Fancy a beach retreat for your next summer holiday? Consider coming to Desaru! Unspoiled beaches paired with the tropical weather and coastal heritage make up the beautiful setting that is Desaru. Desaru Beach is the highlight of this coastal region, offering water sports opportunities such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and mangrove touring. This seaside retreat is also home to Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast, a family-friendly destination with a unique set of exciting dry and wet rides. You will also find well-manicured championship golf courses here, such as the two courses of Els Club Desaru Coast that appeal to elite visitors who want to practice their swings and putting skills. You’ll also find great homestays in the area if you’re in need of cozy accommodation.
If you’re traveling with the family, try and include Desaru Ostrich Farm on your itinerary. The kids will definitely enjoy touring the grounds and seeing the more than 100 ostriches housed here. If you’re lucky, you might even spot cute baby ostriches trotting around. Desaru Fruit Farm is another family-friendly destination, however, unlike what the name suggests, it’s not merely a farm. If you’re heading down here with friends, the gang can have a blast with the ATV and UTV tours offered here. Children will appreciate a trip down to the petting zoo, and if they’re bold enough, take them over to the crocodile farm! Desaru Fruit Farm offers many packages that bundle up diverse experiences, but make sure to get their fruit box for the full experience.
Stay close to Desaru to ensure a fun-filled outing. Browse through this list of the top beach resorts near Desaru, Malaysia, for an unforgettable experience.
Travel Advisory
- If you're planning to travel to Desaru Coast from Singapore, it would be convenient to opt for the ferry instead of taking the bus. Scheduled ferries depart from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Desaru Coast at 8:30 am from Thursdays through Mondays. The return ferry is scheduled to depart at 5:30 pm on the same days. You can book the ferry tickets online, but make sure to confirm the ferry timings as they are subject to change!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 29, 2025.
Beach life in Desaru
Desaru Coast is a preferred vacation destination for residents of Johor Bahru and Singapore craving a quick beach getaway. The star attraction is Desaru Beach and the 17-km (10.56-mi) beachfront offers a lot of space for the crowds to spread out and watch the sunrise. There are a few other beaches nearby that you can check out such as Pantai Batu Layar to the south and Pantai Tanjung Balau to the north.
Seafood is popular here, and Nelayan Seafood By The Coast is one of the most popular eateries in the area. They serve seafood staples such as Ikan Bakar, a type of grilled fish that’s popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The restaurant also has unique offerings, and the prawn-paste chicken wings and golden scallops are particularly eye-catching. As someone who loves a good cup of joe, I’d definitely head over to Yard & Co. The seaside cafe is a great place to get breakfast.
The best time to visit Desaru Coast is between April and October when it remains dry and sunny. Activities are abundant on the beach, and you can go jet-skiing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, wakeboarding, and even surfing on the sea. Dash Outdoors offers a variety of great options.
Beach resorts near Desaru, Malaysia
1. One&Only Desaru Coast (from USD 902)
Top-notch dining options, though some find the pricing not entirely matching the experience.
Luxurious with high-end pricing, but offers complimentary activities.
Secluded, exclusive, and surrounded by lush greenery with a strategic self-healing location.
Well-kept facilities, private pools, attentive staff, and a variety of activities.
One&Only Desaru Coast is a 5-star resort offering many complimentary perks to make your stay stress-free. Some of the freebies include private parking, delicious continental or American breakfast, and bike rentals. Entertainment amenities, including a pool table, table tennis, and a tennis court, are at your disposal to ensure you will never have a dull moment. I love how the on-site bar Dusky Monkey has a variety of luxe coffee blends, so I know where I’ll be spending most of my evenings if I’m booking here!
Although the property is nestled on the shoreline, giving you immediate access to the beach, you can opt to indulge in the outdoor pool if you are not in the mood to ride the waves.
- Property highlights: The resort offers signature experiences that you won't get anywhere else including classes in Silat Melayu, a Malayan martial arts form, and deep-sea fishing expeditions where you can catch sailfish and black marlin.
- Nearest beach: The property is situated on a section of Desaru Beach.
- Beach access: Public
- Beach amenities: Sun loungers, swing, beach club, and cabanas.
- Suggested rooms/units: The Ocean Grand Suite opens right onto the beach and has a private plunge pool as well. Groups can opt for Villa One with a private pool measuring 27 meters (88.58 feet), and it even has a butler service.
- Activities/tours: You can enjoy nature walks, water sports, and bonfires on the premises. Special activities are available for children.
- Ideal for: Families, groups, and couples will have an excellent time here. The Wellness Escape package with spa treatments and martial arts classes will be appreciated by those on a romantic getaway.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Surrounded by wonderful nature we slept in beautiful villas with private little pools, had excellent food and could choose between Asian and Mediterranean dishes. The beach club offered white sands and fantastic food as well." - Tatjana (Germany)
The Sireya Desaru Coast - Operated by Mandarin Oriental
Address: Persiaran Damai Desaru Coast Johor
2. Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa (from USD 181)
Perched along Johor’s eastern coastline, this beach resort allows you to enjoy the waters in a plethora of ways. You can easily reach the beach to get sand on your feet whenever you want. Alternatively, this 4-star resort boasts an expansive water park comprising a lagoon pool, lazy river, grotto, gazebos, water slides, and other recreational features.
Each spacious suite in this resort has a well-stocked kitchenette so designated cooks will have a grand time preparing meals. Though with the on-site Teratai Coffee House, I know where I’ll be starting my mornings while staying here. Most rooms also come with a private balcony and a separate living area for unwinding.
- Property highlights: Hailing itself as Malaysia's largest beach resort, it's guaranteed that guests will have plenty of space to spread out.
- Nearest beach: Desaru Beach is within a minute's walk from the property.
- Beach access: Private
- Beach amenities: Watersports, sun loungers, and shades.
- Suggested rooms/units: The Penthouse is large enough to accommodate six guests and has a kitchenette.
- Activities/tours: SPLASH Water Park is situated within the resort and has a lagoon pool, lazy river, and an artificial waterfall. The resort also offers parasailing, jet skiing, fishing trips, and boat rides.
- Ideal for: Families will have a blast here with the water park and the numerous watersports. There's even an on-site kids' club with special activities.
Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa
Address: Lot 1854, Jalan Desaru Bandar Panawar,
3. The Westin Desaru Coast Resort (from USD 140)
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort sits on sandy grounds facing the stunning South China Sea, putting you paces away from the beach and making for a perfect staycation spot. It contains 275 well-appointed guest rooms with a private balcony or a patio. Step out on these al fresco areas or the landscaped garden should you need a breather, and it seems like the perfect place for me to finish a book or two.
Replenish your energy in the morning with a nice breakfast at Seasonal Tastes. Afterward, take refreshing laps in the outdoor pool or work up a sweat in the fitness center to burn calories. Free bikes are also available if you want to take in the beauty of nature more.
The resort is undergoing renovations and the project is scheduled to end by June 30th, 2024. All facilities will remain open, however, it would be best to check with the property to ensure that your preferred amenity and rooms will be unaffected during your stay.
- Property highlights: Wellness is pulled into focus at Westin Desaru Coast Resort with its Heavenly Spa which offers everything from couples massages to scalp and hair treatments. They even instruct you in the art of massage.
- Nearest beach: Desaru Beach is right across the street from the resort's main building.
- Beach access: Private
- Beach amenities: Sun loungers, parasols, and beach bar.
- Suggested rooms/units: The 1 Bedroom Presidential Suite has a separate living room, dining area, and study fitted with elegant furnishings and chandeliers. Additional connecting rooms can be added to accommodate large groups.
- Activities/tours: Yoga classes are conducted by the resort on certain days of the week. If you want something more thrilling, you can indulge in watersports offered by the nearby Dash Outdoors outlet.
- Ideal for: The property is great for families and couples. The children's pool is sure to provide memorable moments.
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort
Address: Jalan Pantai 3, Dessaru Coast
4. Lotus Seaview Beach Resort (from USD 52)
Tasty breakfast with local favorites, but limited dinner options and some issues with food variety.
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and beachfront access.
Isolated, peaceful location with a clean and calm beach nearby.
Complete facilities including swimming pool, buggy service, and well-maintained landscape.
Take a well-deserved break in this tranquil resort with a private beach area. Thanks to its idyllic location in front of the South China Sea, guests can admire the breathtaking natural scenery from every nook and corner of this resort. This property boasts a saltwater pool where you can relax after working out in the on-site gym. It seems like the perfect place where you can lose yourself in a world of your own while jamming to your favorite songs.
For your convenience, this resort presents room service and a 24-hour front desk. Airport transfers are also an added source of advantage for guests flying in and out of the country.
- Property highlights: The property offers a variety of packages, such as beach bonfires, romantic getaway bundles, and watersports packs, for a complete holiday experience.
- Beach access: Private
- Beach amenities: Bonfires and sun loungers.
- Suggested rooms/units: The 2-Bedroom Suite is great for groups and is equipped with two king beds.
- Activities/tours: Watersports and beach bonfires are available here, however, if you want to take a break from the sea, you can opt to go on their Mangrove Edutour.
- Ideal for: Families will have a great time here with the various activity packages.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "The beach just a few steps away from sea view room. Even though the sand is not really white and long but it is quite a decent and clean beach." - Romy (Malaysia)
Lotus Seaview Beach Resort, Pengerang
Address: Lot 1272 Tanjung Punggai , Sungai Rengit
5. Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa (from USD 123)
You can raise your hopes high when booking a stay in this laid-back beach resort. Guests can try many activities here such as indoor games and outdoor water sports. If you are bringing your little ones, let them frolic in the lovely playground for recreation. My favorite spot would be the on-site cafe serving delightful pastries and delicious coffee!
In need of some pampering? Head to the spa and spoil yourself with rejuvenating massages to soothe your senses. You can also plunge into the sparkling tropical pool to beat the summer heat in Malaysia. After a few laps, grab a drink from the swim-up bar to cool off.
- Property highlights: With five function rooms and one ballroom, the resort is the perfect spot to hold corporate meetups and other events.
- Nearest beach: Desaru Beach is situated just a minute's walk away.
- Beach access: Private
- Beach amenities: Bistro and watersports.
- Suggested rooms/units: The Romantic Deluxe With Private Pool is sure to spice up your romance. If you want something grander, opt for the Executive Suite with a hot tub and spacious rooms.
- Activities/tours: The resort offers a games room, kids' play room, ATV and bicycle tours, jet skiing, canoeing, and more.
- Ideal for: With its curated room options, the resort will be great for couples, particularly for honeymooners. Families will also be comfortable here with the kids' club and numerous activities.
What guests are saying about their beach stay:
- "Perfect for those who love the sun, sand, and sea. Room is large and has perfect view of the beach and pool. Quiet beach for a nice long walk to a jetty that stretches out to a part of the sea." - Kamsinah
Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa
Address: PO Box 29, Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi, Desaru Beachfront, Desaru, Malaysia, 81900
Retreat to a beach resort in Desaru
Desaru makes an idyllic getaway spot for basking in the sun, enjoying aquatic adventures, and my personal favorite, huddling down with a good book. Lucky for you, there are top-notch accommodation options that offer the comforts and warmth you would expect to find in a home. Check out the list above!
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