From Wikitravel

Desaru is a coastal resort in Johor, Peninsular Malaysia.

[edit] Understand

Desaru was much hyped in the 80s with quite a few mega projects aimed at attracting foreign investment and visitors, which have since been abandoned. Today, the 25km long beach resort destination is strictly a local affair with the occasional Singaporeans thrown in. Recently it has become popular with tourists wishing to see a true Malay resort without for-tourists frills. During off-monsoon seasons, the waters here are inviting and the sand fine. Tanjung Balau, a beach just off Desaru, is especially popular with campers and also the site of a Fishermen's Museum.

[edit] Get in

The federal government is currently building an expressway from Senai cutting across Ulu Tiram and Pasir Gudang directly to Desaru, which when completed will cut travelling time from Johor Bahru by half.

Easily accessible from Singapore and the northern areas by road via Kota Tinggi and by ferry services from Changi Point, Singapore. It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Johor Bahru to Desaru. The view was great especially when you are about to enter Desaru. The landscape was well maintained and surrounded by lush greenery of tropical forest.

Public transport are available from Johor Bahru, Kota Tinggi and Tanjung Belungkor to Desaru. Note that Desaru is located on the shore-line and usually bus services advertising direct transport to Desaru will leave you in Bandar Penawar (aprox. 2 km from Desaru).

There are direct bus services from Johor Bahru Larkin Terminal to Bandar Penawar (Mara Liner is the name of the company providing the bus service, Mara Liner bus leaves Larkin at 10.30 am). Alternatively, you can take a bus service from Johor Bahru Larkin Terminal to Kota Tinggi (1h, 3.8 RM, there are a lot of buses, on average one leaving every 30 minutes), then from Kota Tinggi to Bandar Penawar (max. 1h, 3.6 RM, on average one bus leaving every 1h30min).

From Bandar Penawar, you can either take a cab (Teksi in Malay language) for about 10 RM, or wait the minibus that will take you directly to Desaru Resort (the minibus is 1 RM, comes every 30 min). You can also take a cab from Kota Tinggi directly to Desaru Resort, this will cost you approximately 35 RM.

Approximate traveling time and distance when driving to Desaru : From Johor Bahru 100 km 1 hr. 30 mm From Kuala Lumpur 436 km 4 hrs. 15 mm From Singapore 125 km 2 hrs. 15 mm

For those guests that prefer to travel by Ferry from Singapore. Operates four sailing a day between Changi Ferry Terminal and Tanjong Belungkor Ferry Terminal. The ferry has capacity for 400 passengers and 70 cars in its car deck. Note that this way of transport has the advantage of avoiding the terminally congested Causeway and especially the extremely bad run Malaysian side of the border.

[edit] Get around

Since Desaru Resort is quite small, you can walk around it in 10 min.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

Desaru is not a well developed resort, but there are a lot of things to do while you are there. Take advantage of the nice wide beach, and of the shallow and clear water. Snorkeling is a good option, but don't expect banks of colorful fishes and wonderful sea creatures.

One thing you can definitely try is surfing. If wind is good, the waves are quite ok, and especially the lack of jelly fishes and sharks makes it an attractive location. During December, January and first half of February (monsoon season), the waves are almost constantly high, but do expect the water to be a little cold. There is a company that rents surf boards for 20 RM/h and provides surf lessons for 100 RM. The same company rents skyjets.

Scuba diving is out of the question.

Note: Desaru is a beach popular mostly with the locals. As such, you will see a lot of Malays bathing with long pants and t-shirts on them. Is both a good way to fend the sun and to keep their modesty. It is recommended that you do not wear a topless attire or an over-revealing swimming suit, as it may offend the locals. They most likely will not tell you anything against this, but they will not enjoy it. A normal bikini for girls and shorts for guys is ok.

[edit][add listing] Buy

There are a couple of stores selling soft drinks, beer and the sort, but you can find a store that sells branded t-shirts, Malay batiks and souvenirs. The prices are much cheaper than in other Malay resorts.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Only one restaurant conducts business there, but it appears to be quite popular with the locals. The prices are very cheap and the food is basically Malay with some Chinese dishes.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Get out

Same as you got in. If you find yourself stuck in Desaru Resort with no bus to take you to Bandar Penawar, try asking the staff at the restaurant to call you a taxi. They know a lot of taxi drivers and most likely will love to help both you and their driver friend. The price should be aroung 10 RM to Bandar Penawar or 35 RM to Kota Tinggi.

This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow!