “The exhibits were curated well with information about the location, history, myths, boat building, and the flora and fauna. There are plenty of interesting facts and dioramas, which could take you about an hour here. In addition to the Fisherman’s Museum, the entry ticket also allows access to three other museums, which are on Geology, the Desaru Shipwreck, and Life Saving.”
– Din Saint via Google
7. The Els Club Desaru Coast
Swing clubs with a view of Desaru Coast
Golfers, head to The Els Club, where you can press pause on the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy an atas day at the golf course. If you’re the only beginner in your friend group, don’t worry – the club also offers introductory day lessons, so you don’t have to be stuck at the clubhouse and miss out on the fun.
Tee off at 2 different scenic courses within the club while enjoying the serene view of the Desaru Coast. The Els Club comprises the Ocean Course and Valley Course, where the latter was named the best golf course in the country by the World Golf Awards.
The Els Club Desaru Coast, Ocean Course review: “The Els Club Desaru Coast, Ocean course is varied, challenging and kept in good condition. It has nice views of the South China Sea. The clubhouse is well-equipped, and the dressing room is clean and big.”
– Mika Segerman via TripAdvisor
8. Desaru Coast birdwatching experience
Spot more than 90 bird species
Image credit: Klook
In the cooler mornings and late afternoons when the birds are more active, treat yourself to a 2-hour Birdwatching Experience. You can expect to encounter a variety of avians native to Desaru, so make sure to have your binoculars handy to spot a Brahminy Kite or Oriental Pied Hornbill, among another unique species.
Suitable for both amateurs and avid birdwatchers, you’ll be provided with a checklist and all the quality equipment needed to help you discover and identify all the different species. You can choose to go for an individual or group guide, depending on whether you prefer an intimate or more social experience.
Desaru Coast birdwatching review: “Had a great time with our guide Shahrool, he was friendly, passionate and shared with us interesting information about the local area and the species we encountered. Quality equipment for birdwatching was also provided. Overall, a great experience. Highly recommended!”
– Shaun via Klook
Book the Desaru Birdwatching Experience tour via Klook.
9. Jomis Old Jetty
Snap IG-worthy shots at this abandoned jetty
We all have that inner nomad that loves to recce off the beaten tracks – we’re certain that many of us have visited these abandoned places even back home. Located about 40 minutes away from Desaru city, you can continue your quest at the Jomis Old Jetty, an ancient relic that now makes a charming backdrop for IG-worthy shots. We recommend heading over during low tide so you can traverse the rocks at the bottom without getting wet.
Jomis Old Jetty review: “A fun and quiet place. We had a good 15 minutes taking photos and stepping on the rock near the sea. ”
– Haiqiang Wang via Google
Sungai Rengi Jetty is located in a fishing village, so while you’re in the area, make use of the opportunity to have a meal at Super Lobster Village nearby, where you can dig into fresh catch that’ll make the journey even more worthwhile.
10. Sea Horizon Resort
Go glamping in bubble tents
Image credit: Sea Horizon Resort 旭日の海 Facebook
You need not rough it out boy scout-mode to have a good time camping. Take it easy at Sea Horizons Resort, a lush glamping spot in Kota Tinggi that’s a 50-minute drive from Desaru.
All geared up with comfy beds, bathrooms and air con, you’ll be getting a hotel-tier experience that’s no doubt a one-up from typical glamping trips.
The sights of the Dinosaur Trail.
Image adapted from: @aizatabdullah via Instagram
While you’re there, relax and explore your natural surroundings on the Dinosaur Trail, a nearby rock beach which contains an underwater volcano formed millions of years ago. Else, have an upgraded breakfast-in-bed experience, where you can bring your meal to the balcony to enjoy the breathtaking seaside views.
Sea Horizon Resort review: “Very good glamping experience for the family. The tents are right in front of the sea, with the forest beside. You have many opportunities to see animals. ”
– Marc Dominguez via Google
11. Kota Tinggi Firefly Park
DIY a lantern & spot fireflies
Image credit: Klook
Fairy lights do the trick in adding a dreamy aesthetic to our bedrooms, but Kota Tinggi Firefly Park makes it au naturel. Hop on a boat ride through Johor River, and you’ll get to witness thousands of glowing fireflies captivating the scene. The cruise will set you back RM25/pax (~S$7.62), but the memories will be priceless.
Image credit: Kota Tinggi Firefly Park Facebook
After the boat tour, you can DIY your own lanterns here, similar to Taiwan’s Kongming lanterns. Jot all of your wishes onto the lantern and release it into the air – you might just strike a spark and get the stars aligned in your favour.
Kota Tinggi Firefly Park review: “Kota Tinggi Firefly Park is an exciting trip down memory lane for those of us who grew up in rural areas and a fresh experience for those folks from urban areas. Kids will definitely enjoy the view and sighting of fireflies and other wild animals (depending on your luck). ”
– Visnu Varmen via Google
Book a Firefly River Cruise Tour via Klook.
(Closed) Desaru Ostrich Farm
Desaru Ostrich Farm closed its doors in December, 2024.
Where to stay in Desaru?
Desaru has plenty of relaxing resorts to stay in and wind down after a long day of travelling. Anatara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas comes highly recommended by many, as you can enjoy stunning seaside views and relax on their private beach.
Meanwhile, the Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast and Westin Desaru Coast Resort are some of the best family-friendly options due to their convenient location right next to the Adventure Waterpark.
For a more thorough guide on where to stay, check out these best resorts in Desaru.
Fun things to do in Desaru in 2024
While JB remains the place for foodies and serial shoppers, Desaru is perfect for those wanting a quieter escape from the city.
With fun activities and tranquil nature hideouts, there are many things to do in Desaru that make it an easy go-to for a more laid back vacation. Plus, there are many accommodation options and beach resorts in Desaru like The Westin and Hard Rock Hotel, ideal for a cosy stay while you’re there.
For more things to do in Malaysia, check out:
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. However, all opinions remain our own.
First published on 10th July 2022. Last updated by Adriel Ang on 12th June 2025.