Desaru

Tourist attraction
★ 4.8 (7K+ reviews) • 148K+ booked
Desaru, on the southeast coast of Johor, Malaysia, is the fastest-growing luxury tourism destination in the region, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and exhilaration just a quick ferry ride from Singapore. This vibrant Desaru Coast area provides stunning beaches, world-class golf, and family-friendly mega-attractions, making it the ideal spot for a quick weekend getaway or a memorable family vacation.
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Desaru, 82200 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Overview
Things to do
Hotels

Desaru Reviews

4.8 /5
7K+ reviews
Read all reviews
Noriza ****
10 Sep
Checkin okay 2.30pm can go to room ,parking must arrive early okay for get near room , my room okay accept" sinki" bathroom problem , I call opr but I must doing my self to settle 😅, water park okay,l but small for many people during public , breakfast menu okay, full house 😅 check out must take time many people during public , but still smooth . thanks
Yu ********
11 Sep
Highly recommended for couples and families visiting Desaru -- excellent daily breakfast, free minibar, two infinity pools and beachside dining.
1+
Jeatte ***********
8 Sep
our driver arrived on time and was very helpful. he was able to navigate well even though it was raining. he was also friendly and patient even if it took us long at the immigration.
Klook User
28 Aug
transport access: Own transportation hotel location: Nice Great Seaview with Sunrise View! cleanliness: a little old but all were clean. reccomended to all
Ida ********
26 Aug
playroom but a bit old. arcade coin exchange machine was down. Breakfast spread was reasonable. nothing extraordinary. love the pool and the easy access to the beach, just behind the resort. very strong wifi (: nextflix and youtube available if u just want to stay in. very comfortable room. 10 mins drive from shops and nice seafood place (:
Mzihn ****
23 Aug
Had a fantastic stay at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru! Staff were super friendly and welcoming, the room was spacious and comfortable, and the whole vibe was fun yet relaxing. Perfect for couples or families, we left with wonderful memories and can’t wait to come back!
Klook User
17 Aug
I spent a full day at Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast and while most of it was fantastic, I have to admit I was pretty disappointed that Kraken's Revenge-the signature water coaster-was closed for its annual cleaning. I'd been hyped to ride it, especially with all the buzz about its high-speed drops and splashy finale. Still, the rest of the park made up for it: the wave pool was enormous and surprisingly relaxing, and the lazy river was perfect for unwinding. The staff were friendly, the facilities were clean, and the ticket promos made it a great value. Just wish I'd checked the ride schedule before going!
1+
Klook User
17 Aug
The driver was patient while we cleared customs at JB. The service is easy to book, with pickup and drop-off available anywhere in Singapore to JB.

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What to know about Desaru

Desaru Things To Do

Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast

No trip to Desaru is complete without a visit to the adventure waterpark desaru coast. As one of the world's largest water park theme parks, it’s set against the backdrop of a traditional Malaysian fishing village and is a must-do for families. You can experience the exhilarating tidal wave beach, which features one of the biggest wave pools globally, or seek adrenaline on thrilling slides like Kraken’s Revenge and The Tempest. For a break from the action, guests can float serenely down the 350-meter-long lazy river (Penawar River), winding past lush greenery. For maximum convenience, the Hard Rock Hotel offers direct access to this popular theme park.

Desaru Farm Tours and Outdoor Adventures

Step away from the resorts to enjoy the region’s quieter charms and outdoor adventures. You can explore the 100-acre desaru fruit farm with guided tours that showcase a wide variety of tropical fruits (look out for a seasonal durian feast!). The farm also includes a small petting zoo, which is great for younger children. For unique animal encounters, visit the newer Desaru Alpaca Farm or the traditional ostrich farm. Afterward, sink your toes into the soft sands of Desaru Beach, where the pristine beaches offer ample space for quiet walks and simple beach activities.

The Els Club Desaru Coast and Luxury Seaside Resort Life

Golf enthusiasts flock to the world-renowned els club desaru coast, featuring two championship courses designed by Ernie Els: the 27-hole Ocean Course and the 18-hole valley course. This club embodies the sophisticated luxury seaside resort lifestyle with immaculate greens and stunning coastal views, providing a world-class experience for serious golfers.

Desaru Transport: Ferry Terminal, Shuttles, and Logistics

Desaru’s proximity to Singapore makes logistics simple and fast.

Singapore to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal

The fastest and most direct route is by sea. The sole operator, BatamFast, runs the ferry ride from tanah merah ferry terminal in Singapore directly to the desaru coast ferry terminal in Malaysia. The journey is efficiently completed in approximately 90 minutes.

It is highly recommended to book your round trip tickets in advance, especially during Singapore school holidays, as services may not run daily.

On-Site Transportation: Free Shuttle Bus Service and Private Car

Once you arrive at the ferry terminal, getting to your resort is seamless. Desaru Coast provides a reliable free shuttle bus service (electric buses) that connects the desaru coast ferry terminal to all major resorts (Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort) and the waterpark.

For a more flexible schedule or large groups with heavy luggage, booking a pre-arranged private car transfer is also an easy option. Separately, for international visitors, the nearest major gateway is senai international airport (JHB), approximately one hour's drive away.

Desaru Accommodation Guide

The Desaru Coast area boasts a stellar lineup of resorts, each catering to a different kind of traveler with exceptional amenities.

Luxury Desaru Resorts

These resorts are perfect for couples seeking tranquility and seclusion. The Anantara Desaru Coast Resort is often chosen for the ultimate romantic escape, offering tranquil pool villas, a secluded own private beach, and exquisite dining.

Meanwhile, the Westin Desaru coast resort provides a luxurious yet versatile option with stunning ocean-facing rooms and a gorgeous infinity pool ideal for couples and families alike.

Family-Friendly Stays with Direct Access and Kids Club

Families often gravitate toward the hard rock hotel desaru coast due to its immediate direct access to the water park and its popular Roxity Kids Club. The hotel offers various family room configurations and multiple swimming pool options.

For a more budget-conscious stay with larger units, the lotus resort desaru is a great alternative located slightly outside the main Desaru Coast area. Both feature high-quality amenities and offer easy access to the coast’s stunning beaches.

Beyond the Resorts: Desaru's Local Restaurants and Hidden Gem

To truly experience the local culture, make sure to explore the fantastic local food options outside of the resorts. Just a short drive away in Bandar Penawar, you'll find great local restaurants serving authentic Malaysian cuisine, such as Jade Garden Seafood Corner for classic zi char. For a unique evening experience, the magical Firefly Valley Leisure Park provides a captivating hidden gem boat tour. For practical needs, convenience stores and small supermarkets are readily available in the nearby town for resort guests.

Plan Your Desaru Adventure

For a perfect trip, consider tailoring your experience to your group.

A 2D1N Romantic Escape might focus on a spa treatment at Anantara, sunset cocktails at a beach bar, and a leisurely morning by the infinity pool.

A 3D2N Family Adventure would pack in a full day at the waterpark, a morning tour of the Desaru Fruit Farm and petting zoo, and fun outdoor activities like an atv ride on the beach before departure.