Ultimate Guide to Desaru Coast in Malaysia
Ultimate Guide to Desaru Coast in Malaysia
Nestled along the pristine southeast coast of Malaysia lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, Desaru Coast. I’ve recently spent some days in this lost paradise and I immediately felt in love with it. So I want to share my Ultimate Guide to Desaru Coast in Malaysia.
At the shores of South China Sea, this breathtaking destination offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, pristine beaches, thrilling adventures and luxurious accommodation. This makes it an ideal getaway for travelers seeking an unforgettable and relaxing beach and nature experience in Malaysia.
Getting to Desaru Coast
Getting to Desaru Coast is very easy, so you can combine it with other destinations in Malaysia. From Kuala Lumpur, you can take a scenic drive or opt for a convenient shuttle service that will take you to paradise in approximately 4 hours.
Another great option is to take an internal flight from Kuala Lumpur to Johor that takes less than 1 hour. From the airport, you can take a taxi and you will arrive to Desaru in 1 hour. That was my preferred choice.
Alternatively, if you’re coming from Singapore, a short ferry ride across the Johor Strait will bring you to the doorstep of this idyllic destination.
Enjoying the Beach
One of the key attractions in Desaru Coast is its exceptional beach. In the southeastern coast of Malaysia, Desaru beach beckons with its pristine stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, creating a dreamy setting for beach lovers.
The rhythmic lullaby of waves kissing the shore sets the perfect backdrop for a day of sun-kissed relaxation or exhilarating water activities. No matter if you are lounging under the shade of swaying palms, building sandcastles with the family, or diving into the refreshing waves for a swim, Desaru beach offers a quintessential tropical escape.
Staying in a Seaside Beautiful and Luxury Resort
I stayed in Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, a luxury seaside resort nestled in a tropical garden at the shores of a pristine and secluded beach, and I had an amazing time there. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family-friendly retreat, or a weekend of pampering and relaxing, Anantara Desaru is a perfect beach getaway in Malaysia.
Anantara Desaru has different accommodation options. It offers comfortable and beautifully decorated rooms located in the main building, with amazing views from the terrace facing the ocean.
For those who prefer a more private escape, there are also exquisite stand-alone villas in a typical Malaysian style with a plunge pool facing the lagoon, the gardens and the sea.
Groups and families traveling together can stay in private residences with fully equipped kitchen and an infinity pool with sea views.
Those who love pools can choose unwinding by the pool located at the heart of the resort surrounded by beautiful gardens, or the infinity pool facing the ocean.
For sea enthusiasts, the beach literally in front of the resort offers golden sands, pristine and warm waters and a myriad of water sports to spend the day. Couldn’t recommend more walking by the secluded beach at sunrise or sunset, and enjoying the colours of the sky painted in different shades of orange.
There are many experiences to enjoy at Anantara Desaru. You can indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, try a yoga class or a dong stick class in the beach at sunrise. I personally really enjoyed experiencing dong stick, a body-mind practice promoting agility, strength and flexibility, reducing stress and increasing mental stability and clarity.
There are also interesting workshops where you can learn for example how to make your own coffee scrub or how to grow a terrarium.
Don’t miss the cinema under the stars, a great open-air cinema where you can see a blockbuster comfortably seated while enjoying delicious popcorns.
One of my favourite activities was a morning nature walk around the resort to learn more about the endemic plants and animals in this region of Malaysia. There is also a walk by sunset with the same objective that I need to experience next time.
Anantara Desaru offers great dining experiences with flavours from across Asia and gourmet international options. Turmeric restaurant in the main building offers Malaysian and Thai cuisine in a beautiful room with colonial charm. The Infinity Bar has drinks and tapas in a relaxed ambiance by the infinity pool. I had one of the best seafood and grill dinners ever at Sea Fire Salt restaurant near the sea. Some other places available are the Lagoon Pool Bar and the Observatory Bar with resort and sea views.
Visiting Desaru Fruit Farm
Those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, should visit Desaru Fruit Farm. Named Malaysia’s best agro-tourism site, visitors can explore there a variety of fruit plantations, herbs and vegetable gardens, and learn more about the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Exploring the Surrounding Nature
Desaru Coast is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a myriads of activities to suit every taste. Adventure-seekers can embark on exhilarating water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and boat cruises along the coast.
Nature lovers can explore the lush surrounding rainforest on hiking trails to immerse in the lively biodiversity of the region. They can also opt for cycling or birdwatching tours as Desaru is home to over 100 species of birds. Another great activity is to cruise on the mangroves of the nearby Lebam River.
Golfing
Additionally, golf enthusiasts will delight in the world-class golf courses that dot the landscape, offering stunning views of the ocean and challenging holes for players of all skill levels.
Sliding on Adventure Waterpark
Another great experience for families is the Adventure Waterpark, offering a unique mix of wet and dry rides and slides. It has activities designed for different age groups and adrenaline levels.
For some more travel inspiration about Malaysia, visit my Kuala Lumpur Bucket List.
