Cover (Photo: Facebook/Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast)

Just two hours away from Singapore by car or a 90-minute ferry ride, Desaru is rife with luxury hotels, restaurants and activities for a quick getaway

If you’re looking for a quick getaway destination for the weekend, consider taking a trip down to Desaru Coast. Filled with exciting activities and attractions, this idyllic and languid beach hideaway is the perfect escape from Singapore’s hustle and bustle. What’s more, getting here is much easier now thanks to the new ferry service which takes us from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal in 90 minutes.

Desaru Coast may offer a number of luxurious hotels and beach resorts that you can relax in but if you are keen on exploring the area, the town has a host of fun and unique activities that you try. From exciting waterparks to fruit farms, here’s everything you need to check out on your next trip to Desaru Coast.

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1. Explore the Panti Rainforest

Covering nearly 275 square kilometres of lowland rainforest, Panti Forest Reserve is home to over 25 species, including the endangered Malayan Tiger, White-handed Gibbon and Banded Langurs. Book a tour with Jungle Walla Desaru and get to explore the rainforest. Hop onto the bird mobile and drive along the dirt road—keep your eye out for various birds, primates and wildlife. Get to explore the trail on foot too, as your guide will teach you more about the various plants to trees along the way.

2. Admire fireflies at Kota Tinggi Firefly Park

Get on a boat at dusk and explore the Johor River. Kota Tinggi Firefly Park offers 40-minute boat rides that take you along the river as fireflies light the way. What’s more, as the river is a breeding ground for fireflies, you’ll find thousands of them in the area. Apart from firefly sightings, the park also allows you to release sky lanterns—get to jot your wishes onto the lantern and release them in the air. 

3. Relax at Ember Beach Club

Purchase a day pass at Ember Beach Club and take in stunning sunsets and soothing sound of waves while you sip on cocktails and indulge in tantalising bites. The day pass features access to a beachfront cabana, one bottle of Dom Gayda ‘La Minuette’ Rose 2021 and full access to the beach club’s facilities. While you’re here, get to don’t forget to try mouthwatering bites by Michelin-starred chef Andrew Walsh—think Hokkaido torched scallops, grilled wagyu cheeseburger, and buttermilk fried chicken bao.

4. Plan a Day at Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast

With over 20 wet and dry rides, slides and attractions, Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast is a must-visit when you are in Desaru if you love a good thrill. Set against the backdrop of a traditional Malaysian fishing village, Adventure Waterpark is home to the first-ever water coaster in the region and one of the biggest wave pools in the world. It includes attractions such as a giant swinging ship, a looping lazy river that will give you beautiful views of the riverside fishing village and more. 

Tatler Tip:

To fully maximise your day, book a cabana while you are there so that you can relax in privacy while enjoying all the park has to offer.

5. Pick Your Own Fruit at Desaru Fruit Farm

Is there anything better than getting to pick your own fresh and ripe fruits straight from the source? At Desaru Fruit Farm, you can do just that. This 180-acre fruit farm, which was awarded the Best Agro-Tourism site in Malaysia award in 2006, boasts a wide variety of tropical fruit such as guava, mangosteens, dragon fruit and jackfruit.

You can also enjoy its agricultural gallery, fish pond and vegetable and herb garden while you are there. If you have kids with you, you can take them to a petting zoo on the property where they can interact with animals and participate in educational talks.

Tatler Tip:

The fruit farm has a variety of interesting package offerings that allow you the opportunity to visit its crocodile farm, have meals on the property and even enjoy the farm tours while riding an ATV so make sure you check them out before you book.

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6. Visit Tanjung Balau Fishing Village

It's always a good idea to explore new places and Desaru Coast is no exception. The area is rife with small fishing villages that you can easily visit for a new experience. One of the most popular fishing villages is Tanjung Balau Fishing Village. Here, you can enjoy watching the fishermen empty their nets and set sail at various points in the day. You can also walk the beach, enjoy the kampung infrastructure, fly kites and even visit Muzium Nelayan, a fishermen's museum with four galleries and over 250 artefacts.

7. Drive Up to Sungai Rengit

As expected, one of Desaru's main draws is its wide variety of fresh and delicious seafood that you can find in just about every nook and cranny. If you are after a good seafood feast, we highly recommend driving up to Sungai Rengit, a fishing village located along the outskirts of Desaru, to enjoy a meal. 

If you have more time, you can also visit an abandoned jetty in the village for some Insta-worthy shots. The jetty, which is unnamed, is located directly opposite the Guan Yin Temple. It is particularly beautiful (and haunting) because of the long stretch of large steel pillars you will see leading out into the sea. 

With its beautiful blue waters, this is also a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.

Tatler Tip:

Try to visit the jetty when the tide is low so that you can walk between the ancient pillars for even better photos.

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8. Visit the Desaru Ostrich Farm

If you are looking for something really out of the ordinary to try while in Desaru, you have to check out Desaru Ostrich Farm. The farm is home to over 200 ostriches making it the biggest ostrich farm in Asia.

These majestic birds roam freely around the park and you are welcome to pet them, take pictures and even feed them with vegetables and corn that can be purchased at the park itself.

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9. Enjoy a Golf Day at Els Club Desaru Coast

Love to golf? Els Club Desaru Coast was named one of the best golf courses in the country at the World Gold Awards and promises a rejuvenating time with spectacular views. Overlooking the South China Sea, the course takes inspiration from famous link courses spread across the United Kingdom with its rolling greens and run-off areas. Perfect for a day out.

This story was first published on November 4, 2022, and updated on September 11, 2023.


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