Desaru a true place for vacation

DESARU, located on the eastern tip of the Malay Peninsula, has clean sandy white beaches and it is popular with tourists as well as locals. The 25km long stretch of unspoiled beach framed by the South China Sea on one side and lush tropical forest on the other, is home to many hotels and resorts ready to take in new guests.

Activitites in Desaru

In Desaru, activities are largely available and include golfing, horseback riding, tennis, canoeing, swimming, boating, fishing, snorkeling, jungle trekking, and you can even enjoy yourselves in the local theme park.



Snorkeling is a good option, but don't expect banks of colorful fishes and wonderful sea creatures. Scuba diving here is out of the question, although some of the resorts do arrange trips out to Johor's northern islands.


One thing you can definitely try is surfing. If wind is good, the waves are quite OK, and especially the lack of jellyfish and sharks makes it an attractive location. During December, January and first half of February (monsoon season), the waves are almost constantly high, but do expect the water to be a little cold. There is a company that rents surf boards for 20 RM/h and provides surf lessons for 100 RM. The same company rents jetskis.

Excursions to see the fireflies (api-api) in the Sungei Lebam river are very popular. While theoretically possible to arrange yourself, this would require bumping about dirt roads to find the dock and then cruising around a pitch-black jungle river, so it's much easier to join one of the hotel excursions. The best time to go is after rain on a new moon.

Getting to Desaru



By Land

Desaru Beach is easily accessible from Singapore and the northern areas by road via Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia.

Approximate distance and traveling time when driving to Desaru:

* from Johor Bahru: 100 km, 1h 30min
* from Kuala Lumpur: 436 km, 4hrs 15min
* from Singapore: 125 km, 2hrs 15min

Public transport is available from Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi and Tanjung Belungkor to Desaru, but do check schedules as buses tend to be few and far between.

By Sea

Travel by ferry from Changi Point, Singapore to Tanjong Belungkor, Malaysia. The ferry operates four times a day and has capacity for 400 passengers and 70 cars on its car deck.


In Desaru, Johor, you don't have to worry about 'a place to stay' and 'where to eat'...as there are plenty to choose from and within your budget. So, worries not but 100% relax and enjoy.....