Review:3D2N Desaru Sheraton Hotel (Food, Play, Beach)

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go on a refreshing getaway From SIngapore?

Desaru Coast In Johor )Yet affodable due to the Strong Singdollar Currency) is becoming a popular spot for families with children and elderly members.

Nestled just a stone’s throw away from Singapore, this beautiful beach resort town offers a variety of activities and attractions that are suitable for all ages.

Key attractions include the Desaru Fruit Farm, the Desaru Animal Zoo, an array of food such as seafood, cafes to visit, and the pristine Desaru Beach.

In this blog post, I will share my own experiences, not ‘Googled information’, of visiting Desaru, as well as two itinerary options for a one-day or two-day trip.

As public transportation is inconvenient, I recommend hiring a private car service from Singapore to Desaru. (Or you can look for the Desaru Shuttle Bus)

I hope this helps with your upcoming trip!

Table of Contents
1. Two Itineraries To Choose From:
2. Desaru Fruit Farm Review
3. Desaru Mini Zoo Review
4. Desaru Public Beach Review (Free)
5. Yard & CO
6. Nelayan Seafood Restaurant
7. Super Lobster Village
8. Bonus Tip: Four Points By Sheraton 4 Stars Hotel (Affordable)

Before sharing some experience, I would like to propose 2 itenarary for you if you are coming from Singapore to Desaru.

1. Two itineraries to choose from:

1.1 One-Day Desaru Trip (It is too rush unless you have own car / car hire)

8:00 am – Depart from Singapore to Desaru

11:00 am – Arrive at Desaru Fruit Farm

12:00 pm – Lunchtime (you can buy some fruits to snack on before lunch)

1:00 pm – Lunch at Super Lobster Seafood Restaurant (near Desaru Mini Zoo)

2:00 pm – Visit Desaru Mini Zoo at Pengerang

4:00 pm – Enjoy Tea Time at Yard & Co Cafe

5:00 pm – Relax on Desaru Public Beach (near Desaru Westin Resort)

7:00 pm – Have Dinner at Nelayan Seafood Restaurant

8:00 pm – Depart from Desaru to Singapore

10:00 pm – Arrive Home

Alternatively, I recommend considering a 2-day-1-night itinerary for your planning.

1.2 2D1N Desaru Trip (Short weekend trip)

1.2.1 Day 1

10:00 am – Depart from Singapore to Desaru

12:30 pm – Lunch at Super Lobster Seafood Restaurant (near Desaru Mini Zoo)

2:00 pm – Visit Desaru Mini Zoo at Pengerang

4:00 pm – Check-in Four Points by Sheraton Desaru (a 4-Star Hotel)

7:00 pm – Have Dinner at Nelayan Seafood Restaurant

1.2.2 Day 2

8:00 am – Have Breakfast at Otai-Otai Kopi (in front of Four Points by Sheraton Hotel Desaru)

9:00 am – Arrive at Desaru Fruit Farm + ATV Riding

1:00 pm – Enjoy Tea Time at Yard & Co Cafe

2:00 pm – Depart from Desaru to Singapore

FAQs

Q1: What time should I leave Singapore for Desaru?

A1: Depending on how busy Woodlands Checkpoint is, it is best to allocate around 3 hours for the transfer period.

Q2: Is Desaru an appropriate destination for a family trip?

A2: Yes, this Desaru review post is specifically made for families with young children.

Q3: What modes of transport are there between Singapore and Desaru?

A3: Private car or ferry. A private car is the best option if you wish to travel comfortably.

Q4: How much money should I prepare for the Desaru trip?

A4: Prepare between RM2,000 and RM4,000 depending on your group travel size, choice of food, and whether you hired a private car service or not in Desaru.

Q5: What should I bring along to the public beach in Desaru?

A5: Hat, sportswear, shoes, sandals, snack food, picnic blanket, and other items

Q6: Should I visit Desaru on the weekends or during the week?

A6: As all of the sites and restaurants mentioned above are well-liked by tourists, weekdays are the best days to go since they are less congested and have less traffic.

Q7: In Desaru, should I drive alone or hire a private car?

A7: You have a choice of driving or hiring a private car for door-to-door service. Either works well, as you have the flexibility to change your schedule or plans at any time.

Q8: Should I reserve a hotel room with a sea view in Desaru?

A8: Not necessary, as you will be visiting the many attractions around Desaru most of the time. A resort or hotel in Desaru with a sea view can be quite costly.

Q9: Is public transportation available in Desaru?

A9: Yes, there are local buses or shuttles, but none are suitable for visiting the places listed in the itinerary. Besides, public transportation is not family-friendly.

2. Desaru Fruit Farm Review

Singaporeans with kids should definitely visit Desaru Fruit Farm. It is a great place to learn about native plants and herbs that are not found in Singapore.

In addition to that, you can also go ATV riding, which costs about RM200 for the ATV2.0. The ride is about 45 minutes long, and it can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child.

As of May 2023, the entrance fee for Desaru Fruit Farm is RM40 for adults and RM35 for children.

Desaru Fruit Farm now has a new mini zoo, which offers more activities for kids.

Visitors can also visit the goat farm and feed the goats.

However, I would recommend Desaru Mini Zoo, located at Pengerang, over Desaru Fruit Farm, as it has more small animals that children can interact with.

You can find more information about Desaru Mini Zoo here.

3. Desaru Mini Zoo Review

I didn’t think this would be a memorable attraction in Desaru at first, but it turned out to be the best zoo for children in the area.

Here’s why:

Children can get up close and personal with the animals at Desaru Mini Zoo, making it a great place to learn about animals and their habitats.

For example, children can touch chicks, flying squirrels, hamsters, rabbits, birds, lizards, and more!

The mini zoo also has a collection of rare and expensive exotic birds and chickens that cost thousands of ringgit! These animals are, however, not for sale nor touched.

Children get to pet and feed the fluffy alpacas that are not often seen in many zoos. Catch a glimpse of raccoons, which are very playful and curious creatures.

Do not miss the latest addition to the zoo: camels! Seeing camels in real life can be a lot of fun, especially for children.

Camels are also very gentle and docile, making them a great choice for children to interact with.

The combination of a variety of animals and the opportunity to touch some of them is what makes the Desaru Mini Zoo the most popular animal farm in Desaru.

4. Desaru Public Beach Review (Free)

I know you might think that staying in a beach resort is the only option when you visit Desaru, but that’s not the case.

The public beach and the beach near the Westin Resort are both located on the same stretch of coastline.

Bring your own picnic mat, snacks, and toys to the public beach for a fun and relaxing day with your family. Just be aware that it is not a place to expect 5-star service.

Read here for more info: Desaru Public Beach Ultimate Guide 2023 [9 Useful List]

5. Yard & CO

Yard & CO is a must-visit cafe for tea time or lunch. I recommend doing online queueing to avoid having to wait in line outside the restaurant.

Which can be hot during the day and rainy without any shelter. You can wait in your car, and the waiter will call you when it is your turn to be seated.

Although it can get very crowded during weekends and public holidays, the great food and drinks make it worth the wait.

I recommend the Lychee Oolong tea, which is refreshing and flavorful. The Milk Mochi is also a must-try dessert; it is soft and chewy with a deliciously sweet milky taste.

As the cafe is located right by the sea, you can enjoy stunning views of the sea. The menu at Yard & CO has something for everyone, with a wide variety of options.

The environment is very “Instagrammable”, so be sure to take some nice family photos with your child before you leave.

6. Nelayan Seafood Restaurant

I have been to Nelayan Seafood Restaurant before, and the food is always delicious.

While you wait for your food to be prepared, your children and other family members can walk around the beach, as the restaurant is located right on Desaru Coast Beach.

The price range at Nelayan Seafood Restaurant is higher than most seafood restaurants.

This is likely due to its strategic location on the beach, which makes it a popular choice for tourists.

The public beach and the beach near the Westin Resort are both located on the same stretch of coastline.

Bring your own picnic mat, snacks, and toys to the public beach for a fun and relaxing day with your family. Just be aware that it is not a place to expect 5-star service.

Read here for more info: Desaru Public Beach Ultimate Guide 2023 [9 Useful List]

7. Super Lobster Village

Super Lobster Village is one of the most popular seafood restaurants in Desaru. You can find a list of other seafood restaurants in Desaru here: https://www.johortrip.com/desaru-seafood/

The main reason I recommend Super Lobster Village is its proximity to the Desaru Mini Zoo and its location outside of the commercial town area, with a large parking lot.

Do try out the variety of dishes offered, such as lobster with gravy, chill crab, butter prawn, steamed grouper, homemade tofu, marmite chicken, and more.

Everything was delicious, the prices were reasonable, and the portions were generous. The staff was also very friendly and attentive.

8. Bonus Tip: Four Points By Sheraton 4 Stars Hotel (Affordable)

Nine out of ten first-time visitors to Desaru will stay at a new and expensive beachfront resort.

Yes, I know Four Points by Sheraton Desaru is not a beach resort. The main reasons I recommend it are its strategic location, its affordable rates, and its spacious rooms!

Since the recommended attractions are not near the beach, there is no point in staying at an expensive beachfront resort.

You won’t have time to enjoy the resort’s facilities if you’re spending most of your time exploring the area.

If you want to spend your whole day at the beach, then you should consider staying at Desaru Hard Rock or the Westin Desaru Resort.