5 must-do activities on Desaru Coast to complete your sun-filled beach holiday

With the launch of a new ferry service between Singapore and Desaru, you’re now a stone's throw away from white sandy beaches, an ostrich farm and the region’s largest adventure waterpark.

We’re calling it: 2022 is turning out to be the unofficial year of the “holiday”. And with everyone making up for lost time and traipsing off to destinations near and far, the launch of the new ferry service on Thursday (Jul 7) between Singapore and Desaru could not have come at a more opportune time.

Visitors to the coastal town now have a choice between driving for around two hours from Singapore or taking the ferry to the Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal (DCFT), a fuss-free 90-minute journey from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry.

Desaru Coast was recognised in 2021 as one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places and it’s easy to see why. Located on the east coast of Johor, the laid-back coastal town boasts 17km of pristine beachfront.

And once you're done sun-worshipping on the beach and frolicking in the water, there's still lots of other activities to explore. There's something for any type of traveller who is simply looking for a quick weekend getaway that’s only a stone’s throw away from the bustling city life of Singapore.

With daycations starting from RM378 (S$118), guests can look forward to Desaru Coast experiences such as golf on the fairways of world class courses, resort-style dining at any of the destination’s restaurants and spending the day on a white sandy beach or having a splash at the waterpark. For guests looking to stay longer, there are also packages starting at RM2,379 (S$743), which include hotel stays and an array of Desaru Coast activities. All new packages come with return ferry tickets.

Here's a list of five must-dos on Desaru Coast:

ADVENTURE WATERPARK DESARU COAST

This family-friendly waterpark boasts one of the largest wave pools in the world which spans 12,141 sq m and filled with more than 18,000 cubic metres of water. It also has a mix of wet and dry rides spread across five different themed zones, including a pirate ship that arches up to 180 degrees, a surf simulator, two thrilling tube slides and a roller coaster flume ride that includes a full 360-degree horizontal loop.

DESARU OSTRICH FARM

Ever wanted to get up close and personal with the world’s largest bird? This farm is home to more than 200 ostriches of all ages, which reportedly makes it the biggest ostrich farm in Asia.

Entry to the farm costs RM20 for adults and RM15 for children and comes complete with an ostrich caretaker who’ll not only guide you around these fascinating flightless birds, but also provide you with fun facts (did you know ostriches have three stomachs?)

For a little extra, you can also buy vegetables and corn kernels to feed the ostriches. And for the little ones who weigh under 30kg, a short ride on the back of an ostrich is also available.

ECO TOUR MANGROVE CRUISING

For those looking to get closer to nature and understand the local eco-system a little bit better, this is a chance to cruise through the protected mangroves of the Belungkor Forest.

The activity comes with a naturalist guide who will share both the traditions and superstitions of local fisherman; and even give participants a chance to plant mangrove samplings and try local food made by the villagers.

ONE-OF-A-KIND SPA EXPERIENCES

For the ultimate me-time indulgence, treat yourself to two revitalising spa experiences on Desaru Coast.

Ultra-luxe resort One&Only Desaru Coast boasts the first ever Chenot Spa in Asia, where there are Chenot signature spa programmes that promise complete rejuvenation with their specially designed science-based treatments started by Henri Chenot, the founding father of the wellness movement.  

Another option is the Rock Spa at Hard Rock Hotel Desaru where you can try out the world’s first fully immersive music-centric spa menu. According to the hotel, their Rhythm & Motion massage utilises amplified vibrations, pressures, and patterns as the foundation of its treatments.

GOLFING ON WORLD-CLASS FAIRWAYS

In Desaru Coast, golfers are spoilt for choice.

First up, there is the Ocean Course at The Els Club Desaru Coast, designed by former world number one professional golfer Ernie Els. It offers 27 holes of tournament-ready golf, with three distinctly different nine-hole courses, namely, the Lakes (Par 36), Coast (Par 36), and the Ridge (Par 37).

There is also The Els Club Desaru Coast’s Valley Course, designed by Fijian professional golfer Vijay Singh and jointly developed with Els. This course is an 18-hole championship golf course that provides golfers of all skill levels a challenge, with undulating landscape and uniquely placed white sandy bunkers.

Loh, G. S. (2022, July 8). 5 must-do activities on Desaru Coast to complete your sun-filled beach holiday. CNA Lifestyle. https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/travel/desaru-coast-ferry-singapore-things-do-johor-319716