Welcome to Desaru, a strictly local affair without any facy restaurants, chic boutiques or hip nightlife spots. This is a popular place in Malaysia where every tourists are able to see a true ‘clean’ life and staying in Malay resort without any for-tourists frills. Like all of Malaysia’s east coast, Desaru is highly seasonal, with monsoon winds and rains lashing the coast between November and February. There is still plenty of sunshine even during the rainy season, but waves are high and it rains more. So, if you are planning to have a trip there, we strongly suggest you to have your plan placed during the ‘good season’ from April to October. The months of June to Aughust would be the most busy months, where the beach would be full of tourists from all around the world.
In Malay language (Bahasa Malaysia), “Desaru” means “Village Of Casuarinas” or palms. It is a combination of two malay words, which “Desa” which means village and “Ru” is the local name for Casuarinas.
However, there is no public transport in Desaru. If you find yourself stuck with no bus to take you to Bandar Penawar, try asking the staff at the restaurant to call you a taxi or arrange any transportation. They know a lot of friendly taxi drivers and most likely will love to help both you and their driver friend. The price should be around RM15 to Bandar Penawar or RM40 to Kota Tinggi.
Besides that, although Desaru is not a developing tourist attraction, but there are a lot of things to do while you are having a visit there. You may take advantage of the nice wide beach, and of the shallow and clear water. All 22 km of the clean beach is fully open and you may see a lot of people congregate at the public beach enjoying their vacation.
10 Best Hotel & Resort In Desaru
1. Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa
Situated along Johor’s Eastern coastline, Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa is one of the most popular beach resort and a major tourist destination in Malaysia. This ” resort for all reasons” is surrounded with water. Upon arriving the resort, visitors will be amazed by the exterior design of the resort that looks like a castle from the fairy tale’s storyline, enchanting every children and even the parents with its concept. It is just like the hidden jewel located inside in Desaru where it’s middle lane is fill with nature palm tree, brighten up the dark silent night with beautiful drop light color.
Make yourself at home by staying in Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa’s Homewood Suites. All of their apartments are conveniently built with a living room and spacious ding area respectively. There is two types of apartments to be chosen from, with different amount of air-conditioned rooms (one to four bedrooms). So, you may book the apartment according to the number of people and based on your preferences. All main bathrooms will include a combined bath/shower, second bathrooms (in 2 and 3 bedroom apartments) with shower only. Besides, there is also a kitchenette occupied with coffee and tea making facilities, dinner set, microwave, and fridge/freezer for the ease of the guests to carry out daily routine. Free WiFi would be provided during the stay too.
Besides that, visitors would be greeted by the nature of the trees and also the warm surrounding during their check in at the lobby reception area. Visitors are also able to see an antique fire brigade cars back in 1930 guardian there, along with a mini zoo full with parrots, beautiful pigeon and even peacock. Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa is an ideal location to hold any events for incentive groups such as small meetings, weddings, fun gathering and even family reunions during anytime. During the stay, visitors also would be enchanted by sunrise to moonrise natural along the beautiful beach area through the resort’s window view offered.
As the resort’s name stated, the resort do own their spa rooms and unique spa treatments for all their guests for a perfect relaxation during their stays. Using the only nature ingredients in their spa treatment’s gel, it does create a relaxing feeling to the guests by not damaging their skin. Besides, the resort also offer interesting water sports such as Parasailing, Jet Ski, Banana Boat, Pipe Rider, Family Tube, Bungy Jumper, Boat Ride, Fishing Trip to all their adventurous guests.
Another wonderful reason for you to choose Lotus Desaru Resort & Spa as your staying accommodation when visiting Desaru is because they even have a mini waterpark available in their resort. Here, young children and also adults are welcomed to have some splashing fun under the hot weather with all the waterpark’s various types of facilities offered such as the water slides, splash pads, spray grounds (water playgrounds), lazy river,and other recreational bathing. And of course, the waterpark’s water is quite shallow and suitable for all the young children.
This resort would be a great place for the entire beach lover, families or anyone from anywhere as Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa is the place for everyone to come and relax, be amazed, be enchanted and lastly be rejuvenating for both mind and soul. And this is the reason why we called the resort as “The Resort For All Reasons”.
Additional Information:
Address: Lot 1854, Jalan Desaru Bandar Penawar, 81930 Kota Tinggi, Johor
Contact: +607-884 2800
Website:http://www.lotusdesaru.com/
Price per night: From RM1392 (depending on seasonal rate)
2. Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast
Followed by having a strong brand name for other Hard Rock Hotel branch, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast situated by facing the sea and having direct access to Desaru Coast Adventure Water Park, as well as retail village, shopping centre and others. Located in Johor Malaysia, the hotel required about an hour of driving distance from Singapore. This stunning resort provides an amplified experience of staying like a rock stars for every families, honeymooners, groups and also business travelers. This upscale hotel sits adjacent to one of the world’s biggest waterparks and overlooks its giant wave pool and man-made beach too, offering great view from each of the hotel rooms.
Upon arriving the hotel rooms of Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, all of the guests will be able to notice the rock star touches like private balconies, plush bathrobes and slippers, signature Hard Rock bedding and Rock Spa bathroom amenities immediately. The hotel even put their attentions into every minor detail to ensure all of their guest’s Hard Rock vacation is worthy of a superstar. There are several types of rooms offered by the hotel to be chosen by their guests based on number of people and also their preferences. These rooms do include the basic Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Deluxe Gold Room, Rock Royalty Rooms, Studio Suites, Studio Suites Gold Rock Suite and the Rock Star Suite. Every of the rooms are featured with king sized or queen sized bed that is able to accomodate two to four adults per stay. Guests will also gain benefits of accessing to the VIPs’ personal assistance if upgrade the room type to Rock Royalty Rooms (Rock Royalty Deluxe Room, Studio Suite, Studio Suite Gold, Rock Suite & Rock Star Suite).
Besides that, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast also offer various kind of facilities to be freely use by their guests during the stay such as spa services, gym rooms, unique music amenities and memorabilia. Even the kids can have their fun time at the Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club that provide these future little rock stars an extensive program or activities such as themed days, fun games and also cool classes. It also offer every of their guests with a unique chance to jack their swagger at one of their Rock Gift Shop branches that features music-inspired collections such as Hard Rock branded tees, jackets and collectable pins.
At Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, they crave their best taste and tradition to all of their diners. So, whether you are seeking for something light and sweet, a caffeine fix, or even craft cocktails, the hotel’s diverse restaurants and bars would have just what you need. No matter the time, tempting menus are always available, partnering with the unforgottable culinary showcase by the hotel’s professional chefs.
Be ready and get spoiled with Hard Rock’s stylish accommodations, live music and entertainment, legendary memorabilia and unmatched menu available there.
Additional Information:
Address: Jalan Pantai 3, Desaru Coast Bandar Penawar Johor DarulTa’zim, 81930, Johor
Contact:+607-8388888
Website: https://www.hardrockhotels.com/desaru-coast
Price per night: From RM810 to RM1035 (depending on room type)
3. Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort-Desaru Coast
Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort which is located at the southern tip of Tioman Island makes it as one of the most popular resorts for staying upon having a trip to Desaru, Johor. This resort had just established several years ago, and the surrounding is so nature and not polluted. Upon arrival, guests can see the white sandy beach accompany with the crystal clear water, the mythical Twin Peaks as the backdrop of the resort and everything just like a beautifully painted picture! That is the reason behind Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort’s slogan – “Between heaven and earth.”
Another fun fact about the resort’s name is that it is actually a combination of two different words, ‘Tuna’ and ‘Maya’. ‘Tuna’ means here while ‘maya’ is the national language of ‘mythical’ which means the mysteries, mythical of the Legendary Twin Peaks. So, please take note that the name of the resort has nothing to do with the Tuna fish…
All 134 rooms of Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort Desaru Coast offer free WiFi, balconies and plasma TVs with satellite channels to enable them to watch their favorite shows while having their stay at the resort. There are several types of rooms available in the resorts to be chosen by the guests according to their preferences and also number of people. Guests will also find amenities such as minibars, coffee and tea makers, hair dryers and also free toiletries in the rooms too. Besides that, room service for limited hours would be offered too during the stay.
In order to provide a comfortable and enjoyable stay for every guests, Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort ensured that all of their facilities are fully equiped and well-designed. If you would like to hold some grand events at the resort, you are welcomed to seek for assistances from the resort’s event management team too. Their management team will feel happy to bring your event vision to life with their professions. Wide variety choices of cuisine are available in Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort. Surprisingly, they even have authentic Thai cuisines and Thai street food available if you are craving for simple thai meal. Adventure activities such as high ropes adventure, sea sport activities, team building activities are offered by resort to make your days at Tunamaya unforgettable.
Additional Information:
Address: Bandar Penawar, 81930 Kota Tinggi, Johor
Contact: +607-833 8888
Website: http://www.careluxuryhotels.com/tunamaya-desaru/
Price per night: From RM495 to RM1900 (depending on room type)
4. The Westin Desaru Coast Resort (Coming Soon)
Coming soon in 1st December 2018, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort could be a new place that offer comfortable rooms occupied with thoughful amenities to ensure every of their guest a memorable stay. This resort hotel features 275 light, airy guest rooms and suites which overlook the resort area and also the beautiful open coastal views of Desaru.
Besides that, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort is a resort with outdoor pool. Two different types of swimming pool customized for children and adults are specially designed to enable them to have splashing fun under the sun during their stay. The shallower pool would be the children pool. There would be a fully equiped gym in the resort too, with all the gym equipment that might be needed for great work out ready. Of course, both of these facilities are free to use without any additional charges.
Upon the stay, you may relax your stressed body and mind at the resort’s spa centre. There are varieties of top-to-toe spa services and treatments given by them, to name a few – face massage and lifting, fitness counseling, deep tissue massage, aromatherapy massage and reflexology. Appointments are needed, hence please remember to have prior booking with the hotel admins before going there.
What is more amazing about this resort is that the resort’s restaurants even provide nice Italian food, traditionally handmade by using the freshest ingredients and also herbs. On the other hand, there is also a restaurant with live interactive kitchen concept to offer every of their diners a truly personalized dining experience from Asian to international fare.
Additional Information:
Address: No. 8, Jalan Pantai 3, Desaru Coast, Desaru, 81930 DarulTa’zim, Johor
Contact: +60 7-838 3333
Website: https://desarucoast.com/en/Pages/Stay/Westin
5. Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa
Welcome to Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, a contemporary casual, laid back spa resort which lies in Desaru heart, Johor; the east coast of Penisular Malaysia that captivates Patanoramic view of South China Sea. Also known as ‘Exotic Escape Within Reach’, the resort features as a accommodation which offer luxurious stay during the vacation, providing string of irrestible personalized service to all of their guests.
There are several types of rooms and suites to be chosen from by the guests during their stay according to their preferences and budgets. Each of these rooms are offered with overlooking window view of either the garden or the pool and a spa bath tub in the private balcony of their room. The guests would be provided with an easy access to the pool and also the garden too by staying in the resort’s Duplex Couple or Family Suites too.
Located strategically at Desaru, Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa required a drive within 30 to 40 minutes of driving to the tourism attractions nearby, such as the Desaru Fruit Farm and Crocodile Farm. Need not to worry that the resort also provide Desaru tours to their guests with a little charges. So, please do not hesitate to request and book in advance if you feel interested. There would be an experienced tour guide guiding throughout the tour too.
Besides Desaru trips and tours, Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa also offer interesting outdoor activities such as ATV ride, paintball battle and bon fire for their guests. Ranges of water sports are offered too for the guests to have fun and cream the lungs out. To name a few – jet ski, banana boat, canoeing, viper, deep sea fishing and fun sea fishing. However, sea sport operation hours will depend on the weather condition much.
This resort would be an ultimate getaway for every families and couples where they get to relax and enjoy some ‘me time’. There, everyone have an opportunity to pamper themselves to deluxe choices of outdoor spa services and treatments. Here, the spa offer every guests a luxurious experiences of outdoor spa specially designed for couples and also the married, coincide an extremely tranquilize atmosphere to ease both stressed body and mind. Four outdoor spa pavillions specially designed with love shape bathtub for couples and 2 stellar comfort treatment rooms could be founded too, providing a relaxing reserved space for both of the couples.
Here is a great news for you. Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa is offering their guests with a gym on the pool. It could be one of the ‘must-visit’ facility during your stay at the resort and enjoy an extraordinary work out experience at the gym standing on the pool while capturing some splendid view of the South China Sea, swim up bar and the tropical pool. Take a refreshing dip at Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa’s sparkling blue water pool, overseeing the spectacular view of South China Sea and sweep by the flavourful breeze. Lay it at their summer classic lounge chair to enjoy the sun too, if you feel tired after the swim.
Additional Information:
Address:Lot 2263, Jalan Desaru, Bandar Penawar, 81930 Johor
Contact: +607-822 2222
Website: http://www.sandandsandals.com/
Price per night:From RM456 to RM5500 (depending on room type)
6. Desaru Holiday Chalet
Officially started their business since year 1974, Desaru Holiday Chalet is the first resort to operate in Desaru. Despite the appearance looks quite old, but it is still well maintained and operating smoothly. The view around the chalet is very beautiful as it is surrounded by lush greenery and white sandy beach. 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 Holiday Chalet.
It is also located closely to tourist attractions such as ostrich farm, Desaru fruit farm, Fisherman Museum, fishing village and others. At the same time, recreation or leisure activities like jungle trekking, go-kart, petting zoo, bicycle rental and many more are available around the chalet. Pretty sure this place is an ideal place to foster friendship between family and friends.
There are 35 air conditioner chalets rooms comprising 15 standard chalets, 10 superior chalets and 10 family chalets. Each of these chalets provide atmosphere of Malay fishing village and traditional Malay living experience during the stay, bringing everyone back to the golden old times of Malaysia. All of these chalets are built with wood and designed accordingly to Malay’s Rumah Papan style that is quite airiness, especially during the afternoon.
Desa Restaurant is the only restaurant of Desaru Holiday Chalet that serves both delicious local and western cuisines to their diners during the stay. If you are craving for some seafood, then it is a must for you to have your dining at Desa Restaurant too, as it serves also the freshest seafood.
Additional Information:
Address: Lorong Saujana Bandar Penawar, Kota Tinggi 81900, Malaysia
Contact:+6017-717 1924 or +607-822 1213Website: http://www.desaruresort.com/
Email: zahid66@tm.net.my
7. Tiara Desaru Seaview Residence
Tiara Desaru Seaview Residence is a fully furnished and livable apartment by short-term guests or long-term tenants. Besides providing comprehensive facilities such as gym and fitness, swimming pool, barbeque hut and so on, it also offers a private and long stretching beach with good ecosystem as we can enjoy observing marine creatures like crabs, starfish, shellfish and hermit crab! No doubt, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the beach and surrounding moreover it is a best place to stargazing and watch the sunset with your loves.
Additional Information:
Address: Tiara Desaru, Jalan TanjungLompat, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor
Contact: +6017-7920522
Website: https://tiaradesaru.com/
Price per night: From RM200 to RM540 (depending on room type)
8. Hotel Aman Sari Desaru
Hotel Aman Sari Desaru is a 4-star hotel and is now the tallest building in Pengerang city. It features stylish and contemporary design and decorations for the whole building. This hotel provides comfortable and spacious hotel rooms consisting of superior, deluxe, super deluxe and family suites too. Leisure facilities for guests such as sauna, tennis, futsal court and others are available. Guests can also access to their lounge or coffeehouse to enjoy their dining and meal.
Additional Information:
Address: Jalan Kempas, 89120 Tanjung Surat, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +607-828 0200
Website: https://www.facebook.com/amansaridesaru/
Price per night: From RM202 to RM301 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
9. Pulai Spring Resort
Pulai Spring Resorts is a world class resort that provides 5-star service and facilities. This resort is known as a luxury resort as it used the ancient Malay royal palace concept in its design. The resort also provides a world-class golf course and it attracts a wide range of golf enthusiasts around the world to enjoy and spend their free time. In addition, the resort also provides facilities such as spa, gymnasium, swimming pool and others. As for dining place, Pulai Spring has variety of elegant and fancy restaurants and café that serves different cuisines of food. For accommodation, they offered The Anugraha, a 22-room tropical resort style boutique hotel with elegant bedroom suites or CintaAyu All Suites, hotel service apartments offering a unique blend of modern luxury and traditional craftsmanship. Every spot in this hotel is so fascinating and delightful that it will gives you the ultimate best stay in Desaru!
Additional Information:
Address: 20km, Jalan Pontian Lama, 81110 Pulai, Johor Malaysia
Contact: +607-521 2121
Website: http://www.pulaisprings.com/
Price per night: From RM230 to RM1675 (depending on room type)
10. Desaru Penawar Inn
Desaru Penawar Inn is a budget hotel as well as the cheapest hotel in Desaru. If you just want to stay in a mediocre hotel and not a fancy hotel, this hotel is best suited for your family. Do not worry about food because there is a wide range of food outlets and shops that can meet your needs. The hotel offers clean and comfortable hotel rooms such as single rooms, standard, deluxe and Room Day Used.
Additional Information:
Address: No. 13 & 15, Jalan Cengal 1, Taman Desaru Utama, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor
Contact:+6019-724 7314
Price per night:From RM90 to RM120 (depending on room type)
