Find fun things to do like kayaking, birdwatching and exciting adventure waterparks on a 2D1N trip to Desaru!
As a frequent visitor to JB, I usually stick to the same activities like eating, singing karaoke, and bar-hopping. So, when I heard about this destination in Johor with cool and unique experiences, I was pretty excited!
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Woodlands checkpoint, Desaru offers a mix of high and low-energy activities, such as jet skiing and birdwatching. There is so much to do in the area that a day trip isn’t enough. Here’s our 2D1N Desaru itinerary, detailing what we did!
Read also: 3D2N JB Itinerary — Mount Austin, Kulai, JB Sentral
Getting to and around Desaru
Car: You can drive to Desaru from Singapore via the Woodlands checkpoint or rent a car in JB! We rented a car via Klook and picked it up from Johor Bahru City Square, which was efficient and hassle-free. Having a car made it easy to explore different areas, discover lesser-known dining options, and take in the scenic coastal views. The total cost of our car rental was ~S$100 for two days (for 4 pax), with an additional ~S$15 for fuel.
Photo credit: Klook
Bus: Alternatively, opt for a bus service (~S$24/pax for one-way) that takes you from either Jurong or Suntec directly to Desaru.
Buses typically depart around 9AM and go to most of the major hotels and resorts in the area like Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast and Four Points by Sheraton Desaru. This option is convenient if you prefer not to drive, and it offers a comfortable ride with minimal transfers.
*Note: Be sure to check the schedule in advance and book your tickets early as seats can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Photo credit: Klook
Ferry: Taking the ferry can be a more convenient option too, as it helps you avoid potential land traffic. Klook has a ferry service (~S$116/pax for one-way) from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast! The ride is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, allowing you to relax and enjoy the beautiful sea views along the way.
Day 1
Breakfast at Comma Bakes
Comma Bakes is a quaint little cafe that quickly captured my heart with its inviting atmosphere and quirky graphic design. The retro diner-inspired interior adds a charming touch, making it a cosy spot to relax at.
This cafe offers a range of delectable treats from pasta to pastries. Everything on the menu looked so enticing that I wanted to try it all, but my stomach could only handle so much.
I had the Truffle Bacon Carbonara (~RM27) and it was oozing with flavour. The carbonara was very creamy and the portions were generous. We also tried the Yuzu Lychee (~RM14) and Raspberry Mango (~RM14) sparkling drinks, both were refreshing and bursting with taste. I’d recommend you share your mains as they can get a little too jelak (overwhelmingly rich) if eaten by yourself!
Opening hours: 11AM – 10PM
How to get there: 4min walk from Four Points by Sheraton Desaru (Google Maps)
Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast
One of the must-do activities in Desaru is visiting Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast. We booked our tickets on Klook for a hassle-free entry — just scan the QR code and you’re in!
As we visited the park on a weekday afternoon, it was like a semi-ghost town. However, this meant that we didn’t have to queue for most of the rides, and I even got to enjoy some rides alone!
There are five themed zones featuring kiddy rides to more exciting ones. My favourite ride was the Tempest, as it was the most exhilarating. It’s a high-energy funnel ride with a sudden 24-foot drop! The drop took me by surprise and in that moment, it felt like my heart was about to leap out of my chest.
While there are a couple of major attractions like the Kraken’s Revenge Roller Coaster and the Riptide, each ride takes less than a minute, so half a day at the park is sufficient to experience everything.
*Pro-tip: Use the provided lockers to store your items so they don’t get wet. Prices are RM20 for small lockers and RM40 for large ones!
Entrance fee: ~S$33/pax
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM, closed on Tue
How to get there: 12min drive from Comma Bakes (Google Maps)
Dinner at Nelayan Seafood by the Coast
After a day of fun, we went for an early dinner at Nelayan Seafood by the Coast. The restaurant offers a delightful seafood experience, serving lobsters, prawns, oysters and more.
I recommend the Golden Silk Prawns (RM40) — the prawns were fresh and coated in a crispy fried egg batter, making them a perfect pairing with rice. Alongside the prawns, we also enjoyed a plate of Chinese kale (RM25), hot plate beancurd (RM25), and prawn paste fried chicken (RM25), which was more than enough to feed three people.
Located right by the beach, the restaurant also provides a serene and peaceful seaside ambience. The beach was clean and even had two swings to play on.
*Pro-tip: Most of their seafood are priced according to the day’s market rates, so remember to ask about prices beforehand.
Opening hours: 12PM – 3PM, 5PM – 11PM
How to get there: 6min drive from Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast (Google Maps)
Kota Tinggi Firefly Park
To end the day, we headed to Kota Tinggi Firefly Park, about a 40-minute drive from Desaru. There, we took a boat ride in search of the aforementioned fireflies. As advertised, they appeared like little fairy lights twinkling in the trees.
Photo credit: Kota Tinggi Firefly Park via Klook
Saying the guide was knowledgeable is an understatement — she shared interesting insights about the fireflies’ lifespan. For instance, they spend up to 6 months as pupae and 1-3 weeks as adults, depending on the species.
The guide also had an eagle eye, spotting wildlife such as monitor lizards camouflaged on the branches. I had to squint to see what she was pointing out, even though she shone the torchlight directly on the animals. At that moment, I was transported back in time, feeling like a child on a learning journey.
At the end of the tour, we participated in a cute little DIY lantern-making session, where we wrote our wishes for our future and set it off into the sky. The lanterns range from 1.6m to 2.5m and cost from RM20 to RM70.
Cost of cruise: ~S$6/pax
Tour timings: 7:30PM, 8:30PM and 9:30PM
How to get there: 43min drive from Nelayan Seafood by the Coast (Google Maps)
Day 2
Birdwatching Tour in Desaru
The team started the day bright and early with a birdwatching excursion. The tour lasted approximately 2 hours, with the guide driving us to various potential bird-sighting locations. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a good day as we didn’t manage to see many birds.
However, the experience was still both enjoyable and informative, thanks to the guide’s exceptional knowledge about the birds. He could spot them in an instant as they flew across the sky, such as the black-winged kite in the picture above.
*Pro-tip: Book the tour via Klook for a convenient experience, including hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Cost: ~S$43/pax (min 2 adults)
Tour timings: 7:30AM and 4:30PM (Tue, Thu and Sat)
Meeting point: Hotel pick-up
Breakfast at Kedai Kopi Otai
If birdwatching is not your thing, you can opt for breakfast at Kedai Kopi Otai instead. It’s a simple old-school coffee shop offering a satisfying selection of morning fare such as toast, eggs and noodles that will keep you full for the morning.
What I particularly appreciated was their variety of bread options, which went beyond the typical kaya toast I’m used to. They have choices like half-boiled eggs on toast (~RM5) and French toast with cheese filling (~RM7).
*Pro-tip: Be sure to arrive early, as the place gets crowded as the day progresses and the wait can take up to 30 minutes.
Opening hours: 8AM – 6:30PM, closed on Thu
How to get there: 1min walk from Four Points by Sheraton Desaru (Google Maps)
River Lebam Kayaking
For the afternoon, we set out on a kayaking adventure along the Lebam River. The tour is around 3 hours long and ends with a visit to Desaru Fruit Farm.
Our journey began with a short boat ride across the river and we decked onto our kayaks nearer to the mangrove opening areas. The route is ideal for beginners, making it accessible even if you’re new to kayaking. The waters are calm and the distance travelled isn’t too far.
As someone who hasn’t kayaked in a long while, it felt like a relaxing stroll in the garden. Our guide was exceptional, leading us through mangrove areas and sharing fascinating information about mangrove ecosystems.
To cap off the kayaking experience, we enjoyed a peaceful ride back to land, drifting on our kayaks while being towed by the boat. All in all, I highly recommend this tour via Klook as a unique way to enjoy nature and learn more about the mangroves.
*Pro-tip: Redeem 5% OFF Klook activities for use later, up to 5x. Just enter code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> at checkout. New users get 10% OFF their first booking. T&C’s apply!
Cost: ~S$58/pax (min 2 adults)
Tour timing: 10AM, closed on Mon
Meeting point: Hotel pick-up
Desaru Beach
We wrapped up day two with a visit to Desaru Beach. I was so excited to bask in the sea and enjoy some inflatable activities, but unfortunately, the waves were too big that day for safe play in the water.
Nevertheless, we had a great time at the beach. We played beach volleyball with a ball borrowed from a local (you can also rent one from Dash Outdoors) and refreshed ourselves with coconut drinks. On weekdays, the beach is not too crowded, making it an ideal place to unwind and relax.
*Note: On days with good weather, you can enjoy water activities such as surfing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. Prices for these activities start from RM40/pax through Dash Outdoors.
How to get there: 10min drive from Four Points by Sheraton Desaru (Google Maps)
Where to Stay in Desaru
Photo credit: Klook
Our 2D1N trip was a good blend of adventure and relaxation, from exhilarating waterpark fun to serene beachside moments. For those who are heading to Desaru, here are some accommodation recommendations!
1) Luxurious: One&Only Desaru Coast
Photo credit: Klook
One&Only Desaru Coast is one of the best resorts in the area, offering luxurious accommodations and a relaxing ambience. The suites feature private mini pools, making it an ideal choice for a secluded retreat.
The rooms are decorated with wood and large glass panels, which create an open, spacious, and airy atmosphere. The resort also has its own private beach, so it’s pretty peaceful and not crowded with tourists.
Cost: From S$905/night (2 pax)
Address: Darul Ta’zim, Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast Bandar Penawar, 90, 81930, Johor, Malaysia (Google Maps)
2) Convenient Location: Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast
Photo credit: Klook
Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast is situated right by Desaru beach and even has a private entrance to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast. If you’re looking for a vibrant and lively atmosphere, the rock ‘n’ roll theme of Hard Rock Hotel adds a fun twist to your stay, with live band performances available on most evenings.
Cost: From $164/night (2 pax)
Address: Desaru Coast, Johor Darul Ta’zim, Jln Pantai 3, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia (Google Maps)
3) Comfortable & Affordable: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel
For those looking for a more affordable yet comfortable option, Four Points by Sheraton Hotel is just S$96/night (for two pax). We stayed in the Deluxe Twin and Deluxe King rooms and they were extremely spacious with ample space to walk around. They also have a connecting door option, which is perfect for families.
This hotel is conveniently located, just a 10-minute drive to Desaru beach and Adventure Waterpark Desaru. There are also several food options within walking distance like Comma Bakes and Kedai Kopi Otai for you to choose from!
Cost: From ~S$96/night (2 pax)
Address: Jalan Kempas 2, Taman Desaru Utama, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia (Google Maps)
*Pro-tip: Redeem 5% OFF Klook hotels and activities for use later, up to 5x. Just enter code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> at checkout. New users get 10% OFF their first booking. T&C’s apply!
Did we miss out on any other things to do in Desaru? Let us know in the comments below!
