Desaru Coast Beaches in Johor Bahru and Desaru

Part of the Johor Bahru and Desaru travel guide — see every topic in All Johor Bahru and Desaru Guides.

Desaru is a long sandy beach on the east coast of Johor, facing the open sea, in the Kota Tinggi district. The area around it has been developed into the Desaru Coast, a planned resort zone with large international hotels, a water park, golf courses and shops. Many people from Singapore and Johor Bahru come here for a quiet weekend. The beach is wide and clean, and the sea is open to the east, so you can watch the sun rise over the water.

The beach

The main beach runs for many kilometres along the coast, with soft pale sand and casuarina trees behind it. The water is not as clear as on the islands of the east coast, but it is good for walking, swimming on calm days and playing in the sand. Waves can be strong, especially from about November to February during the northeast monsoon, and there are not always lifeguards. Swim only where the resorts mark it as safe, and watch for flags. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for a walk, as the midday sun is very hot.

The resorts

The Desaru Coast has several large international resorts close together. They include the Anantara, The Westin, the Hard Rock Hotel and a Mandarin Oriental in the rainforest near the sea. Most have big pools, kids' clubs, spas and several restaurants, so many guests stay inside the resort for the whole trip. Some resorts have private villas with their own pools. There are also smaller and older hotels and chalets around Desaru town at lower prices. Weekends and Singapore school holidays are the busiest times, so book ahead and compare weekday rates, which are often lower.

Adventure Waterpark and golf

The Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast is one of the main family attractions. It has water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river and a play area for small children, set close to the beach and the resorts. Hotel guests sometimes get discounted entry, so ask when you book. Golfers come for The Els Club, which has two championship courses on the coast. Other activities include ATV rides, cycling paths and nature walks. Opening days of the water park can change by season, so check before you plan your day around it.

Nature near Desaru

There is quiet nature around the resorts. In the evening, boat trips on the Sungai Lebam river take visitors to see fireflies blinking in the mangrove trees. The trips depend on the weather and the tide, so ask your hotel to book one. The Desaru Fruit Farm lets you walk through orchards of tropical fruit such as durian, dragon fruit and starfruit, and taste fruit in season. Mangroves and small fishing villages line the coast to the north and south. Bring insect repellent for evening trips, and wear light long sleeves.

Desaru Coast Beaches at a glance

More in Johor Bahru and Desaru

All 6 Johor Bahru and Desaru guides·Malaysia tourist maps

Featured Videos