Getting to Desaru in Johor Bahru and Desaru

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

The Desaru Coast is in the south-east corner of Johor, about 60 kilometres from Johor Bahru in a straight line, but longer by road. There is no train, so most visitors come by car, taxi or ride-hailing. Some resorts run shuttles, and a ferry service from Singapore has operated at times. Plan the trip in advance, because public transport in the area is limited and the resorts are spread out along the coast.

By car from Johor Bahru

The fastest way to Desaru is by car on the Senai-Desaru Expressway, a toll road that crosses the Johor River on a long bridge. From central Johor Bahru the drive usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Rental cars are easy to find in JB and at Senai airport, and Malaysian roads are in good condition. You need a Touch 'n Go card or a linked payment method for the tolls, as most toll plazas do not take cash. Petrol stations along the way have toilets and small shops.

From Senai airport

Senai International Airport is Johor's main airport, north of Johor Bahru, with domestic flights and some regional routes. From the airport it takes about 45 minutes to an hour by car to Desaru on the expressway. Taxis and ride-hailing cars wait at the airport, and some resorts can arrange a pick-up for an extra charge. Flying into Senai is useful if you come from other parts of Malaysia, such as Penang, Kuching or Kota Kinabalu, because it saves the long drive south.

From Singapore

From Singapore, most people drive or take a private car transfer over the Causeway or the Second Link, then follow the expressway east. The full trip often takes two hours or more, and much longer at peak border times. A ferry has also run between Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore and the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal. The service has changed over time and may not run every day or in bad weather, so check the current timetable with the operator or your resort before you plan around it.

Shuttles and getting around

Some resorts and the Desaru Coast area run shuttle buses that link the hotels, the water park and the ferry terminal. Ask your hotel for the current schedule. Ride-hailing apps work in Desaru, but there are fewer cars than in the city, so waits can be long, especially at night. If you want to visit the fruit farm, the firefly boats or Desaru town, a rental car gives the most freedom. Public buses from Johor Bahru to Kota Tinggi and Desaru exist but are slow and not frequent, so they suit only flexible travellers.

Getting to Desaru at a glance

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