Desaru Trip Travel Guide: Resort, Transport, Food, Activities & Budget

Last updated 10 Jul 2024SGMYTAXI

After the pandemic, Desaru Coast has become very popular.

With its newly developed luxury resorts and idyllic coastal surroundings, it’s easy to see why Singaporeans flock to Desaru Coast for a weekend getaway.

In this Desaru Trip Travel Guide, not only will I be sharing my own experience in Desaru but also how you can plan for the best trip possible.

All tips and information in this post are 100% from my own experience having visited Desaru Coast several times, and not from some other blog.

Read on to learn more about the best ways to travel around Desaru!

 

 

1. How To Get To Desaru Coast & Transport Options

 

Before we begin, let’s figure out the transport to Desaru.

A reason why Desaru Coast is so popular amongst Singaporeans is because of how accessible it is.

Desaru Coast is also very well-developed, and you won’t have any problems spending 3D2N there without your own car.

So what are the transport options from Singapore to Desaru Coast?

 

1.1 Private Car Hire

 

• Recommended way to travel
• It is affordable (about SGD 160) and hassle-free
• Comfortable MPV vehicle
• Door-to-door pickup and drop-off
• Direct transfer from SG to Desaru Coast
• Flexible travel schedule
• No need to alight with luggage at SG-MY checkpoints and customs
• Perfect for families, kids, elderly people, and group travel

 

1.2 Ferry (From Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal)

 

• The next best option
• Suitable for solo travellers or pair
• No need to endure traffic jam on causeway
• Doesn’t operate daily and limited departure time
• Might re-route during monsoon season
• Shuttle bus from ferry terminal in Desaru to your resort

 

 

1.3 Public Transport

 

• There are options such as public bus and coach
• But public bus service has since been suspended due to higher demand for private car hire or ferry
• More economical choice
• Not recommended at all because of how impractical and inconvenient it is
• Not suitable for families, groups, or if you have a lot of luggage
• Have to alight twice at SG-MY checkpoints and customs

Also read: Coach From Singapore To Desaru Coast

I would say that the private car hire is the best and most preferred way to travel for 90% of visitors.

Sure, it might be pricier than the other options, but for your money, you’re getting comfort, luxury, ease of travel, and less stress.

 

2. Get To Know The Overall Area Of Desaru

 

I will only be covering the Desaru Coast area in this post.

If you’re looking for information about other areas in Desaru such as Bandar Penawar and Sungai Rengit, you won’t find it here.

The Desaru Coast area covers 4 resorts, a water park, Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal, and a golf course (Els Club).

While other locations such as Lotus Desaru, Sand and Sandal Resort, and Tunamaya Resort might SEEM near to Desaru Coast on the map, it isn’t.

For reference, I’ve circled popular areas such as Bandar Penawar, Desaru Coast, and Sungai Rengit in Desaru in the map below.

 

3. Where To Stay In Desaru

 

Please note the difference between Desaru and Desaru Coast. It’s important you know this so that you don’t mistakenly plan a holiday in Desaru!

Desaru Coast is a newly developed resort town in Desaru. Due to its seaside location as well as clean and well-maintained environment, Desaru Coast has recently gained popularity.

There are 4 new resorts in Desaru Coast (more in the next section).

 

4. Which Resort In Desaru To Consider 

 

These are the 4 newly developed resorts in Desaru Coast:

 

4.1 Hard Rock Hotel Desaru

 

• Connected to Desaru waterpark (complimentary entry tickets with each room you book)
• Family-friendly place for kids in and out of the resort
• Very fun and vibrant environment, not at all a quiet resort (in the best way possible!)

 

4.2 Westin Desaru Resort

 

• Seaview resort
• Most rooms are fronting the beach
• 5-minute walking distance from Hard Rock Desaru
• Very popular because of its seaview rooms and lower prices compared to Anantara Desaru Resort and One&Only Desaru Coast

 

 

4.3 Anantara Desaru Resort

 

• 500m away from Hard Rock Hotel Desaru and Westin Desaru Resort
• Highly recommended if you’re looking for a high-end resort
• Highlight: You can enjoy a movie in the field under the stars

 

4.4 One&Only Desaru

 

• The most expensive and luxurious among the 4 resorts in Desaru Coast
• Very private

 

5. Where Is The Best Desaru Beach To Go 

 

The beach is a no-brainer in Desaru Coast!

But which is the best beach to go to?

For starters, there is the Desaru Coast Public Beach, which is open to the public.

From there, you can walk to Westin Desaru Resort and access their beach. Walk further along and you’ll come upon the beach at Anantara Resort.

These aren’t exactly “private” beaches. If exclusivity is what you want, you’ll have to go to One&Only Desaru, which is located quite a distance from Anantara.

 

6. What Are The Top Activities In Desaru Coast

 

• Make a splash at Desaru Water Park

 

• Go on an educational tour at Desaru Fruit Farm 

 

 

• Spend time relaxing at the beautiful Desaru Beach

 

• Have a thrilling adventure at Dash Outdoors – includes water sports & outdoor activities such as ATV ride, paddleboarding, and more.

 

• Jam out to live music at Hard Rock Desaru

 

• Unwind with a drink at the Beach Bar at Westin and Observatory Bar or Infinity Bar at Anantara. The bars are clean, comfortable, and aesthetically-pleasing.

 

• Partake in activities (e.g. bird walking, strolling on the beach) available at the resort. Feel free to join activities hosted by any of the 4 resorts.

For more information, check out the ad posted on your room’s TV or enquire at the front desk or read this: What To Do In Desaru

 

7. What Are The Best Food In Desaru To Consider

 

If you have your own car, this is an awesome chance for you to travel around Desaru in search of local Desaru food.

Some recommended spots to hit are Sungai Rengit and Bandar Penawar, which are away from Desaru Coast.

But if you don’t have your own transportation, there are other ways to fill your tummy.

 

Breakfast: 

• Complimentary at your resort.

 

Lunch: 

• Order room service.
• Drop by any restaurant at Hard Rock Desaru, Westin Desaru, or Anantara Desaru.

 

Tea Time: 

• Highly recommended to visit Anantara Desaru’s Infinity Bar (located on the beach) and Observatory Bar.
• Hail a taxi and go to Yard & Co. It is a seaview cafe with really great food located in Sungai Rengit.

 

Dinner:

• Book a table at Sea.Fire.Salt at Anantara.
• Grab a car service to Nelayan Seafood By The Coast.

 

8. How To Get Around In Desaru Coast 

 

The only way to get around Desaru Coast (without a car) is by shuttle bus.

Each resort displays the bus schedule in their lobby. If you can’t find it, please ask the front desk.

The Desaru Coast shuttle bus is FREE and makes a stop at each resort (except One&Only). It has two routes, one of which will take you to the ferry terminal.

On Thursday to Monday & Public Holidays, it runs almost hourly from The Westin Desaru Resort <> Hard Rock Hotel Desaru <> Anantara Desaru Coast <> The Els Club Ocean Course <>Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.

On Tuesday & Wednesday, it runs almost hourly from Hard Rock Hotel Desaru <> The Westin Desaru Resort <> The Els Club Valley Course <> Desaru Public Beach <> Desaru Waterpark <> Anantara Desaru Coast.

 

9. Conclusion: My Final Thought 

 

I hope this Desaru Trip Travel Guide has been helpful!

Don’t worry if you don’t have your own transport from Singapore to Desaru. It’s still relatively easy to get around if you need to.

At Desaru Coast, a 3D2N trip is more than enough to cover the beach and water park, including time for you to unwind.

I wouldn’t encourage you to cram your trip with activities, especially if they are located far away from Desaru Coast.

For a more relaxing holiday, try to stay within the Desaru Coast area.