I know I probably shouldn’t have agreed to two consecutive weekends in Johor, but I couldn’t resist the idea of exploring the water theme parks with my kids!
So, without a second thought, I packed up my kids and did back-to-back visits to both Desaru Coast Water Park and Legoland Waterpark over two weekends!
My muscles are now screaming in agony, but I’m happy to report that I survived to tell you all about it!
The not-so-good news? My kids absolutely loved it and are already begging me to go back!
So, while I still have some energy left, let me share my thoughts and help you decide which is the ultimate must-visit water theme park in Johor!
Table of Contents:
1. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Overview
2. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Transport Options From Singapore
3. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Location
4. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Opening Hours
5. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Ticket Price
6. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Family Rides
7. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Solo Rides
8. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Younger Kids Activities
9. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Wave Pool
10. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Time Spend
11. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Children-Friendly Water Park
12. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Facilities
13. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Where To Go After Visiting Water Park
14. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Hotel/Resort Walking Distance
15. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Which Water Park Is Right For You?
16. Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Useful Information
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Overview
Before we delve into the nitty gritty, here’s an overview of both parks to help you picture it a little better.
Desaru Water Park is the largest water theme park in Southeast Asia, covering 25 acres of land.
Also read: Desaru Coast Water Park Review (Family Review)
It offers a wide variety of attractions, including giant slides, crazy tubes, a giant wave pool, and a more relaxed tropical vibe.
In comparison, Legoland Water Park covers approximately 5 acres of land, making it significantly smaller than Desaru Waterpark.
However, it still has plenty to offer with its Lego-themed attractions and larger-than-life Lego structures!
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Transport Options From Singapore
While there are a variety of ways to get to both these parks, we hired a private car to Desaru Coast Water Park from Singapore that picked us up from our home and dropped us off directly at Desaru Water Park!
The following weekend, we again hired a private car service to take us on a one-hour journey from Singapore to Legoland Water Park.
I must admit it was a pure delight to just sit back and relax in the comforts of the car without having to drive and navigate as I usually would!
Here are a few other ways to get to Desaru Water Park and Legoland Water Park:
Ferry to Desaru Water Park: You can easily reach Desaru Water Park by taking a 90-minute ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal followed by a 10-15 minute free shuttle bus transfer.
Ferry to Legoland Water Park: Not available.
Car/Private Car to Desaru Water Park: The journey by car to Desaru Water Park typically takes 2 hours.
Car/Private Car to Legoland Water Park: Depending on traffic conditions, a car ride to Legoland Water Park only takes a quick 50 minutes!
Bus to Desaru Water Park: Take a Causeway Link bus from Singapore to JB Sentral Bus Terminal before 9 am followed by a bus ride to Riverside Desaru Coast (one trip per day!). More info, check here: Bus From JB Sentral To Desaru
Bus to Legoland Water Park: You can take a direct Singapore Flyer Coach from Singapore to Legoland Malaysia, which typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
| Transport From Singapore | Desaru Water Park | Legoland Water Park |
| Ferry | 90-minute ferry ride followed by a free shuttle transfer to Desaru Water Park | Not available |
| Car/Private Car | 2-hour drive/car ride (subject to traffic conditions) | 50 minutes drive/car ride (subject to traffic conditions) |
| Bus | 2 hours 30 minutes bus ride (depending on traffic) | 1 to 2-hour bus ride (depending on traffic) |
Also read: How To Go To Desaru From Singapore
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Location
My boys and I managed to hit up both Desaru Water Park and Legoland Water Park over the two weekends, as they are both located in Johor.
Desaru Water Park, as its name suggests, is located on the beautiful coast of Desaru, about 100 km from Singapore.
Legoland Water Park in Iskandar Puteri is a little nearer, located just 50 km from Singapore.
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Opening Hours
We arrived at Desaru Water Theme Park just before opening at around 9:30 am, and there was already a crowd waiting!
Being a little ‘kiasu’, we made sure to arrive before opening hours at Legoland Water Park the next weekend as well!
To help you plan, here’s a quick breakdown of both parks’ standard opening hours:
| Opening Hours Desaru Water Park | Opening Hours Legoland Water Park |
| Thursday – Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm (last admission at 5 pm)
Monday – Wednesday: CLOSED (except during Malaysian public and school holidays) |
Daily: 10 am to 6 pm (last admission at 5 pm)
Tuesday: CLOSED |
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Ticket Price
After weighing up our options, I got annual passes for both the water theme parks as that seemed to be the best option – luckily, I did, as my kids are already eager for another visit!
Also read: Top 6 Desaru Animal Farm
Here’s a breakdown of the ticket prices and passes:
| Ticket / Pass Type | Desaru Water Park | Legoland Water Park |
| Adult Day Pass |
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| Child Day Pass |
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| Senior Day Pass |
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| Adult Annual Pass |
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| Child Annual Pass |
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| Senior Annual Pass |
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Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Family Rides
My boys took their task of rating the rides in both theme parks very seriously – they made sure we tried EVERY. SINGLE. RIDE!
Read on to discover how my adrenaline junkie 10-year-old and my less-adventurous 5-year-old compared the rides at Desaru Water Park and Legoland Water Park.
First up, family rides (rides that require a minimum of 2 to 4 riders per turn)!
DESARU WATER PARK
Minimum 122cm In Height
Unfortunately (or fortunately?), my 5-year-old shorty didn’t make the minimum height, so I had to sit their rides out!
1. The Tempest
I’ll admit that I’m a bit of a chicken, so the 24-foot drop and high-speed spins and loops definitely gave me a case of jelly legs!
Also read: Desaru Fruit Farm
My verdict: Not for the faint of heart!
10yo’s verdict: Definitely must-try! 10/10!
2. RIPTIDE
Similar to the above, my 10-year-old and I went soaring at break-neck speed around corners, twists and turns!
I think I lost my voice screaming from start to finish, but my 10-year-old loved it so much he went on it again!
My verdict: If you want to feel ‘weightless’, this ride is for you!
10yo’s verdict: Another must-try!
3. Wild Whirl
We didn’t need to share the ride with strangers this time, as it only required two people per float.
Maybe I’d built up enough courage by the time I went on this ride, but I actually enjoyed the turns and change of speed at certain bends!
Also read: Desaru Ostrich Farm
My verdict: I loved it!
10yo’s verdict: Not bad at all!
4. Super Twister
My 10 year old went on this ride three times!
I only managed it once – there were so many twist, bends and drops not to mention sections of pitch darkness that my was heart racing long after the ride!
My verdict: Definitely for the thrill-seekers!
10yo’s verdict: Best-ride-ever!
Minimum 110cm in height
My tiny 5yo just made the height requirement for these rides at 112cm!
1. Swinging Ship
I lied and told my little one that the ship would just rock back and forth – poor little dude was screaming his lungs out when the ship swung so high his face was parallel to the ground!
Also read: Desaru Golf Course
My verdict: Do not ride after a heavy meal!
10yo’s verdict: Staple must-ride!
5yo’s verdict: Scary but fun!
2. Kraken’s Revenge
Although he met the minimum height requirement, my 5yo decided to sit this one out when he heard the screams of riders before us!
While I’m not a big thrill-seeker, I really enjoyed the combination of a roller coaster that splashed us from 27 metres high right into a pool of water!
My verdict: Splashing good fun!
10yo’s verdict: 10/10 must ride!
Children Below 122cm Must Be Accompanied By An Adult
1. Penawar River
One of my favourite rides!
It was such a relief to take a break from the rush of adrenalin and slowly float along the 350-metre waterway that was beautifully lined by lush greenery.
Also read: Tanjung Balau Beach
My verdict: Let me float all day!
10yo’s verdict: Meh!
5yo’s verdict: Relaxing
LEGOLAND WATER PARK
Minimum 107cm In Height
1. Brick Blaster
Being less of a thrill junkie, this ride was more up my alley!
This ride was just the right amount of twists and turned without the heart-gripping speed and dips!
My verdict: Perfectly fun!
10yo’s verdict: Mild but fun
5yo’s verdict: Loved it!
2. Build-A-Raft River
We took on the challenge to build our own raft – and failed miserably!
After a few more failed attempts, we resigned ourselves to using the ring floats provided and floated along the lazy river.
Also read: Desaru ATV Ride
My verdict: Lego friends would love this life-sized challenge!
10yo’s verdict: Too much work!
5yo’s verdict: Loved it!
3. Splash & Swirl
As the name suggests, you basically grab a tube, hop on, slide down and swirl around before going down another tube!
My 5yo wanted another round, but there was a pretty long line, so we gave up queueing!
My verdict: Fun for all ages!
10yo’s verdict: Not bad!
5yo’s verdict: So much fun!
Minimum 102cm In Height
1. Red Rush
This was a fun ride for my 5yo as it didn’t have major dips or slopes but was especially long!
We went on this tube twice as he insisted it was the best slide ever (and the queue wasn’t too long!)!
Also read: Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm
My verdict: Nice relaxing ride to enjoy with little ones!
10yo’s verdict: I need more speed!
5yo’s verdict: Best ride ever!
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Solo Rides
Next up, we have the solo rides!
DESARU WATER PARK
Minimum 107cm In Height
1. Surf Wall
I decided to sit this one out as I knew I’d likely fall flat on my face!
My 10-year-old managed to stand up and ride the artificial waves – made for a pretty good picture (which he’s decided we should print and frame up!)!
10yo’s verdict: So cool!
5yo’s verdict: Loved it!
LEGOLAND WATER PARK
Minimum 107cm In Height
1. Lego Slide Racers
As a family, this was our absolute favourite ride!
We loved racing each other down the slides and splashing face-first into the stream of water!
Also read: The Els Club Desaru
My verdict: Race your friends or family! A definite must-try!
10yo’s verdict: Awesome fun!
5yo’s verdict: I think mummy cheated!
2. Tidal Tube
While the tube looked quite daunting at 240 feet high with multiple twists and turns, the ride down was pretty enjoyable – just the right amount of speed and a big splash at the end!
My verdict: My kind of ride – a little thrill, minus the scare factor!
10yo’s verdict: Probably the best ride in Legoland Water Park!
5yo’s verdict: I liked it!
3. Wave Rider
This is an open slide where you just slide down at breakneck speed – my 5yo, and I sat out of this one as we were still tired from the Lego Slice Racers!
My 10yo loved it and went on this slide multiple times (partly because the line was much shorter)!
Also read: Koref Desaru Leisure Farm
10yo’s verdict: One of the best slides in Legoland Water Park!
Minimum 102cm In Height
1. Twin Chasers
Probably more appealing to the younger kids, this side-by-side tube swirls you around an enclosed tube before you exit and splash into a wading pool.
My 10-year-old wasn’t impressed, while my 5-year-old enjoyed it tremendously!
My verdict: Great for the younger kids!
10yo’s verdict: Meh!
5yo’s verdict: Fun!
2. Splash Out
This slide looks deceptively tame – BUT as you lay back and slide down, you gain speed!
So be warned, this ride is fast!
My verdict: Fast and furious!
10yo’s verdict: Surprisingly fun!
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Younger Kids Activities
Both water theme parks had play areas with slides, shooters and water play areas for not only the younger kids but even toddlers!
DESARU WATER PARK
Children Below 122cm In Height
1. Scallywags
Scallywags is filled with water play equipment, slides, bridges and all kinds of fun activities that keep my 5-year-old entertained!
My verdict: Good place to take a break and entertain the younger kids
5yo’s verdict: There was so much to explore!
2. Starfish Splash
This is a great option for kiddies who don’t quite meet the height requirement for other rides or just prefer something tamer!
Also read: Desaru Day Trip Itinerary
5yo’s verdict: Fun!
3. Lil Warriors Hideout
Similar to the previous two attractions, Lil’ Warriors Hideout kept my 5-year-old entertained with 13 waterslides.
It’s basically a playground on the water!
Even my 10-year-old had fun!
10yo’s verdict: Not bad
5yo’s verdict: My favourite space in Desaru Water Park!
LEGOLAND WATER PARK
Children Who Are A Minimum Of 91cm In Height
1. Joker Soaker
Surprisingly, we all enjoyed this water playground that had so many interactive play areas!
Watch out for the giant bucket that tips over when full – it literally sweeps you off your feet!
My verdict: I did not expect the splash from the bucket to be so strong!
10yo’s verdict: The big bucket was awesome!
5yo’s verdict: The big bucket was scary but exciting!
2. Duplo Splash Safari
My 5-year-old was excited to see life-sized versions of his DUPLO animals!
Small slides, interactive spaces and large floating Lego blocks made it a hit with him (although the space only captured his attention for a short 10 minutes!)!
Also read: 7 Best Massage Spa In Desaru
My verdict: More suited to toddlers and babies
5yo’s verdict: I love Duplo!
No Restriction In Height
1. Build-A-Boat
As we approached the Build-A-Boat area, my boys were excited to use their creativity to construct their own boats using Lego bricks!
It was a fun and interactive experience seeing our boats race down the waterway, although my boat was a little lopsided!
My verdict: The little things that make it stand out as a Lego-themed waterpark!
2. Imagination Station
The Imagination Station is a small-ish area to fiddle around with Lego pieces; build anything you can think of, then pit it against sprays of water!
My kids enjoyed it, but it got pretty crowded, so we left after a couple of minutes!
My verdict: Popular amongst the younger kids and a good break from all the rides!
Also read: Best Time To Visit Desaru
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Wave Pool
No water park experience is complete without riding the waves of the wave pool!
We usually save the last bit of our day at any water park for the wave pool – which is exactly what we did for both days at Desaru Water Park and also Legoland Water Park!
DESARU WATER PARK
1. Tidal Wave Beach
Desaru Water Park’s Tidal Wave Beach is by far the largest wave pool we’ve ever been to – it was huge!
My favourite part was the fact that it had such a long shoreline (170 metres!) that it really felt like we were strolling along a tropical beach!
We mixed up the fun by heading into the deeper waters and ‘riding’ the waves as they soared and also spent some time closer to shore and hopping over the little ebbs of waves!
My verdict: Definitely my favourite part of the water park!
10yo’s verdict: The high waves and deeper waters were the best!
5yo’s verdict: Hopping over the little waves was fun!
LEGOLAND WATER PARK
1. Lego Wave Pool
We quickly realized that the Lego Wave Pool was much smaller than the one we had experienced the previous weekend, and the waves were a lot milder.
There was also no artificial beach area to relax on, which was a bit disappointing.
So, we made the most of the situation and spent some time floating in the wave pool before heading to the changing rooms to dry off.
My verdict: Pleasant but small
10yo’s verdict: Meh!
5yo’s verdict: It was quite boring…
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Time Spend
We had a blast at both, but we definitely spent more time at Desaru Water Park!
With so much to explore and experience, we ended up staying there for almost 8 hours!
Honestly, we could have stayed longer if it weren’t for my grumbling stomach.
I was feeling hungry, but I didn’t want to grab another meal inside the park.
In comparison, Legoland Water Park is much smaller, but it still provided us with a solid 3 to 4 hours of fun!
Also read: Desaru Coast Ultimate Guide
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Children-Friendly Water Park
Although both water parks are suitable for families, Desaru Water Park is more suited to adults and families with older children as the attractions are generally more thrilling.
On the other hand, Legoland Water Park caters for families with younger children and toddlers.
The height requirements for the rides were lower, and the attractions were designed to be more child-friendly and less intense.
So if you’re visiting with little ones, Legoland Water Park is a great choice!
But if your kids are a bit older and looking for more thrilling experiences, Desaru Water Park might be the way to go.
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Facilities
To save you from the mistakes of overpacking like I did, here is a list of facilities available at both parks:
Desaru Water Park Facilities:
- Changing rooms and showers
- 4 F&B Outlets
- Chairs, picnic tables and beach chairs/lounges
- Lockers
- 42 Cabanas
- Accessibility ramps
- Merchandise shop
- Prayer rooms
- Free shuttle bus service to the water park from various locations in Desaru
- Over 900 parking bays
Legoland Water Park Facilities:
- Guest services counter
- Changing rooms and showers
- Towel rental
- Cabanas and Gazebos
- Baby Care Centres
- Surf Shop
- Prayer Room
- Lockers
- Lost and Found
- First Aid Station
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Where To Go After Visiting Water Park
As we had spent a full day at Desaru Water Park, we decided to call it a day.
If you’re more energetic than us, you can always visit other Desaru attractions, such as the Desaru Fruit Farm (you’ll have to drive there) or walk to Desaru Beach for an evening stroll!
However, after our visit to Legoland Water Park, we dried off and went to explore the Legoland Theme Park, followed by a quick visit to Legoland SEALIFE.
Although the other two parks were just a quick stroll away, my feet were so sore by the end of the day.
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Hotel/Resort Walking Distance
As this was a quick weekend trip for us, we stayed at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru, which has direct access to Desaru Water Park!
Also read: 3D2N Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Review
Similarly, for our trip to Legoland Water Park, we stayed at the Legoland Malaysia Resort – a 5-star resort that is just a quick 5 minutes walk away!
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Which Water Park Is Right For You?
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for – our final verdict on the water parks!
After experiencing both Desaru Water Park and Legoland Water Park, my boys and I have to say that Desaru Water Park is our top pick!
Not only did it cater to my boys’ need for excitement, it was also close enough to Desaru Beach for us to head off and relax if we wanted to.
Don’t get us wrong, Legoland Water Park is still fantastic – its theming and fun Lego touches (with Lego blocks at every corner!) make it a wholesome, family-oriented destination!
If my boys were younger, we might have enjoyed Legoland Water Park even more.
Regardless, both these water parks are definite must visits if you’re ever in Desaru or Johor!
Desaru Water Park vs Legoland Water Park: Useful Information
Here are some useful information and tips that will help you in both water parks!
Useful Information For Visiting Desaru Water Park and Legoland Water Park:
- Transport – If you’re travel with family, it is good to hire private car from Singapore to Desaru or Legoland Malaysia.
- Buy your tickets online as you may be able to get great deals and packages
- Arrive early to beat the crowd and the heat!
- Wear a long-sleeved rash guard to keep from getting chilled while waiting for rides and also to protect yourself from UV rays.
- Apply and reapply sunblock (get waterproof sunblock so it doesn’t streak down your face or into your eyes!)
- Wear flip flops – while you can go barefoot, it’s safer and more hygienic to have foot attire on (you can leave them by the entrance of each ride)
- Plan your route, and don’t spend too much time ambling around, as the queues can get quite long pretty quickly!
- Rent a locker so you don’t have to lug your belongings around with you all day!
- Bring a waterproof phone cover on a lanyard so you can have your phone with you for photos and still have your hands free to enjoy the rides!
- Bring your own towels – there is no towel rental at Desaru Water Park, but Legoland Water Park provides towel rental if you forget.
- Bring extra swim nappies if your little ones are still in diapers
- Have lunch early to avoid the crowd!
- Stay nearby – choose Hard Rock Hotel Desaru if you’re headed to Desaru Water Park or Legoland Resort Malaysia if you’re planning a trip to Legoland Water Park.
Conclusion
Whether you head to Desaru Water Park or Legoland Water Park, you’re sure to have a fantastic time with your family and friends!
Start off your water park adventure on the right foot by getting in touch with JohorTrip – a private car service that specializes in trips between Singapore and Johor.
Arrive feeling relaxed and ready to enjoy all the fun and excitement the water park has to offer!
