Port Dickson and Batu Feringghi may be beautiful beaches, but there is no denying they are overpopular. With way too many beachgoers, it may be time to pack up and look for somewhere else to tan. So, why not look south and head down to Desaru in Johor?
Whilst popular with Singaporeans, Malaysians tend to ignore this little seaside paradise. It is quite a shame, with its white sands and blue seas. So, MFT has come up with this 3D2N itinerary to spend your next vacation in Desaru:
Day 1 (Morning)
Image Credit: Nancy on Google Review (Left), Jamal Asyraf on Google Review (Right)
Driving from KL to Desaru takes up to four hours, so it is advisable to start your journey early in the morning. So, depart at 6 am and if traffic is good, you should arrive in the seaside town by 10 am. This would be the perfect time to go on a guided tour at the Desaru Fruit Farm.
Besides the farm itself, there is a petting zoo, ATV rides and a bee farm here. Later, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat fruit buffet, with dishes like coconut water tom yam and dragonfruit sauce calamari.
Day 1 (Afternoon)
Image Credit: Vipe Teo on Google Review (Left), Hidayah Ayob on Google Review (Right)
Once you are stuffed with fruit, you can stretch your legs at Malaysia’s crocodile farm. This is Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm, an exotic experience with the powerful predators. Hundreds of crocs live here, some being considered ancient for their species.
If you are into reptiles, a visit here would probably satisfy your curiosity. Plus, if you need more excitement, you can pay a small fee to watch a croc feeding session. Just be grateful it is not you in there, heh.
Day 1 (Evening)
Image Credit: Sea Horizon Resort on Google Review
With the sun falling fast, it might be high time to check into your hotel. Desaru has many hotels and resorts, but the Sea Horizon Resort is definitely worth your money. Located 50 minutes away from Desaru proper, it is nonetheless a gorgeous glamping spot.
Bubble tents let you have good views of the sea. And if you wish to have an evening stroll, there’s the Dinosaur Trail, an ancient rock beach formed by an ancient volcano. No eruptions are forthcoming, so just enjoy the breeze without a thought in the world.
Day 2 (Morning)
Image Credit: Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast on Google Review (Left), Muzium Nelayan Tanjung Balau on Google Review (Right)
Once you have had breakfast at Sea Horizon, it is time to get all wet at Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast. This waterpark has over 20 rides, including the Kraken’s Revenge and Tempest. Perfect for both families and adrenaline junkies, be sure to bring your own towel!
For the rest of the morning, consider spending it at Tanjung Balau Fishing Village. Here, city folks can see kampung life unfolding before their own eyes. There is also the Fishermen Museum, where you can learn even more about Johor’s maritime heritage.
Day 2 (Afternoon)
Image Credit: Ieyn Rosli on Google Review
After having lunch, consider spending the rest of the day just enjoying the famous Desaru Beach. As you walk across the sands, you will find all sorts of treasures like barnacles and seashells.
If you are feeling adventurous, check out Dash Outdoors, which will help you get started with paddleboarding or kayaking. Once you have tired yourself out, just find a shady beach and sip away on a coconut.
Day 2 (Evening)
Image Credit: Kota Tinggi Firefly Park (Left), Raja Azriq on Google Review (Right)
Just because all is dark doesn’t mean the fun must stop. Head on over to Kota Tinggi Firefly Park, where you can take a boat ride up the Johor River. Here, you can see thousands of glowing fireflies, flickering like fairy lights in the dark.
As if that isn’t magical enough, after the cruise, you can make your own wish lantern and let it float off into the sky. Fingers crossed that whatever you wish for will come true!
Day 3 (Morning)
Image Credit: Natascha Levin on Google Review (Left), SYX on Google Review (Right)
After having your last breakfast in Desaru, it is best to spend the morning with yet another cruise. This time, you can take the boat tour by JungleWalla Desaru to explore Sungai Lebam’s mangrove forest. Alternatively, you can choose to kayak through the waterways yourself.
Day 3 (Afternoon)
Image Credit: JungleWalla Desaru
The last activity of the trip before you head back home should be spent on birdwatching. Desaru’s location in the south of Johor puts it on many species’ migration paths. Thus, you should definitely go on a birdwatching tour at least once.
It doesn’t matter whether you know your birds or not. Catching sight of birds like Brahminy Kites, Oriental Pied Hornbills and the many other species is a thrill. You would be better served if you had a guide with you, who could identify the birds faster than you can.
You should also check out: Want to escape city life for a day? Here’s an itinerary for a 1D trip to peaceful Tanjong Sepat
Feature Image Credit: Sea Horizon Resort on Google Review (Left), Anique Lim on Google Review (Right)
